Pickup "Whistling" or "Chirping"

[Myriad_Rocker]

Not too long ago, I dropped a Duncan JB in the bridge position of my PRS Singlecut. I tried to raise the pickup closer to the strings so I could increase the output so it's equal to my Gibson LP for guitar swaps. My Gibson has a JB, too.

Anyway, on high gain, the pickup whistled on the low E string when hitting it with any amount of heavy attack. I figured the pickup was just too high so I lowered it. I thought I had it good, but last night while I was playing, I noticed the "whistling" or "chirping" while I was on the clean channel when I would pick the low E.

So...what could it be? Bad setup? Bad wiring? Bad pickup? My Gibson w/JB sure doesn't do it.

 

[danw]

The description sounds like a microphonic pickup to me. If they're not potted properly, the wires in the pickup can vibrate, and you get squealing. I've also heard that the metal covers on some humbuckers can have a similar problem.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert, and this is based on what I've read, not what I've observed.

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

This pickup is uncovered. I'm thinking it may be something odd with the pickup. I'm thinking of canning it and dropping in something else, anyway.

 

[GONZO-X]

you gotta loose winding.

it needs to be potted.
or replaced.

or, turn your volume/gain down.

one of those, should take care of it.

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

turn your volume/gain down.

It's not feedback. Besides, my volume is at 9 o'clock and my gain is only at noon. It's not the amp causing the issues. My LP doesn't do it...same pickup in that.

 

[Tadpui]

I agree with the diagnosis above, that the pickup is microphonic. These symptoms exactly describe what happens when a pickup goes microphonic.

The do-it-yourself fix that I've seen recommended several times is to dip the pickup in hot wax a time or two. I can't remember what this does, but it remedies the microphonic properties of the pickup.

Here's a link to back me up:
http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/electrical/index.php