Pickup soldering woes, Please Help!!

Knoif25 · #1 07-22-2011, 02:55 PM

I'm trying to solder the pickups back into my DeArmond Jetstar, but like an idiot I unsoldered the lead wires when I took them out. The bridge pickup works fine, but the neck pickup gives me nothing. Some of the potting wax melted while I was wicking away the old solder, is it possible I fried the whole thing?
Any help is much appreciated!
Here's a pic of what I'm working with...

MarkA · #2 07-22-2011, 03:14 PM

I am a total newb to this -- in fact, I'm having problems with a pickup install right now -- but I can at least point out that your pic didn't attach.

Good luck!

Knoif25 · #3 07-22-2011, 03:24 PM

Ok, so I have two problems, my pickups aren't working and my picture link isn't working...as soon as I'm able I'm moving to a cabin in the woods, away from all this technology stuff!

Anyway, here's the link to the picture in Flickr if anyone cares to take a look.
Thanks!
photo2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

SGD Lutherie · #4 07-22-2011, 03:28 PM

It's very possible that you ruined the pickups. The thin cop wires attach to the terminals that the lead wires are on.

You should always unsolder the wires from the controls, not the pickups.

They might be fixable though.

Knoif25 · #5 07-22-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

It's very possible that you ruined the pickups. The thin cop wires attach to the terminals that the lead wires are on.

You should always unsolder the wires from the controls, not the pickups.

They might be fixable though.

I know, it was a dumb mistake. I thought maybe I had it wired up wrong so I tried reversing the red and white wires but to no avail. Also, the bridge pickup works UNLESS i turn the volume pot of the neck pup to 10. I'm friggin' stumped!

Collider · #6 07-22-2011, 03:53 PM

+1
Very bad idea to mess with the pickup side of the wires. Hope you can get them fixed but probably time to get it done professionally.

Knoif25 · #7 07-22-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Collider

+1
Very bad idea to mess with the pickup side of the wires. Hope you can get them fixed but probably time to get it done professionally.

I think you're right, time to wave the white flag.
The good news is I know a great repair guy, and if the pickup is fried I found a place online to get a replacement.
Aren't these little diy projects fun?