Chrome covers for humbuckers?

robinbowes

I picked up some replacement humbuckers for my Gretsch Beast [1] - they're from a Yamaha SG-1000:



I'd like to fit chrome covers. Are they fairly generic, or do I need to be careful about getting the right size?

Also, can I replace the gold screws with chrome ones (to match the covers), or will removing the screws bugger up the pickup? 

Cheers,

R.

[1] https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/157307/gretsch-8210-bst-1000

gazrichards

You can do everything you ask. 

The covers should be easy to find. Just measure and you’ll be fine. 

Pole piece screws may be harder to find but it can be done - I’ve removed, cleaned and refitted many times just never actually replaced. I think somewhere more specialist may be required than eBay for those. 

robinbowes

Contemplating sending them to Ash at @OilCityPickups to sort out - I have a poor record when it comes to fixing up pickups

R.

Cirrus

Just as long as you're aware that putting them in covers will change how they sound - I did it to a pair of SD Alnico IIs and it totally changed them. Used decent covers, too.

Funkfingers

The original Yamaha covers may have been of the semi-open type. (i.e. The bobbin tops show through two openings in the top of the metal cover. The “lip” around the edges of each bobbin seems to support my assertion.) As far as I know, these covers are only available from Yamaha.

robinbowes

Cirrus said:

Just as long as you're aware that putting them in covers will change how they sound - I did it to a pair of SD Alnico IIs and it totally changed them. Used decent covers, too.

Yes, I'm aware of that. They seem to have had covers of some sort originally - you can see the solder on the bottom where they were affixed.

They have three connections so I should be able to have a coil tap.

I'd best check they fit first, as the Gretsch is relatively shallow-bodied.

R.