Is it normal that... (microphonic pickup?)

[ArthurS]

Is is it normal that if i tap on the cover of a humbucking pickup with a plastic plectrum (or even my fingers), the tapping is VERY audible through the amplifier?

 

If not, would reseating the cover help? Or potting perhaps?

[jerry_picker]

Originally posted by ArthurS Or potting perhaps?

 

Yes, perhaps likely, maybe.

 

Read up:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/electrical/index.php

[JoeBoy]

It is normal, however if it is at very low volume then you have either a microphonic pickup or some cheaper overwounds will do it.

[ArthurS]

Yes, perhaps likely, maybe. Read up: http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical...rical/index.php

 

I had already read that, but thanks

 

They mention a loud 'clang' if you touch an unpotted pickup, but I also have some coverless very well potted pickups that amplify the 'tapping' sound. It's just that this one particular (covered) pickup seems to do it much louder. They are hand made and the quality appears fairly high, so I'm thinking I may have re-installed the cover wrong? (I removed it before installing, then deciding I didn't like the uncovered look and put it back on).

 

Originally posted by JoeBoy It is normal, however if it is at very low volume then you have either a microphonic pickup or some cheaper overwounds

 

So it's only normal if the amplifier volume is high?

[JoeBoy]

No. If the clunk is loud at very low volumes, that is abnormal. Talk into it and see if you can hear yourself through your amp. What don't you like about the pups sound?