Nd humbucker

[Jedd]

I'm new to the forum and would like to start making my own pickups (as a hobby and good waste of time) and was looking for some advice. I've read a lot of the old threads but couldn't find what I needed. I want to use Neodymium slugs but am unsure of the strength I should be considering. I found a cheap supplier with plenty different sizes. What do you guys think would work/not work?

3/16 in diameter X 1/2 in thick Grade N45 are the size I was originally, but after reading a lot of your posts, I'm thinking these will be entirely too strong, making the pickup way hot.

3/16 in x 1/2 in Thick, Grade N45, Rare Earth Neodymium Cylinder Magnets - Applied Magnets

[David Schwab]

If you are making a humbucker, why use neo slugs? You can use steel poles and keepers like a regular humbucker, and then use a neo bar magnet. You don't need a very large magnet either. 12 neo slugs might be too strong under the stings.

[Jedd]

The reason I was thinking about using neo slugs is I wanted to cut down on how many parts and the overall size of the PUP, and I have to admit the geek in me just really wants to try it. I was reading about "Johnny Smith" PUP's and it looked like a cool concept, so I thought I'd try it with neo magnets. Maybe I should use steel poles and buttons...

[David Schwab]

If you really want to simplify it, lose the poles. Use two steel blades charged with a neo bar magnet.

I think the neo buttons are too weak for practical use, but they would probably work ok stuck to a steel pole.

[Clint Searcy]

I've making my Knucklehead humbuckers like this for years now but my magnets are 30's and not 45's. Ellie of The MF7 uses them in her Les Paul and they sound like this.

YouTube - Molly Down The Hall - The MF7

[David Schwab]

Clint, is that Ellie from MIMF?

[Clint Searcy]

Clint, is that Ellie from MIMF?

Yep, That's crazy Ellie there on guitar. Looks just like her don't it? She usually winder her own Strat type pickups but she wanted something freaky for this one.

[David Schwab]

Yep, That's crazy Ellie there on guitar. Looks just like her don't it? She usually winder her own Strat type pickups but she wanted something freaky for this one.

Yeah, it does look like her. It's a fun little tune.

[Jedd]

I've making my Knucklehead humbuckers like this for years now but my magnets are 30's and not 45's. Ellie of The MF7 uses them in her Les Paul and they sound like this.

So the N45's would be a bit too strong I take it, like demagnetizing credit cards, attracting small vehicles, etc... ? Is the size of the magnets I described (but use N30's) going to work alright, or do you recommend button magnets on the steel slugs like David described? Also, how would you describe the tone you get out of those pickups? It seems kinda bright and lively, but I am listening on laptop speakers and there's no telling if it's just the way she plays. Thanks for the response, btw.

[David Schwab]

I say give it a try and see! You wont know otherwise. I'm making a bass pickup with N45 rods, so I'll see if they are too strong once I have it finished.

[LtKojak]

I'm making a bass pickup with N45 rods

C'mon, get some N52s and get done with it... you know you want to!

[Jedd]

Ha! My next post would read like this:

So I can't tell how well the PUP works because it's hard to strum with the strings stuck to it. Also, I had to buy a new laptop because for some reason, my hard drive quit working. On a positive note, my arthritis feels a lot better these days...

[Jedd]

I'd love to hear how the PUP turns out. Once I finally buy/make my winder, I'll try it with the lower grade Neos and tell everyone how it turns out. Just got to get some extra cash. I've been spending a lot on shaping tools and guitar tops lately. Too many things to buy and not enough money these days.

[Clint Searcy]

I use 1/2" long nd magnets as slugs in those pickups. They are vary bright and clear. Some think it's too bright for a humbucker. But some don't. I don't know. I have a guitar here with them in it that I use a lot.



I dig um!

The only reason I went with 30's was because my supplier gave me a deal on a ton of them way back when. I don't think there would be a problem with the 45's.

Try and see!

That how I usually do it.

[Jedd]

Nice, I love the chickenhead knob.

Thanks for all the advice Clint and David. If it doesn't work, it will still be fun! Once I get the winder built, I'll get started. What did you guys use to make a winder with? I keep hearing sewing machine motors, but was thinking about maybe a small desk fan. Also, any recommendations on a counter? I saw a neat trick with a pedometer and one with a cheap calculator...