Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

[krovatron]

I love scoring used pickups. Came across a great deal on a Custom 5 and 59NRP from an ESP?

The 59 measures just around 8k and the Custom 5 is 14.47k.

I have the 5 raised as high as possible and the 59 low as possible they are still unbalanced. Have double checked wiring, (did replace the switch in the PRS) and still seems so quiet. Wondered if it was the volume pot, etc., but a set of BKP VHii's are running great. Took the Custom 5 and put it in an LP that has the Slash Sig set. Same problem. This has me scratching my head and I have scoured the internet for solutions. I was hoping to experiment with mag swaps as I am not the hugest fan of polished A5 in the bridge, (big fan of the custom) but I am wondering if something is going on. Any suggestions on what to trouble shoot next? As it was bought used, SD isn't going to look at it.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Hmm, have you tried wiring the C5 directly to the jack? If both coils are confirmed working, then it is in the wiring somewhere. If you are getting the full reading on the pickup itself, then it should work.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

They're likely out of phase with each other.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Hmm, have you tried wiring the C5 directly to the jack? If both coils are confirmed working, then it is in the wiring somewhere. If you are getting the full reading on the pickup itself, then it should work.

Great idea. I had it solo pup and it seemed fine.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Degaussed magnet?

Can happen from improper storage, coming into contact with other pickups, other magnets, etc. There are reports of it happening when placed too close to speakers (big magnets on back), also.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

They're likely out of phase with each other.

Interesting idea. I know this can happen in the middle. Even bridge solo'd? I can post the pics of the wiring. Bridge has standard series...neck is something else. Makes me wonder why the C5 would still be out of phase with the AP2 too.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Degaussed magnet?

Can happen from improper storage, coming into contact with other pickups, other magnets, etc. There are reports of it happening when placed too close to speakers (big magnets on back), also.

Another great idea. You guys are great. I have two UOA5s on hand and a bunch of others.

Any suggestions for testing magnet strength?

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Magnet polarity measurements on adjustable side:
59RP - North ( as thought)
C5, AP2 B & N - South

Makes sense that the 59 would be out of phase. It is wired as shown with black and green soldered together. Both pickups do not have bare wire for ground. I would have to cut them to do so and want to wait until I determine the guitar before doing so.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Usually, the black is hot, green is ground, and white and red soldered together and taped.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Usually, the black is hot, green is ground, and white and red soldered together and taped.

Correct. I think with the 59 being reverse polarity it was intended to keep the phase. I have read other places that this cannot fully compensate for a magnet flip.

With the trouble with other pickups, I am wondering if it is a magnet issue.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Flipping the magnet is fairly simple, though...if that 'solves' the issue here.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Flipping the magnet is fairly simple, though...if that 'solves' the issue here.

Yes, I'd swap it too since polished A5 is not my jam. It is the C5 that is an issue though. It's output isnt subjectively more than a VH2 (9k) and AP2B (8.6k).

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output



Got the magnets swapped on both pickups. Hate removing covers. Interestingly, the C5 barely has any tape on it. Lots of wax, yet coils 'exposed' ? Never seen that on other SDs I've taken apart.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

The C5 is wired out of phase with itself. It needs to be wired start finish finish start.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

The C5 is wired out of phase with itself. It needs to be wired start finish finish start.

If you're refering to the pic in post #8, that was the 59 - which after a magnet flip is now in traditional series.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Im talking about the Custom. You need to check and make sure it's wired Start finish, finish start.
It'll read fine on the meter and you wont know until you wire it up, which is what happened to you here.

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Im talking about the Custom. You need to check and make sure it's wired Start finish, finish start.
It'll read fine on the meter and you wont know until you wire it up, which is what happened to you here.

Kind of feeling dense. It was/is wired traditional series (red&white taped off) black hot, green ground. Are you saying it could be different than the traditional SD series wiring?

 

[chadd]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

Kind of feeling dense. It was/is wired traditional series (red&white taped off) black hot, green ground. Are you saying it could be different than the traditional SD series wiring?

I have heard cases of the colored wires being connected incorrectly, resulting in the problem you describe

 

[krovatron]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

I have heard cases of the colored wires being connected incorrectly, resulting in the problem you describe

Oh boy. Outside of trial and error, can one use a multimeter to figure it out?

 

[dystrust]

Re: Possible Defective Custom 5? Low Output

I have heard cases of the colored wires being connected incorrectly, resulting in the problem you describe

I've had that happen twice. Once with a SH-5 Custom in 2002 or so, and with a really early P-Rails in 2008.