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Topic: Microphonic Pickup |
Chris Harvey
From:
California, USA
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Posted 27 Jan 2010 4:51 pm |
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I have purchased a TrueTone pickup and it sounds amazing, however, it is very microphonic. I must say, being new to this instrument, that I've been playing with humbuckers thus far. I expected some hum etc. That I can live with, but if I tap on the guitar I can really hear it through the amp, not to mention pedals. When I'm playing it's not that prevalent. Is this microphonic issue standard operating procedure with a single coil (truetone)? Also, I did place some foam between the body and the pickup.
Thanks,
Chris |
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David Higginbotham
From:
Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 27 Jan 2010 5:53 pm
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That is not normal even for a s/c. It is indeed microphonic if you are able to hear the body noise thru the pickup. There are 3 options:
1-buy a new pickup
2-have the pickup rewound
3-wax it
I have done all three options on occasion. Best I've found was to wax it. If you are not familiar with it, it's not that hard. You can carefully remove the black tape wrapping around the pickup exposing the copper windings. Simply apply melted wax around the windings until they are coated. Then re-wrap the windings with electrical tape.
The problem is that at least one or more of the windings have come loose and it shakes with any vibration of the guitar and causes the body amplification you are having. The wax coats the windings and stops them from moving when the wax dries. I've done this to several old s/c pickups in the past with great results!
Dave |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 28 Jan 2010 9:47 am
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I would recommend contacting Jerry Wallace.
He is the builder of the pickup and a real good guy to work with. He has sold me many a pickup and re-did quite a few others.
To sound good, a pickup needs to be slightly microphonic but not enough so you can sing through it! 
Give Jerry a shout.  |
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