Microphonic Minihumbucker

[dblues]

I have one of these installed and when I tap it with my pick the sound comes through the amp loud and clear. Anyone have expeience with this and what is the solution? Possible to wax pot? I really don't want to take them apart as I understand bad things can happen.

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[southwoodgtars]

The first thing I would check is your solder connections. If you have cold joints it can certainly cause micro phonics.

[tedro]

wax pot, diy or send to fralin for $10.

[Mreilander]

The Solution? Don't hit it with your pick

Does it have metal covers?
most of the time, severe microphonics is caused by the pole pieces vibrating in proximity to the cover.... If it's not causing you any feedback, I wouldn't worry about it.

If it really bugs you though, screw the pole peices down until they sit just bellow the cover, put some masking tape over the cover, covering the pole piece holes, and dunk it for about 10-20 mins in a pot of melted wax, not exceeding 140 degrees.

Pull it out, and set it cover side down until it cools and the wax hardens. Remove masking tape, clean off excessive wax with some naptha and a microfiber cloth, and reset the pole pieces.

[dblues]

Originally Posted by southwoodgtars

The first thing I would check is your solder connections. If you have cold joints it can certainly cause micro phonics.

Will do first thing when I get back in to fix this.

Originally Posted by tedro

wax pot, diy or send to fralin for $10.

For $10 I can try potting them.

Originally Posted by Mreilander

The Solution? Don't hit it with your pick

Does it have metal covers?
most of the time, severe microphonics is caused by the pole pieces vibrating in proximity to the cover.... If it's not causing you any feedback, I wouldn't worry about it.

If it really bugs you though, screw the pole peices down until they sit just bellow the cover, put some masking tape over the cover, covering the pole piece holes, and dunk it for about 10-20 mins in a pot of melted wax, not exceeding 140 degrees.

Pull it out, and set it cover side down until it cools and the wax hardens. Remove masking tape, clean off excessive wax with some naptha and a microfiber cloth, and reset the pole pieces.

Thanks. They have plastic covers. Funny thing about the Don't hit it with your pick solution. This caused me to really pay attention to where I pick on the neck and I only pick close to that PU intermittently so it's not a huge issue. At higher volume it's not as noticeable. I will try potting them and report back.

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[Keyser Soze]

As long as the pickup is not howling with uncontrollable feedback I'd hold of on doing anything just yet.

The firebird PU in Neil Young's Old Black is reportedly microphonic enough to hear your voice if you speak into it.

[fezz parka]

Sounds like you have a good one! (Yes, I'm serious)

[e-merlin]

Enjoy it! Learn how to use your volume knob. Start with a cranked amp...

[dblues]

Originally Posted by Keyser Soze

As long as the pickup is not howling with uncontrollable feedback I'd hold of on doing anything just yet.

The firebird PU in Neil Young's Old Black is reportedly microphonic enough to hear your voice if you speak into it.

Might come in handy for impromptu harmony vocals!

Originally Posted by fezz parka

Sounds like you have a good one! (Yes, I'm serious)

The two major concerns I had after playing it awhile were the microphonics and the difference in tone/output when switching from neck to bridge. Adjusting the bridge PU higher and dropping the neck down evened out the volume levels and when turned up the neck has plenty of treble. (tone pot is no load) With the neck PU lowered I don't bang on it as much so I guess I'll leave well enough alone.

Originally Posted by e-merlin

Enjoy it! Learn how to use your volume knob. Start with a cranked amp...

I am digging the minihumbucker as this is the first HB equipped guitar I've played in quite a few years. I posted about it a few weeks ago in Home Depot. It is a lively sounding guitar, even the lipstick PU is prone to feed back when cranked up.