52RI Pickup/wiring question

[Cixelsyd]

I recently changed the wiring on my 52RI from vintage to modern and as I'm not what you could call a handyman, I have been doubting the quality of my work.

I guess the biggest problem is that I can't hear a SIGNIFICANT difference in tone from the neck position to the middle position. My understanding was that, if the neck gives a deep tone and the bridge gives the twang, the middle position was supposed to be somewhat thinner. I can feel a difference in the edge when I give it a little OD or distortion, but the clean tone baffles me as I really need to pay attention to hear a difference.

Also, I suppose this could just be that the two pickups do not have reverse polarity but I also get hum in the middle position.

I guess other than that, everything is fine. The tone and output from the neck/bridge pick ups are as beautiful as ever.

I don't know if my ears are just messed up but I was wondering whether I should be losing sleep over this (because I am). If I did something wrong, what do you think the problem is? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[cc9cii]

Perhaps it is simply that your middle is really neck only? It may be possible that something isn't quite right with the switch connections, but difficult to say without looking at it. I'd check the wiring first then check it again.

If you're 'dyslexic' it is possible that you swapped a couple of wires

[sjtalon]

Take a paperclip and tap on the pickups in the different positions to hear what's engaged.

Pickup height can effect the tone of the middle position too. Are the pickups balanced power wise when you play one against the other ?

Usually that vintage pickup has enough treble that with the neck you do get (gain) a noticeable twang.

You may have the neck high so that it is overpowering the bridge ?

You may have to raise the bridge a tad so it is a little hotter when played against the neck.