PJ Bass- Dual Pickup Polarity Positions

Uncle J · #1 01-25-2010, 06:05 PM

I have an unusual vintage bass (no name)that was given to me as a basket case. It has pairs of passive pickups in the neck and bridge positions similar to a BC Rich Mocking Bird bass, except that the pairs of pickups are in "mirror positions". I've bought new pickups, wiring, switch and pots, but I'm not sure how to position the pairs. The old pickups were not in place when I received the bass, so I don't have any thing to go on.The original wiring was tone, tone, volume, and a SPDT switch with neck on, both on, and bridge on. The new pickups are pairs - one normal and one reverse wound in each pair. I'd like to know how to position the pairs of pickups in regards to polarity, so when te switch is in the center position, the pairs of pickups would not conflict with each other. I've not been able to locate a wiring diagram that shows this type of setup.
All recommendations are appreciated. Uncle J

walterw · #2 01-25-2010, 09:51 PM

pictures?

i have no idea what you're talking about.

**line6man** · #3 01-25-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

pictures?

i have no idea what you're talking about.

I think he means that the pickups are out of phase from each other.
If this is the case, just flip the leads on one pickup.

I'll draw a diagram if necessary.

**line6man** · #4 01-25-2010, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle J

The new pickups are pairs - one normal and one reverse wound in each pair.

So the two coils that make up each pickup are RWRP from each other, but the two pickups are wound the same, correct?

walterw · #5 01-25-2010, 10:03 PM

see? we have no idea what he's talking about.

now if they're just P pickups, it doesn't matter how they're arranged, as long as one set is overall the same polarity as the other set.

Uncle J · #6 01-26-2010, 08:47 AM

Here's a photo of the bass body. I hope that you can see the routed pickup locations, and that it could clarify my question.

**line6man** · #7 01-26-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle J

Here's a photo of the bass body. I hope that you can see the routed pickup locations, and that it could clarify my question.

yeah, we know what you mean as far as the pickup arrangement, but electronics-wise, we're not sure what you are talking about.

Uncle J · #8 01-26-2010, 09:35 AM

What I'm asking is, should the reverse wound neck pickup be placed in line with the reverse wound bridge pickup, or doesn't it matter ?

**line6man** · #9 01-26-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle J

What I'm asking is, should the reverse wound neck pickup be placed in line with the reverse wound bridge pickup, or doesn't it matter ?

In line?

If the two pickups are wound the same polarity-wise, wire them in phase with each other.

Uncle J · #10 01-26-2010, 10:17 AM

What I meant was; reverse wound pickups, one for the bridge and one for the neck, to be placed physically in line (one behind the other), not in line electrically.

**line6man** · #11 01-26-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle J

What I meant was; reverse wound pickups, one for the bridge and one for the neck, to be placed physically in line (one behind the other), not in line electrically.

Ok, now I'm completely confused.

What exactly are you asking?

Bootzilla · #12 01-26-2010, 11:03 AM

If they are split P's they are humcancelling and each pickup is reverse polarity with itself already. The other pickup is the same. Just wire it like a normal vvt, ttv, vvtt or whatever and all is well. Furthermore it looks like there is only one option in which you can orientate the pickup so you can't turn it around.

walterw · #13 01-26-2010, 07:18 PM

ok, we're getting into the weeds here.

these are P-bass routs, and the two coils of a p-bass are considered one pickup.

if one entire pickup is the same as the other entire pickup, then don't worry about any of this. just put them in the bass; it doesn't matter which coil goes under which pair of strings, it'll work out fine.

if you have two different brand pickups and they happen to be opposite from each other, it still doesn't matter. wire them both in (either direction), and if the sound with both pickups on is thin and messed-up, just reverse the hot and ground leads on one entire pickup (it doesn't matter which one).

**line6man** · #14 01-26-2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

ok, we're getting into the weeds here.

these are P-bass routs, and the two coils of a p-bass are considered one pickup.

if one entire pickup is the same as the other entire pickup, then don't worry about any of this. just put them in the bass; it doesn't matter which coil goes under which pair of strings, it'll work out fine.

if you have two different brand pickups and they happen to be opposite from each other, it still doesn't matter. wire them both in (either direction), and if the sound with both pickups on is thin and messed-up, just reverse the hot and ground leads on one entire pickup (it doesn't matter which one).

+1 to all of this.

dmusic148 · #15 01-26-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by line6man

Ok, now I'm completely confused.

What exactly are you asking?

I get it. He thinks he's got FOUR pickups. He wants to know if the two that go under the E and A should be in phase electrically or not (yes), ditto for the D and G 'pair.'

Uncle J · #16 01-26-2010, 08:35 PM

That's exactly what I needed to know. Apologies for the confusion . As you probably can tell, I'm not a bass player, and not famiiar with the instrument. I rebuild / restore player pianos. I'd like to restore this bass for my grandson. He likes it because it's old and different. Thanks to all that responded, I really appreciate your help.
Uncle J