Thread: pickup winding tutorial

just to clarify the debate on the split coil pickup, i seem to have support on the argument that the magnetic polarity of the separate coils on a p bass dont make a difference in the "bucking" of the hum, as it is the out of phaseness of the coils that make the difference. the opposite magnetic polarity on normal humbuckers is so that the signal on the same string wont be cancelled out by the fact that the 2 coils are out of phase. this problem isnt there on a split coil hb as the strings are only sensed by one coil each, so it cannot be out of phase.

i know i wrote similar thigns quite a few times, just putting it there so people dont have to go back to see what i was saying.

heres the link to the thread i somewhat hijacked: http://music-electronics-forum.com/s...near#post57559

Originally Posted by Originally Posted by black_labb

i was right, wasnt i? (will link him to this thread to finish the arguement)

I stand corrected then

Thanks for the no holds barred tutorial Blacklabb, and Phil, thanks for sharing
all that stuff you've garnered through your own hard slog, including your homemade winders.
I really like your build style and while I don't build or play basses,
I get a kick out of these builds you and Mkat are pulling off.

Although I've got nothing of technical knowledge to add, I'd definitely like
this thread to continue.
Maybe yu could make it as long as PSW's thread on PG about sustainers ?

Guys, my question is why even bother with doing it this way at all, what is gained? So, it cancels out hum and it does work, but it's not really the way to go with a production pickup.

[quote=black_labb]i was right, wasnt i? (will link him to this thread to finish the arguement)[/quote]

black_labb, I think you stated that it was a mistake that it ended up like that correct? If so, then you have issues with a P/J configuration for example as was pointed out. This can be easily fixed by flipping the polarity on the relevant split pickup.

I guesss its good information to know but I doubt very much I'll ever use it. I don't see an advantege to using it unless of course we're solely talking aobut the P/J example.... and I personally HATE P/J basses anyway so...



.. can we get back to talk about building pickups now instead of arguing? This thread's going to get boring a lot faster if we keep that up.





...not that I would know what else to add about building pickups that I haven't already said.

Anyone know what the specs are on accoustic magnetic pickups? Anyone made any? Any of the above mentioned books have specs? You read the term "wound for bronze strings" a lot. Does that mean they are over wound to help with the lower ferrus material in the strings? Or is it just one of these "gimmick" throw away terms tha mean nothing at all.

Originally Posted by mkat

Guys, my question is why even bother with doing it this way at all, what is gained? So, it cancels out hum and it does work, but it's not really the way to go with a production pickup.

[quote=black_labb]i was right, wasnt i? (will link him to this thread to finish the arguement)

black_labb, I think you stated that it was a mistake that it ended up like that correct? If so, then you have issues with a P/J configuration for example as was pointed out. This can be easily fixed by flipping the polarity on the relevant split pickup.[/quote]


i started writing an arguement, and then just realised the issue. thanks for pointing that out.

by having the same magnetic polarity you would have one coil out of phase with the other, which is fine on a p bass where there is 1 pup. but when there are other pups then one of the coils in the split coil will be out of phase with the other pickup (unless it is another split coil done with the same magnetic polarity).

good point mkat, wasnt thinking about the other pickups.

Originally Posted by Phil Mailloux

I personally HATE P/J basses anyway

heheheh
that comment would start a flame war on many forums

never been a fan of jazz but the precision is an all time fave of mine
i always feel good when the bass player is slinging an old style precision into a big SS amp - i know they got issues but i just feel right with one there - and of course a guy who knows how to play it

not that i want to hijack this thread heaven forbid

Originally Posted by black_labb

by having the same magnetic polarity you would have one coil out of phase with the other, which is fine on a p bass where there is 1 pup. but when there are other pups then one of the coils in the split coil will be out of phase with the other pickup (unless it is another split coil done with the same magnetic polarity).

good point mkat, wasnt thinking about the other pickups.

No problem, it's good to discuss issues and variations. Standards are also useful (not really implying across makers since many have their own), as it simplifies design, build and maintenance.

Originally Posted by old_picker

heheheh
that comment would start a flame war on many forums

never been a fan of jazz but the precision is an all time fave of mine
i always feel good when the bass player is slinging an old style precision into a big SS amp - i know they got issues but i just feel right with one there - and of course a guy who knows how to play it

not that i want to hijack this thread heaven forbid

Sorry, no I meant I hate the combination of a P pickup and a Jazz pickup on one bass I love Jazz basses! As a matter of fact I'm starting a Jazz bass build very soon.

I've been looking at adding pickup winding to my homebrew repertoire for a while now, so this thread has been a good little read.

I have a question for the guru's, where do you get your parts from? Specifically the alnico 5 rod magnets. I've not been able to find a local (Australian) supplier online so far.

Thanks guys.

i was getting my alnico rods from a magnetic force near sydney airport, but theyve recently upped their already highish price on their alnico stuff to rediculous prices, so i wouldnt reccomend going there. some prices doubled and tripled.

for a good supplier, im not quite sure. ive bought some humbucker parts from a guy from sa called mick (cant remember his surname). I think i'll get some more parts from mick as he seems good to deal with. i dont have his details atm though.
i think some people on these forums have bought his pickups (hes a pickup maker) and have had great results.

Originally Posted by black_labb

ive bought some humbucker parts from a guy from sa called mick (cant remember his surname). I think i'll get some more parts from mick as he seems good to deal with. i dont have his details atm though.
i think some people on these forums have bought his pickups (hes a pickup maker) and have had great results.

Mick Brierley

You can get hold of him on this forum as MickB http://www.guitargear.net.au/discussion/index.php

He's getting a great rap for his aussie made pickups

thats the one, thanks stu