Potting my neck pup

[charlyg]

I am having my neck pup potted, as the microphonic clacking on the pickguard is driving me crazy! This is a recommendation from Truetone Music, a Rick Dealer. I can still stop the process if you guys think it is WRONG to do.


Whilst in the store, they had a brand spankin Mapleglo C64 (horseshoe, toaster,upside down headstock etc). There are some more letters and numbers in the name but I don't remember what they are. Price tag said 3599, i think they are in the process of selling it for around 27-2800.

[cassius987]

What kind of pickup? HB-1s are already potted. I guess Toasters and Hi-Gains aren't.

I have never had problems with microphonic Hi-Gains. I thought I was having problems with micrphonic Toasters in the case of my 3-pickup 4001FL. Actually the problem was a capacitor in the wiring harness that was loose enough to resonate with physical vibrations, which sounds nearly identical to a microphonic pickup. I took out the capacitor and the noises disappeared.

[charlyg]

High Gain.

[johnallg]

What kind of pickup? HB-1s are already potted. I guess Toasters and Hi-Gains aren't.

I have never had problems with microphonic Hi-Gains. I thought I was having problems with micrphonic Toasters in the case of my 3-pickup 4001FL. Actually the problem was a capacitor in the wiring harness that was loose enough to resonate with physical vibrations, which sounds nearly identical to a microphonic pickup. I took out the capacitor and the noises disappeared.

Ceramic disc cap Josh?

[johnallg]

High Gain.

Charly, what instrument? Why am I thinking there is a wiring problem and not the pickup needing potting?

[cassius987]

Ceramic disc cap Josh?

It was a Sprague orange drop the previous owner used to replace the original 0.0047 uF cap. I just took it out and didn't replace it. I believe the problem had as much to do with the wiring job as the cap itself.

[charlyg]

It's a 2004 4003FG that was converted to a 5 string by a forum member (former I thnk), Jeff Rath.

[johnhall]

Be sure they know what they are doing and are prepared to replace it if they break it.

The problem is that the bobbin plastic has a very low melting temperature and guys that have successfully done zillions of Fender pickups often smoke the RIC ones by using the same procedure.

However, usually it's unnecessary and as mentioned above, there are other reasons for microphonic noises.

[charlyg]

Well.......it is Truetone Music and they are a Rick dealer in Santa Monica. I believe a bunch of you have been to the store.If they don't know,who would?

[johnhall]

I would be stunned if they have ever potted a RIC pickup, dealer or not. Anyway, I'm just saying, ask them the right questions first so you're covered.

[charlyg]

Oops! BIG OOPS! I thought I was still talking to John A not John H!!!!

I am calling now!!!!


Just called, asked them if they have done it, and they said a bunch of times, and they are aware of the issues..


We shall see!

[charlyg]

Update - Got my bass back. I did not have time to try it out at lunch so will have at it later tonight and post comments on how well it sounds now.......or not! It looks great, can hardly tell if at all.

[charlyg]

Well done! It (the pickguard) is now quiet as a church mouse. Seems kinda weird, but I hear more mids now? That's ok cuz I like mids on bass, but for some reason, not on guitar..

The bottom line is, it cost $45 bucks to get rid of the microphonic pickguard.

[paologregorio]

Glad to hear the problem's solved! Hope you can demo the results at the next minicon!