Author Topic: Really bad feedback with my Mule in Charvel (Read 5105 times)

_tom_ · « **on:** March 30, 2007, 12:53:26 PM »

I just installed this yesterday and only got to crank the amp today. I'm getting loads of microphonic/squealy feedback with the Mule. Any ideas why?

I thought it could either be - pickup vibrating in its mounting ring, or springs in the trem vibrating?

I dont have this problem with the Mules in my LP, nor did I have it with the stock Jackson pickup, which is actually higher output than this :?

Oh and another thing. The Mule in this guitar seems to have an almost singlecoil-y type edge to it when you dig in (which I dont get in the LP). Is this just to do with the construction of the guitar, or have I wired it wrong? I have white + green soldered and taped off, red + bare to ground and black going to the switch.

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2007, 01:20:19 PM »

I think you've got it wired wrong, which would explain the tone differences. I think you need something like:

* Black and bare to ground
* Red to switch
* Green/white to switch position 2 for coil split with single coil

The feedback issue is strange. Is the pickup damaged at all? Unpotted?

_tom_ · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2007, 01:35:01 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

I think you've got it wired wrong, which would explain the tone differences. I think you need something like:

* Black and bare to ground
* Red to switch
* Green/white to switch position 2 for coil split with single coil

The feedback issue is strange. Is the pickup damaged at all? Unpotted?

It isnt wired up for splitting, the stock pickup wasnt either. I just swapped the colours around to match, so it should be exactly the same.

The pickup is uncovered, and it doesnt look damaged (looks basically in brand new condition except a couple of small scratches on the bobbins).

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2007, 01:55:32 PM »

Hmm. Not sure then. I'd maybe try swapping black/red and see how that sounds...

_tom_ · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2007, 02:00:13 PM »

Actually, I think that could just be the nature of this guitar and BKPs. When unplugged, the guitar has more of a scooped/hollow tone than my LP anyway. I guess the Mule picks up more on the natural tone of the guitar than the stock pickup did.. anyway I think I will sell the Mule and go for a Rebel Yell to fill it out a bit :twisted:

I dont know what was causing that feedback, as I just had another go and it didnt really occur :?

Philly Q · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2007, 03:45:24 PM »

Swapping red and black shouldn't make any difference, except when you're using bridge + middle because the phase will be reversed.

I wonder if the RY might be too bright after all Tom? Is the Mule really piercing?

dave_mc · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2007, 04:41:48 PM »

bolt-on maple neck might explain a little of the single-soily snap...

as for the feedback, sounds like it's either the screws vibrating or the pickup needs re-potted.

_tom_ · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2007, 04:42:39 PM »

No its not piercing, or overly bright really. The treble sounds about right in this guitar, its just the mids which I think it could do with having more of. I know the RY is meant to be a middy pickup which is why I was considering it over a Crawler (was worried that'd sound too similar to the Mule)

edit - dave, the j90c originally in it didnt really have much of a singlecoil-type snap to it, it didnt actually sound too bad, just a bit bland compared to BKs.

dave_mc · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2007, 05:39:49 PM »

^ ah, ok. that complicates matters a bit, I guess. i have no idea, but if it's uncontrollable squealing, could be microphonic/need repotted.