The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
  1. #1

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    I'm playing a 1995 Super alongside a 2015 Super. I can dial in the '95 at a 3-4 volume, tops--great tone--but it takes the 2015 a 7-9 to get the same punch. This is probably another luthier visit, but just checking in first. Pickup height looks the same on both. The '95 has a new set of TI 12's; the 2015 has an older set of 11's, maybe 6 months. Is there something else here that would explain the difference in output?

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    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by tomvwash
    I'm playing a 1995 Super alongside a 2015 Super. I can dial in the '95 at a 3-4 volume, tops--great tone--but it takes the 2015 a 7-9 to get the same punch. This is probably another luthier visit, but just checking in first. Pickup height looks the same on both. The '95 has a new set of TI 12's; the 2015 has an older set of 11's, maybe 6 months. Is there something else here that would explain the difference in output?
    What about their acoustic volume?

    Are you sure they are the same pickups?

  4. #3

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    Thicker strings = more magnetic mass vibrating in front of the coils = more volume

    Put on same gauge of strings and compare again.

  5. #4

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    Pot taper can also play a part, there is no linearity between degree of turn on the pot and perceived volume. Turn both fully open and measure with a db meter

  6. #5

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    I have learnt with my Epi Broadway that string gauge is of utmost importance for volume, electric or acoustic.
    DonEsteban nailed it ! Good advice to follow (at the cost of a string set, so ...)

  7. #6

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    Difference in distance between the strings and the pickup/polepieces is a definite factor. It doesn't take much distance to make a dramatic difference, even a millimeter can be heard. Different pickups - some have a different output, even the same models. More resistance in the wiring can make a difference. There are many things that can contribute to the different output levels, and it's impossible to say which is more important, without actually having he guitars in hand.

  8. #7

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    Pot taper makes a huge difference.

  9. #8

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    A difference of 1/8" in distance between pickup & string has a clear, audible effect on volume and tone.
    Even dropping the screws 1/8" and raising the entire unit 1/8" has an audible effect on tone.

    A lot of 'tone stuff' is mojo but that doesn't mean that all the tone stuff is mojo. Big strings matter. Pickup vs string setup matters. Change of speakers matters.

    I will leave to others the always-controversial topic of 'what doesn't matter.'