Wax dipping + EMGS

[jagermike66]

Hi all,

Im getting a lot of microphonic feedback at high volumes through my active EMGs. Annoying because I play Hi Gain and pretty loud, and as soon as im up at gig volumes its catching feedback in between riffs faster than my noise gate can deal with it.

Anyone know if its useful to "pot" the EMGs in a wax solution as you would with most passive pickups? Or if its even possible without killing the pickup?

If not, then im fresh outta ideas. I've checked all the cables, preamp tubes, and all work normally at hi volumes. Could I convert the guitar to run passives? Then just shove some bareknuckles on it

Cheers

M

[Ex-Mesa]

I thought active EMGs were epoxy potted to also cover the electronics in each one. To test if the windings are microphonic, you can just talk into the pickup. You will hear your voice in your amp.

[jagermike66]

Cheers for the advice. Tried it and yup, I can use my pickup like a microphone. Also when I gently tap the pickup with my pick, it triggers nasty feedback. Its safe to say the windings are screwed.

Also when I took the pickup out, the unit is completely sealed so there wouldnt have been any point in wax dipping it I dont think.

Ah well, it only took 5 years of gig sweat to kill it :)

[Kyle]

Wow I never heard of an EMG going microphonic before. Interesting

[eljeffebrown]

which EMG did you have?

[Wildone]

Wrap some plumbers puty around them, it works.

[jagermike66]

which EMG did you have?

85 in the neck and 81 in the bridge. It was the 81 that died.

Plumbers wax eh? might have to try that. Also been told that silver paint on the inside of your guitar wood helps with microphonics, although that stuff is expensive!