Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

[John_M]

Guys -

I'm trying to take and SM2n and a Custom, 1 vol, 1 tone, 2 dpdt on-on-on and a 3 way.

The Sm2 sounds SUPER thin split or in series (or whatever the weaker one is).

It measures 4.5k on each coil or 9.02 with RandW together (series or parallel - whatever that standard is.)

Is 4.5 too weak?

 

[John_M]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Guys -

OK - I'm at the end of my rope here.

I've wired it like the duncan schematic for 1vol, 1 tone and 2 p-p with a 3 way and it does not work.

The bridge is fine, the neck is not. I cannot figure this out- - is the sm2n wired differently?

on the Custom, the 3 way goes
Down (parallel - full power)
middle (single coil - clear)
up (series - thinner but clearer and loud

on the neck (sm2n) it goes

Down - (supposed to be parallel - it's thin and raspy - even by itself)
middle - I wouldn think single coil - this is the only setting that works
up - I would think series - barely audible.

I'm really getting pissed here - any help appreciated

Thanks

John

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Check for bad ground connections.

 

[Artie]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

John; since you have a meter, do this: You'll need to get to the back of the switches somehow. With the 3-way in the bridge position, measure the green and black of the neck. (SM-1). The three switch positions should give these three results:

1. approx. 9k
2. approx. 4.5k
3. approx. 2.25k

If you could, let us know what you get, and we can go from there.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Your descriptions of what it sounds like don't really correspond to the way series/split/parallel are supposed to sound. But it could make sense if you actually had one coil out of phase with the other. Occasionally the factory can make that error, or if you wire a Duncan using Dimarzio colors or vice versa it will also happen. Or you could have one bad/poorly connected coil on the neck pickup.

 

[John_M]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

John; since you have a meter, do this: You'll need to get to the back of the switches somehow. With the 3-way in the bridge position, measure the green and black of the neck. (SM-1). The three switch positions should give these three results:

1. approx. 9k
2. approx. 4.5k
3. approx. 2.25k

If you could, let us know what you get, and we can go from there.

Thanks so much for the help. I really appreciate it.

I do get exactly what you have here.

One thing - the chassis of the dpdts are not grounded. This does not seem to affect the Custom.

Edit - I've grounded the chassis and still no difference.

So yes - I get these measurements.

 

[John_M]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Hey all -

From a tip on another site I reversed the red and green wires and VOILA! - I guess the wiring schematics in the docs for the pickup are wrong, or my pickup is an anomaly. Anyway, the coils were outta phase, so all is well!

Here's the guitar - I was inspired by a Dave Mustaine V I saw in an ad, as well as those SGs that MF has

 

[Artie]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Hey all -

From a tip on another site I reversed the red and green wires and VOILA! - I guess the wiring schematics in the docs for the pickup are wrong, or my pickup is an anomaly. Anyway, the coils were outta phase, so all is well!

Cool. Glad you got it worked out. The diagrams aren't wrong, but as Frank pointed out, a few Duncans have made it out of the factory with one coil reversed. There was a batch of JB's that got out that way. On the other hand, are you sure you got the red and white on the proper side of the switch?

Not a big deal, since you got it working. Thats what counts.

Beautiful axe, btw. How does she sound with the mini in her?

 

[John_M]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Thanks - yeah - I'm sure I had it on the right side. I checked that over and over - checked the grounds with continuity, etc.

The min HBs sound amazing in the neck position. I've got another axe here that I did with the Sm2 and the 59

And then another I did here with Dimarzios

 

[Artie]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Dang John . . . those are all gorgeous. I don't think I've ever seen a mixture of mini's and 'buckers like that before. Very cool.

 

[John_M]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Well thank you. Not only for the compliments but for the help in this mystery. I've only posted here a few times but you've always been one of the people to answer me - much appreciated.

 

[jony]

Re: Splitting an SM2n - 4.5 k too weak?

Very cool mini humbucker thing going.. I wanna try something like that soon!