Guitar Parts USA?

[Lucas]

Anybody have any experience with Guitar Parts USA?
I am very curious about their bobbins, particularly the Precision and Jazz bass bobbins.
They recommend the Mag1 magnets for the Precision bobbin but nothing for the Jazz bobbins. Anybody have any information about the magnets? The only difference between the rod magnets is the length but they don't specify which type of AlNiCo.

[David Schwab]

I buy parts from them from time to time. I have some of those plastic bobbins too. They sell a kit, which has steel rods and uses ceramic magnets on the bottom, so that's what was intended for those bobbins, but there's no reason you can't put alnico rods in instead. These are similar to the plastic bobbins Fender uses on some guitars, and they do it both ways, depending on the price of the guitar in question.

THose are probably Alnico 5. You can use any magnets the same diameter.

[big_teee]

Anybody have any experience with Guitar Parts USA?
I am very curious about their bobbins, particularly the Precision and Jazz bass bobbins.
They recommend the Mag1 magnets for the Precision bobbin but nothing for the Jazz bobbins. Anybody have any information about the magnets? The only difference between the rod magnets is the length but they don't specify which type of AlNiCo.

I prefer the Forbon flatwork over the molded plastic bobbins, for Fender type of Pickups.
T

[Lucas]

I buy parts from them from time to time. I have some of those plastic bobbins too. They sell a kit, which has steel rods and uses ceramic magnets on the bottom, so that's what was intended for those bobbins, but there's no reason you can't put alnico rods in instead. These are similar to the plastic bobbins Fender uses on some guitars, and they do it both ways, depending on the price of the guitar in question.

THose are probably Alnico 5. You can use any magnets the same diameter.

thanks! feel better about ordering from them then. I saw the kit but would prefer to use Alnico magnets for some reason. What is your opinion about using slugs with magnets on the bottom?

[Lucas]

I prefer the Forbon flatwork over the molded plastic bobbins, for Fender type of Pickups.
T

Why?
I am liking the plastic bobbin because is looks like I might be able to swap out magnets. I am new to this (haven't even wound a pickup yet) and it seems like the best way to compare different magnet types. It keeps everything else constant so the only difference is the magnet. That is what appeals to me right now.

[big_teee]

Why?
I am liking the plastic bobbin because is looks like I might be able to swap out magnets. I am new to this (haven't even wound a pickup yet) and it seems like the best way to compare different magnet types. It keeps everything else constant so the only difference is the magnet. That is what appeals to me right now.

Good Questions.
With the forbon Flatwork and Loose magnets, you have more winding room.
The Plastic bobbins use .195 magnets I think.
Most loose magnets are in .187".
With Forbon you have an eyelet bradded onto the forbon.
Easy to solder to.
On the plastic bobbin you have an eyelet in a plastic bobbin.
It's easy to melt the plastic bobbin with the soldering iron.
You can solder a tail to the magnet wire, but that is more work.
For Bass most P-Bass Pickups use the A5 Magnets.
With Strat size Bobbins, you really run out of Winding room Fast with the fatter Plastic bobbins.
With a Telecaster Neck Pickup, it would be worse.
There is very little room to start with.
With Forbon and loose magnets, you can vary the bobbin Height.
Taller, means brighter, shorter means fatter, as a rule.
All things to consider.
Good Luck in whatever you decide.
Like I usually say, there is no wrong ways to make Pickups.
Just Different ways.
T
Maybe others will jump in, on why You use Forbon Flatwork with Fender type pickups.

[Lucas]

Good Questions.
With the forbon Flatwork and Loose magnets, you have more winding room.
The Plastic bobbins use .195 magnets I think.
Most loose magnets are in .187".
With Forbon you have an eyelet bradded onto the forbon.
Easy to solder to.
On the plastic bobbin you have an eyelet in a plastic bobbin.
It's easy to melt the plastic bobbin with the soldering iron.
You can solder a tail to the magnet wire, but that is more work.
For Bass most P-Bass Pickups use the A5 Magnets.
With Strat size Bobbins, you really run out of Winding room Fast with the fatter Plastic bobbins.
With a Telecaster Neck Pickup, it would be worse.
There is very little room to start with.
With Forbon and loose magnets, you can vary the bobbin Height.
Taller, means brighter, shorter means fatter, as a rule.
All things to consider.
Good Luck in whatever you decide.
Like I usually say, there is no wrong ways to make Pickups.
Just Different ways.
T
Maybe others will jump in, on why You use Forbon Flatwork with Fender type pickups.

thanks for the info. definitely things to consider!

[big_teee]

thanks for the info. definitely things to consider!

Try both kinds and see which you like best.
Welcome to the B/H Forum.
T