Joined: January 2018 Posts: 2
| Hello new member here with a classic solid body. Last spring I bought an original black PD as I sold one 20+ years ago (original owner) and nothing ever felt better in my hands. Since my purchase the tone knob was totally cutting the output sound after about 1.5 – not a good tone setting with almost max bass but I often noodle around unplugged and the guitar was in very good shape with original case and bought at a fair price, so I took a chance. This past week I set out to fix the problem – I removed the pickguard, cleaned and lubed the tone pot contacts, carefully inspected for any other problems and reassembled only to have the same problem lingering.
I have spent several hours searching these archives and found these pre-amp problems to be fairly common and now 30+ years later repair parts are (far) no longer available as most postings on this subject were at least 10 years old. So I believe I have three options I am seeking advice: continue to try to fix the problem, bypass the pre-amp or install new pick-ups and wiring harness (I realize many of you will not agree with this path).
First, is my problem likely the unique, dual/stacked pot, a capacitor or some other component? I have seen similar wire diagrams for the BW but not the 1283 model PD. I understand I can measure the pot resistance (top and bottom) on outer lugs after I get back in there and could potentially re-build the pot? Realistic? Any further guidance? Is there someone that can competently fix this? What is the success rate to fix this?
Second, can the pre-amp be successfully by-passed? Any directions available? I understand these pick-ups may not do well without the pre-amp, but can’t that be overcome with amp settings?
If the parts don’t exist or this is a difficult/risky/expensive fix, what are my best options to remove the active electronics and install new (mini) humbuckers? Can a new PD pickguard be acquired/made?
Thanks in advance for your replies, I am glad to find you and sorry for since a lengthy opening post.
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