Howling P90!

mark_jwedge · September 2023

I’ve got a Les Paul junior build which I’ve used live at some outdoor gigs over the summer. Understandably I got some howling when I really stacked on the gain. I haven’t used it for a while but took it to rehearsal last night and I couldn’t get it above a very moderate drive (Tom Petty or mild AC/DC levels) before it howled uncontrollably. No chance of using a fuzz which is a shame as we were doing some Gary Clark Jr stuff.

Could it just have been the room? Can pickups become more microphonic over time? Any solutions?

I thought about using an eq on my HX stomp with a very narrow Q to act as a sort of notch filter. Would this work?

OilCityPickups · September 2023

It could be the room ... however:
Pickups can get more microphonic with time is you can get movement on internal components. I would check the two bobbin screws under the pickup are tight (but not over tight as to strip out the bobbin) If those screws are loose then magnets, baseplate and keeper bar can all move a little relative to each other. If it's a soapbar ...while you are at it I might put a bit of foam/extra foam under the pickup. If it's a dogear then make sure it's actually screwed into the guitar firmly.

mark_jwedge · September 2023

@OilCityPickups thanks Ash! I will take the pickup out when I re string it and make sure the screws on the bottom are tight. It’s a dog ear so will make sure it’s snuggly screwed into the body when I put it back. Will see how I go!!!

OilCityPickups · September 2023

mark_jwedge said:

@OilCityPickups thanks Ash! I will take the pickup out when I re string it and make sure the screws on the bottom are tight. It’s a dog ear so will make sure it’s snuggly screwed into the body when I put it back. Will see how I go!!!

Even with a dog ear putting a bit of foam under it can help :-)

mark_jwedge · September 2023

OilCityPickups said:

mark_jwedge said:

@OilCityPickups thanks Ash! I will take the pickup out when I re string it and make sure the screws on the bottom are tight. It’s a dog ear so will make sure it’s snuggly screwed into the body when I put it back. Will see how I go!!!

Even with a dog ear putting a bit of foam under it can help :-)

Ah ok no problem, I have got some bits of foam so will cut to size and put that in as well

mark_jwedge · September 2023

@OilCityPickups thanks for the advice Ash. All the screws were nice and tight so have added some foam underneath. Will see how I get on otherwise I might have to swap it for a lightly potted version

OilCityPickups · September 2023

mark_jwedge said:

@OilCityPickups thanks for the advice Ash. All the screws were nice and tight so have added some foam underneath. Will see how I get on otherwise I might have to swap it for a lightly potted version

Or get it lightly potted :-)

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