Hi because, If you used the same email as in your profile, I can't see any messages from you in the helpdesk inbox or saved messages bin. I generally answer the helpdesk, and field many emails a day, so I can't explain why your message wasn't available to me.
However, to address your post here, I think you will find that any pickup can become microphonic. We do lots in the manufcturing to help avoid this, but it can sometimes happen, especially if the pickup is subjected to a sudden and swift temperature change. If your 5-string pickup looks a little like an Almond Joy, this may be part of what you are experiencing.
How this happens: if the temperature changes suddenly, the windings may snap off the long edge of the magnetic core, creating an air gap friendly to microphonics.
The 60Hz hum would indicate the the humcancelling section of the pickup is no longer connected - this may have happened at the same time as a temperature shift got you some microphonics.
1. You can return your pickup here and we'll test and inspect it. If we determine it's a manufacturing defect, we will replace it. This will take a few days between shipping and testing, so if you are in an urgent need, you may consider 2 or 3 below.
2. You can purchase a new pickup by calling us at 707 523 2611 or emailing your phone number to myself or Valentino. We'll call you back and get all the details.
3. We do have a small amount of cosmetic second MXY56 pickups available for half the price of a pristine one.
The connectors are not flimsy at all - these are nice Molex parts. You must grip the housing, and not yank on the wire, or you will likely damage it. You may find needle-nose pliers help you remove by the housing only. These can withstand many more insertions and removals than any of us would care to do, so I truly think you won't have to worry about changing the pickups out (the connectors from the pickups and between the electronics modules are identical).
