Why are covers used on pickups?
Plastic covers are used to protect the coil from damage and to keep the string from snagging the bobbins. They are used cosmetically to enhance the appearance of an instrument and normally do not alter the tone of the instrument. Metal covers used on Humbuckers and Telecaster rhythm pickups are used to reduce unwanted outside electrical interference commonly produced by transformers, light dimmers and bad wiring. Seth Lover used covers on his humbucker to reduce electrical interference and to cosmetically enhance the appearance of the pickup. The plating and cover material can alter the tone of a pickup. Nickel Silver is most commonly used on Gibson style humbuckers because it has less effect on the high end. Some companies use Aluminum and Brass which cut too much of the high end out of a pickup. Many types of plastics are used for injection or thermal formed covers. Some plastics used are High Pressure Styrene s, ABS and Nylon s. Several companies used thermal formed covers with the
