Epiphone Les Paul Troubleshooting Help (E Output Issue)

[bassphreak]

I think this is the best area to post (at least to start).

I received my new (to me) Epiphone Les Paul Special. I believe it was new old stock or one that has just sat for a long while. Picked it up online from a shop.

Well I received it on Thursday and noticed that there is a sharp drop in output (sound/tone) from the E and the ADG strings. It is very noticeable drop in sound such that if you do a standard run (minor pentatonic for example) the notes on the E are very weak and the remainder of the scale is noticeably louder. The situation doesn't change if I solo the pups.

It's an older model (from 2003 I believe) with a flamed maple sunburst type finish. It has 2 EMG Select Humbucker PUPs.

What I've checked to this point:

- I have raised the the pups under the E to see if I can raise the output, but that had not impact'
- I changed out the strings to new boomers, also with no change
- soloed and raised the pups. no change
- I checked the wiring (not my strong point) but all seemed in order.

Anything else that I'm missing? The shop will absolutely honor a return. That's not the issue. I wanted to see if there are any other things I should check.

Thanks!

[3rdBass]

My 2 cents:

Not very familiar with the twin alnico humbuckers but if they're this type:



you might try removing the pup covers and checking the pole pieces. I assume they're not adjutable and but MAY be matched to the radius of the fretboard & strings.
If they're NOT adjustable or raduiussed (SP ?) you may want to return it for them to adjust for you.
I wouldn't invest extra $$ into an instrument that should have been good to go. Have them repair/ adjust it if you're on good terms with them.

Sweet piece BTW, nice find.

-GiL

[bassphreak]

This is the one. Similar. I'm not about the pups, but will probably just send it back for them to fix.

[bassphreak]

OK. Seems to be a PUP problem, specifically that the humbuckers are out of phase. closing thread. thanks.