| Author |
Topic: Emmons PU - zero ohms? Steeltronics - Kudos |
Bill Terry
From:
Bastrop, TX
|
Posted 18 Aug 2021 8:05 am |
|
I recently got curious about measuring the pickup resistance on my '66 Emmons bolt-on. To my surprise, I read open on the E9 pickup. I pulled up the control plate and measured again, same result. While I was underneath I found what I believe is the world record for number of splices in a pickup lead from the E pickup to the switch, 5.. I don't know how I never noticed before, but it was the biggest mess I'd seen in a while. Also somehow, the braided shield on the C neck pickup had become the 'hot' side to the switch (with a chunk of wire soldered from the braid, and the hot side grounded.
Anyway, I couldn't believe the E neck pickup worked at all with no DC resistance, so I disconnected it completely and confirmed it was open. That guitar has always seemed a tad bright at times, and an open pickup can't be good, so I figured it was time for action. I got hold of Scott Swartz @ Steeltronics for some help. First, he advised that it was possible for the pickup to work, even if open, as the intrinsic capacitance of the windings can pass signal, but PUs in that mode tend to be thin sounding.
I like Emmons SC pickups on P/Ps, so asked Scott if he'd do a rewind, and he confirmed he does as part of his offered services. I gave him some info on what I wanted and we agreed on a spec (wind to 15.7K DC resistance). During that exchange I asked a BUNCH of questions about how to get what I wanted, and he was prompt (and patient), providing a lot of good information.
After a very quick turnaround, I got the pickup back and installed yesterday (along with a complete rewire of the electronics, including output and switch). I wasn't that unhappy with the sound of the pickup to begin with, but this is night and day better. I guess you don't know what 'bad' is sometimes until you have 'good'. LOL.
Kudos to Scott for a providing a great service to steel guitar players. Not only was the PU rewound, he did some 'preventative' work, re-gluing the plates and wax dipping. If you have any single coil pickup needs (new or rewinds) I'd highly recommmend SteelTronics. Check him out.
www.steeltronics.com
_________________
Lost Pines Studio
"I'm nuts about bolts" |
|
|
 |
Greg Cutshaw
From:
Corry, PA, USA
|
Posted 18 Aug 2021 12:21 pm
|
|
| I played a guitar with an electrically open pick up for years before I realized the pick up was bad. It also read open on the ohmmeter but there’s an extreme amount of capacitance between these two sets of open windings. You know it really didn’t sound all that bad well obviously I had to make adjustments to the amps EQ to get to a sound I liked. |
|
|
|
Bill Terry
From:
Bastrop, TX
|
Posted 18 Aug 2021 12:30 pm
|
|
| Greg wrote: |
| You know it really didn’t sound all that bad well obviously I had to make adjustments to the amps EQ to get to a sound I liked. |
Exactly, I didn't hate the way that guitar sounded before, but I had to be really careful not to get too much 'edge' in the tone. Now it's got a lot more 'warmth' and 'character' if that makes sense? .. and the top end is much smoother. Who knew?? LOL
_________________
Lost Pines Studio
"I'm nuts about bolts" |
|
|
|
Tommy Detamore
From:
Floresville, Texas
|
Posted 19 Aug 2021 6:15 am
|
|
I second everything that my friend Bill Terry has to say about Scott! He is an awesome feller!
_________________
Tommy Detamore
Quilter Labs, Goodrich Sound, Source Audio, Neunaber Audio, and Stringjoy Authorized Dealer
www.cherryridgestudio.com
www.steelguitartracksonline.com |
|
|
|
Steve Rosko
From:
Georgetown, Texas
|
Posted 20 Aug 2021 2:27 pm
|
|
OK, one more satisfied customer. I just had Scott rewind my Emmons pickups. Turnaround time was very good and he patiently answered my many questions. And, they sound great. The Emmons was good before, now it's better.
_________________
84 Emmons D10 PP, MSA D10, Goodrich Omni, Little Walter PF89, PF-350 cabs, Benado Steel Dream II, BJS |
|
|
|
Michael D Hardwick
From:
Austin, Texas
|
Posted 29 Aug 2021 1:45 pm Scott Swartz / Emmons pickups
|
|
I’m going to jump in here and add to the praises directed to Scott Swartz.
I sent him a 108n with a busted bobbin. He constructed a new bobbin using the original magnets with a great rewind at a value of his choice…a work of art.
You guys can just imagine what my pp sounds like. |
|
|
|
