So how do I use a voltmeter then?

[rick_ovic]

I need your help, Sergio, and my other learned colleagues.

I have some suspect pickups in my parts drawer and I'd like to determine whether they are functioning or not. I lashed out today and bought a voltmeter. I see the "on" switch. I see lots of fancy numbers and a nice big dial for idiots. What do I do next?

I know I need to plug in the red lead and the black lead and then touch the probes on the pickup lead wires, but I don't have a clue where to set the dial.

Your assistance would be very much appreciated!

[ozover50]

Um..... I used to know - about 40 years ago!! Since I haven't touched a multimeter since then my advice would no doubt be totally wrong, Trotty!! I reckon Big John A or Glen Lambert could assist here too.......

[leftyguitars]

Plug black into common (black - Com) and red into resistance (red - V/ohms/Hz), switch on, set dial to 20k on Ohms, touch lead ends together to test (should measure 00.00), then connect leads to pickup wires and measure away.

[rick_ovic]

Bingo! Perfect instructions, Pete! Now I know which bridge pickup to instal in my Telecaster project. Good onya, mate!

[charlyg]

Plug black into common (black - Com) and red into resistance (red - V/ohms/Hz), switch on, set dial to 20k on Ohms, touch lead ends together to test (should measure 00.00), then connect leads to pickup wires and measure away.

Your meter should also have a switch setting for continuity testing. It makes a sound when shorted, which makes it nice, you don;t have to look at the meter for the zeroes!

[leftyguitars]

If you want an accurate resistance reading always check that the meter is reading 00.00 when the leads are shorted (the meter is calibrated to take account of the internal resistance of the leads) the buzzer is used for continuity (for testing fuses for example) and will ring even if there is a false resistance (using longer or thinner leads for example).

Don't forget that resistance is different to impedance, so if you measure the impedance of a loudspeaker with an ohmmeter the reading will only be somewhere near.

[soundmasterg]

The better meters also have a zero function, so that if you touch the probes together and if there is a resistance such as 00.03 ohms or something like that, you can press the zero button and get an actual reading of what the coil is. Of course the better meters are usually so accurate that it isn't a concern.

Greg

[leftyguitars]

The better meters also have a zero function, so that if you touch the probes together and if there is a resistance such as 00.03 ohms or something like that, you can press the zero button and get an actual reading of what the coil is. Of course the better meters are usually so accurate that it isn't a concern.

Greg

Agreed Greg, all analogue multimeters of reasonable or better quality have a 'zero meter' function. With an analogue meter it is essential to zero the meter every time you either switch on (or to) the ohmmeter or change resistance ranges, some high end digital multimeters have a 'zero meter' function too.

[charlyg]

I cut my teeth on a Simpson 260!

[johnallg]

I cut my teeth on a Simpson 260!

So how long did your gums bleed?

I inherited one from my Uncle. Still works too. Probably a '50s model, or possibly an early 60s.