Washburn XB600 pickups

[Oldboy]

Can anyone tell me the significance of the numbers 961 and 963 on the XB600 pickups? Are they just model Nos. and if so,why are 2 different pickups being used? I ask because I've noticed differing outputs.I did a basic check by using a small screwdriver and tapping each pickup with the pan control in different positions,and discovered that the bridge p/up seems to be much more powerful than the neck,both in output and bass response.Even in the mid position,the bridge p/up is much louder.I find this odd,but explains the lack of deep bass response from the bass.Anyone have any thoughts on this? I like this bass but I'm having a tough time with it's various quirks.

[Oldboy]

Thats odd.Twice in one week.30 views and not one comment except when I remarked on it.I'm starting to believe maybe I should move to the States.I notice another couple of zeros.They're not from the States either.Hmmm.I wouldn't like to think..............No.It wouldn't be that.Would it??

[SGD Lutherie]

That would be the model numbers. I'm common practice to make the bridge pickup louder than the neck so they balance better.

[darkstorm]

Besides diff output level for better balance. its also common to voice the two a little diff for a desired end result for each pups voice and how they sound when mixed together.

[Oldboy]

OK,when you say they're voiced a little different,how 'different' do you mean? In my case I would say there's a large difference.So much so that when the Pan control is in the 'Neck' position (fully anti-clockwise?) the neck p/up seems to be completely quiet,with the bridge p/up providing all of the output.In mid position,both p/ups are on,with the bridge unit giving a slightly bassier response than the neck,but relatively equal in volume.In the bridge position ( fully clockwise?),only the neck p/up is on,but with a weak output.Strangely though it gives the sort of sound you would associate with a bridge p/up ie very middy,with low bass response.I'm lost.please help.Is there a wiring anomaly perhaps?

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Oldboy

So much so that when the Pan control is in the 'Neck' position (fully anti-clockwise?) the neck p/up seems to be completely quiet,with the bridge p/up providing all of the output.

Clearly you have it panned to the bridge pickup, and not the neck. If you pan to one pickup, you only get one pickup. Not all pan controls turn in the direction you expect.

In mid position,both p/ups are on,with the bridge unit giving a slightly bassier response than the neck,but relatively equal in volume.

That makes sense.

In the bridge position ( fully clockwise?)

That's the neck position. Look at the side of the knob facing you when the bass is in playing position, it is now pointed at the neck.

...only the neck p/up is on, but with a weak output. Strangely though it gives the sort of sound you would associate with a bridge p/up ie very middy,with low bass response.I'm lost.please help.Is there a wiring anomaly perhaps?

First off, you have the two pickups mixed up. I think you are hearing the opposite pickup from what you are expecting.

The neck pickup will give a deeper tone, but they are often wound to sound a bit brighter to avoid sounding like mud. The bridge pickup will either sound kind of middy and thin, or be wound to sound baser, but still not as deep as the neck.

What you should do to tell the difference is pan the knob one way or the other, and tap on the top of the pickup with a small steel object, like a screw driver or even metal paperclip, and listen for a sound.

[Oldboy]

Thats exactly what I'm doing,as per my first post.But the point I'm trying to make is that when the neck p/up is soloed,it gives a very weak response.Not bassy at all,like you suggest.Alternatively,when the bridge p/up is soloed and tested,it's response is strong and very much louder,with a pronounced bass response.Maybe I haven't made myself clear.Its not so much the position of the pan control but rather the response of each individual p/up.Your input is much appreciated David.