The Electra Forums

Howdy y'all! I just picked up the beaut below (w/ case, 1 module and paperwork). I'm loving everything about her but the pickups--they just sound muddy and blah. Is this par for the course with these guys? Would rewiring to Steve Higdons MPC diagram help, or do I want to both rewire and replace the pickups?

Thanks all!

There have been a few threads about some of the MPC models going out with a 500mf capacitor when they should have had a 50 mf. Check to see it this is the case with yours.

If it is not the capacitor problem on yours and you decide to swap out pickups, try to hold on to the originals. It never hurts the value to have original parts if you ever decide to sell it.

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"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

The muddy tones are a good indicator of the incorrect pots being installed so check them for certain before you re wire and also remove all mac modules and see if the tone gets better.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Thanks guys! 1 PU is already swapped (original is in the case). The Muddiness/blah happens w/ the module it came with (Phaser) removed.

I'll look into the parts values concerns!

Does your tone pot work? It's the second knob. My MPC Electra X330 did that, the tone pot was dirty and made it stick to fully "off" if that makes sense to you. Try turning it and see what it does.

Check your pots. You should have two that read 500k and two that read 150k. If you have two that read 50k, then they need replaced with 500k pots.

Do these things and get back to us soon.

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"GREAT Googiley moogilie Jack...jumpin jehosephat, hot dang and all".
- jdwhealton

For the record, my X720 Outlaw is a very open, full sounding guitar. No muddy in the least. So the tone knob or pots may be to blame. Photo your electronics cavity and post it on here.

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"GREAT Googiley moogilie Jack...jumpin jehosephat, hot dang and all".
- jdwhealton

Will do--thanks y'all!

Yup--50k pots! My Tech is going to be replacing them and wiring in the Stock bridge pickup, as well. Can't wait to hear her the way she is meant to sound! Thanks again for all the help, y'all.

Others have said it's like taking the blanket off. You'll notice it!

_________________
"GREAT Googiley moogilie Jack...jumpin jehosephat, hot dang and all".
- jdwhealton