Adhesive tape under the magnet of a PAF replica: yes or no ?

[freefrog]

There's apparently several methods to reduce squealing under high gain with an unpotted PAF style PU:

1-potting it (LOL) with flash potting or not, depending on the plastic used to make the bobbins;
2-a cover, with adhesive tape or "special sauce" between it and the slugs;
3-a tight assembly of the constitutive parts, of course;
4-enlarging the holes for the pole screws in the baseplate;
5-leaving a gap between slugs and baseplate...

In the PU's that I've opened or dissected, I've also found...

6-magnets glued to the baseplate;
7-coils glued on the magnet;
8-a thin foil of foam between the bar magnet and the baseplate.

Is there any harm to stick a bit of adhesive tape under the bar magnet (and possibly the slugs), in order to separate it from the baseplate?

I've tried it. I've noticed a slightly higher measured inductance (!). It doesn't appear to change the tone... and it seems to make the PU less prone to squeal under high gain.

So: good idea or not?

Thx in advance for any reply.

And anyway: happy new year! :-)

[big_teee]

I don't think that should hurt anything.
You have already proven that it does work.
My method these days.
To start with, I don't do vintage, I just try to do what works for me.
I wind and tape the bobbins good with paper tape.
If installing a cover, I install it all the way down against the bobbins.
Then I pot with the cover on, Then I drain all the wax out that will run out the corner holes.
The pickup still has good harmonics, and the wax solves all baseplate and cover microphonic problems.
Everyone around here, seems to like this method.
T

[freefrog]

I've been slow to reply but thx for your answer, big_teee!

I've forgotten a method among those listed in my first post: lacquered magnets.

That said: I've fitted two humbuckers with adhesive tape on the baseplate, separating the magnet AND slugs from it. This time it appears to change the sound: the two PU's have their resonant frequencies slightly higher in the spectrum (something like 300hz higher), under the same testing conditions. If someone has an explanation about that, I'll be glad to read it. :-)