Vintage '54 Tele neck pickup - output problem

guitarchitect · May 4th, 2008, 12:34 AM

I have an original 1954 Tele neck pickup that has a problem.

She shows almost no output but when tested does show some minimal reading on the meter. Someone had tried a fix before I got it - I was told by a local guitar repair guy the leads look like they may may be crossed so it may be out of phase. Also was told by another guitar tech that the very low output could be a short so it may not necessarily need rewinding.

Any opinions on the problem? Windings, leads incorrect? (how should the leads be wired?)
And who should I send my prized '54 pickup to for repair?
Thanks!

danocaster · May 4th, 2008, 01:23 AM

JM Rolph has repaired several pickups for me and they have always come back EXACTLY as I was hoping for - As If Nothing Ever Happened !!!

poorplayer · May 5th, 2008, 01:13 PM

I think you'll gain a lot of info if you give Lindy Fralin a call.

DavidE · May 5th, 2008, 02:47 PM

Could be almost anything. The magnets tend to rust inside the winding and eat away at the wire insulation which then causing a short. Or the leads could be broken, etc.

If you're interested in sending me a PM I'd be happy to restore the pickup to its original working condition and appearance. Feel free to ask Nacho if you'd like a reference.

Cheers,
David

May 4th, 2008, 12:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
guitarchitect TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 19	Vintage '54 Tele neck pickup - output problem I have an original 1954 Tele neck pickup that has a problem. She shows almost no output but when tested does show some minimal reading on the meter. Someone had tried a fix before I got it - I was told by a local guitar repair guy the leads look like they may may be crossed so it may be out of phase. Also was told by another guitar tech that the very low output could be a short so it may not necessarily need rewinding. Any opinions on the problem? Windings, leads incorrect? (how should the leads be wired?) And who should I send my prized '54 pickup to for repair? Thanks! __________________ g u i t a r c h i t e c t

May 4th, 2008, 01:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
danocaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 507 9 Photos	JM Rolph has repaired several pickups for me and they have always come back EXACTLY as I was hoping for - As If Nothing Ever Happened !!! __________________ Louder isnt better - it's just louder ( and better )

May 5th, 2008, 01:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
poorplayer Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Televille Posts: 325	I think you'll gain a lot of info if you give Lindy Fralin a call. __________________ "So long, New York. Howdy, East Orange."

May 5th, 2008, 02:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
DavidE Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 151	Could be almost anything. The magnets tend to rust inside the winding and eat away at the wire insulation which then causing a short. Or the leads could be broken, etc. If you're interested in sending me a PM I'd be happy to restore the pickup to its original working condition and appearance. Feel free to ask Nacho if you'd like a reference. Cheers, David