Transensor Build

[gtrdude09]

I am currently trying to make my own version of the lace alumitone or transensor. So far my results have been very poor(probably b/c of my lack of knowledge in electronics). I have been using some CSE187L's that i already had. I made things like the pickup here: http://music-electronics-forum.com/s...ight=alumitone
but without the matching transformer. the signal is obviously very quiet. is there a way to amplify the signal to an normal level with out a matching transformer? I dont like the idea of my guitar only working with a special cable.

[David Schwab]

I am currently trying to make my own version of the lace alumitone or transensor. So far my results have been very poor(probably b/c of my lack of knowledge in electronics). I have been using some CSE187L's that i already had. I made things like the pickup here: http://music-electronics-forum.com/s...ight=alumitone
but without the matching transformer. the signal is obviously very quiet. is there a way to amplify the signal to an normal level with out a matching transformer? I dont like the idea of my guitar only working with a special cable.

You need the transformer. The transformer should be part of the pickup, not the cable. That's what it's a TRANS(former)sensor.

Otherwise you need to use an active preamp. At the very least put the transformer in the instrument.

That thread explains everything beautifully.

[gtrdude09]

I was only talking about the big "matching transformer", not the smaller CSE187L's. The transensor only has one small transformer with no need for an external "matching transformer".
If im misunderstanding the purpose of a matching transformer or just being stupid, let me know.

[David Schwab]

The transformer in the transsensor is the matching transformer.

It matches the single copper loop "coil" to the amp.

[gtrdude09]

All I wanted to do was to make a pickup similar pickup with out the 500 ohm to 50K ohm transformer. Isnt there some other way to configure the CSE187L's and
still have a sufficient output? I just dont want to use the big 500 ohm to 50K ohm transformer.

[TD_Madden]

Just out of curiosity, what is the attraction to those pickups?

[salvarsan]

Just out of curiosity, what is the attraction to those pickups?

Simplicity. Less copper.

It has one big sensor loop and a ~5000 wind transformer secondary around some cheeep transformer core.

Later versions like the California Special had dual secondaries wired in parallel.

-drh