Author Topic: Pup output uneven (Read 219 times)

wishbass · « **on:** August 03, 2011, 04:48:09 PM »

I have an Elan w/a JP set.My P bass output is twice that of the J (bridge)pup.That is even w/the P pup buried as low as I could set it.Is this normal, and if not how do I remedy this situation?Can the trim pots have anything to do w/this?I' really a novice at this stuff.HELP!

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2011, 04:53:06 PM »

Yep, that's what the trim pots are for. Turn down the P or turn up the J.

wishbass · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2011, 07:42:37 PM »

Thanks ,problem solved.I figured that was it,but the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask =) thanks Adam

bigredbass · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2011, 09:47:37 PM »

I have a PJ Elan, too. The P-Activator is by all accounts the LOUDEST pickup they make, output-wise. The J Activator is tame by comparison, and backed right up to the bridge, it's a BIG difference. So, crank the J and back off the P until you get a blend that you like on the trim pots. Don't be surprised if it's a big difference in the relative trims' position.

It's my favorite combination of traditional pickups.

J o e y

wishbass · « **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2011, 03:15:31 AM »

Thanks Joey! That did the trick.I'll probably be noodling w/it a few days,but it was already a big improvement.By the way,your Emerald Tiger is gorgeous.I also see that you are a fan of Yamaha BB's.I have a custom 5 fretless inspired by them that I had built back in '90.Its a bolt on ,but same body shape w/ a slightly deeper lower cut away on the bottom horn.It has EMG's but I'm thinking about switching to Alembics. Thanks again, Karl

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2011, 11:10:59 PM »

Karl, I had originally tried dropping the P flush with the top of the bass, and cranking the J right up to the strings; ultimately it dawned on me (lo-impedance pickups, you brain surgeon !) that all I was doing was getting LOTS more noise and even more treble (JUST what you need with Alembic pickups ! ! ). So, I backed the J down to where I liked it much better, got with the trims, and that was it.

Ah yes, the BB's. Well . . . . I never could get one back (5000) back in the day, so six or so years ago, I wound up accumulating all three versions.

1) The first, passive with that skinny neck. They simply took a BB3000 fourstring and subdivided the neck for five strings. They did create the first split P Five string pickup and a new bridge. It was one of the first commercailly available 'off the rack' five strings.

2) The updated BB5000A, essentailly the same bass with active pickups and tone, no doubt to stem the tide of people who were taking the first ones and slamming EMGs into them.

3) and finally the BB5000AII, entirely different axe. BIG wide fingerboard, new and different active pickups/tone, and the fiendish Gotoh locking bridge. When I got this one, I took that bridge apart to clean and lube it: I wouldn't do it again for a thousand dollars, what a piece of work !

I sold all three of them to the same guy three years ago. Ultimately, they were just missing something for me. I honestly believe the Japanese hear differently, and what I originally took for a certain transparency, ultimately just sounded thin to me. Plus, lots of people now build 24-fret neckthru five strings, so it's not the exotica they once were.

And even though I'm a Yamaha fan, they are just CLUELESS when it comes to reading the market. If you're Nate East or Frank Gambale, they can certainly make you just what you want. But when it comes to every day gear, their lead times and availability in the market place are just laughable. Why they don't steal somebody from Ibanez or ESP, etc., is beyond me. This whole thing started 'cause I waited TWO YEARS for a BB2000 in the 80's and never got it, and I worked in a store and the Yamaha rep was a good friend. So, not much has changed in the ensuing thirty years !

J o e y