Wiring help - EMG 40DC's w/two volume, two tone knobs

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by stix_clgi, Dec 15, 2014.

  1. stix_clgi

    stix_clgi

    Mar 4, 2008
    Accokeek, MD
    Hey guys, I'm sure there's a fairly simple answer to this, but I can't figure it out. I'm installing two EMG 40dc's in my buddy's SR505, but I can't seem to get any sound. I'm using all of the parts supplied in the pickup boxes, along with the schematic I downloaded from EMG, but I get no sound and a very loud hum once everything is connected.

    I'm going for a simple Vol,Vol,Tone,Tone setup and the only schematic for that setup also includes wiring for a toggle switch which I don't have or need. I've uploaded the diagram I used, any help is greatly appreciated!!

    P.S. These are newer EMG40's with the quick connect system, the only soldering required is the ground/output/battery to the jack and the 9v to 18v battery mod. Thanks in advance guys!!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Look at diagram #3 on the instruction page you linked. Take the coax out of each pickup and run it to the pickup buss, then run the line from the pickup buss to the jack. Another way to do it is to do two single pickup/vol/tone and do it the same way: run the coax off each tone control to the pickup buss and then to the jack. You don't need the switch.
     
  3. stix_clgi

    stix_clgi

    Mar 4, 2008
    Accokeek, MD
    Wow, I'm so late. Thank you for the response lilpopes.

    So I did what you said, I'm getting sound, but it's weird. I can't turn the volume all the way off, even with the pickup vols all the way down. I also can't adjust the tone, even though I have them connected the way the diagram says. It's really weird.

    Neck and bridge coax's are going to the vols. Vol output is going to tone knobs, tone output is going to buss. Buss output to jack. I'll keep trying, but thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
     
  4. Argassab

    Argassab

    Dec 16, 2014
    Cayman Islands
    There could somehow be a video on youtube. Try checking.
     
  5. stix_clgi

    stix_clgi

    Mar 4, 2008
    Accokeek, MD
    Okay, I know I'm late in my responses, but thanks to you both I was able to get the bass working. I checked out one of EMG's videos, and while it did not illustrate the exact method I was going for (2 Vols, 2 Tones), it did show me the proper way to connect. I still wasn't getting any sound until I decided to flip the outputs from the tone controls into the board. Meaning, where each set was inserted black wire then white wire, I reversed it (even though the diagram clearly shows it the other way).

    Voila!!

    It works...I guess this unit was color-coded backwards somehow???

    Anyways, thanks for the advice!
     
  6. Argassab

    Argassab

    Dec 16, 2014
    Cayman Islands
    Could not claim responsibility but always a pleasure to a fellow bassist.

    Good to know you got it all sorted out. :thumbsup:
     
  7. iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Another thread had the same problem. EMG needs to really rethink the pin arrangements on their tone controls. This "reverse this connector" line on the tone control instructions is not pleasing, not pleasing at all.