SSL-3 Problem

[James Davidson]

i just installed an ssl-3 in the bridge position of my mim strat. the problem is, it just doesnt have the output and volume i expected compared to the neck and middle and it has a darker less trebly sound than the others too.

what could be the problem? do you think i might have wired it the wrong way around. the neck and middle pickups are irongear pigirons.

 

[James Davidson]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

ok, i just rewired the pickup the other way around and it sounds exactly the same. what am i doing wrong?

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

The SSL3 is dark, and less trebly, than most single coils. That's how it was designed.

What are your other pickups in the strat?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

How far have you set the SSL-3 from the strings?

 

[James Davidson]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

about 2mm on the bass side and a little further on the treble side

other pickups are irongear pigirons. theyre budget pickups but theyre not bad.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

Try setting it lower. This is what I had to do with my first Twangbanger in order to find its sweet spot.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

Check the magnetic properties of a all poles with a iron nail or something. Ye all should be attracted with the same force. All strings should equally loud.
Sometimes pole pieces are degaussed by accident.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

Try setting it lower. This is what I had to do with my first Twangbanger in order to find its sweet spot.

That's a good idea. I've used one for years in my AM Standard, and when it's adjusted right, it sounds really great.

 

[Gypsyblue]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

i just installed an ssl-3 in the bridge position of my mim strat. the problem is, it just doesnt have the output and volume i expected compared to the neck and middle and it has a darker less trebly sound than the others too.

what could be the problem? do you think i might have wired it the wrong way around. the neck and middle pickups are irongear pigirons.

Moving it closer to the strings will make it louder and brighter. But if you get it to close, especially on the bass side, the magnets in the SSL3 will start to pull the bass strings of your guitar out of tune. Are your current neck and middle pickups overwound or hotter than "normal" Strat pickups? Maybe that's the problem? Or maybe you'd be happier with a hotter bridge pickup than the SSL3? A Quarter Pounder or JB JR or Little 59?

 

[jeremy]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

why is the bass side closer to the strings? typically it shouldnt be. raise up the treble side.

the pigirons shouldnt be louder but will be brighter for sure.



funk, why lower the pup? it will be less loud if its further from the strings. sweet spot tonally maybe but if output is the issue lowering the pup aint gonna help

 

[WGTP]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

When I used my SSL-3 with a dark amp, it didn't cut it. I would end up using it tapped when playing high on the neck. When I switched to a different amp, it was great.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

funk, why lower the pup? it will be less loud if its further from the strings. sweet spot tonally maybe but if output is the issue lowering the pup aint gonna help

My thought was that the SSL-3 was so close to the strings that its magnetic pull could be reducing string excursion. Then, again, this ought to affect the strings regardless of pickup selection.

 

[jeremy]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

typically the neck pup is culprit more often than not, but having rod magnets too close still isnt a great idea.

are the neck and middle pups very close to the strings as well?

 

[James Davidson]

Re: SSL-3 Problem

hey. thinks for the help guys. im still trying to figure this out though. maybe its just the ssl-3 isnt for me.