Weakened 57 classic

[lowell]

Wasnt sure this question was a good fit for the pickup MAKERS forum.

I have #27 Gibson guitar of the week Les Paul. 2 '57 classic PAF humbuckers with no covers. As of late the bridge pickup has lost volume and clarity. I play alot in FL so my pickups and hardware are fairly rusty. Ive done all the tests i can do on it without a gaussmeter. Here are my measurements for both pickups.

Neck
DCR 8k
Capacitance 4.2nf

Bridge
DCR 8k
Capacitance 2.8nf

I also set my vac meter to measure max output and played part of a song out of my phone speaker into both pickups.

Neck
~400mv

Bridge
~200mv

If anything I'd expect more output from the bridge, not vice versa.

Any ideas? My only guess is that the bridge pickup magnets have lost some oomph.

[mr fab]

I don't think its the pickup, but more than likely a bad solder joint, or a problem with your volume pot.

unsolder the pickup from the volume pot and measure the DCR of the volume pot (outer lugs) if the pot measures ok, then try reflowing all solder joints (don't forget to the toggle switch and output jack). I have seen similar problems many times over the years and its nearly always a solder joint, or pot

[Stratz]

I've rewound more than a few Gibson '57 Classics from different eras (the earlier ones were wound much differently than the newer ones) and I've built a lot of '57 Classic clones that are dead on matches.

The inductance without a cover is ~ 5.7 H @ 1khz.
Without a Gauss meter or inductance meter you should probably start by checking the solder joint in the series link.
The solder joint could be cold and you'll still get a full DC reading.

You really need an inductance meter or AC resistance meter to test for shorts.
I seriously doubt the magnet strength dropped to anything audibly noticeable unless it has been through some serious trauma (dropped hard)

If you cant fix it you can send it to me for repair.
Cost would most likely be very minimal seeing it's still non covered and still somewhat working.
Good luck
Rob.

[guitician]

Wouldn't the rust mess with the coupling of the slugs and pole screws to the magnet?

[Stratz]

Wouldn't the rust mess with the coupling of the slugs and pole screws to the magnet?

Well.... it's not impossible but not much chance of rust down below the bobbins.

Rust is common with Fender style Alnico rod single coils because the moisture/sweat has a pretty direct path to the inside of the pickup but Gibson style humbuckers are much more protected.

[lowell]

Stratz I think you're right. Sounds much clearer when removed from the circuitry. I also sprayed my pots and the bridge volume pot feels rather scratchy. Once I receive the new pot and install I'll report back. Thanks.