5 Way Blade Resistor Conundrum

[bde52]

Hey all,

I've been attempting to put a resistor inline with my neck pickup (85/15, Custom 24), following the excellent diagrams provided in these threads

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/alternate-wiring-for-five-way-blade-custom-22-custom-24.25835/

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/custom-22-piezo-updated-wiring-with-singlecoil-neck.34634/

My wiring is closest to Johan's, swapping pickup positions 4 and 5.

My issue is that whenever the resistor is attached, the volume drops significantly. Normally the series link (red wire) to ground measures about 3.9k on my multimeter. When the resistor is on (1.1k) it drops to about 0.9k, changing to a 2.2k brings that value to about 1.5k. Obviously I'm hoping the value would increase, not decrease.

I'm using basic 1 watt, carbon film resistors, tan color.

Are there different types of resistors I should be looking at or is something else going on?

 

[garrett]

You have the resistor in parallel instead of in series.

 

[bde52]

You have the resistor in parallel instead of in series.

This was exactly it. I rewired it closer to your diagram Garrett, giving me the screw coil on the neck. It might be placebo but I prefer it to the slug. I flipped the pickup around so the coil is now closer to the bridge ala the 24-08. It sounds really nice!