Stupid Microphonic Feedback AFTER changing pickups

[darkstriker]

EDITED: My problem has been solved! Installing a new set of pickups reduced microphonic feedback, but did not completely eliminate it, making me wonder if I somehow screwed up the installation and wrecked a $200 set of pickups.

But this guitar tech from a store nearby saved the day (actually it took him 3 days to figure this out):

The pickup covers were slightly touching the claw, making it vibrate with louder volumes and gains, thus causing a microphonic feedback. So, by placing some insulation tape between the cover and the claw, the problem went away. My CIJ is now a playable guitar and will be starring in all my gigs from now on (until I buy a couple of AVRI)

Hope this helps someone in the future.

Cheers!



This was the original message:

"I'm in the middle of changing my jag's pickups when I stumble upon the first problem... How do I remove the pickups from the claw? It appears that they are stuck.

Thanks!"

[sookwinder]

why would you want to remove the claw...  it IS part of the pickup.  It is soldered to the pickup...

I am confused ..................

[Infliktor]

I would assume he is trying to install his new pickups in the claws.  It is not typical to get new pickups with claws already installed.

Make sure you wax those puppies too!!!

[darkstriker]

Ok, I got it... They were sort of glued together.

Now I installed the Seymour Duncan SJAG-1 Vintage. And they still squeal!! CRAP! There appeared to be some wax on the poles, so I assume it has been wax potted. What's wrong?!

And there were a pair of screws and rubbers packed with the new pickups that don't seem to belong anywhere. Can anyone help, please? I really need that guitar right now, cause I'm due in the studio tomorrow!

[pullover]

If it's surgical rubber, it's meant to be used instead of the springs.

[pullover]

You might have loosened the potting when putting the claws on, you might try heating the pup up a bit with a blow dryer to remelt the wax. When you tap on the pup is there a really loud pop?

[darkstriker]

Yes, there is. They behave exactly like the crappy CIJ stock pickups... Is there anyway to fix this?

[pullover]

The only way I know of is to re-pot them with wax... 

[darkstriker]

Crap.... well. Thanks anyway! I'll check if someone in my area can do it and i'll let you know how it turned out.

[Pumpkin]

You did resolder the claw on the new pup yea?
The black wire (ground) must be connected to the claw then the shielding as normal.

[darkstriker]

Yes, I soldered it... but now I'm wondering if I did all of it properly.

I guess I'm going to open her up this morning and check for any little piece of metal that might be loose inside the pickups cavity.


EDIT: I already checked. There was a loose ground connection (now fixed) but I couldn't find anything else. It still feedbacks. I'll just have to take the guitar to the tech to check it out and play with my trusty old stratocaster today instead 

[darkstriker]

Just a thought... Are the pickups supposed to be glued to the claw in any particular way? The stock ones were but I didn't put any new glue to fasten the new PUs.

[Pumpkin]

No,the magnets hold them on fine.with the claw,it can be on either way too,i have mine so the 2 low teeth are on the treble side,iv'e seen pics of jags with em both ways.So many in fact i dont even know the original way they go.

[darkstriker]

I was just wondering if the claw not being glued could be the reason for the microphonic pickups. Since I bought the two of them in different countries, I must have screwed up somewhere.

[darkstriker]

My problem has been solved! Check the initial post for details!