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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Fralin Pickup Plate Problem

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3/9/2000 3:50 PM
pgambon	Fralin Pickup Plate Problem I installed the metal plate on my Strat bridge pu (Rio Tall Boy). I noticed an increased output, but the pickup became very microphonic. At high volume tapping the pickguard produced feedback. I checked the wiring (plate to ground)and found no problems. I removed the plate and the problem was gone. Does anyone have similiar experiences or suggestions?

3/9/2000 4:15 PM
Jim S.	Did you insulate the base plate from the bottoms of the pole pieces? I used a small piece of masking tape, cut to size, to cover up the pole piece ends before attaching the base plate to my Fralin bridge pickup. Also, I'm assuming the plate you have is covered with wax and that you used a soldering iron to thoroughly melt the wax to make a solid plate-to-pickup bond. If not, then let me know.

3/9/2000 10:15 PM
pgambon	I didn't insulate it from the magnets but did heat the wax. The plate seemed to be adequatly adhered to the PU.

3/9/2000 10:27 PM
Jim S.	I'm not sure, but you may need to electrically insulate the base plate from the pole pieces. This might be the source of the microphonics. Maybe someone who is more of a pickup expert might know for sure...

3/10/2000 1:15 AM
blue	Not sure here, but I think you might need to wax pot the baseplate some more. That is what is causing the microphonic feedback.

3/10/2000 2:27 AM

I had the same problem with the Fralin plate. They are not always perfectly flat. The space left under the pickup causes the microphonic feedback you are experiencing.

Re-waxing the pickup and plate, or "potting" the pickup, is best left to experienced guitar techs. Just find a good tech in your area, and have them repot the pickup. This worked well for me. I had the place where I bought the plate repot the pickup, and there was no charge.

Dan

3/10/2000 6:03 PM
Tim P	Try a piece of 2 way tape Put a piece of 2 way tape between the bottom of the pickup and the plate. Stick the plate on there and the tape holds the plate on and keeps it from vibrating. The vibration between the plate and the pickup is what is causing the feedback and squealing. Tim P

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