Can pickups "die"?

synterx · #1 11-06-2009, 08:05 PM

I have a 10 year old Cirrus. I mainly play my USA Millenniums live. I brought out the ol' Cirrus recently, and I noticed I could barely hear the G string notes. Compared to the Millenniums I have, it's about 1/2 the volume. I figure the string is dead? Put on a new identical Cirrus string...no better. I raise the pickups even more, even though they are already up pretty high, and it's really no better.

So, since I've played it so rarely the last few years, and the bass is getting up there in age, can the pickups go wonky?

If they did, I would think the entire pickup would go bad, not just the high end frequency spectrum.

I'd hate to replace the pickups only to find out that's not the issue.

Ideas? Thoughts?

your idol · #2 11-06-2009, 08:07 PM

they sure can, find a replacement or a plce that will rewind it

mmbongo · #3 11-06-2009, 08:44 PM

Dumb question...did you replace the battery?

synterx · #4 11-06-2009, 09:18 PM

Did swap in new batteries. I'll call up peavey and see how much 2 proper pickups might cost. I can't think what else it might be.

M0ses · #5 11-06-2009, 09:22 PM

Short Answer: Yes

Long Answer: Yes. But, you can get them fixed up. But, it probably won't cost much less than buying a new one and isn't worth it unless you freaking love them or they're vintage/collectible.

chicago_mike · #6 11-07-2009, 01:56 AM

tap the pups with an allen wrench..and listen for even-ness across the length of the pup. Now, if you notice serious drop outs, or volume loss...theres a couple things in play..

the pups could have been weak from the start, the pole pieces on that side could be losing magnetism..happens...really shouldnt, but it does..if the pup is not built right.

you can get replacements. I know a guy who had a 5'er cirrus, and his pups looked like someone took a gouge to them...he just had big hands and really dug in. Drove to peavey and replaced them there. Same with the preamp.