Kent Armstrong Lakland Scheff Lipstick Pickups...do they hum?

Rumblefisher · #1 03-30-2011, 06:43 PM

Today I got the chance to try a Lakkie Scheff...something I've wanted to do for some time. It was a Skyline model, which I understand has the Korean-made Armstrong designed Ceramic Lipstick pickups.

I did a few searches...no info regarding hum. Are these known to hum? The bass I tried was pretty buzzy, except in the center position. The bass looked well taken care of, was well set up, etc... no reason to think it's been thrown around and would have some wiring issues. Thanks TB.

Rumblefisher · #2 03-31-2011, 10:29 AM

Nothin' guys? SOMEONE has to own this bass or know about these pickups...

laklandplayer · #3 03-31-2011, 12:13 PM

They are like standard Jazz Bass pickups in that they will hum individually but hum cancel when both are used.

RumbleBeeAL · #4 03-31-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laklandplayer

They are like standard Jazz Bass pickups in that they will hum individually but hum cancel when both are used.

I agree 100%. The pickups are designed and wired in reverse to allow any hum from outside noise to be canceled out when the mix/blend knob is centered.

Note, the hum is likely coming form fluorescent lights, dimmer controls used for lighting and any other RF noise generating source. I'd be willing to bet if you turn the offending lights/appliances off, the hum will go away and you can then enjoy dialing in that special tone you've been looking for. Obviously, for that deep throaty tone, use the neck position and pluck/finger towards the neck. For that brighter funky tone, blend towards the Bridge pup and pluck/finger towards the bridge a bit.

Either way, you'll fine these Jerry Scheff signature models can get the job done.

RumbleBeeAL · #5 03-31-2011, 12:51 PM

Let's see if we can get this going...

Checkout: Lākland Jerry Scheff Bass Club <-- Click here!

Rumblefisher · #6 03-31-2011, 12:59 PM

Thanks guys. So the pickups DO in fact hum (well, unless I turn off my lamp and play in the dark) and it's not a problem with my amp/speaker. Very good to know. If you hadn't guessed by now, the Scheff is in my possession

RumbleBeeAL · #7 03-31-2011, 01:12 PM

As laklandPlayer stated above, any standard Jazz Bass pickup will have a tendency to hum when focused on or used individually. It's simply the nature of the beast. If high RF noise levels exist around you, you will more than likely need to use the blend control to negate the offending noise.

how about getting some daytime gigs... j/k

Rumblefisher · #8 03-31-2011, 02:34 PM

Lotsa those my friend, and owned a few basses...I know what single coil hum is about. I thought that maybe the lipsticks were split coil though. This guy may make a debut at a cafe next week, in fact.