Is it possible to put in a J pickup backwards?

GeddyisGod · #1 11-13-2007, 04:47 PM

I just got another Dimarzio Model J to complete the set. It must be an older one or something because the "Dimarzio" logo is in a different place on the cover. I can't remember now which way the colors of the wire were on the one I put in before.

I don't want to have to pull the old one out if I don't have to. I couldn't find a conclusive answer via searches. I'm not talking about wiring, I mean the direction the pickup itself is physically installed.

Matt R. · #2 11-13-2007, 04:51 PM

Won't matter on that one

Warpeg · #3 11-16-2007, 03:47 PM

As long as the pole pieces' heights are all the same, direction won't matter.

DavidRavenMoon · #4 11-16-2007, 05:36 PM

Model J's are made like P bass pickups, one coil under each pair of strings. One half has North up, the other South. Each coil is opposite phase with the other.

If you have two model J's and you flip one around they will probably be out of phase with each other due to the opposite magnet/coil polarity of each half. You will know they are out of phase because when they are both on the tone will be real thin.

You should be able to tell by which side the wires come out of the pickup.

Or get a compass and make sure each half is the same polarity under the same pair of strings.

GeddyisGod · #5 11-16-2007, 05:47 PM

Well, they're working, and not out of phase (encountered that when I put the first one in) so I must have done something right.

DavidRavenMoon · #6 11-16-2007, 05:52 PM

Cool!

GeddyisGod · #7 11-21-2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidRavenMoon

Model J's are made like P bass pickups, one coil under each pair of strings. One half has North up, the other South. Each coil is opposite phase with the other.

If you have two model J's and you flip one around they will probably be out of phase with each other due to the opposite magnet/coil polarity of each half. You will know they are out of phase because when they are both on the tone will be real thin.

You should be able to tell by which side the wires come out of the pickup.

Or get a compass and make sure each half is the same polarity under the same pair of strings.

Just an add-on for anyone who may search this question later;

It seems that it could make a difference which way they go in. I was still having some noise issues, so on a whim I decided to flip one around. This did reduce the noise level some more. It could just be that I made better connections this time around, but it's something to keep in mind.