Printed from The BadMonkey Workshop, badmonkeymusic.com/workshop/
The circuit matters
Pickups do not work alone. Pots, caps, switches, jacks, shielding and ground paths shape what reaches the amp.
Diagnosis before parts
Scratchy controls, weak output and hum are not automatically pickup problems.
FAQ
Should I try this repair myself?
Only if the adjustment is reversible and you understand what you are changing. If a part feels stuck, tight or risky, stop.
When should I contact the bench?
When the symptom changes quickly, the guitar gets worse, the truss rod resists movement, frets are loose, or the repair involves structure, wiring, cracks or neck geometry.