SBjr question in a Stratocaster

seratone

New member
I just installed an SB jr Slimline Humbucker in the bridge position of my MIM Road Worn 50's Classic Stratocaster (the other two Tex Mex remain).

I have noticed the new SBjr is incredibly quiet on it's own, barely usable. Is this normal? I've raised the p/u to the strings without much effect.

it sounds ok in the '4' position with the centre pickup. I'm new to Strats and not that familiar with working on them.
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

Welcome to the forum.

If your SD single coil sized humbucker is sounding weak on its own, the possible explanations are;
1) Incorrect/incomplete wiring of the four conductor cables.
2) Dry solder joints.
3) Damaged pickup.
4) Damaged selector switch.

A hyperlink to the schematic diagram that you have followed and some photographs of your actual wiring would make the problem far easier to solve.
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

1) Incorrect/incomplete wiring of the four conductor cables.

i guessing that too.
The new pickup should make your stock pups sound like toys. Sounds like you have your pup wired in parallel instead of series seeing as you say its quiet but also low output.
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

I just followed a Youtube video from SD - not sure if it was officially sponsored. Red and Black from the guitar to Green and Black on the p/u - tying off the Red, White and Ground. I'm going to open up the guitar and make sure I soldered them off not just tied them off.
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

From what you just said, your wiring is incorrect. (or it just doesn't make sense). Do not combine the red, white, and ground...only the red and white (solder together and wrap with tape or heat shrink to insulate from other contact). Green and bare wires from the pup go to ground. Black from the pup goes to the appropriate lug on the switch.

What diagram were you following? This is probably the one you want...

http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=1h_2s_1v_2t_5w

What do you mean "red and black from the guitar"?

Also, what is a SB jr? Do you mean JB jr?
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

That fixed it, Thanks. It's quite a powerful pickup. It seems wasted there - I'm not used to such a 'snocky Sound' - Would it be possible to move it in the Centre position? Or is the JB Jr. specifically designed for the Bridge position?
 
Re: SBjr question in a Stratocaster

There are no hard-fast rules. Generally it is used in the bridge, but if you like it in the neck or center then that's where it should go.
 
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