Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

[HR Bassman]

I recently upgraded my custom jazz bass with a new set of Classic Stack jazz pickups. Initially I had them paired with an Audere preamp, but they did not sound good together, so I swapped it out for a passive harness (Richter). The entirety of the inside of the bass is shielded. I have a ground from the bridge connected to the Richter ground lead, and the hot and common leads from each pickup connected to the appropriate connections on the Richter (see the photo below). I've labeled the connections on the Richter passive plate (which I bought from Best Bass Gear - love those guys). I followed their instructions exactly to install this properly.



The problem is that now, whenever my fingers touch any of the pole pieces of either pickup, regardless of volume or tone, it produces a rather loud buzzing - almost like turning the dial on an AM stereo receiver. I'm assuming this is a ground issue, but where have I gone wrong? The pickups come with copper shielding on the bottom of each one - should I try replacing that tape with some better quality shielding I have from Stew Mac? Or could there be another problem that I'm not seeing? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any ideas you might offer.

 

[HR Bassman]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

BUMP - really? Someone must have some ideas about this - or if I've posted in the incorrect forum, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

I replied in the duplicate version of this thread in The Bassment room. *

BUMP - really?

Yes, really.

This is a public Internet forum of people who use and, in some cases, like Seymour Duncan replacement pickups.

If you want "service" and you expect it to be snappy, contact somebody who is paid to provide it.




* The version of this thread that appeared (concurrently) in The Bassment has been deleted without explanation.

 

[HR Bassman]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

I replied in the duplicate version of this thread in The Bassment room.



Yes, really.

This is a public Internet forum of people who use and, in some cases, like Seymour Duncan replacement pickups.

If you want "service" and you expect it to be snappy, contact somebody who is paid to provide it.

I'm quite aware of that; I'm sorry my post has angered you, as that was not my intention. However, I'd add that as this is a forum developed as another option for folks to look for useful and additional information. I thought perhaps someone might have similar experience. Often when I have posted in forums for various other related topics, I usually get responses from one or two folks - not always with "service" solutions, but sometimes with ideas or suggestions for research. So, I am sorry you took offense at my post...

 

[Fritz6]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

Usually when you touch something and the hum gets louder, it means you've reversed the hot and ground wires somewhere.

 

[HR Bassman]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

Usually when you touch something and the hum gets louder, it means you've reversed the hot and ground wires somewhere.

Good point. And you're right - I guess I'm not sure where from. From the pickups, there are 4 leads: as per the instructions, the red and wire leads are soldered and sealed together (done). Then there is a very think black lead (common), a bare silver lead, and a green lead. In the instructions, it says to wrap the green and bare/silver leads together as the 'hot', and use the remaining black lead as the common. Finally, I took the ground from the bridge and connected it as my photo shows above to the plate. Maybe this is incorrect? Any ideas, or should I run this to Duncan customer service for some 'walk-thru' help?

 

[Fritz6]

Re: Need help with my new Classic Stack Jazz Pickups

Don't know what "common" means when referring to pups, sorry bout that With Duncan's the black is hot, the green and bare go to ground and red and white go together. 40 watt iron works good for me. Tin then flux before soldering, lightly scuff the back of the pot (use a wide tip on the pot), use heat sinks wherever possible and check every connection for continuity before moving on. Do that and you should be ok. Hope that helps.