clint1009 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Recommended to try here my a fellow musicradar forumite... I have been trying to install a PJ set which I've followed to the letter but have still run into problems. The pickups seem to have very lower output compared to other EMG pickups I have and turning any of the 3 knobs (neck vol,bridge vol,tone) does nothing. Tapping the pickups reveals the E and A side coil (P-Bass type) seems to not be working where as both the others do. Baffed!! Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Are they passive pickups? I am assuming yes. Next thing to do is to upload a really nice clear photograph of all the wiring (so we can see cable colour and where the wires are attached) - I reckon it will be something fairly simple and a second set of eyes will set you straight in to time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 I think I had exactly the same thing with my EMG's. I eventually realised that the connector can actually fit either way around on the bottom of the pickup, and I had one of the plugs upside down. As a precaution, I would probably Google an EMG wiring diagram and check which way around they should be before you start plugging them differently. Mine didn't seem to be affected by being plugged up wrong, but you never know what damage it might cause if you keep doing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 They're actives.... [url="http://www.emginc.com/products/category/24/2"]These ones![/url] I'm pretty sure they are connected the right way up as well, although I'll triple check. Will dig out the camera and post a pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 Here's my wiring (it's not the neatest I'm afraid) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Are these EMGs with quick connect? I'd check the link between the two halves of the P pickup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 It's a bit difficult to tell from that pic but if we assume the wiring is correct, the problem is more likely to be at the connector end where they meet the pickups. This is alluded to by my friend Hugh Hands above. One tip I use is to ensure that when the connector is in place you can see small 'windows' of copper when viewed from the underside of the pickup (the wrong way shows only black plastic). Check this and come back to us. I'm bound to say that judging by your avatar you seem a little young to be wielding a soldering iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 I have checked all the connections on the backs of the pickups themselves and they are attached the right way up. I spotted a misplaced wired on the tone pot earlier which I'm going move to the right tag now. Fingers crossed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 Hmmm....problem still persists. Really confused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 Okay a couple of new clearer pics and a summary of my problems. Any help appreciated!! - E and A string side of P-type pickup not working although D and G side is. - J-type (bridge) pickup not working. - All quick connectors are the right way up. - Both volume and tone controls do nothing at all. - VERY low output to amp. - As far as the diagram goes everything appears to be wired correctly. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Not sure you've got the wires to the barrel jack the right way round - try swapping black and white? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 [quote name='The Bass Doc' post='837158' date='May 14 2010, 02:02 PM']Not sure you've got the wires to the barrel jack the right way round - try swapping black and white?[/quote] GENIUS!!! It's alive!!!! Thank you!! I was certain I'd done that correctly.... oops! I have a spare battery clip is it worth doing the 18V mod? I can't mess that up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Glad it worked out - that'll be two guineas and a chocolate frog please. 18 volt? I wouldn't bother personally, but, as you say, can't go far wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint1009 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 Might quit while I'm ahead for now and just play the damn thing! Thanks again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted May 15, 2010 Share Posted May 15, 2010 Glad you are sorted! That's great! I noticed an improvement going from 9 to 18v - but I think it was worthwhile as I am using a preamp as well, so having the extra current is probably a bonus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimBobTTD Posted May 15, 2010 Share Posted May 15, 2010 I also noticed an improvement with 18v, using a bass with 2 P pickups and a treble/bass control (all EMG). My current bass with EMGs is also 18v - I didn't bother trying it out with 9v. It's a very easy mod and easy to put back. Nothing to lose! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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