Why are my pickups out of phase?

[Ricey]

I just had a Duncan Custom installed in the bridge and an old Jackson J-50 BC installed in the neck position of a 90' Charvel Fusion Plus-ash body, rosewood board, 24.75" scale length. The Jackson pup was designed for the bridge, but I found an old Jackson pickup brochure over on Alien Nation that indicates in can be used in "Bridge (Neck) positions. It is the ceramic magnet version of the J-50. The guitar has a 5-way super switch that in stock configuration is supposed to give the following options:

1. Neck
2. Neck + Bridge outer coils split
3. Neck + Bridge both full HB
4. Neck + Bridge inner coils split
5. Bridge HB

In all positions where both pups are engaged, they are out of phase. I get a very clear honky out of phase sound. I think I remember seeing someone post that that they had this problem when mixing Duncans with DiMarzios. Could I be having the same problem and what is the solution? Any advice is appreciated

 

[Mincer]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Well, if Jackson's pickups are made by the Fender company, who owns them, then they will be out of phase with Duncans. This is essentially the wiring scheme I use, but all Duncans (my 2 & 4 positions are flipped from yours). Even with in-phase pickups, it requires a magnet flip for the right coils to be used and still be hum-cancelling.

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

The Jackson pup is pre Fender. It was probably made in Japan by Gotoh. Can it be wired in phase with the Duncan or do I have to get another Duncan for the neck? If so, it does not seem like a very good marketing move by Duncan? Either that or brilliant-buy one Duncan, then you must buy two.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Reverse the hot & ground on either pickup, and it should be in phase. Many pickups are in phase with Duncans, but there are no standards here at all- just like there are no standards for wire colors. Every company uses their own.

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

SWEET....thanks for the tip!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Come back and let us know how this turned out!

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

I have not done anything yet. I am thinking of just replacing the Jackson J-50BC in the neck with a Duncan. What SD neck pup would match up well with the Custom in the bridge and also work well for the 2 split coil mode sounds when the 5-way super switch is set to positions #2 and #4 listed above?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

I'd take a look at the Jazz for the neck. It goes well with the Custom and splits well.

 

[Toejam]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

The Jackson pup is pre Fender. It was probably made in Japan by Gotoh.

Except Jackson made their own pickups back then in-house. There should be color codes floating around for their wiring.

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Was Jackson still making their pups in house in the USA in 90-91? I read that Gotoh started making them for Jackson for the MIJ Charvel/ Jackson guitars at some point.

Also, would the Jazz work better with the Custom than a 59' neck? Does the 59' split as well as the Jazz?

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

I have not done anything yet. I am thinking of just replacing the Jackson J-50BC in the neck with a Duncan. What SD neck pup would match up well with the Custom in the bridge and also work well for the 2 split coil mode sounds when the 5-way super switch is set to positions #2 and #4 listed above?

Depending on the style of music and the guitar, there a number of good ones. Mincer's suggestion of the Jazz is good, and I would also think a '59. Or, if it's 24 frets, I'd recommend The Sentient. In a 24 fret guitar, it's my favorite and it splits well. Tonally, it's a cross between the '59 and Jazz to my ears.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Also, would the Jazz work better with the Custom than a 59' neck? Does the 59' split as well as the Jazz?

Both the Jazz and 59 work great with a Custom in the bridge, it largely comes down to personal preference. Of the two I find the 59 to have more of an old school PAF sound, while the Jazz is bright and clear OTOH almost single coil-like. Generally speaking I like the Jazz better as it'll get somewhat close to 59 territory with the tone rolled off slightly. With the tone full up it sounds almost like a 'bigger' Strat pickup. I've been rocking a Custom / Jazz set in my Explorer since 2002 or 2003.

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

It is a 24 fret guitar! Interestingly, I sent a product recommendation request to Duncan and they recommended the Pegasus + Sentient combo, which I discounted because those pups appeared to be geared towards Metal and I am looking for something a little more versatile. I might have to give that one a go! What is it about the Sentient that makes it better suited to 24 fret guitars?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

Well the Pegasus/Sentient set are good for a lot of stuff, not just metal, so I see that as a solid recommendation, too.

 

[Ricey]

Re: Why are my pickups out of phase?

How does the Pegasus compare to the the Custom? Can it do 80s Hair and EVH? Does it sound good split?