Category Archives:

The outer wrapping on most acoustic guitar strings are made from a non-ferrous alloy and will not sense the magnetic field when within proximity of a magnetic pickup. The pickup is only sensing the diameter of the inner core of a particular string. I wouldn’t use acoustic strings on an electric guitar for many factors…

Generally the pickup has a permanent magnet and pole pieces that become magnetized and continue to magnetize the string depending on several factors. As the string moves, the movement of the magnetic field through the coil generates and alternating current which can be sent through various circuits and finally the amplifier. The string area that…

Sound hole acoustic pickups work much the same as electric guitar pickups. Most acoustic instruments use bronze strings or some variation. The magnet field within the pickup has to be balanced to meet the needs of a particular strings used on the instrument. The inner core of bronze strings is normally the same spring steel…

I don’t like rewinding old pickups when they are in fine working condition. I’d rather fabricate another bobbin and do a custom wind on it for the customer even though they don’t care about taking an old pickup and rewinding it, I try to discourage it so they don’t regret it later. Rewinding helps after…

Like myself, there are several qualified winders who both manufacturer and rewind many models of pickups. Word of mouth is very important and talk to other satisfied customers who have had pickups restored or rewound. I would look through Vintage Guitar Magazine for ad’s and give them a call. Ask them for help and have…

Pickup rewinding is the removal of existing or original magnet wire from the bobbin or coil form. If I need to rewind an old pickup, I first try to remove the original coil turn by turn to another spool till it is completely removed or to the internal break is found. Many single coils that…

This is a process that I do when making a pickup look and sound when it was first manufactured. I try to repair pickups without rewinding, as many pickups don’t need to be rewound if they are not working. There can be many other problems that cause a pickup not to work. If the DC…

Here are a few of the things that I do when working on an instrument. I prepare a clean working area where the instrument is clear of debris that can cause damage. Make sure I have the proper tools need for the type of work I am doing and proper lighting and eye protection. I…

Oxidation and rusting of ferrous metal parts is always a problem especially with constant handling and touching of the components. The pole pieces are either plated with nickel, gold, chrome or other plating over a ferrous material such as a pole piece. The constant plucking and moisture from playing eventually wears the plating off exposing…

The DC resistance of a coil is basically determined by the magnet wire gauge being used and the length or number of turns being used. As you increase the number of turns in a pickup, the DC resistance will increase. If the magnet wire is stretched when winding can cause the DC resistance to increase…