Good 7-string bucker formula?

[verhoevenc]

Let me preface this with saying that on any other occasion I'd be happy to experiment and figure one out myself. However, I'm not too big into 7-string guitars so chances are these are the only ones I'll ever make so in this case all that experimenting will have minimal payoff. Also, the builds almost done too...
So, the question is: does anyone have a formula for some alnico V 7-string buckets that they really like? I'm thinking not TOO aggressive, but enough to keep the kinda person that plays a 7-string happy. To be more specific I'd love to hear how many wraps you'd put on each coil (slug and screw for neck and bridge) and wire choice.
I know a lot of guys love to keep their formulas proprietary, so for anyone willing to share it is MUCH APPRECIATED!
Thanks,
Chris

[copperheadroads]

Actually all the 7 string players I know play the really heavy music . Death or grind core something like that
But I'm sure you can do a 7 string version of any popular pickup if you can find the correct parts . magnets selection may be the hardest thing to source ,But I'm sure you can find A5 or C8

[verhoevenc]

I actually have all the parts already. I agree, most play that... however I don't, but I MAY one day want to sell this. Hence why I'm looking for something that will appease them well enough, but make me not hate the pickups myself hahahaha.
This is the guitar in question:

Chris

[frankfalbo]

Wind something P.A.F-ish (number of turns not DCR) and use 4-conductor. Then if you need to heat it up before you sell it, you can add the Blackouts Modular Preamp.

[FunkyKikuchiyo]

I've never wound a 7-string (though I may some time soon), so maybe you can report back once this project is done? I'd love to have this for future steali.... errr... reference. I have several 7-stringer clients for repair work, so I deal with them often.

To my ears, the 7 string pickups always are a bit honkier and darker to my ears. I have no idea if this is to match the tastes of most 7-string players, or if the changed geometry of the pickup does it. I've also noticed that lots of companies seem to ditch the metal baseplates and keepers on the 7-string models... again, no idea why, I've just noticed it.

If it was me, I'd wind heavier on the screw side because I'm a string balance nazi. The low B can be pretty unruly, and if you're playing jazz/fusion/whatever with it, you probably want it to do more than chunkachunkachunkachunk.... but that is just my own preference. Actually, I'd probably try to have both coils adjustable, but it doesn't sound like that is an option for you right now.

Frank, why did you specify the 4-conductor? I've found series/parallel to shine really well with 7-strings, I'm wondering if that's been your experience, too.

[Peter Naglitsch]

By reflex I would reach for the ceramic magnets as they are more associated with the sound of the metal genre.

I see that you are using a Kahler on this. But what about the pickups covers? They seem to be something semi-recessed, P90-ish. Are they wooden covers or do you have another trick up your sleeve?

[verhoevenc]

They're for humbuckers, I assure you. But yes, this is another trick up me sleeve.
Chris

[FunkyKikuchiyo]

They're for humbuckers, I assure you. But yes, this is another trick up me sleeve.
Chris

Recessed pickup rings?

[frankfalbo]

Frank, why did you specify the 4-conductor? I've found series/parallel to shine really well with 7-strings, I'm wondering if that's been your experience, too.

Series/split/parallel are all important textures for 7-strings, because you're usually trying to keep the low end clean and most 7's should have a longer scale length than they do. But that's not why I mentioned it. The Blackouts Modular Preamp is balanced and requires both coils to be input seperately. Just a bit of pre-planning.

[verhoevenc]

Thanks for the info! That's not a bad idea and is probably the route I'll go cause I'm not huge on ceramic, high DC, pickups usually.
As for the trick up my sleeve, they're not JUST recessed pickup rings... but close
Chris