pickup reading low

[Brendan Mitchell]

The pickup in an old lap steel I bought measures at 2.4. This sounds really low to me. Does it need replacing?

[Dave Grafe]

Not if it's working. Replace it if you don't like how it sounds or if it makes no sound at all, but not simply because of a DC resistance reading, which is not the actual AC impedance anyway. Be aware that DC power from meters will kill pickups if left connected for more than a few seconds. If it ain't broke we can fix that too.

[Jim Palenscar]

That sounds about right- lottsa Rick horseshoe pickups are 1.5-3.0. There are many more factors involved in what you're hearing such as wire gauge, magnet type and strength, pole piece height and size, on and on. Along time ago I asked Chance Wilson- a forumite and bright guy especially when it comes to pickups- what do I do to achieve a vintage tone when rewinding and he said "use as much of the thickest wire that you wrap on the bobbin." I then rewound an old ShoBud bobbin w 38g instead of 42-44g wire and it read roughly 4.5k and I thought to myself- this is gonna sound way too thin. To my surprise it sounded fantastic and now resides in one of Ry Cooder's telecasters.

[Brendan Mitchell]

Thanks for the reply’s. I’ll go ahead and see if it works

[Brendan Mitchell]

I am going to take it to a tech to wire it up, it's a bit beyond me. the pickup has a horseshoe magnet that comes out horizontal to the pup. i've never seen one like it! if I can post a pic I will.

[Dave Grafe]

A wise choice, no doubt you can learn some more about it in the process