S500 pickups covers color swap

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Crusher
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:45 am
Location: Quebec, Canada

S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by Crusher »

Hi!

Has anyone ever tried to swap S-500 pickups covers? They are wax potted, and site says it is easy to break them... I want to add black covers to fit F100 bridge pickups but it would be excessive to buy 2 new S-500 to avoid breaking them while it can cost 20$ instead of 200$. I know it can be heated to be safer, but, outside of that… Any tips?

Thank you very much!
G&L Legacy hb2
G&L S500
goatofballstreet
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Location: San Jose, CA

Re: S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by goatofballstreet »

I believe as long as you soften up the wax with heat you should be okay
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Elwood
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Location: Canada's Mexico

Re: S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by Elwood »

Hair dryer on low for a minute or so...they should slip out real easy.
If they aren't almost falling out from gravity, give it another 15 seconds.
I was apprehensive the first time I tried it, now...no hesitation.
...just go slow.
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Crusher
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Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:45 am
Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by Crusher »

Cool, thanks mate(s)! Will come in handy for sure! I will be easy on it :)

I suppose putting back new covers will be the same process?
G&L Legacy hb2
G&L S500
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Elwood
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Location: Canada's Mexico

Re: S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by Elwood »

...just as easy,

Here's a shot of my z-coils, note the flattened wax on the side...that's how tight it can be.
But they just slip off super easy when the wax softens.
Image

Note how the windings can be disturbed, though I'm pretty sure that was the way they left the factory.
Image

happy to help ; )
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Crusher
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:45 am
Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: S500 pickups covers color swap

Post by Crusher »

A big thank you! Much appreciated :) You made that day less of a hassle right now, and let me save a big deal of money :) CAD vs USD is hardcore right now... 30% more to pay + 15% tax (import duties) is killer... Peace!
G&L Legacy hb2
G&L S500