Silo Special Silent Circui: Yes or No?

[beej]

So, I took off the pickguard, and the silent circuit unit is there, and everything seems to be connected except the 2 wires that attach to the battery terminals.
So, to resolder the battery the red wire goes to the positive terminal, yes?
And does the black wire go to the negative terminal?

Also check the output jack- it connects the black wire from the battery to ground, once a cable is plugged in. But it sounds like they just disconnected the battery. Anyhow, you'll know right away if it works.

[GrooveMerchant]

It didn't work.
I'll check the output jack.
But when I checked I heard a crackling pop when I inserted the battery, so I think it's connected, but no hum reduction.
Maybe it stopped working and that's why the guy disconnected it.
Might just have to bring it to my tech.

[tbonesullivan]

I would definitely always have the guitar UNplugged when putting the battery in.

[GrooveMerchant]

I would definitely always have the guitar UNplugged when putting the battery in.

I would have too, but I read on another thread that was a way to determine if the unit was working.
Apparently you get a pop when inserting the battery. I got more of a crackle.

[beej]

Sounds promising- it will crackle a bit when it's powered up. If it persists, it's usually a sign that the battery isn't making good contact with the terminals. So either *gently* pry them back with a small screwdriver, or put little cardboard shim between the bottom of the battery and the cover, so that it gets fully inserted.

[GrooveMerchant]

Sounds promising- it will crackle a bit when it's powered up. If it persists, it's usually a sign that the battery isn't making good contact with the terminals. So either *gently* pry them back with a small screwdriver, or put little cardboard shim between the bottom of the battery and the cover, so that it gets fully inserted.

Thanks.
And as far as adjusting the trim pot, I'm assuming that clockwise decreases the amount of hum?

[beej]

Sort of- there's a point where you'll be reintroducing different hum. Best bet is to set the guitar/pickguard up in playing position and adjust until you find the best spot on the trimmer. Crank up the gain on your amp ... you'll be able to dial it in pretty quickly.

[GrooveMerchant]

Sort of- there's a point where you'll be reintroducing different hum. Best bet is to set the guitar/pickguard up in playing position and adjust until you find the best spot on the trimmer. Crank up the gain on your amp ... you'll be able to dial it in pretty quickly.

Much appreciated.

[Tescot]

Nice job! So jealous!
Also be sure to check the output jack. Music Man uses a unique jack to turn the SC on and off.
Discovered that as I just picked up a 2006 SS where the "tech" couldn't figure it out and had removed everything and replaced all the components and wiring with cheap items. (Hardware store wiring, dime sized no-brand pots, twist-on wire connectors, etc.)
Luckily I picked up an old body to paint... with ... the entire cuircuit and pickups!
It was easy to see the differences in every aspect of the wiring and components.
So that will be a project sometime soon.

BTW: What do you recommend for sticking the SC to the back of a new PG?

[beej]

It's not unique- it's a fairly standard technique for disconnecting a circuit. You use a TRS (stereo) jack. When a mono plug connects, it connects the Ring and Ground, completing the circuit and allowing current to flow.

For sticking the SC to a pickguard, I use 3M dual-sided foam, cut into a square. But any kind of double-sided adhesive would work.

[PeteDuBaldo]

If it winds up not working after properly wired up feel free to drop me a line, I've got new replacement silent circuits in stock.