The Electra Forums

if the short is intermittent and that is how it sounds with poor sound but varying readings, it is more likerly the solder joint than the coil. Good luck.

I did end up unwrapping the single coil and all the leads and solder joints were OK so it's a break in the winding somewhere. I sent it off to an outfit in Murfreesboro TN for a rewind and they confirmed my findings. - http://www.smitspickups.com/index.htm. Very reasonable prices and a 2-3 week turnaround. I gave Smitty the neck pickup readings and feel like it's in good hands and will come back good as new. I'm glad to save an old MMK from the scrap heap.

The pickup is back. Looks very nice - Smitty even cleaned up the hex poles pieces. It measures out to 11.95. I'll see if I can stick it back in tomorrow and take it for a spin (that's a rewind joke - get it? pickup - rewind - spin??).

It's in and sounds great. I really like this guitar. It's a bit of a one trick pony. It's not designed for real delicate stuff - more like full frontal assault. I can't figure out why it has such good sustain but I'm not complaining. I have a new respect for these MMK 45's in the 11 to 12 range - they really scream. I may consider potting these. I have a set of white/cream MMK 45's that measure a little over 6 that I was going to put in but I'm glad I didn't - it would have watered it down to a middle of the road axe. I lined all the cavities with aluminum tape (all out of copper) and it's still a little noisy but not anywhere annoying enough to merit re-wiring the grounds. They're all pretty solid. Maybe a new input jack if I get bored.

I still need to set this one up and after intonating, and a new set of pyramid strings, I may have to register it at the police dept. as a weapon.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Smitty's rewinding service and I can also say that if anyone comes across one of these guitars they should BUY it!!!