SOUND ON SOUND

[Wonks]

I've just been pointed to this helpful video on how to test pickup polarity (say 'phase' if you must) just using a multimeter.

https://youtu.be/OcuvBRZPpow

Very worthwhile if you are mixing and matching pickups from different manufacturers, or different types of pickups. Can save having to resolder your pickups, which is especially useful if you are fitting them in a semi- or fully-hollow body guitar with pots going in (and out) via the F-holes. Can also save having to fit a new set of strings on some guitars with scratchplate mounted pots.

[Martin Walker]

That's a quick but clever test - thanks for bringing it to our attention Wonks! :thumbup:


Martin

[resistorman]

Interesting! Thanks...

[Folderol]

Very neat. Like it :thumbup:

[zenguitar]

Just got around to watching. And it’s bookmarked just in case I forget. But it is very simple and easy to remember.

Thanks for the link :clap:

Andy :beamup:

[Wonks]

The steel ruler must create a very low frequency wave of around 0.5Hz to 1Hz or so, very close to a DC voltage. Some voltage/current is produced in the coil which either briefly adds to or detracts from the test current/voltage produced by the multimeter depending on the pickup's polarity. A positive voltage would add to the voltage passing through the coil, which would otherwise indicate a lower DC resistance, so the reading drops. A negative voltage would give a lower overall measured voltage, thus indicating to the meter that there's a a higher DC resistance, so the reading rises.

[adrian_k]

Beautiful :clap:

[ef37a]

I remember reading about this technique in a book by Donald Brosnac but he used an analogue meter (Taylor iirc) did not know it would work with a DMM.

So, good intel!

Dave.

[Sam Spoons]

An analogue meter would be easy to read.