Telecaster Stack problem

[zombywoof]

I recently installed a Hot Stack and Vintage stack in my Telecaster with 2 push-pull pots - one to split each pickup. I used this diagramhttp://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=tele_2stacks_pushpull, but with the second red/white pair going to the other pot.
My problem is that in humbucker mode, each pickup drops in volume.
Now, I figured that the humbuckers should be louder, so wondered if I'd got mixed up, but sure enough, after testing the resistances, I get 8k(vintage) and 10k(hot) in the single coil setting and 15k(vintage) and 20k(hot) in the humbucking setting.
The volume drop is not huge - it's a small drop, but I didnt even expect the drop to go that way - I expected the humbucker to be louder. The single coil sound is awesome.
So, my question is, what's happening here? Obviously with the resistances being correct, the pickups are working well which means theres a problems with the wiring. What can cause this drop in volume, and how can I fix it?
Any help greatly appreciated

 

[CTN]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

I could be wrong about this, but is it possible that the perceived volume drop is just a change in tone? ie mids getting cut out while in humbucking mode. Seeing as mids are where a guitar's sound is most prevalent, if there was a drop in mids, it might seem like the volume was dropping.

*shrug*

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

Well from what I know humbuckers are a lot fatter and smoother. They have less highs then single coils. Highs sorta cast the illusion that there's more output because there are more frequencies (so I have noticed on my guitars). For example, I have a Tele that came with some low output stock PU's and the bridge single coil matches up with all my humbucker equipped guitars when I put it close to the strings. It matches up with volume but not output if that makes any sense. I could have my amp on a setting where if it was a humbucker it would be a saturated tone but my Tele would only have a mild breakup and they would both have the same volume. See what I mean? But that's just from what I've experienced. It could be something else too I'm not sure.

 

[zombywoof]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

I could be wrong about this, but is it possible that the perceived volume drop is just a change in tone? ie mids getting cut out while in humbucking mode. Seeing as mids are where a guitar's sound is most prevalent, if there was a drop in mids, it might seem like the volume was dropping.

*shrug*

Just measured the levels in Sonar. Looks like a 3db drop. Not just mids. Thanks for that though - hadn't considered that the drop might just be perceived.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

you arent going nuts and you havent wired anything incorrectly.

not all humbuckers are created equal. stacked buckers lose volume when both coils are on.

 

[zombywoof]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

you arent going nuts and you havent wired anything incorrectly.

not all humbuckers are created equal. stacked buckers lose volume when both coils are on.

Thank you. You've put my mind at ease.
It's not that I disliked the sound - both full and split sounds are great. The volume drop just niggled.
Thanks for the quick replies guys.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Telecaster Stack problem

Think of it this way.

In a regular humbucker, the coil bobbins are side by side and contributing (approximately) equally to the overall signal. In a stacked-coil, noise-cancelling pickup, the upper coil is sensing the string (in all modes) whilst the lower coil is just there to cancel any noise. The lower coil is too far away from the strings to pick up much, if any, of their movement.