Strat Volume Issue

[Brenkoh]

Hi people.

Recently I've acquired a second/third/fourth/whoknows-hand Fender MIM Strat with a few superb upgrades on board. I had it set up at TYMC for low action and was very pleased. However, I have one major issue. The volume on this strat is amusingly low. I've tried raising the pickup height but it only increased the volume (and gain of course) by a little. There is a very distinct difference in volume when clean and when my gain pedal is stepped on. I also noticed that I had to turn my amp volume to about 10pm to hear anything audible. (I have been playing on my amp at the volume of 7pm for about 5 years plus) Furthermore, I verified the volume issue by plugging in my Swing EZ100 and it was loud.

Some assumptions made:

1) Issue lies with the volume pot.
2) Issue lies with the tone pot.
3) Issue lies with the pickups. (Dimarzio Area 58 neck, Dimarzio Area 67 mid, Dimarzio Virtual Solo Bridge)
4) Routing issues beneath the pickguard.

[Disclaimer: TYMC has superb set-ups. This volume problem is not caused by/associated with them.]

Appreciate help on this !

 

[mockingbird]

Just wondering - this volume issue, does it apply to all 3 pickups, or is it an isolated case?

I'd assume it was all 3. Then definitely you'll need to check out the volume pot and/or input jack, since the amp works fine with your Swing.

 

[Brenkoh]

Hey there mockingbird. Yes it applies to all 3 pickups. I requested to change the input jack to switchcraft for $15 together with setup at TYMC so it might not be the input jack but who knows? I think I shall bring it down to TYMC for a diagnosis and resolution of the issue :/

 

[3hree6ixty]

I have a hunch that there's a poor solder joint/short on the volume pot...