Know Your Ohms

We all remember certain numbers—our birthday, our Social Security number. Hopefully our anniversary. But there’s one set of numbers you should definitely know if you’re a serious guitarist: the output of your pickups.

If you don’t know, it’s easy to find out. First, get a multimeter (about $50 or less online, and definitely an essential part of anyone’s gig bag), preferably a digital model.

Then, using the common single-coil pickup as an example,

1) Remove your pickguard and lay it flat, back side up.

3) Turn the multi-meter on and set it to “ohms” (often marked by an omega, or upside-down horseshoe).

4) Place the red probe on the eyelet that connects the white lead wire.

5) Place the black probe on the eyelet that connects the black lead wire.

6) In a few seconds you’ll get the ohm reading, or output. A single-coil pickup should be at least 5.00K (K = ohms). The higher the ohm reading, the higher the output.

7) Write this number down somewhere, enter it in you iPhone, or whatever.

8) Repeat these steps for your other pickups.

The beauty of knowing your output is that it gives you a tonal reference. Whether you’re satisfied with your guitar’s sound or you’re searching for better tone, you’re in a much better position when you know your ohms.