Essex Plain enamel

[Jim Shine]

Pre-CBS Fender used stuff that was super dark, almost black with a purple/maroon hue. You see it and the brown stuff alternating in the late 60's and 70's. I suspect they relied on several vendors and used both simultaneously because it is not uncommon to find both colors in the same guitar.

[big_teee]

Terry - I had eyesight issues in my first year or so of winding, and I found that having colored paper on hand helped a lot. I'd tuck it in behind the bobbin so it would give a backdrop and make it easier to see the wire. Have you tried anything like that?

I also gave in and bought drug store reading glasses, but that is another matter.

Yes, I hear you on the Colored Paper.
I put a White Hand Towel behind the winder, and it helps.
Right now I have my pickups that I make mainly down to SPN, and HFV.
Going to try HPN Clear next, if I can find some.
I need to Give the Gal at MWS a Call.
Later,
Terry

[Telemachos]

Had this PU on my desk just recently. The inner core is probably the original PE which is more purple than brown.

[copperheadroads]

Had this PU on my desk just recently. The inner core is probably the original PE which is more purple than brown.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]22199[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]22200[/ATTACH]

Interesting ......
Do you figure that's original ?

[Telemachos]

The guy said that some folk who usually repairs amps. had taken care of his pick up after it had died for some reason. He was told that it had been rewound. The PU not only looked badly done but also sounded like shi##. I rewound it to new life.
Anyway, I'm not absolutely sure if the inner layer of puple colored wire is the original factory wire. These PUs have been around since decades and you never know what have been done with them.

[Jim Shine]

15-20 years ago, most rewinders didn't care about matching original coil wire when rewinding. Most would buy coil wire in surplus and match the gauge, not the insulation. The guys that paid attention and addressed these details were often the ones that became "go to guys" in their areas.