Current MFDs same as those in the SC-1?

[co-pilot]

Hi everyone, first post. Unfortunately I'm starting with a request for help! I've looked in the tech section, but can't find anything that answers my question.

I'm lucky enough to own an SC-1 (no. 3 in the registry). It's my pride and joy but I think the pickup is on the way out. I know SC-1s generally have a lot of spank, but mine sounds like I'm playing it through a cocked wah. The sustain is lacking and there's a quite a bit of noise too.

I was wondering if the MFD pickups sold on the G&L site are identical to the original design and whether I can simply replace it with a new one. I've only had the guitar for a few years (it's almost as old as me) so I don't know if it's always sounded like this. Compared to my guitars though it's really, really thin

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Sprinter 92]

Have your original pickup repaired. There are several pickup makers that also repair them. Jason Lollar and Lindy Fralin are two examples. The modern Asat Special bridge pickup is dimensionally the same however it's wound hotter and doesn't sound the same. The wire type and gauge may also be different. Repairing your original pickup will help to retain the value and tone of your SC-1.

Sprinter 92

[co-pilot]

Excellent. Thanks for that.

I'm in the UK, but it may well be worth sending it to one of the guys you mentioned just to find someone who know's what they're doing. These pickups seem pretty rare around here.

[Philby]

I had an S-500 MFD pickup repaired by Mick Brierley and was very happy with the results.

http://www.brierleyguitarpickups.com.au/

Mick is in Australia which may be too far away for you, but his attention to detail in getting the right gauge wire and matching the original output was excellent. He also wax potted the pickup for free to reduce noise. Top bloke to deal with, very prompt e-mail responses even though he's VERY busy.

I'd be surprised if there wasn't someone in the UK who could do a similar job.

P.S. Please don't mention the Ashes

[blargfromouterspace]

Co-piolt: There would certainly be people in the UK who could re-wind that pickup for you. Lollar and Fralin would do a fantastic job but I can imagine it would be quite pricey and have a long waiting list. You might want to contact the people at Bare Knuckle pickups and see if they will do it for you. They are a very, very highly regarded manufacturer that would be on par at least with their American counterparts.

[co-pilot]

Thanks guys, great stuff.

I can't wait to start using this thing live again.

[jonc]

looks like there's an original SC1 pickup posted on da bay if you want to check it out. i would definitely ask the guys questions about it but prolly worth a look.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-G-L-SC-1-Pi ... 546wt_1136

[Kit]

looks like there's an original SC1 pickup posted on da bay if you want to check it out. i would definitely ask the guys questions about it but prolly worth a look.

The listing is only for the pickup cover and mounting screws. It says specifically that there is no pickup.

[jonc]

thx for the correction. skimmed right by that. wishful thinking i guess.