Yummy 1977 2630 on the Bay

[BCy2k]

The early Super 80's werent epoxy or wax...that beige looking soft material will actually turn into a clear liquid when heated (looks like honey but acts like napalm)-it should control the squeal, but thats always a problem with the semi's and high gain pups...The black bottom super 80's were a later issue and the potting material was clear-I remember being able to see the "guts" of the pickup thru that material-I think they came much later than 1977 though.

Some S80 pups are squealers even on solid body guitars when you use high gain settings. I have one set that doesn't squeal and they are the wax potted type. They came on my A78 Scruggs.

I think it's just the nature of the beast, particularly on the epoxy filled versions. My understanding is they were designed to be hotter, more microphonic and more sensitive. I think they do what they were made to do - it's just that pup flavor isn't always ideal for certain kinds of extra high gain sounds.

[formula73]

Its not really that I use that much gain, I just like a good chuggachugga. My band covers Sabbath, Maiden, and Priest, so I at least have to get a decent crunch, you know? The output doesn't matter that much, as the Cobra has plenty of gain on tap, but I can't handle the screech during the rests and don't run a gate.

[BCy2k]

I know exactly what you mean formula - I can get mine to squeal even at very moderate gain settings too. Like I said - I think that's just the way these pups are by design.

[formula73]

Well, here we go. I don't know how many of you are familiar with the model, but this is what I have to say, and it's mostly taste.

The 2630 came in yesterday. The stocker Super 80s pickups are not my deal. Potted in some type of synthetic wax/glue/epoxy/wtf-ever, they're ultra bright and microphonic as all @!##. I asked Dave if they can be repotted. He says yes, but the stuff melts to the consistency of honey and has the characteristics of napalm, not to mention, this goo is the only thing holding the pickup together.

Bummer.

Anyway, they don't sound 'bad,' per se. The bright character works incredibly well in the neck position, like a Duncan Jazz, but I can't get over the squeal. The Iceman is next for a replacement neck pickup, possibly the aforementioned Jazz.


I ended up selling my last 2630 (nearly factory fresh except for the gold plating and pickup rings which ate themselves due to outgassing) because I didn't want to ruin the originality, but screw it. This one's been played and should stay a player, and thus needs playable pickups: Rio Grande BBQ Bucker and a Ken Lawrence Vintage G ( "G" for gold) to the rescue. I've had the Lawrence laying around since I pulled it out of my old Hondo Revival V to sell it. You wouldn't believe it, either-for an imported pickup, the Ken Lawrence Vintage is a very convincing PAF style humbucker. As far as mass produced, I'd stack it up against a Duncan 59 or Dimarzio PAF any day. The BBQ is pretty much a beefy, thick monster. I have decided that they are relevant to my interests.

The neck is one of the most comfy I've ever played. The big factory frets feel incredible-very slick. I can see why they went to the Gibraltar in 78, as this one likes to move around a bit, but it's still relatively solid and has plenty of saddle range.

Anyhoo, pics to follow tomorrow. Daylight savings sucks. It's near frickin dark already!

Many thanks to Dave, a standup guy and overall knowledgeable dude. Here's to you!