Author Topic: Pick-up balance (Elan electrics) (Read 146 times)

chitownmatt · « **on:** March 04, 2010, 02:31:06 PM »

I have an 89' custom with elan electrics (I think) V, pan, tone, and one switch.
My neck pick-up has MUCH lower output than the bridge. I must turn down the adjustment pot on the circuit board for the bridge p/u almost 2 full turns (almost off) to make them even when the pan is centered.
Is this normal or does it seem like something might be wrong with the neck p/u or circuit?

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2010, 04:39:10 PM »

Unless I'm mistaken there is only one adjustment pot for the Elan so you cannot balance output between pickups from that control. Have you tried raising raising the neck pickup?

http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/24781.html?1139017200

Here is also some reading on pickup height.
http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/16381.html?1110831944

Here is also a thread on how to adjust the pickup height.
http://www.alembic.com/support/care.html

I hope that helps.
Jazzyvee

chitownmatt · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2010, 05:59:37 AM »

If that is the case, then I do not have Elan electronics. There are definitely two adjustment pots. I am going to try switching the p/u plugs and see if it is the p/u or the board.
I've tried the pick-ups at all possible heights. I like them best both down almost all the way with the neck slightly higher.
I'm at work now, but I will post again this evening after my test.
Thank you for the help.

chitownmatt · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2010, 06:08:53 AM »

Actually, I just found this in another thread. The photo is the same electronics as mine.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/59230.html?1247271648

artswork99 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2010, 07:40:02 AM »

Matt,
Here's my response to the question you left on the other thread. Nothing to the point that you mentioned here. This bass has moved on and I can no longer experiment for you. I thought I remembered that there were stop points on the potentiometer though and you mentioned 2 full turns, hmmm. Have a good look at all of the electronics and try to locate any solder joints that may need re-worked. Re-seat all the connections too (if you haven't done so already). If you swap the PU connectors does the volume move to the other PU? With the two connectors you should be able to trace it to the circuitry or the PU.
Art

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2010, 07:55:15 AM »

You might try putting the pickups as high as they will go, just to have as much signal
to help you find the right balance (you can always lower them later, if you prefer that soundwise).

Also put the Q switch in the off position (normally, it's up) and have the filter and volume pots fully open.

Panning fully to one pickup or the other, you should be able to adjust the trimpots to set both pickups to about the same output level. Compare only the extreme positions of the pan.

If you put the pan dead in the middle, there will be a certain drop in volume - if it's a big drop then there may be an issue.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2010, 02:55:15 PM »

I think Art is onto something here. If I remember correctly the min-max on the trim pots is from 7 o'clock to 5 o'clock. Depending on your point of view, of course.