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Topic: National Waikiki pickup issues |
Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 24 Apr 2014 7:36 pm |
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I recently acquired an old National Waikiki, it was one of their cheapo models from the 40s. This one has some issues with the pickup. It is fairly hot on the first two strings, but very dull/dead on 3-6, an abrupt change in tone and volume between 2&3. I haven't dug into the innards yet, just wondering if anyone has experience with these who might offer some advice on where to start. Thanks!
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Stephen Cowell
From:
Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2014 8:53 pm
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It's probably got bronze strings on it... have you put new strings yet? Use nickel-wound instead of bronze! The first two strings aren't wound, so they don't show the problem... let's hope it's as simple as that.
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Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 24 Apr 2014 9:53 pm
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Thanks Doug, Stephen
I adjusted the pole pieces a little more and that actually seems to help a lot. I've learned they're very sensitive.
The strings are new and nickel wound, the top three are plain, it's currently set up "high" C6: E-G-A-C-E-G low to high.
I took the top cover off the pickup and discovered that one of the magnets is not a magnet at all, just a little metal block. I heard that they did this during the war because of the scarcity of materials. The real magnet is on the treble side - is there any conventional wisdom on this? Does it matter which side it's on? It doesn't seem to change the sound any if I reverse them, but I know a stronger magnet in a pickup will produce more output, all else being equal. Should I find/fabricate another for the other side? Maybe I can just stick a few refrigerator magnets on the top  |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Posted 24 Apr 2014 10:23 pm
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Most of these pickups have two magnets, one on each side. Some of them had a 'dummy' magnet, either a metal piece (not a magnet) or a little piece of wood painted grey. I don't think it matters which side the real magnet is on with the single magnet pickups. On the two magnet pickups I think the magnets can go on either side, but the polarity has to be correct. If one of the magnets is upside down the output of the pickup will be less, I believe. I've seen dummy magnets in 1950s and 60s Valco string-through PUs, so I'm not sure it had anything to do with a material shortage in WWII. Probably had more to do with cost cutting in student grade guitars.
I asked about this in 2008 and got some good information here ---> http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=127397
Forum member Rick Aiello used to make very powerful replacement magnets for these Valco pickups. I bought a set a few years ago and I've put them into various Valco lap steels I've owned. They really beef up the tone.
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Lee Holliday
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 25 Apr 2014 12:09 am
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Also Jason Lollar will supply a set of replacement magnets.
The guitar will/should then become a screamer.
regards
Lee |
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Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 25 Apr 2014 8:52 am
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| Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I've got it dialed as well as I can now. Don't think I can justify a $45 set of magnets for a $100 POS guitar, so I will just stand pat on this one. You know that old saying about a silk purse and a sow's ear! Thanks again! |
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