Measuring Pickup outputs

[Sibob]

The bridge pickup on my 1983 Jazz Bass seems to be really weak/quiet and as a result the neck pickup seems very boomy and over-powering.

At first I simply thought "well I'll just drop some Wizards in", because thats what are in my 1973 Jazz (albeit custom winds) and I really like them.
Then I thought that if it's just the bridge pickup that is just under-powered, I could just have it re-wound.

So.....Is there a way that I can measure the outputs of the pickups while they're still in the bass?
I have a meter, but I'm a bit of a layman when it comes to things like that

Any suggestions?

Si

[paul_5]

probably the easiest way to do it is to solder two pieces of wire to the terminals onto a 1/4" guitar lead plug, then get your meter across the ends of the wire as you play the bass - this will be in millivolts, so make sure that your meter is set to read really small voltages. Because of the design of guitar pickups the harder you hit the strings, the more voltage is produced, so you're probably better taking an average. Solo each pickup using their respective volume knobs and compare the output levels. Hey presto, pickups still intact and measured. Simples.

[flyfisher]

A lot will depend on the sensitivity of the meter, but it could be useful for comparison purposes.

Don't forget to use an AC range though.

[essexbasscat]

Interesting topic this. Can anyone outline a practical method of bench testing pickup output please ? i.e. magnetic pole strength and winding impedance ?

Manufacturers often give these specs. It would be handy to be able to compare the output of the pickup sitting in the bottom of the box in the cupboard, which may save a bob or two.

Apologies if this is a slight thread hijack, as my question is about pickups out of the bass, not in it. Hopefully, answers will still be relevant to the OP's question.

Thanks for any answers

T

Edited December 29, 2010 by essexbasscat

[ikay]

This link explains how to measure DC resistance of pickups while installed in the bass - [url="http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pickups/9291-how-do-i-measure-output-pickup.html"]http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pickups/92...put-pickup.html[/url]

DC resistance is a frequently quoted pickup spec but only measures the resistance of the windings which doesn't tell you much about the output which is a function of the magnet type/strength and other factors (remove the magnets and the DC resistance is the same but the pup will produce no output at all). Inductance is more useful but is difficult to measure without specialist equipment.

This link provides more detailed info on the key factors that determine pickup output and tone characteristics - [url="http://buildyourguitar.com/resources/lemme/"]http://buildyourguitar.com/resources/lemme/[/url]

[nick]

Andy from Wizard rewound the bridge pickup on my old Japcrap Kimbara jazz copy to RWRP, as well increasing it a touch,making it sympathetic to neck pickup.
Excellent job, really happy with the result, very quick turnaround too.