Reader Question: Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker Problem Sounds

A reader has asked about problem sounds with his Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker.

HBS READER QUESTION:

I have a Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker, which has a really high output of 9K!! It’s NOT a Classic+, which I know. I installed it in the bridge position, with the selector on treble, and it sounds thin, very quiet, and is humming slightly. What could be wrong?

Sven

ANSWER:

Hi Sven. It sounds as though you have a wiring problem. Most likely, you have the “hot” and “ground” wires backwards. Triple-check the wiring diagram that came with the pickup. If you can confirm 100% that the pickup is wired correctly, then try touching the hot / ground wires directly to a guitar jack, and tap the pickup. There should be a loud and healthy “thud” that comes out of the amp when you do this. If not, then the pickup is damaged.