Bridge Pickup - Low Output

[SchecMan]

I'm getting much lower output with the bridge pickup in my lp. Almost sounds like a single coil even though it isn't setup to do that... The neck is not having the same problem. When switching from the neck to the bridge the lower output is very noticeable. The height from the pickups to the strings is set correctly and the volume for both are set the same. It just all of a sudden started doing this. I'm guessing there's a problem with the bridge pickup. Before taking it out I thought I would ask if anyone else has ever had the same problem.

 

[Fikealox]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

It might be a problem with the switch or another component in the bridge pickup's signal path. I'd try wiring the pickup directly to the jack, to see if it's actually faulty.

edit: i had a low output dimebucker once, and it was because of a low resistance path to earth at the switch due to an errant strand of wire.

 

[SchecMan]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

^I took the control plate off and checked the wiring at the pot. Everything seemed to be good. I'll take a look at the switch...

 

[SchecMan]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

Switch is good... What the heck is going on???

 

[Farkus]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

It might be a problem with the switch or another component in the bridge pickup's signal path. I'd try wiring the pickup directly to the jack, to see if it's actually faulty.

This is the best way to tell. If you have a meter you could measure it...still need to unsolder it though.

 

[Porto Leone]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

This is the best way to tell. If you have a meter you could measure it...still need to unsolder it though.

no need to unsolder. just put the instrument cable's input jack in the guitar, set the switch to the bridge position and measure the other jack of the cable (unplugged of course).

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

it sounds like one of the coils in the bridge pickup may either be shorting out, or died. check it with a meter, if you are only getting half the resistance you should be, then that is probably the case.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

it sounds like one of the coils in the bridge pickup may either be shorting out, or died. Check it with a meter, if you are only getting half the resistance you should be, then that is probably the case.

+1

 

[SchecMan]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

OK, I have a meter that I can use. Could someone explain how to check for this. What the meter needs to be set on and what needs to be touched in the control plate of a LP.

I'm new at this...

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

it's difficult to learn by text alone...

i'd do some web searches, but the short version is the set the meter to measure resistance (ohms/omega character) and have one prong on the black wire and the other on the green wire. this is assuming that you're using a duncan p/up and that it's wired in series ie the red and white wires are soldered together, which i've just realised may have been the problem all along...
:smack:
if the reading is way less than what it's "supposed" to be, one of your coils has issues.
what fikealox said about a random strand of wire making contact with things it shouldn't be is also a very good point and something to look out for; this appies to random blobs of solder as well or any other conductive material that finds it's way into your guitar body ; ]

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Bridge Pickup - Low Output

also, if it's single conductor, put one end of the meter on the shielded braid, and the other end on the hot part of the output jack.