EMG 40DC + BQC Very low output

[ctmullins]

I have two basses equipped with two 40 J's and the whole BQC system. Really surprising how much lower in output these basses were, compared to my P-bass with a single EMG and just a volume and tone. The P bass kicks butt.. and the tone was killer on the builds with the whole system with 18V, but total output was weak.
My easy solution, was to install an EMG PA-2. I set the gain to match most of my other basses, and just put it in the cavity. Now, problem solved. But I have no idea why the output was lacking.

Look at EMG’s documentation, and you’ll see that the J is the lowest output pickup in their entire line.

The DC, however, is the highest output pickup they have.

 

[Thumb n Fingers]

The pickups came in the bass. It's a new Spector NS Pulse 5 string. Plus when I pulled them I checked the back to be 100% sure. 40DC's

I'll be watching this thread for an answer... I just got the same bass and was going to pull the trigger on the same EMG pre to install. Think I'll wait to hear the solution first now.

 

[LHbassist]

Look at EMG’s documentation, and you’ll see that the J is the lowest output pickup in their entire line.

The DC, however, is the highest output pickup they have.

Irony here- before installing the 40J's, I had the 40DC pickups in the same bass, with the same preamp. The output was higher, but not by that much.. and I didn't really dig the tone. So I swaped for the 40J's. Big improvement. I really don't mind knowing there is a PA 2 inside the cavity.. the bass now works well.

 

[John Bitner]

Wanted to update everyone. Turns out the issue was the balance control was shorting out as it was touching the cavity wall. This was causing the very very low output. As soon as I listened up that pot and shifted its position so the back was facing away from the cavity wall. Everything worked fine. The outputs is pretty cranking now!! Thanks for all of the suggestions on what might have been the issue.

 

[ctmullins]

Dang, I should have thought of that!

Glad to hear you got it sorted!