Guyatone Gold Foil pickups

[Alex Cattaneo]

I recently tested the pickups on my Guyatone Double 8 steel guitar and they read 4.8 ohms for two on the lower neck and 5 ohms for the one on the top neck. That seems... pretty weak? I'm not sure how strong they are supposed to be, but since I play with low-wattage amps, I really wish they had a bit more output.

I was wondering if some of you who own a Guyatone with gold foil pickups could check the strength of the pickups on your guitar as a reference for comparison. Cheers!

[Noah Miller]

4.8 ohms or 4.8K ohms? 4.8K is a perfectly reasonable DCR value.

Are you measuring at the jack or at the pickup leads? You really want to measure as close to the pickup as possible, as the wiring can mess with the readings at the jack.

And just to be extra clear, DCR ≠ output.

[Alex Cattaneo]

You’re right, I forgot the K. Still, it’s pretty low compared to typical steel pickups no? Stringmasters are usually in the 7-8k range, no?

I measured at the jack.

[David Venzke]

I have a Guya D-8 that is currently disassembled for a re-fin. Two gold foils on one neck and a single on the other. The pickups alone, disconnected from pots & etc, measured from about 5.02k to 5.12k. I thought it sounded great before I took it apart.

[Alex Cattaneo]

David, did you take pictures of your refin project? Mine has some serious cracks in the finish on both necks so I’m considering it as well.

[David Venzke]

David, did you take pictures of your refin project? Mine has some serious cracks in the finish on both necks so I’m considering it as well.

No photos. Previous owner had stripped the top and sides (but not the bottom) and put some god-awful dark stain and a brushed clear coat on it. I hope to sand/prime/paint it this summer with rattlecan automotive paint. Nothing fancy, just a decent re-do.