Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster pickup resistance question

[ToddOAZ]

Greetings!

I am currently looking to purchase a used Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster. Owner posted the pickup resistance as: neck - 6.5 kΩ, bridge - 6.9 kΩ. These readings appear to be very low. Per Fender/Squier specs, they should be: Neck: ~8.2 k Bridge: ~8.7 kΩ

Owner did say he replaced switches and pots as an upgrade.

Question - should I be concerned with these low readings? Could this indicate an issue with his modifications?

Thanks all!

 

[Dave Lewis]

You can buy the Fender JMascis pickups for 128 a set from Andertons .
They also have the excellent Squier JMascis Jazz master New on sale at the moment.

 

[la szum]

I have a set around here. Let me get some readings and get back to ya.

 

[ToddOAZ]

I have a set around here. Let me get some readings and get back to ya.

Thank you!

 

[SillyOctpuss]

Temperature differences also affect resistance. When it's warmer resistance goes up and cooler resistance goes down.

 

[la szum]

Thank you!

7. 6 and 7.3

 

[ToddOAZ]

7. 6 and 7.3

Thanks for doing this! Do you think there is any cause for concern with readings of - 6.5 kΩ, bridge - 6.9 kΩ.? (these are the readings from the seller)

 

[la szum]

You're welcome. I sold the guitar but still have the pickups, so it was easy to do.

I think those readings he sent you are well within any variables that might be in play.
Traditional Jazzmaster Pickups are fairly low output.

 

[Jarick]

Greetings!

I am currently looking to purchase a used Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster. Owner posted the pickup resistance as: neck - 6.5 kΩ, bridge - 6.9 kΩ. These readings appear to be very low. Per Fender/Squier specs, they should be: Neck: ~8.2 k Bridge: ~8.7 kΩ

Owner did say he replaced switches and pots as an upgrade.

Question - should I be concerned with these low readings? Could this indicate an issue with his modifications?

Thanks all!

If there are pictures of the guitar, do the pickups have slotted adjustable pole pieces or are they non adjustable like a regular single coil?

There are two different sets of J Mascis pickups. The stock ones that come with the Squier are basically P90's measuring about 8.2k and 8.6k. Fender also sells aftermarket J Mascis pickups which are much more like a vintage P90 measuring about 7.2 - 7.3k.

As mentioned above, temperature can change pickup readings, but I don't know if I've seen it more than about 0.5k off from spec.

It's possible the owner could have messed up the wiring, or it could be cold, or maybe the ohm meter is bad, or any number of things. If the seller is reputable and it's a good price I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ToddOAZ]

If there are pictures of the guitar, do the pickups have slotted adjustable pole pieces or are they non adjustable like a regular single coil?

There are two different sets of J Mascis pickups. The stock ones that come with the Squier are basically P90's measuring about 8.2k and 8.6k. Fender also sells aftermarket J Mascis pickups which are much more like a vintage P90 measuring about 7.2 - 7.3k.

As mentioned above, temperature can change pickup readings, but I don't know if I've seen it more than about 0.5k off from spec.

It's possible the owner could have messed up the wiring, or it could be cold, or maybe the ohm meter is bad, or any number of things. If the seller is reputable and it's a good price I wouldn't worry about it.

Howdy - looks like they are the slotted variety. Advertised as a Squier J Mascis Signature Jazzmaster Vintage White 2023.

Per the advert, seller has replaced pots, switches and jack.

Wondering if he did something to the pots when he resoldered them? Ohms just seem super low.

I've attached a photo....

 

[Byrdman]

Howdy - looks like they are the slotted variety. Advertised as a Squier J Mascis Signature Jazzmaster Vintage White 2023.

Per the advert, seller has replaced pots, switches and jack.

Wondering if he did something to the pots when he resoldered them? Ohms just seem super low.

I've attached a photo....

Beautiful guitar. I've always thought those were cool!

 

[Jarick]

It’s possible as the wiring is kind of a pain. I did the same thing on mine as the stock pots and switch were crap and values were weird. But maybe it’s just a bad reading.

 

[Byrdman]

Another think I thought about was that with all those additional switches, they might just be dirty and need a cleaning. Could be affecting the resistance. Also, it may be possible with the different switches and wiring could be a bad solder joint.

Did he check the resistance at the PU leads? Signal going through all the switches, since they affect tone, could affect resistance.

Just some things to think about, but I'm far from an expert, lol...


I just looked at one on FBMP and he was asking $350, so if you are getting a good price on it, I'd go for it if you want one. Personally I'd just turn the amp up