how do I test for resonance?

[corduroyew]

I'm still trying to learn what things to test for when I make pickups. One of the things that most pickup makers list is resonance and I don't know how to test for this. I was told that the Extech 380193 LCR would test for this but the manual doesn't mention anything about this. Is this a case of different terminology? or was I told wrong? If I need a special tool to test resonance what do I need?

[Joe Gwinn]

Originally Posted by corduroyew

I'm still trying to learn what things to test for when I make pickups. One of the things that most pickup makers list is resonance and I don't know how to test for this. I was told that the Extech 380193 LCR would test for this but the manual doesn't mention anything about this. Is this a case of different terminology? or was I told wrong? If I need a special tool to test resonance what do I need?

The Extech 380193 LCR does not test for resonance, but is used in the to measure the inductance at 1,000 Hz (which is remote from resonance), which is used to determine the self-capacitance. To test for resonance, one needs a signal generator and an X-Y oscilloscope (best) or a sensitive multimeter (barely adequate, but nonetheless widely used). Also needed is a ~1 Mohm resistor.

Multimeter: Connect signal generator to pickup through the 1 Mohm resistor. Connect the multimeter across the pickup. Set generator for maximum sinewave output. Adjust generator frequency for peak voltage across the pickup. Note frequency. This is very near to the resonant frequency.

Oscilloscope: This method has been posted before, on the old forum.

Using the equation 2 Pi F = 1/Sqrt[L*C], compute the self-capacitance from the measured frequency (in Hertz) and inductance in Henrys.

[corduroyew]

where can I get one of these signal generators?

[Possum]

try ebay, usually all kinds all prices....

[Joe Gwinn]

Originally Posted by corduroyew

where can I get one of these signal generators?

If your multimeter can measure frequency (many can), you can use an analog signal generator. These are the ones with a big round frequency-control knob/scale on the front, and cost a few hundred dollars new.

[Spence]

Originally Posted by corduroyew

I'm still trying to learn what things to test for when I make pickups. One of the things that most pickup makers list is resonance and I don't know how to test for this. I was told that the Extech 380193 LCR would test for this but the manual doesn't mention anything about this. Is this a case of different terminology? or was I told wrong? If I need a special tool to test resonance what do I need?

Just relax. You will never need to measure resonance or inductance.
Too much time and effort is expended on that bollox. Just go and make great pickups like they did before they had all that nonsense to contend with.