Removing pickup covers

[GrandmaShreds]

I wanted to try and remove the pickup covers on my SG Pro because I enjoy the aesthetic of not having the covers on. Do I need a soldering iron to remove them or can I just score the solder with a razor blade and remove the covers with a set of pliers? I'm really hoping there would be a set of double zebra bobbins under the covers!

 

[soulman]

I wanted to try and remove the pickup covers on my SG Pro because I enjoy the aesthetic of not having the covers on. Do I need a soldering iron to remove them or can I just score the solder with a razor blade and remove the covers with a set of pliers? I'm really hoping there would be a set of double zebra bobbins under the covers!

If you can break the solder connection but cutting through it I believe that would work. There are also quite few online videos showing various ways of doing it.

 

[GrooVey]

I can be an animal in the shop. I use a dremel cutting disc to slice through the solder.

You can melt the solder and suck it away with the de-solder tool.


Or use the solder wick.

 

[rolandson]

I recall Lindy Fralin commenting on some of the pickups that had been destroyed by people removing the covers.

Actually, I think his comment was reflecting on how much business it brought him...

if it's purely a visual you're after, you'll probably be just as happy buying a set that has the appearance you desire and retaining the integrity of your originals...

 

[TheVillageGrouch]

I can be an animal in the shop. I use a dremel cutting disc to slice through the solder.

You can melt the solder and suck it away with the de-solder tool.
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Or use the solder wick.

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Any of these will work. I find a wick with flux to be the best simple desolderer. Wick without rosin flux will disappoint.