How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

[No_Where_Fast]

I've read that as a approximate rule you can work out a complimentary Pot/p'up combo by multiplying the Pick-up's DC resistance by 40...

e.g.1:
Vintage Staggered, DC resistance 6.5k
6.5 x 40 = 260
So by this theory 250K Pots will work well...

e.g.2:
'59 Model (neck), DC resistance 7.43k
7.43 x 40 = 297.2
I guess that's why many LPs with traditional PAF's use 300k pots.

What then do you do when you have two different DC res p'ups? For example, I have a JM with a '59 Model (neck), DC resistance 7.43k; and a Duncan Custom (bridge), DC resistance 14.1k.

In theory, the '59 wants 300k pots, and the Custom wants around the 500k-600k region. 300k are gonna muddy up the Custom, and 500k make the '59 too harsh.

Obviously this can be rectified easily in a LP with separate controls, but what about a 1 vol / 1 tone set up?

 

[RW James]

Re: How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

This is a good question... I hope somebody responds to it.

Rick

 

[No_Where_Fast]

Re: How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

Me too! Anyone?

 

[Zerberus]

Re: How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

The formula is new to me, though I can well imagine it being factual.....

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

i actually prefer 59's with 500k's

when distorted, they sound much much meaner

and if it's in the neck position, well for me, i try to get them as bright sounding as possible

 

[Stevo]

Re: How is a Pick-up's DC resistance linked to Pot resistance?

I agree with Drew. I like 500k pots for all humbuckers, especiall a 59n. People focus too much on DC resistance. The actual sound comes from AC, you have different magnets that affect tone, the position of the pickup makes a difference because of different string vibration etc.

DC resistance levels are a very simple reference. You need to experiment to really know the results.