When measuring the DC resistance of two pickups together in parallel, why is the DC reading lower than measuring one pickup by itself?
When using a 5 way lever switch in your instrument the switch puts your pickups in a parallel circuit. A parallel circuit is where all the negative terminals are connected to one point and the positive terminals are connected to a common point. In a parallel circuit the total resistance of pickups will be decreased. The voltage out can vary for each and you can use the formula as follows if your measuring the DC resistance of two pickups in parallel such as the # 2 position of a 5 way lever switch: Remember to when your pickup switch is in the 2 & 5 position, your stock pickups are “in phase” in that position. Try working with this and see what your meter reads. This is just a sample of how to do it. Your pickups can measure differently and it’s fun to work out. This will work the same with various Telecasters and Gibson guitars using 2 or more pickups.
Related Questions
- When measuring the DC resistance of two pickups together in parallel, why is the DC reading lower than measuring one pickup by itself?
- How do you use a volt-ohm meter for measuring the DC resistance of guitar or bass pickups?
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