Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

[brashboy]

I have three pickups wired together (bought them that way) for a Classic Vibe Strat. I want to measure DCR of each separately without cutting them apart. I don't see any way to do it, but thought I would ask the experts. See pic.

Any way to do it?

If not, then I'll measure them once they've been added to a loaded pickguard and installed.

Thanks,
Brash

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

The only problem appears to be that you can't tell which black lead comes from which pickup. But here's the thing: With the meter probe connected to either the red, the yellow, or the blue wires, only one of the black will give you a reading. So put the hot probe on one color, then try all the blacks until you get a reading. The repeat with the other two colors.

FWIW, there's no reason not to cut them apart. They are a P.I.T.A. bundled like that, and they provide no benefits.

 

[freefrog]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

Put the probes of your DMM on the two blobs of solder exhibited by each pickup. As long as the ends of the colored wires are not touching each other, the blobs will give you the exact DCR of each coil.

Seeing the pickups, I'd bet for 6.1k to 6.4k, BTW. Let us know what you read on your DMM.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

Even without the blobs, its incredibly simple - just put one probe on the first coloured wire and in turn put the other probe on the black wires until you get a reading. You can only get one black wire reading for each pickup.

 

[brashboy]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

Thanks, folks, I will try your suggestions. I might just cut them apart. I have to know which black lead is which to add them to a pickguard, anyway.

Best,
Brash

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

All the blacks are just going to the back of the volume pot for ground, right?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Any way to measure DC resistance on connected but uninstalled pickups?

^ Yep, all 3 blacks in a typical strat pickguard go to the same place.