EMG-P5J - Low output levels, -- very puzzling HELP Plz

[JJF323]

Does anybody know what I might have done wrong?

I installed a P5J set on my 5-string Yamaha bass, looks great, double checked the wiring with Rick Hunt at the factory, - but still have low output.
Ever since the first time I powered up, it has been exactly the same problem.
1) the overall volume is super low, -clean, but low
2) the dynamics of the tone-pot are insignificant, -in the studio it is noticible, but live- not so much.
3) the bridge pickup is the weakest.

---- Any thoughts or ideas would be tried and appreciated..

[Aharon]

Hi,

When you run each pickup seperately do they sound alright? If the output is low when you are running two pickups then it might be 'insertion loss' (which I am trying to solve right now).

I remember my neck pickup was louder than my bridge pickup but when i rolled in the neck volume the overall output would decrease.

If it is indeed a very bad case of insertion loss, then you might look into getting one of these to replace your volume control(s)...


http://www.emginc.com/products/index/206/147/4


hope this helps.

[JJF323]

Thanks I've not heard of this before. -makes sense though.

I'll try one pickup at a time and see if the volume is better.
I would think this change might enhance the tone as well?
I just read the pdf schematic for the ABC, -lots of options.
Nice to know that EMG is aware of this, and has a fix.

If this works, I'll get me a ABC.
Awesome thanks!

[SGD Lutherie]

I used that set of pickups for years and they were not low output. They are pretty loud actually. The tone control should have less of an effect than you mention.

Are you sure they are wired up correctly, especially the battery? Are the plugs in the right way under the pickup?

If your plug all the way in the output jack? Sometimes it wont click all the way and you get a very low signal and distortion.

Check the wiring and make sure you are not missing a ground connection to the pots.