Open cover vs. closed cover humbucker pickups
“Should I buy a Humbucker with or without a cover?”
That question comes up a lot from guitarists, both beginners and experienced players. This question also appears in our mailbox and from customers visiting our workshop to listen to different pickup designs. The answer is not that complicated and we’ll try to answer it as accurately and easily as possible.
Lets first name the subjects that concern this issue:
- Tonal Differences
- Aesthetics Choices
- Technical Properties
Tonal Differences
Covering the pickup with a metal cover affects and distorts the magnetic field around the pickup. As a result it slightly alters the tonal characteristics, adding warmth and cutting some high frequencies. Although plastic or wood covers are not affected by magnetic fields, they still have a minor effect on tonal properties.
Uncovered pickups will sound brighter and more open than a covered pickup (given all other variables are the same: magnet, coil and physical properties). The feel is more dynamic and when “cutting through the mix” is required an open pickup is often preferred.
Plastic or other non magnetic covers like brass will have a minor effect on the tonal properties, while steel and nickel covers will bend the magnetic field and add some warmth to the tone.
Aesthetic Choices
You can find Humbucker covers in a variety of colors, patterns and materials. Common humbucker covers are made of nickel silver and come in many coating styles. The cover hides the interior elements of the pickup: bobbins, baseplate, coils and even the magnets.
You can find covers made from plastic and even wood. Choosing a color, texture or pattern depends on your personal taste. Some manufacturers offer unique cover styles for their own pickup models, so sometimes you might have to choose between aesthetics and sound. Unique designs make it harder to replace your old pickups with designs from other manufacturers with different pickup sizes. Something to consider when choosing a new guitar…
Uncovered pickups reveal the two plastic bobbins inside the pickup, and those bobbins come in a few colors, mainly black, white, aged white, and cream.
Technical Properties
Metallic covers may reduce electrical interference and 60 cycle hum. Also, covers of un-potted (what is wax potting?) pickups tend to vibrate and may cause a stronger microphonic effect that will increase feedback when using powerful amps, or in some cases amplify the sound of the pick if the pickup cover are hit.
What if I like the sound of my pickups but want the covers off?
Most humbucker pickup covers can be removed and replaced. It takes a bit of skill, so we recommend letting a guitar technician handle it. Don’t forget that it will end your pickup warranty, and slightly change the tone.
As the insides of the uncovered pickup are exposed, they tend to gather dust and dirt and are harder to clean. Uncovered pickups are more susceptible to damage because little protection is provided.
We really hope this article will be of use to you. All there is to know about this subject is right here for your pleasure. If you have any more questions, if there is something that is misunderstood or if more help is needed please feel free to contact us, we are more than happy to assist.
Gon,
Coils Boutique
