VI Strat Pickup Feedback

[Stratmann]

Today I installed a set of Tokai VI stamped pickups with disappointing results. Feedback!!! When dialing in a bit of gain at the amp I get feedback even if I dampen the strings.

I don't have this problem with other Tokai pickups. I own E- and U-stamped and also Fender, Lindy Fralins and Kloppmann. No problems.

Is it usual? Are they defect? What can I do?

 

[DaveWW]

Don't know about tokai VI pickups but I had something like that once and it turned out I'd wired it badly. I think two wires that shouldn't have been touching were shorting out.

Dave

 

[Stratmann]

But if you produced a shortcut, it shouldn't work at all, should it?

 

[Anonymous]

It depends what you mean by feedback. If it's only at higher volume it may be that the pickups are microphonic - if so, wax potting should cure this. It's not an uncommon problem with Strat pickups, particularly Japanese ones.

Having said that, I was never very impressed with the VI pickups, & I don't know why Tokai changed from the Us to VIs.

Mike

 

[DaveWW]

But if you produced a shortcut, it shouldn't work at all, should it?

Mike, don't know but it did! I think it was a short/bad connection at the output jack but don't remember really. My electrical knowledge is not up to much at all - and I didn't think yours was either :wink:

 

[Stratmann]

I solved the problem by wax potting the pickups. Great improvement. No microphonic feedback anymore, even with high gain settings.

I used the pickups for a funny strat project. I used a 99 Euro Squier Bullet. Than I changed the tuners, the saddles, the tremolo block, the pickguard incl. the pots, switch and pickups, worked a bit on the frets, removed the ugly logo. You wouldn't believe it. It's a fantastic guitar now. It can compete with all me others.

Thanks for your replies! Great forum for great guitars!!