INSTALLING YOUR PICKUPS
This FAQ aims to answer questions frequently asked by my customers, do not hesitate to contact me by email if the answer to your question is not on this page.
WHAT COLOR CODE SHOULD I USE TO INSTALL MY PICKUPS ?
In creating Euterpe Micros, my goal was to guide you in the customization of your instrument in the clearest and simplest way possible thanks to a range that goes to the essentials.
I also try to simplify the installation of my pickups as much as possible, in particular by using the most widespread color codes in this industry. Contrary to the existing standard of 12 color codes, for my part, I made this choice:
All these color codes are compatible with the Seymour Duncan Wiring Generator: link to generator .
HUMBUCKERS: SEYMOUR DUNCAN COLOR CODE
- Black = + or "hot spot"
- White and Red = connection between the two coils, also used for a split
- Green = - or cold point or ground
P90: GIBSON COLOR CODE
- Red = + or "hot spot"
- Black and braid = - or cold point or ground
SINGLE COIL PICKUPS (EXCEPT P90): FENDER COLOR CODE
- White = + or "hot spot"
- Black = - or cold point or ground
WHICH WAY DO HUMBUCKERS GO?
Euterpe Pickups humbuckers are always installed screw down.
I realize that this is not a common installation method, and that historically the neck pickup is mounted upside down. However, I believe that this rule is unnecessary and unfounded.
I made this choice by studying my pickups so that when they are split, the coil with the slugs remains the only active one in this case, in order to get as close as possible to the architecture of a "Fender" type pickup.
Therefore, the fact that the slug coil is closest to the neck for the neck pickup and furthest from the bridge for the bridge pickup, coincides with the location that can be found on a Telecaster or a Stratocaster.
This reflection is accompanied by an asymmetrical winding of the two coils (75% of the resistance is on the slug coil, the screw coil comes in addition for the humbucker position) and allows a resistance close to a Fender pickup in order to stick to the sound level and avoid an exaggerated drop in power, as we usually see.
![IMG_20230711_170415[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/606277_56dced352a0a4417be79cdfdbef41163~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_416,h_555,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/606277_56dced352a0a4417be79cdfdbef41163~mv2.jpg)
MY PICKUPS ARE NOT WORKING WHEN INSTALLED ON MY GUITAR
During final assembly, each pickup is tested individually with a multimeter, then connected using a cable consisting of a jack on one end and a terminal block on the other. Next, I use a metal object (the handle of my scalpel) to simulate a string by tapping the pads to verify that the pickup is working and creating a coherent sound.
This operation allows you to check that it is working properly. I also take the opportunity to check that the connection cable does not have any false contact.
If you have any doubts about its operation, you can check the pickup yourself using this process (remember to disconnect the pickup from the rest of the components so as not to distort the result).
You simply need to solder the pickup to a jack, connect the assembly to an amp, then tap the pins with a screwdriver (be careful not to scratch the pickup cover during testing).
If the test is conclusive and the pickup creates a sound, check the rest of your guitar, in particular that none of the terminals of your selector are touching the shielding of your cavity (especially if only part of the selector positions do not work), your jack, the condition of your potentiometers, and obviously the wiring.
If the pickup still does not produce sound, please contact me so that we can resolve the issue together.
ONE OF MY INTERMEDIATE POSITIONS
NOT WORKING MALFUNCTION
Once you have your mics mounted, it may happen that an intermediate position does not work correctly, manifesting itself by a drop in sound at that specific position.
In this case, it is possible that the phases of the pickups are not correctly aligned with each other.
On a pickup, we define the phase as the winding direction relative to the direction of the magnet (I will spare you the details on the winding direction standards, just know that they are respected by almost all pickups manufacturers so that the pickups are all compatible with each other, but that there will always be a few holdouts).
To illustrate, imagine two water pipes carrying a current: if they are placed one after the other, the current continues; if they face each other, the currents cancel each other out when they come into contact.
Basically, if your middle position has a drop in volume, reverse the hot (+) and ground (-) wires.
If it's a mic with a braid in the connection wire, ground it without question.