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Dimarzio Model P+J installation

A

Aumakua

Jun 22, 2008
31
2
CA
#1
Hi Folks,

I just completed installing Dimarzio Model P+J pickups in my cheapo Ibanez Soundgear with a "Vol Blend Tone" config. When blending between the 2 pickups I can't really hear a difference in tone ( albeit it is a good tone ....) - things get louder when in center position but otherwise each pickup sounds about the same. I'm a recovering Guitard :hiding: , so maybe my ear for bass tone isn't quite there yet but does anyone think there's something wrong in the wiring or one of the pots?

Gracias
 
#2
I just did the blend control on 2 of my basses - The model P is a pretty loud pickup particularly if you have it in the series mode. go back and forth between the front and back and I bet the your P-bass is quite a bit louder than the Jazz. Raise the Jazz or lower the P-bass to get the levels closer. On my one bass I am running a Model P and a Duncan Hot stacked Jazz and I can't run the P in series (hot) mode and hear the jazz at all.
 
#3
Thanks Andk -

Sorry I think I explained it badly - when I goto just the neck pickup solo, it sounds almost exactly the same as the bridge solo... it's as if the 2 pickups are bleeding into each other's signal when trying to get "just a P sound" or "just a J sound"
 
#5
"Dump the Blend pot and go to Vol/Vol/Tone, or Select Switch/Vol/Tone. " Steveaux

Grrrrr.... I was the guy that would always inadvertently hit the volume with my hand while playing (and slowly turn my volume all the way down :b , on a strat!) so I want to make the knobs as easy to control as possible - but I'm agreeing with you that vol/vol/tone might be the way to go if I have to :crying:
 
#7
I had trouble tracking a blend pot down locally so I got one used from a repair shop - so I think that could be the problem.
I've checked out the wiring and I'm pretty sure it's right, but I used Seymour Duncan's PJ wiring schematic from their site and made the 4 conductor wiring "work" by soldering the white and green leads together ... maybe I miswired something here but I'll try replacing the blend pot first.
Anyone know of a good company to get a blend pot from? I'm about 2 minutes away from Carvin's factory and I know they have them but I'm a little afraid of buying any electronic components there.
Anyways thanks for the help so far everyone, and as said, I'm right by Carvin's factory and showroom so if anyone wants any info about their gear ( BX500 anyone?), I'm just looking for an excuse to go in :p
 
#8
Wiring your model P pickup (dual sound) Invalid Link Removed
Pretty sure the Model J is wired the same way.

I used the blend schematic at Duncans site except used a .022 cap instead of the one they suggest. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Run over to Carvin and get a 250K blend pot and just follow the schematics. It's not rocket science and I am very happy with the conversion I did on two of my basses. I hated to have to keep going to the amp to adjust the volume because I run both pickups most of the time. Its convenient just adjusting one knob if I need to turn up or down and not have to try to get the pickup balance right.
 
#9
Aumakua said:
"Dump the Blend pot and go to Vol/Vol/Tone, or Select Switch/Vol/Tone. " Steveaux

Grrrrr.... I was the guy that would always inadvertently hit the volume with my hand while playing (and slowly turn my volume all the way down :b , on a strat!) so I want to make the knobs as easy to control as possible - but I'm agreeing with you that vol/vol/tone might be the way to go if I have to :crying:
Click to expand...

Hey, I have an easy fix for that. Be it a strat or bass guitar. I die cut a thin silicone rubber washer that slips under your control knob. It creates a slight friction under the skirt to keep it where you want it. You control the amout of friction when pushing the knob back on. The silicon rubber I use wont harm the knobs of guitar finishes. Want some? Contact me via PM
Rob
 

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