Yes!! Thank you Granny, I understand a little better now. I also have a LP recording guitar and have measured the pick up at 10K.
You're welcome. ...And I just did it myself when typing this post, so I will assume typo'd too, but that's 10 Ohms, not 10 000 (unless you measured off the HiZ output, then maybe something like that).
Do you have, or have pictures of, or know anything about the multi tap transformer used in the LP Sig Bass?
The transformer in the LP and Triumph models is not the same as the multi-tap (3 taps on the primary side) transformer in the LP Sig. The LP/Tri tranny has just a single tap on either side, a much simpler device that just converts the output level from loZ/mic to HiZ/standard instrument. It is very easy to source and replace even today (use anything from the tranny inside a Shure/EV/alt brand barrel style Hi/lo Z converter 'winkie' for something pretty much identical to the original, or upgrade to a standard non-militarized tranny from Jensen, Sowter or Lundahl, to name the top 3 - anything they make for use in passive DIs will work, wired backwards; some of which I know will fit inside the body, others are too big, but can be used externally... Elcor is another option on the cheaper end). The multi-tap tranny in the LP Sig is another matter. You might be able to find something with the same ratios and primary taps (even if it has extra taps you don't need), but the chances of it being an easy fit inside the instrument are the main problem; unlike the other LoZ LPs, you gotta cram it in through an F Hole (right? never got a good look at one).
The LP Sig uses the transformer slightly differantly than the other LoZ LPs. It is essentially, in addition to Z conversion, a varitone type switch opperating on the principle that changing the input Z coming into the (pre)amp will affect tone or at least drive. It is not converting from Lo to Hi Z in a straight up aiming-for-nominal-level way that the other Loz LPs do. My guess is that this was a simpler/cheaper way of mimicing the original LoZ pups 3 coil lengths (note: same # of options), but I have never actually played (or measured) one so I don't know whether it really ends up being a similar effect (i.e. underwound plonk, normal balance, and overwound bass monster, comparitively speaking at least, settings); perhaps someone
(ping Uwe) who has both can comment further on this score.
The only drawback to this approach (vs taps on the pups) being that these options were only available in HiZ mode, which is a shame when recording direct using the LoZ out ... this does give me an idea for an additional option for replacement transformers: (after a lot of measuring of an original and a bit of math) one could get a transformer with 2 primary taps (corresponding to the normal and underwound settings; full bore would bypass the tranny) whose secondary output would still be in the LoZ range. Then use a second tranny ( the simpler ubiquitous one) to convert to HiZ.
This has some advantages:
- all 3 tone options available in both Hi and Lo Z modes
- easier to source part (less complicated, 2 vs 3 primary taps required)
- likely to be smaller - easier to squeeze through an F hole into the body)
- if you like the sound of transformer saturation/distortion, cascading them like this is the way to get it
Either way (1 tranny or 2) you need something shielded, which limits replacement options further, though I suppose you could DIY a sheild.
Do you know if it is the same one used in the J Casady Bass?
Dunno. I am not even sure how close the Cassidy pup is to the original. I seem to recall people saying not so much (if so, then likely the tranny is different too), but I could be remembering wrong. If it is the same, I just may have wasted a bit of time above there re replacement options.
You have me curious too if the pups from the new LP recording Guitar II limited edition are similar to the original (even though they have the coil taps).
Indeed. I am curious to see measurements myself (I'd guess that position 2 will be in the 10Ohm range like the original, possibly a bit higher so that position 1 isn't too low, and position 3 will be more like the LP Sig pup at 25-30Ohms).
I have read the help section and searched on posting pictures but I havent yet gotten a workable explanation. When I figure it out I will get some pics up.
Upload pics to the host of your choice (Photobucket etc) then copy and paste the link into a post, highlight it and click the insert image button in the toolbar (or manually type image tags around it).