Making A Humbucker Pickup For An Electric Guitar
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Follow along as I make a humbucker pickup for an electric guitar from start to finish. Show your support! Visit www.eguitarplan... and buy a plan. Or visit highline-custo... and buy a shirt!
The beautiful thing about guitar is that you can go full on scientist mode with it. It's a perfect blend of bad-assery and science geek.
That's also what I love about these things
One of the best innovations to happen to arts & science. It's done enormous impact in various cultures for decades.
An excellent and inspiring tutorial;
thanks so much for sharing your comprehensive and extensive knowledge! 🎸
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent PUP building tutorial - I have wanted a tutorial like this for years! Thanks HG!
Love your channel!! Just a note that Eddie Van Halen took the putting pick ups idea among other ideas from Tony Iommi and Jon Birch. In 1970 he needed to solve the problem of his P 90 pick ups squealing too much in front of his Laney stacks. Birch performed an overwound rewind on his bridge P90 and made an overwound neck P90 for him. both were potted.
hands down one of the best channels on yt
And its art, one way to achive true happiness by creating stuff.
Yeah, this was good. We need more of this. Let's hear the pickups in the next pickup build vid.
It was interesting the commentary on the reasons for the conventional Hotter Bridge Humbucker to create balance which is commonplace .. Jimmy Pages Les Paul tone in Led Zeppelin has been elusive as no mainstream manufacturer has ever created his UNCONVENTIONAL pickup arrangement. Namely a brighter Lower Wound 7.5k T Top with a short A5 magnet in the bridge creating some 'Twang' and a massively different high wind 8.6k Alnico 2 PAF in the Neck for a Buttery /Wood sound (Set BELOW pickup ring to create balance and no mud!)... These crazy pickup extremes create that "Hollow Toppy Chirp" almost acoustic sound in middle position which alludes conventional guitars.. With this setup, you get 3 much more 'radically different' tones than a regular hotter bridge/lower power neck setup.. Even the Gibson Jimmy Page model guitars are "Period Incorrect' pickup wise for Zeppelin, as they are modeled on post 1984 mods with hotter bridge
Thank you for posting this! It helped me better understand my instrument. Of course, it also made me want to learn more about building guitars too.
The best pickup winding video I’ve seen.
Thanks Chris,
Your video gave me tips on how to handle the only thing I still struggle with, soldering on the leads to the coil wire and attempting to not short out anything with moving them around. I think your way to deal with that will help me out greatly!
I appreciate it very much!
I think you should have included a brief bit testing the resistance of the coils to show how to check for a short or partial short in it. I do it about 100 times while assembling because I'm a bit insane about it. I also understand that becomes a rabbit hole based on wire thickness and number of windings, which might be why you skipped it.
Thanks that was the best and most comprehensive video on making pickup I’ve seen.
Amazing job, true craftsmanship!!!!
Thanks for the info, it made sense to me finally. Your video are awesome.Loved The homemade pickup winder, and gauss contraption,
Thank you Chris. I always wondered why the neck pickup is constructed differently from the bridge pickup. Thanks for explaining the differences in detail. Now I understand! Fantastic tutorial video!
Jimmy Pages set is the opposite. Low Wind Bridge, Overwound Neck. It was in the Zeppelin years. Thats why no ones nailed his Les Paul Tone.
Excellent job, Sir!
Lol Van Halen made these 700 years ago. I cried
Rip Eddie Van Halen
Van halen is a revolutionary and a visionary
Fender pickups have been wax potted since the late forties. People wax potted humbuckers in the sixties. EVH was a visionary but he didn't invent wax potting.
@@neilpincus4667
He never said he invented it first, just did it first on his own
@@neilpincus4667 bro I wonder if you picked up the joke and made a counter joke, or if you took the man's word face value 🤣
Hey Chris thank you for your reply. It makes sense and is really interesting. Thank you
This video was awesome. Very informative and interesting! Thanks so much for sharing. This is definitely something I want to be able to do in the near future and everything you showed and explained was easy to understand and made a lot of sense.
This is art man! Thanks a lot.
Thank you, sir! I've seen some of your vids, but I'm now subscribed. I hope to make some guitars in the future. I've thought about how nice it would be to make my own pickups. Definitely something I'll try at some point and I'm sure I'll refer back to this as a starting point. Thanks again.
wow! Great!
Excellent video!
Very informative and insightful video. Thank you very much!
Thank you Sir, Excellent 🤩👍🏆
Thanks for the video, very informative.
Outstanding video Chris!!!
Thank you!
Smart man... very solid info.. ty
I just got a 1965 black Hagstrom 1 electric guitar, and the pickups are known to have a special sound that people pay a premium for, even decades old. QUESTION: When I was rubbing the rust off the pole pieces, pressing hard (heavily rusted), I discovered the poles are not one solid piece.
The top part (that is visible) is actually a little steel cap that is glued onto the pole underneath. Apparently the rubbing alcohol I used to free the rust dissolved the glue. This happened on two pole pieces. I cleaned the old glue off, and put a tiny pinch of super glue (with pressure overnight) to secure the two caps.
Have you ever seen pickups made this way, with metal caps fixed on top of each pole? They were magnetized. If you put them upside down, they would repulse, but the correct way, and it they fit right back in place.
They work fine, but I'm curious nevertheless if this strange construction is unique to Hagstrom, or is this a build technique unique to Hagstrom? Thanks for your wonderful video.
I know nothing about that brand.
Amazing video thanks so much you inspired me to wind my own humbucker!👍
Strings are vibrating with the same frequency, no matter which pickup position you pick. The amplitude is the only thing that's different. An open A = 440 Hz. The maximum amplitude is in the middle. So, either in the middle between the bridge and the saddle or between the bridge and the fret that's pressed. When you pick fretted notes this middle position shifts and the frequency therefore increases, but the frequency above the neck and bridge pickup is still the same.
Ultra- cool, Dude! Many years ago, I dreamed of building my own guitar. In retrospect, I guess I had created in my mind, a hybrid PRS, solid body Classical, and Brian May's Red Special. Anyway - I also thought of winding my own pickups. I had a friend whose Dad wound pickups using a spool and a fishing spinning reel. This entire realm of electronics v acoustics has always fascinated me. Sad thing - I barely passed me Electronics 101 Class in college.
28 single-coil groupies have disliked this video. ;-)
I realized from the video that the finishing ends of the coils are soldered together. Which wire from the beginning of the coils do you use as "hot": the "Start" of the southern coil or the northern one? Thanks, Chris!
North start is the hot. South start is the ground. North and south finish are soldered together.
Chris, this is my second time watching this one, and I suspect I'll watch it a couple more times before I attempt my first DIY humbucker. Do you have any tips on where to get the best pickup parts for the best prices? Do you buy in bulk? I've seen some 'humbucker' pickup 'kits' that include all the pieces - are these a good option or do you pick everything separately?
For the guitars I sell on Reverb, I buy kits fro CE Distribution. You have to have a business account to get the best prices. For custom builds I source parts all over the internet.
very usefull..
Good video except the only bit I was interested in that you never said anything about was the hook up wires, which one is live, which one is earth and which two get connected together?
Because there are so many options. www.seymourduncan.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/color_codes-809x1024.jpg
I decided to take the plunge and ATTEMPT to make some home made pickups for friends first, then see how it goes...
Thanks
Welcome
Awesome 👍
amazing video!
Cheers...
I have a question, sir, what happens if I rewind more one coil than the another in a humbucker?
Gibson did that way unintentionally with their early PAF humbuckers. I do it as well. Usually 5 to 10% difference.
What a great informative video! Thank you
Awesome video, thanks for this! I know it’s a bit older but I actually had a question in regards to wire - when I’m trying to wind, I constantly have to stop to unspool a bit of wire and it makes the winding part take forever. I cannot go quickly. When I unspool a bunch of wire to wind, it’s likely that unspooled wire will pool and knot next to me as I’m trying to wind. I set up the spool on a little pole, in hopes that as I wind, the wire will be pulled, the spool will then turn and feed more wire as it goes, but then I have issues with wire snapping, as the spool is too heavy and is only relying on the pull from the winder to unspool it. How do you go about having enough wire and being able to work at that speed while dealing with a spool of wire? Thanks!
I actually just read that people stand the spool vertically below where they’re working - this seems to be the common trend and works well?
I’ve never had the issue you described nor have I heard of anyone other pickup makers with that same experience. With the spools I use, the wire unravels on its own as the bobbin spins.
@@HighlineGuitars thank you for the response! It must have to do with how I have the spool set up. I set it up expecting the spool itself to roll to unwind while the pickup winder does its thing. I need to set it vertically so the wire can come off freely (how a fishing pole spool would be orientated) and not expect the spool itself to move.
@@Houstnwehavuhoh That is correct.
Hi Chris, is there any way to fix the Tobin when the wire breaks through the wiring process, or you have to start over every single time it happens??
I usually just start over. You can solder the break and either tape the joint or lacquer over it.
Chris, you ever hear of a mini humbucker? If so have you ever found any of those little bobbins on your Whatsit?
Great job man!!!!!
What’s the general cost for you to make a single coil or a humbucker ?
you didnt show how the 4 wires connected to pickup wires. which one is for red white black and green.
There are different ways to wire the coils. What you do depends on what you want.
great informative video... can you explain how to shape the personality of the pickup... such as low end focused etc
ruclips.net/p/PL7TLAFxVOtrVBkmFgpiMwVWmPSzNhK6dw
How many turns it will for 42 gauge wire for single pickup sir ?
8k to 10k.
Great video thanks for sharing it.
How about magnetizing the pickups? Aren't humbuckers supposed to be composed of two single coils with opposing magnetic fields? Also how many turns do you usually put in your pickups (both bridge and neck)
I dig that
Same direction for 2 humbuckers? (cc)? or (cc) and (c)?
You can wind all of your bobbins (humbucker or single coil) in the same direction (c) or (cc). If you want a coil to be in the opposite direction of another, you simply flip the leads when you solder them into the circuit.
thank you, I wound my Humbucker neck to (c) and my humbucker bridge to (cc) will this work?
@@strat7751 Yes.
Hello from Nepal, I had a pickup wires not having any resistance shown in the multimeter,so I opened it and unwinded everything seemed like there was no break but still no output. Do you have any idea about this problem?
Sounds like a short either from breakage or faulty insulation. Time for a rewind.
@@HighlineGuitars ok thanks for the reply and cheers
How did you do your Gauss Meter sensor? Do you have a schematic for share?. Thanks anticipated !
This is the old one: www.coolmagnetman.com/magmeter.htm
This is my new one: amzn.to/304Z6rm
Just wondering, it’s it possible to put pickups underneath the wood so that it’s essentially hidden? I guess I wanna have a certain drawing or artwork on the face of the guitar and the pickups kinda get in the way
Sure, but you probably won't like the results. You'll need a strong magnet like neodymium for the magnetic field to be able to reach the strings and they can sound ultra harsh. I would consider a piezo bridge instead. there's a lot you can do with them tonally these days.
I need to learn more about magnet gauss. The number that came up on your meter ,what is that reading? And are u just matching numbers . Im not quite getting that.🤔🤔
I might go into that more in a future episode. In a nutshell, the number corresponds to the voltage detected by the hall effects sensor. I use a math formula that converts it to gauss. In truth, it takes a lot of testing to match the numbers with a specific tone.
I personally would love to have an extremely bright and clear sounding bridge pickup with minimal low end mud (200-400Hz). Any suggestions as to what magnets, winding and wire I should use if I decide to build one?
select a 0.08 gauge wire. use neodymium magnect, and wind around 10,000 .
Apakah anda menjual pikub anda ? Bagaimana saya bisa membelinya ? Mungkin
What length of screws are you using to attach the Bobbons to the base plate?
3/8"
ok I have a question. im to necessarily looking to build my own pickups (unless I have to lol) but I am looking to build my own bass. I am a fan of Wal bass guitars. their site says that their basses "feature flat respond, hubucking pickups...a pair of matched coils/pickups for each string to eliminate cross talk..." with does that mean? a pickup for each string? can someone explain this to me and maybe give me a resource or a company that sells pickups like this? and what does "cross talk" mean? any consumer products (not found in $10,000 instruments)...
My only suggestion would be to start by asking this same question of the folks at Wal. walbasses.co.uk/order-and-contact/
How would you calculate the number of winds to get your desired output? Ex. If I want a humbucker around 16k ohms, how many winds does each bobbin need if I’m using 43awg wire?
Is there a mathematical formula? Or is it more trial and error?
I use this online calculator www.jdguitarworks.com/coil/coil.html Select the bobbin that is closest to what you are using and adjust the bobbin core dimensions to match. it's very accurate.
Highline Guitars awesome thanks Chris
Yes there is
Very informative video - Thanks! Where do you buy your wire?
Remington Industries.
@@HighlineGuitars Thanks - that's what I was hoping you would say. Seems like their prices are quite reasonable compared to others. Please keep the videos coming. All the best!
Hi Chris, great video as usual, I have a question regarding the gauss meter apps that are now available for smart phones equipped with a magnetic field sensor. (Most of the new Samsungs and iphones)
Have you tried one of these apps and if so, are they accurate enough for use in making pickups. I only ask because the app is free!
Cheers
The App is called Keuwlsoft Gauss Meter.
I tried several, and none were accurate.
@@HighlineGuitars Thanks Chris. :)
Where have you bought all the stuff to make your pickup?
I get my parts from CE Distribution. www.cedist.com/
What does dipping the thing in wax achieve?
A wax bath prevents the coil windings from vibrating against one another while the guitar is played. When the coil wire bangs against itself, microphonic feedback (squeal) is generated.
@@HighlineGuitars so maybe candle wax could be made to work just as well. Easier to procure.
@@samwilson5544 Yes. Candle wax is basically paraffin and beeswax.
Why are pickups so expensive? The materials, apart from the copper, are pretty cheap.
Supply and demand.
Wound
I watched this video to try to learn how to get my humbucker to 4 conductor wiring, but then that is the only thing you don't show. On to my next try.
There is nothing really to show. Each lead is soldered to a conductor. I follow Seymour Duncan color coding: docs.google.com/gview?embedded=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seymourduncan.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F05%2FWD_Pickup_Color_Codes.pdf
"I could probably do a whole series of videos that would last hours and hours and hours talking about the different nuances of pickup design with regards to wire, magnets and that sort of thing."
That would be awesome but I don't think we deserve such a gift.
Important! Does making your own pickups impress women?
The short answer is no. The long answer involves seeking psychiatric help.
U have not mentioned the number of turns clearly. 5000/7000/8000
700 years ago by Eddie?... U serious?u mean Eddie was born in the 13th century..... man u gotta b doing weeds
A video about the DIY gauss meter would be informative and appreciated.
Thanks
Oooooo. Do a video on that home made Gauss meter please! Love the video, thank you very much.
AGREE!
What is a gauss again?
@@tarsiousmunalembohol It's a unit of measurement of magnetic flux
@@gabrielezeta7571 that tool is a must in every pick up builder. Or its okey with out it?
@@tarsiousmunalembohol I'm curious too.
Hi,I was wondering if you/someone could help me out here.
I was planning to change the cover of my pickups ( Gibson Humbucker 490r e il 498t) in gold tone so I would need to change the Pole Screws too in the same colour.
I bought Pole Bolts - Slot Head 5-40 x 18mm (imperial).
Did I get the right POLE Screws or did I need to buy different ones?
I am still waiting to receive the guitar with those pickups so I can not really tell but these pole screw looks a little too small to my eyes.
I am not an expert so I was wondering if you could help me out
Thanks!
Isn't Winding directions of each bobbin important? As well as magnet pole positions? Did not see that explained... or did I miss it??
Only the magnet orientation. Winding direction isn't important since you can connect the leads to accomplish the same thing.
@@HighlineGuitars OK, but don't you need to understand the winding direction in order to properly orient the magnet poles? (this affects "phase" doesn't it?) I did not see this explained... ?
@@cajoneez9657 No. With a humbucker, you can wire the start and finish of each bobbin based on the magnet's intended orientation. The winding direction doesn't matter.
Thanx. Super informative.
Tone is the relationship between the gauge of wire, the number of turns, and the strength you charge the magnet to. The stronger the magnet, the more winds it can take. Over winding a weak magnet makes a muddy pickup
So what is the relationshop exactly? Is it directly proportional?
So should I buy emg 81/60 or just make my own? What do you suggest people huh?
Jimmy Pages Alnico2 Neck PAF is Wound to a Hot(ish) 8.6k , but then set below pickup ring to balance the underwound 7.5k Short A5 T Top in the bridge . No Mud .( The Led Zeppelin Set no mainstream manufacturer has ever made!)
winding the bobbins sounds like a great title for a song
This is a great resource, thank you! Do you press the bobbins in using an arbor press, and do you magnetize them? If so, I'd love to see further instruction on that. A bit more clarification on the steps that happen before winding. Thanks for the great videos!
The vast majority of humbuckers have non-magnetized pole slugs and screws.
And you can see him pressing them in at 9:15 with a screwdriver.
Plumbers tape??
Very cool video! Where can I hear it ?
Hear me out… 1 pickup per string. Each run vertically from bridge to neck. Would the fields be to close, or is there another issue with doing that? What about 1 large pickup, how big could you go?
Go for it.
Chris, do you have any recommendations for an electric screwdriver for adding or removing screw pole pieces? You mentioned using one in this video.
No. I use a cheap Harbor Freight.
Great video lesson, keep up the good work
Hi Chris!
does it realy matter how you place the magnet, south to the screws or noeth pointing to the screws??
Yes, it does.
Great video BUT I wish you would have shown more detail on how and where the magnets are attached under the coil.
I’ll do it for a future video.
Very well done, but is it possible to buy some of your creations?
Thank you
Only if you buy a guitar and I don’t have any for sale at the moment, so, no.
If you can't find a good source of color coded four conductor with a ground to convert two conductor humbuckers to out of phase switchable or single coil taps. Cut the ends off of USB cables. Cheap and available everywhere.
Eddie Van Halen was a genius to the degree that he learned extensive musical theory and classical music because his father was a task master and a very capable guitarist who pushed his children to learn as much as he could make them learn about music.
Great video. Ty! I've been playing for years and never knew that so much went into a pup. Question: can a passive pup go bad over time? I heard that you shouldn't put your pups near anything metal. My old pups just don't sound like when they were new. Thanks!
Yes, they can go bad. The coil wire insulation can degrade over time, which can weaken the signal and lead to shorts. Also, the magnets can be degraded by blunt impacts and excessive heat, although these issues are rare.
could you provide some information how you connect the 2 bobbins? I mean are they series or paralell? or the wiring of the 2 bobbins are in different direction? or you handle the phase of the 2 bobbin with simple wiring the south hot to the north end?
I wire mine in series. The north start is hot output, the south start is ground. The series connection is north finish to south finish. Both bobbins are wound clockwise.
thx@@HighlineGuitars
If anyone thinks making a killer pickup is just a matter of winding some wire on a coil and sliding in a magnet... 🤣
Dude, you do such cool stuff. Thank you for all your effort to share your knowledge.
Thanks for all your vids, your´re great at explaining stuff, can´t count the tips and principles I´ve learned til now. I hope some day you tell us how a johnny smith style mini humbucker is made.
@ Gauss Meter
There are quite many inexpensive Gauss Meter plans (based on Arduino + an LCD display) floating on the Web, but Chris just uses his voltmeter... @ 9:45, how come?
I mean, we are creative folks, right? What do we make out of this? :)
hint: Linear HALL sensors