what to look out for when getting used pickups?

[velvetrevolver]

hi guys.

just wondering... actually thinking of getting a used pickup from a fellow softie. we all know how to test out used pedals - bring a 9v battery, and a patch cable.

but if pickups, how?

is it a hit-or-miss thing? or is there a way to actually check if it works?

appreciate your inputs.

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

theres a way to check if the pickup, but you need to at least solder/twist the wire from the pickup to the usual output jack(1/4 inch phone jack).

once done, connect instrument cable from the jack to the amp. Gently tap the pole piece/metallic cover of the pickup with any metal object(screw driver, keys etc). If the pickup is working, you can hear the tapping being amplified through the amp.

there only 2 usual outcome normally, got sound, no sound. As for whether the pickup is half fcuk, that one cant tell already.

Another way that might be possible to check is to use multi meter and test the continuity of the wiring.

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

In my experience, usually pickups don't totally spoil (of in PatheinRaindropMoe's test, no sound when tapping). They are usually in good working condition even if they look tarnished externally.

One thing to check for is the wire length of the pickup. Sometimes, in order to keep the cavity of their electric guitars neat, people cut the wire length just nice to the pots of their guitar. If they did that for their bridge pickup but you're intending to install it in your neck position, though still do-able, it might be a hassle.

So to be safe, check that the wire from the pickup is at least longer than 7 cm if you want it in your bridge position, or at least 20 cm if you want it in your neck position.

 

[reez_rock]

I think it's too troublesome to test and time consuming man.....

to me i will just ask to seller to give me a waranty. If it doesn't work after i install it, I will demand refund.

 

[Cavett]

A Multimeter is your friend...

 

[bf0502tr]

arrange to buy the pickup/s ard a music store. then u both go in and dun make payment till u have the pickup/s in ur guitar, and verified it's working of course

 

[velvetrevolver]

hey guys, thanks for the inputs.

i am guessing it can't be, well, spoiled. might look bad externally but it's gotta be, well, working inside.

and i like that idea of having longer wires.

just one more thing... if the wire happens to be shorter than desired, can this be extended at a shop?

cavett - multimeter is definitely out lah. hahaha...

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

wires can be extended, though a little inconvenient.

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

actually the multi meter can be the easiest way to test that the wires are electrically connected. Prolly less than 5 second to know...

extension of wires, with soldering iron and heat shrink, couple of seconds is all whats needed..

 

[ymmak]

I think that the multimeter and the screwdriver methods are the better ways to test a pickup.

I ever had a faulty pickup, which has a breakage in the coils (the multimeter shows no contact between the lead and ground eyelets). However, the pickup actually works when installed in the guitar, according to standard wiring, albeit it has reduced output.

I also once had a pickup, in which one of the pole piece suddenly died. Using the multimeter will suggest that the pickup is alright, but cannot detect dead magnets. So have to use the screwdriver method to make sure that the pole pieces are alright.