Guitar pickups are a crucial component of an electric guitar, responsible for capturing string vibrations and converting them into an electrical signal. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of these pickups, a process called 'potting' is employed. Let's explore the various techniques and the reasons behind them.
1. Traditional Wax Potting
How it's done:
- The pickup is submerged in a mixture of melted wax, typically 80% paraffin and 20% beeswax.
- The wax penetrates the coil windings, solidifying and holding everything in place once cooled.
Advantages:
- Stability: Wax potting ensures that internal components are immobilized, preventing unwanted microphonic feedback.
- Repairability: Wax can be easily reheated, allowing for potential repairs or rewinding in the future.
- Protection: The wax provides a barrier against moisture and other external factors.
Disadvantages:
- Tonal Changes: Some argue that wax potting can dampen the high frequencies, slightly altering the pickup's tone.
2. Vacuum Potting
How it's done:
- The pickup is placed in a vacuum chamber, and the air is removed.
- Melted wax is then introduced, ensuring even more thorough penetration into the pickup's windings.
- Once saturated, the pickup is removed and allowed to cool.
Advantages:
- Thorough Penetration: The vacuum ensures that the wax reaches even the tiniest gaps, providing comprehensive coverage.
- Reduced Air Bubbles: The vacuum process minimizes the chances of air bubbles, which can cause microphonic feedback.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity: Requires specialized equipment and can be more time-consuming.
- Risk of Oversaturation: If not done correctly, the pickup can become oversaturated, potentially affecting its tonal characteristics.
3. Resin Potting
How it's done:
- The pickup is submerged in a liquid resin solution.
- Once the resin penetrates the windings, it's allowed to harden, solidifying the internal components.
Advantages:
- Durability: Resin potting can offer a more robust and long-lasting seal compared to wax.
- Tonal Stability: Some believe that resin potting has less impact on the pickup's tonal qualities.
Disadvantages:
- Irreversibility: Unlike wax, resin cannot be easily removed, making future repairs or modifications challenging.
- Complexity: The process can be more intricate, requiring careful handling to ensure even penetration without damaging the pickup.
Conclusion
Potting is an essential step in the pickup manufacturing process, ensuring longevity, stability, and optimal performance. While traditional wax potting remains popular, alternatives like vacuum potting and resin potting offer unique advantages. The choice of potting technique depends on the desired tonal qualities, longevity, and potential for future modifications.
Exploring Guitar Pickup Potting: Wax, Vacuum, or Resin?