Abstract: In order to determine whether the redesigned rails pickups are tonally different from the old rails models a comprehensive testing program was established. As our control we tested an original design JB Jr. bridge pickup four times, producing both a frequency response plot and a waterfall time response plot for each test. Then, we tested each new redesigned pickup verses its old counterpart. Through the use of a control, it is clear that the redesigned rails pickups are not significantly different from the original rails pickups; the differences seen between the original design JB Jr. bridge pickup when tested four times are as large as the differences seen between the redesigned and old rails pickups. Therefore, we can conclude that the redesigned rails pickups are tonally unchanged because any minor differences noted between the old and new designs are due to random variations.

Compensation: Our testing has concluded, however, that the change in cover thickness does necessitate compensation in the distance between the pickup cover and the strings. We found that all rails pickups utilizing a straight blade (Hot Rails, Cool Rails, and Vintage Rails) require 0.008'' height compensation upward towards the strings because of the addition of the cover thickness. The rails pickups utilizing a blade with pole-pieces (JB Jr., Little 59', LSD, and Duckbucker) require the same 0.008'' compensation downward, away from the strings, because of the difference in new vs. old cover thickness. While our testing was able to measure the effect of a 0.008'' change in pickup height, it is nearly unnoticeable under real world applications (translating to about one-quarter rotation of the pickup height screws).

Advantages: The redesigned rails series pickups offer many advantages over the original models. Most prominently, the redesigned pickups are far more durable and easy to install. The new covers completely protect the pickups from all sides. Furthermore, because the covers are one piece, there are no problems with the top of the cover catching on the pick guard during installation or removal. Additionally, the new covers will completely protect the pickup during regular use, eliminating any tendency for strings to catch under the coils and cause premature failures. Because of the use of a PCB for hook-up wire, the new design will be much easier to build and should eliminate any tendency for the pickup to become "overbuilt" due accumulation of bulk throughout the assembly process. The new pickups have a cleaner and more professional look as well. Over all, we conclude that the redesigned rails pickups are ergonomically improved over the original rails models, while remaining tonally identical.

Testing Setup: DC Resistance measurements were made directly using a multi-meter. Inductance measurements were made directly using a GenRad 1658 RLC Digi-Bridge.

Peak output was calculated using a storage oscilloscope in conjunction with a mechanical strum guitar tuned to open E. The trigger on the oscilloscope was set such that it would only store the initial attack. Peak measurements were made directly from the oscilloscope's screen.

Resonance was calculated using an Amber 3501 distortion and noise analyzer and an HP 3314A function generator in conjunction with an impedance measurement fixture designed and built in SD Engineering. The function generator was used to vary the frequency while the analyzer displayed the pickups corresponding response. The frequency was varied on the function generator until a peak was observed on the analyzer. The frequency of the function generator at the analyzer's peak response is the resonant frequency of the pickup.
Frequency response and waterfall plots were done using a mechanical strum guitar tuned to open E and a digital recording system. Recordings were made of open E strums at 24 bit 96 KHz and then analyzed using Spectra Plus at 16 bit 48 KHz resolution.

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