• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

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

stix_clgi

stix_clgi

Mar 4, 2008
900
148
Accokeek, MD
#1
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!!
 

Attachments

#2
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
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.
 
#5
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
stix_clgi said:
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!
Click to expand...
Could not claim responsibility but always a pleasure to a fellow bassist.

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

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back