How to Wax Pot Guitar Pickups: A Detailed Guide

Wax potting guitar pickups is a technique that enhances the performance of your guitar by protecting the windings from noise and vibration. This article will guide you through the process, provide you with the necessary equipment and tips for success, and explain why wax potting is beneficial for your guitar's sound.

Introduction to Wax Potting

Guitar pickups are essentially magnets wrapped in thin wire. Over time, the windings can become loose, a condition known as microphonic. Microphonic pickups can pick up unwanted noises, especially when you shout into them. Wax potting is a technique where you submerge the pickup in wax, which seeps into the windings and stabilizes them. This process can make your guitar sound clearer and more pure.

Necessary Equipment and Tools

To wax pot your guitar pickup, you will need the following:

A pressure cooker or a suitable pot A wax specifically designed for guitar pickups (paraffin is commonly used) A pan for melting the wax Careful handling tools to expose the windings A clean workspace

Step-by-Step Process

Heat the Wax: Use a pressure cooker or a pot to melt the wax. A pressure cooker ensures that the wax is heated evenly and safely. If you do not have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot or a melted paraffin pan.

Expose the Windings: Carefully remove the tape covering the windings of the pickup. Do this gently to avoid damage. The goal is to expose all the individual windings.

Dip the Pickup: Gently dip the pickup into the melted wax. Ensure that the windings are fully coated. Some experimenting may be necessary to find the right balance of wax and windings.

Allow the Wax to Set: After dipping, allow the pickup to cool and harden in the wax. This can take several hours or even overnight depending on the thickness of the wax layer.

Prepare for Installation: Once the wax has set, carefully remove the pickup from the wax. It should be easy to clean and should not stick to the pan.

Install the Pickup: Reinstall the waxed pickup into your guitar. Ensure it is securely installed and properly aligned.

Why Wax Potting Is Important

Wax potting helps to:

Stabilize the Windings: The wax seeps into the windings, reducing the likelihood of noise and improving the overall sound quality.

Enhance Durability: The process can make the windings more resistant to damage, preserving the life of your guitar pickup.

Maintain Clarity and Tone: Wax potting can enhance the clarity and tone of your guitar, making it sound more pure and full.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Wax potting is a helpful technique for guitar technicians and enthusiasts looking to improve their instrument's sound quality. By following the steps outlined above and using the proper equipment, you can achieve a noticeable improvement in your guitar's performance.

If you are not comfortable with the process, consider consulting a professional. Many guitar shops and repair services offer wax potting as a service. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, check out some YouTube videos or visit relevant forums for more detailed guides and tips.