So, I read a post in the Tele forum about removing the metal covers from Tele neck pickups. I was intrigued by the opinions that were shared about the difference in tone removing the cover could make, so I took the cover off of the neck pickup, and I was quite pleased with the improvement in clarity. So I decided while changing my strings today to take the cover off of the middle pickup as well, and once again I'm very pleased with the improvement in clarity. One interesting thing I discovered is that, while I thought the neck and middle pickups were basically the same (with the exception of the middle being RWRP), the pole pieces on the neck pickup are flush with the bobbin, the pole pieces on the middle pickup extrude ~1/16th of an inch at the low E, A, and D strings, and slightly less on the G, B, and high E strings. Either way, it sounds great, and it makes me wonder why I rarely see uncovered Tele neck pickups. I also dig the look of the uncovered pickups.

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NEKID.....PICKUP......in the same sentence......must be a paarty!!!!!!!!Actually those pups look good on that Black pickguard

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...Seriously though, I thought the chrome covers looked cool, but I like the bare look better. And the improvement in tone is huge.

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so do they sound hotter or more responsive?? if so might try it on one of mine.

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If I adjust them the same distance from the strings, they are noticeably louder. The biggest thing for me however is the clarity; Much better note definition and a lot less muddy than with the covers installed.
It's a pretty simple mod to accomplish, and IMO made as much of a difference as if I'd replaced the pickups altogether.

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Here is a pic of my Buddy Holly strat i bought from his widow as u can see its really good in this condition

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Musos can be a pain!!!

But if you have 15,000 they will give you free Fenders

Give it a rest kid will ya?

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Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

Back on topic:

You mentioned more clarity--does it stay a bit sharper when you're playing with overdrive or distortion, too?

Or do you mean "cleaner" clarity?

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Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
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What is the point of posting this randomly in other people's threads?

To other forum members: Sorry for that!

Whenever I try and remember the story about who first took the covers off humbuckers I get it wrong. I always think it was Santana around the time of Woodstock - but that isn't right, is it?

Somebody here will know for sure.

Anyhow: Tim, now you've got me all curious as to what Tele lipstick pickups sound like uncovered. I wonder if I'll take the cover off mine next time I'm restringing and give it a try? Maybe not - because I'm afraid I might find I like it! I kinda prefer the look of the metal cover better - be frustrating to discover that conflicted with my tone preference!

Oh dear: that seems to be me putting looks ahead of sound. That ain't very right on, is it...?

Cheers - C

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Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

Removing pickup covers was big when I was kid in the 70's. Depending on the humbucker it would either sound a little brighter or pick up all kinds of noise. A friend of mine spins the neck pickup around so the screws are towards the tailpiece. He claims it makes it get a tiny bit more top end.

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Tim I agree that they look good naked. Could it be possible that you are coming down with STRAT FEAVER
----Danny,

Yeah, the biggest difference is when playing with overdrive. With the covers on if I had my overdrive past 12 o'clock the sound was muddy and seemed to lack definition when picking single notes in a chord, now the single notes ring out clearly and the high end is more pronounced. Not much of a noticeable difference if I was playing totally clean, but I always have a little grit dialed in, and that's where the difference is huge.



I have no clue as to who the first was to take the covers off of humbuckers...probably a little too far before my time.
As far as removing the cover, like I replied to SA, the difference is most notable when playing with overdrive. No more muddiness on the neck and middle pups. It takes just a minute or two to remove the covers, and if the need to replace them was to arise, 5 minutes and a soldering iron is all you'd need. I like the look of the covered pups as well, but uncovered is cool too.



I've had Strat fever...but no Strat ...but this still sounds very much like a Tele.



I was skeptical too, at first, which is why I only did t he neck pickup to start out. But I am sold now. Makes a big difference.

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