G&L L1000 - Low Output

M

mcnaughb

Apr 27, 2012
65
21
4,531
#1
Hi,

I recently picked up an early G&L L1000 exactly like I had some 30 some years ago. The pickup output seems low to me. The parallel seems ok, but the two single coil modes seem significantly lower than the parallel mode.

Attached is a clip of all three modes in order parallel, single & OMG.

Wiring appears to be untouched.

Any thoughts? Am I misremembering?

Thanks.
 

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  • G&L L1000.mp3
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#3
Two single coil modes doesn't sound right. Get a screwdriver or something metal and tap the polepieces as you go from one switch position to the next.

With the switch pointed to the neck you should get a sound from both coils as you tap.
In the middle, only the coil closest to the bridge should be active.
With the switch pointed at the bridge, both coils should be active with a defined lack of treble on the coil closest to the neck.

Don't forget, the controls are cut only. With everything turned up full, that's your real output.
 
#5
Doctor J said:
Two single coil modes doesn't sound right. Get a screwdriver or something metal and tap the polepieces as you go from one switch position to the next.

With the switch pointed to the neck you should get a sound from both coils as you tap.
In the middle, only the coil closest to the bridge should be active.
With the switch pointed at the bridge, both coils should be active with a defined lack of treble on the coil closest to the neck.

Don't forget, the controls are cut only. With everything turned up full, that's your real output.
Click to expand...

With the switch pointed to the neck you should get a sound from both coils as you tap. >> Confirmed but seems like front coil is hotter
In the middle, only the coil closest to the bridge should be active. >> Confirmed
With the switch pointed at the bridge, both coils should be active with a defined lack of treble on the coil closest to the neck. >> Confirmed, but both seem similar. I wouldn't say there is a significant difference.

​
 
#7
Killed_by_Death said:
Is your amp set flat?

If you've got a brightness control on, the parallel mode might sound like it's got higher output.
Click to expand...

Its definitely set flat. I think I may have a weak coil.

One other symptom is in the single or OMG mode, if I turn down both tone controls I have zero output. In Parallel mode I still have something with both tone controls down.
 
#8
In OMG mode the 2 coils should be roughly equal loudness when you tap on them but one should have all the highs drained out.

Does your volume control work normally with the treble cut knob both full up and with treble rolled off 1/4 or more? The volume dropping off too quickly when the treble is rolled off is a common wiring error.
 
#9
bdgotoh said:
In OMG mode the 2 coils should be roughly equal loudness when you tap on them but one should have all the highs drained out.

Does your volume control work normally with the treble cut knob both full up and with treble rolled off 1/4 or more? The volume dropping off too quickly when the treble is rolled off is a common wiring error.
Click to expand...

I would say I get maybe 1/4 turn out of the volume with the treble down. Less than I would expect.
 
#11
bdgotoh said:
You might check the two wiring diagrams for the L-1000 here:

G&L Schematics and Wiring Diagrams
Click to expand...

Mine is definitely missing R1, which is the resistor on the treble pot. All other connections look correct to me. Looks like factory wiring though. Do you know if there were alternate wiring options?

Thanks.

upload_2017-11-22_18-3-24.png


upload_2017-11-22_18-5-46.png
 
#12
mcnaughb said:
Mine is definitely missing R1, which is the resistor on the treble pot. All other connections look correct to me. Looks like factory wiring though. Do you know if there were alternate wiring options?

Thanks.

View attachment 2821506

View attachment 2821509
Click to expand...

R1 limits the range of the treble control so it doesn't roll all the way off. That shouldn't affect volume. Maybe check the solder joints for the coil with lower output. It could be that simple.
 
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