Coil shorts on SCs

[markeymark]

I'm using lacquer to insulate the magnets and every other pickup shorts on me. Are most of you taping? What tape do you recomend? Do you tape the individual rods or all of them together?

Thanks

Peace.

[David Schwab]

I tape mine. I don't care if wax (or other potting agent) does not get between the magnets as that's not the reason you pot the coil... it's to stop the wire from vibrating. Between the magnets is nothing but air, and that's a good thing. I feel It's part of the tone of the pickup.

Taping is much faster than dipping in lacquer and doesn't seem to be subject to shorts. I either use regular scotch magic tape, which is nice and thin, or white paper tape. No reason you can't use electrical tape either.

Here's a stock 1972 Fender Mustang pickup with the wire removed. Notice there is nothing between the magnets. This particular pickup was potted in what looked like some type of lacquer.

I'm sure others will chime in with differing views.

[kevinT]

I'm using lacquer to insulate the magnets and every other pickup shorts on me. Are most of you taping? What tape do you recomend? Do you tape the individual rods or all of them together?

Thanks

Peace.

There was a long thread just on this topic that Possum started. Here is the link. We were all trying to find a solution. But I don't know if we ever did

http://music-electronics-forum.com/s...ead.php?t=2530

[markeymark]

Thanks guys.
I'll try the Scotch tape. (Might have a drink of scotch too. )

[Spence]

I tape mine. I don't care if wax (or other potting agent) does not get between the magnets as that's not the reason you pot the coil... it's to stop the wire from vibrating. Between the magnets is nothing but air, and that's a good thing. I feel It's part of the tone of the pickup.

Taping is much faster than dipping in lacquer and doesn't seem to be subject to shorts. I either use regular scotch magic tape, which is nice and thin, or white paper tape. No reason you can't use electrical tape either.

Here's a stock 1972 Fender Mustang pickup with the wire removed. Notice there is nothing between the magnets. This particular pickup was potted in what looked like some type of lacquer.

I'm sure others will chime in with differing views.

It's lacquered and potted in nitro cellulose.
No mystery and no problem to recreate without getting shorts.
However, for the weekend warrior who just fancies making his own pickups from Stew Mac kits, I agree that tape is a safe bet.