Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

[eclecticsynergy]

Not different readings in different circumstances, but a reading that changes continuously while the probes are attached?

Recently got a pickup (old SH5 Custom) whose DCR drifts between approx 14.22K and 14.4K without ever settling to a stable number. Thought might be a problem with my VOM but the reading is steady for other pickups and remains unstable on this one. I seem to remember encountering this effect once years ago; don't recall what pickup or whether it wound up being a problem.

So, anyone else seen this behavior in a pickup? And should I try to get to the bottom of it or just shut up and install the thing?

What say you?


EDIT: Leads on this pickup were extended at some point, might that be responsible? The connection has shrink tubing and I'd rather not open it up if I don't need to.
PS: It isn't due to physical movement - the pickup and leads are perfectly still while the reading is varying.

 

[AZ Picker]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

It's fine, I'd be worried if it was dropping to zero, this is just normal variance. If it's driving you super crazy, re-strip the leads and measure without any solder on them. That might help a bit, but you can install it with no worries and get to rocking!!!

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Glad to hear it. I knew the coils were intact, just couldn't figure why it shifts like that. The leads are freshly stripped and free of solder.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Recently got a pickup (old SH5 Custom) whose DCR drifts between approx 14.22K and 14.4K without ever settling to a stable number. Thought might be a problem with my VOM but the reading is steady for other pickups and remains unstable on this one.

So current spec for a Custom is listed at 14.1k, with a +/- tolerance I know. How old is your Custom? Your DCR is within spec likely on the low number and slightly higher than spec on the high number. The reason I ask how old yours is, is because I recently bought an 80's Custom and the guy I bought it from said his meter wouldn't lock onto a number on the pup I bought either. Fluctuated between 13.31/13.52K. So, I wonder if that just happens with age or for other reasons? I don't have a meter currently, so I can't experiment.

However, I can tell you that my Custom with the roughly 13.4K reading sounds FANTASTIC. It sounds a bit more open, less compressed and slightly clearer tone than the last time I tried a Custom, which was really a CC with a mag swap, so that might account for some sound difference? I don't know.

I'll look forward to hearing what your Custom sounds like and knowing how old yours is.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

So current spec for a Custom is listed at 14.1k, with a +/- tolerance I know. How old is your Custom? Your DCR is within spec likely on the low number and slightly higher than spec on the high number. The reason I ask how old yours is, is because I recently bought an 80's Custom and the guy I bought it from said his meter wouldn't lock onto a number on the pup I bought either. Fluctuated between 13.31/13.52K. So, I wonder if that just happens with age or for other reasons? I don't have a meter currently, so I can't experiment.

However, I can tell you that my Custom with the roughly 13.4K reading sounds FANTASTIC. It sounds a bit more open, less compressed and slightly clearer tone than the last time I tried a Custom, which was really a CC with a mag swap, so that might account for some sound difference? I don't know.

I'll look forward to hearing what your Custom sounds like and knowing how old yours is.

It's early 80s, I think. Non-logo baseplate, the sticker says "DC - M" and is darkened but still legible. It is wound a bit heavier than my other two which are much more recent - 2000s Custom/UA5 reads 13.7, and 2010-ish Custom5 reads 13.75. Maybe it does have something to do with age, although I have a set of 59s that's just as old and they give clear steady readings.

Edited to add better pics:

 

[Adieu]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Have you tried your multimeter on other pups recently? Corroded terminals, maybe

 

[majewsky]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Resistance depends on temperature and it's not linear.

Also the good measuring device cost probably over $100.

Your measurements looks 100% correct if you take all of those variables in count

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

YEP, I have a JB just like that; 3 letter sticker, no markings at all on baseplate. MJ verified it as an early 80's model, up to about 85' she said, so yours fits right there too. My Custom has the first version of the SD stamp on the bottom, along with the 3 letter sticker, so it's mid to late 80's version. I have a few pickups from this era, so I'd like to get a multi meter again at some point, but if your old 59's are stable, age may not be a factor. Maybe it's a function of how ceramic magnets age and effect components over time? That's a complete shot in the dark though. As long as it sounds good that's all that really matters.

My Custom is also double cream, which is cool, like yours. I almost bought the one that was for sale in the Trading Post recently, but I really didn't have a need for another Custom. Hey, you wouldn't possibly be interested in letting your old 80's 59' bridge go would you? Especially if it's DC. I've been looking for one for a while now. No pressure, just asking.

Enjoy your Custom.

It's early 80s, I think. Non-logo baseplate, the sticker says "DC - M" and is darkened but still legible. It is wound a bit heavier than my other two which are much more recent - 2000s Custom/UA5 reads 13.7, and 2010-ish Custom5 reads 13.75. Maybe it does have something to do with age, although I have a set of 59s that's just as old and they give clear steady readings. Here's are some crummy pics; will try to take some better ones (with a clean lens) in the daylight tomorrow.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

the age of the pup shouldnt really effect the fluctuation of the reading per se. its possible wear n tear might have something to do with it though. as everyone else said, if it sounds fine then it is fine

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Have you tried your multimeter on other pups recently? Corroded terminals, maybe

Yes, the first thing I did was to try the meter on several other pickups and it reads rock steady on all of 'em. Except this one. The test probes are not corroded, and the pickup leads are stripped and free of solder.

Resistance depends on temperature and it's not linear.

Also the good measuring device cost probably over $100.

Your measurements looks 100% correct if you take all of those variables in count

Again, I'm not talking about separate instances where temperature variation would apply. I'm referring to a reading which shifts continuously while the probes are attached, without ever settling to a steady reading.

I've always used a plain basic VOM, just to check continuity on pickups when I buy 'em and and log their approximate DCR for my files. I don't really need technical precision. Thanks though.

 

[Artie]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Another thing is, are you using meter clips, or your fingers? That can alter the reading dynamically.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

YEP, I have a JB just like that; 3 letter sticker, no markings at all on baseplate. MJ verified it as an early 80's model, up to about 85' she said, so yours fits right there too. My Custom has the first version of the SD stamp on the bottom, along with the 3 letter sticker, so it's mid to late 80's version. I have a few pickups from this era, so I'd like to get a multi meter again at some point, but if your old 59's are stable, age may not be a factor. Maybe it's a function of how ceramic magnets age and effect components over time? That's a complete shot in the dark though. As long as it sounds good that's all that really matters.

My Custom is also double cream, which is cool, like yours. I almost bought the one that was for sale in the Trading Post recently, but I really didn't have a need for another Custom. Hey, you wouldn't possibly be interested in letting your old 80's 59' bridge go would you? Especially if it's DC. I've been looking for one for a while now. No pressure, just asking.

Enjoy your Custom.

This is the one from the Trading Post; I couldn't pass up a double cream. It'll be going into my korina Firebird Studio, probably getting an A5. My other (mahogany) Firebird Studio has the Custom5. Very happy with it.

The old 59s are in my #1 Les Paul where they've remained since '83. Neck is zebra, and the bridge is covered but as I remember it's double black underneath. They sound fabulous in this guitar; I assume they have the old style black mags but never have opened them up. If I ever pull them I'll keep you in mind. The 59N gets discussed here but there isn't much talk about the 59B. Great pickup for a really broad range of styles.

My only unused double cream Duncans are a JB/JazzN set that I've considered letting go. I never really bonded with JBs in Gibson scale guitars. I do have a Strat build in the works, though, so I'm hanging on to 'em for now.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Someone over at TGP posted that he's seen this with several older pickups from both Duncan and DiMarzio. It's reassuring to know it isn't unheard-of and maybe a sign of some exotic problem.

 

[Discharged]

Re: Anybody ever get unstable DCR readings from a pickup?

Leads on this pickup were extended at some point, might that be responsible?

That's the culprit.

Time to put a new lead in it.

/Peter