If you have a rusty guitar pickup, don’t despair! With a little time and effort, you can repair your rusty guitar pickup and get it working again. However, depending on its condition, it might be a better idea to replace it entirely… We’ll help you to evaluate if this is the case as well.
Disadvantages of rusty guitar pickups
Other than the obviously aged looks, there are a few other disadvantages to having rusty guitar pickups. One is that they can be difficult to clean.
Another disadvantage is that they can cause your guitar to sound less than optimal. Additionally, rust can adversely affect the magnetic properties of your pickups, causing them to sound less bright and vibrant.
In general, rusty guitar pickups are less consistent in quality and may not work as well as new pickups. The metal in the pickups may be corroded, which can affect the sound quality. The deterioration of the metal may also make the pickups more susceptible to noise.
How to prevent guitar pickups from rusting
One way to prevent guitar pickups from rusting is to regularly clean and oil them. Another way to prevent rust is to store the guitar in a case or other container that will protect the pickups from exposure to moisture.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your guitar pickups from rusting. Some of these things include:
- Wiping down your pickups with a clean, dry cloth after every use. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before playing
- Keeping your guitar in a case when it’s not being played.
- Storing your guitar in a cool, dry place.
- Not letting your guitar get wet.
If you follow these simple tips, you should be able to keep your guitar pickups from rusting for a long time.
How to repair rusty guitar pickups
If you have a rusty guitar pickup, don’t despair! With a little time and effort, you can repair your rusty guitar pickup and get it working again. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A can of WD-40
- A clean cloth
- A toothbrush
- Start by spraying the WD-40 onto the rusty guitar pickup. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the rust. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away the rust. You may need to use the toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Clean the guitar pickup with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Use a mild abrasive such as steel wool or sandpaper to remove the rust from the guitar pickup. Be sure to sand in the same direction as the wire coils.
- Wipe the guitar pickup down with a dry cloth to remove any residue from the rust removal process.
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or other oil to the guitar pickup to protect it from further rusting.
How to know when it’s time to replace the pickups
it depends on a number of factors such as the type of pickups, your playing style, and the tone you are trying to achieve. However, if your pickups are starting to sound dull or muddy, you hear crackling on an otherwise clean output, or if you notice a drop in volume or tone, then it may be time to consider replacing them.
How to replace guitar pickups
If your guitar has active pickups, you will need to disconnect the battery before beginning. If your guitar has passive pickups, this won’t be a requirement.
1) Using a screwdriver, remove the strings from your guitar.
2) Remove the pickguard or control plate, depending on your guitar’s design.
3) Use a pair of wire cutters to snip the wires connecting the old pickups to the volume and tone pots. Cut as close to the pickup leads as possible so you have enough wire to work with.
4) Pull the old pickups out of the body of the guitar. If they are held in place with set screws, remove those as well.
5) Insert the new pickups into the holes where the old pickups were mounted. If they are held in place with set screws, tighten those now.
6) solder the new pickup lead wires to the volume and tone pots. Make sure not to create any shorts by touching the exposed wire to the ground.
7) Reassemble the pickguard or control plate and replace the strings.
How to clean guitar pickups
There are a few ways to clean your guitar pickups, but the most common and effective way is to use a microfiber cloth.
First, you’ll want to remove any Dust or dead skin cells that have accumulated on the pickups. Next, using a slightly dampened microfiber cloth, gently wipe down the coils of the pickup.
You should avoid using any cleaning agents or solvents, as these can damage the pickups. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the pickups.
