Originally posted by Singer15
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The reason why I chose a 500 turn current transformer (CT) is to match the typical low impedance microphone input impedance rated at 150 to 250 ohms but typically has an actual input impedance of about 2400 ohms to act as a bridging impedance to not load down the mic too much, Now, if you want to target a high impedance guitar amp, do this.
1. Do a web search for a current transformer with 5000 turns or more.
2. Use the thickest string loop wire through the CT and a good low resistance string loop joint.
3. You can use two CTs per pickup either with the CTs next to each other or with one CT on each end of the pickup string loop.
4.You can wire or switch the CT outputs in series or parallel for different tones. Make sure the phase is correct or they will cancel out each other.
Since the string loop is very thin compared to a typical pickup, no pickup cut out needs to be made in the guitar body. This makes the bridge to neck connection better since there are no pickup cutouts except about 1 square inch to accommodate the CT but not in line with the neck. .Also, the pickup output from the induced vibrating string is all very close to the string loop and not distributed up and down like in a high Z pickup.. You should get about 80 mv to 100 mv using a single 5000 turn CT.
Helmholtz is correct.. If you use 5000 turns of AWG 36 you are making a bulky but traditional high Z type pickup that needs a body cutout. Order a few 5000 turn CTs and experiment!!!
Joseph J. Rogowski
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