Jamie Dickson asks… On or off, what do pickup covers on humbuckers actually change tonally?
As we delve deep into the world of modding in this issue’s cover story (see page 68), it seemed appropriate to revisit one of the first mods for electric guitar to receive widespread attention. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, before replacement pickups were a thing, it was fashionable to remove the pickup covers from your Les Paul’s humbuckers. The theory was that it made them sound louder and hotter. In the retro obsessed present, however, avid modders will just as often seek to fit period-correct PAF-style nickel covers back on again to get the vintage look, even on more modern models from PRS, Suhr and so on. But what are the real pros and cons behind covers? Are they just a cosmetic detail or is your guitar’s sound significantly affected?
“There are many other companies that produce aftermarket covers of all shapes, sizes and designs these days,” explains Tim Mills, founder of Cornwall’s Bare Knuckle Pickups, one of the best-known brands in the business and a supplier of high-quality pickup covers.
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QUICK CHANGE
As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar
Return Of The Rack
A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.
Pure Filth
This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.
Reptile Royalty
From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion
Tradition Revisited
Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more
Ramble On
Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?
Redrawing The 'Bird
A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.
Boss Cube Street II
Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.
STILL CRAZY
One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more