Only one volume control...

Neil Gray · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 3:44 pm Post subject: Only one volume control...

Hey hey...
I was messing with the four string on Sunday, and I decided to change to the back pickup because my nails were a little long and the "picked" sound was really coming through something chronic! I was disgusted to discover that I had NO VOLUME AT ALL about three crotchets into our signature tune.
I have reason to believe that this has been an issue since I brought the bass two years ago, but I have only just discovered it now because now is the only time I have ever needed to switch pickups. I have since learned that I can't even have the rear pickup knob turned even a fraction before it cancels out the neck pick up. They are passive P/U's, and the bass is a J&D Luthiers Custom. Everything appears to be soldered properly. Is there any way I can test the pickup itself before buying a new one?? If I do have to buy a new one, am I better off replacing both, like I would replace a set of strings if I broke one??
This is the first time in 13 years that I have ever had to do anything to a bass besides string changes, truss adjustments, and the odd nut change!!! NOT HAPPY!!! Mad

_________________
Alright!
Who siphoned the blood out of my cat?

gibson_thunder · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 4:48 pm Post subject:

are you handy with a volt/ohm meter?
_________________
--==Warum tut es weh, wenn ich pinkele?==--

Neil Gray · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 8:14 pm Post subject:

I knew it was gonna be something that involved... umm... stuff! I guess I could work out how to use a volt/ohm meter, but it's getting a hold of one that will prove to be an issue (if they're the kind of thing you can get a hold of).
I am not the handiest person that God ever breathed breath into, but I generally find a way. I'll find someone who owns a volt/ohm meter and I'll stuff around.
So that it doesn't take six weeks to find out what to do next, could you give me the next step?
A) Say the volt/ohm meter tells me that their is no current or output whatsoever... New pickups?
B) Their is a current. Why the silence?
C) Should I just put her in for a 'service'?
Any thoughts on the issue would be greatly received... even appreciated.
_________________
Alright!
Who siphoned the blood out of my cat?

gibson_thunder · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 8:51 pm Post subject:

ok, here we go,...
you want to test the pickup using the closest piece of wiring to the pickup, usually the wires coming directly from the pup... with the wires exposed, put the bass back together , switch your volt meter to AC volts & hold the probes to the pup wires. pluck a string & the output should be between 100 mV and 1 V RMS. If you have output at the pup, check the connections between the pup & output(pots,switches,etc) with the continuity tester. No output? time for a new pickup! hope this helps!
_________________
--==Warum tut es weh, wenn ich pinkele?==--

gibson_thunder · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 8:52 pm Post subject:

oh, yeah, you can get a multi-tester at any auto store or hardware store
_________________
--==Warum tut es weh, wenn ich pinkele?==--

Mkuk0 · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 1:30 am Post subject:

MMMMmmmmmmmmmm insulation testers, 'ere, apprentice, hold these two prods while I press this button.

WWWWWooooooooooohhoooooooooo watch their eyes light up Very Happy

Sorry, sorry, sadistic outpourings finished now Confused

Mkuk0 *still grinning nastily*
_________________
Visit http://www.planetrock.co.uk/default.asp You KNOW you want to!

gibson_thunder · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 2:50 pm Post subject:

LMAO

_________________
--==Warum tut es weh, wenn ich pinkele?==--

Neil Gray · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 4:43 pm Post subject:

Okay.
I'll give it a go.
... but if I need counselling, YOU'RE PAYING Mkuk0!! Confused

_________________
Alright!
Who siphoned the blood out of my cat?

Christov · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 7:09 am Post subject:

Usually on the resistance scale on a multimeter the pickups should be about 7K ohms, this will vary depending on the pickup. A dead short will be close to 0 ohms while an open coil will be usually a flashing display on a digital multimeter, or an infinate reading on an analog style meter. The coil itself uses very small diameter wire, so be careful, it's very fragile. Also, the wire is usually coated with enamel or laquer to keep it from shorting out. Best of luck.
_________________
My life is based on a true story.

Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 3:32 pm Post subject:

After much wailing, stamping of feet, and gnashing of teeth, I got nothing!!!
I believe it's time for a new set of pups...
Or is it, sadly, the end of the line for my J & D? Crying or Very sad

_________________
Alright!
Who siphoned the blood out of my cat?

gibson_thunder · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 3:45 pm Post subject:

NEVER!!!

get some new pups, man!
_________________
--==Warum tut es weh, wenn ich pinkele?==--

Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:18 pm Post subject:

Relax. When I say the end, I just mean the end of OUR relationship. J & D and I go back a couple of years, but there are a few people I know who are looking for a good beginnier/intermediate bass. I would never end a bass guitars life, but choose to look at it as giving her a new beginning somewhere where I think she'll be more happy.
I must admit that she never really did keep up, but for a beginner or garage player, she would kick *Horse's Patoot*!
I still have by BTB406QM, which is a fine specemin (Ibanez, so I expect no less Wink

). I guess I'll be in the market for another four string, though.
But I haven't even decided yet, so there's no need to hyperventilate. Very Happy

_________________
Alright!
Who siphoned the blood out of my cat?