Super low output after EMG GZR solderless install

The first thing with the EMG solderless system is to meticulously check every connection and make sure all the connectors are pushed on all the way and not reversed.

 

So did you sue their output jack or the one that came with your bass?

And of course you grounded your bridge ground wire as per instructions right?

That little thingy they give you to compositely connect ground wires is sort of dorky imo...but it works if you get it right.

 

Double-sided tape?? That could be a problem. How far from the strings are the polepieces?

 

3mm should be fine.

 

Try to eliminate things to see if you can find the problem. For example, connect the pickup directly to the jack without the tone and volume controls. In the instructions http://www.emgpickups.com/media/productfile/g/z/gzr_phz_instructions230-0282rd.pdf
page 2 at the bottom, it looks like the output cable could be connected directly to the pickup. If that works, then you know the issue is with the vol or tone pots or wiring between them. If that doesn't work, it is down to the PU, jack or wiring between them.

If the output cable is too short, don't mount the jack. Actually all of this testing can be done without mounting any components on the body. You can hold the pickup over the strings for testing purposes.

Judging from the pickup wiring on the top of page 2, it looks like you could even test each half separately.

 

Do you have the right value pots?

 

I had the same problem. Reverse the connections on the input jack and see if it corrects the issue.