Wrapping the magnets in tape [prior to winding] and the effects on the sound of the pickup

[Brian W.]

I would be increasing the size of the overall coil but not adding any wire. Experience?

[mozz]

Kapton tape. Most any tape thickness is irrelevant to overall coil thickness. Your tension would play a much bigger part.

[Brian W.]

Kapton tape. Most any tape thickness is irrelevant to overall coil thickness. Your tension would play a much bigger part.

A tighter wind allows for more wire on the coil. I'm curious about increasing the thickness of the coil without using wire. [bigger coil with the same resistance ]

[eschertron]

I'd say the resistance/wind would go up, for whatever effect that has on tone.

[Helmholtz]

With a wider coil, you need more wire for the same number of turns, so resistance will increase. The somewhat higher rsistance in insignificant for tone.
Frequency response is mainly determined by inductance and PU aperture. Both should essentially stay the same.
So I don't expect much difference.

But if you don't count turns and wire for same resistance as before, you will get less turns. Less turns means less inductance and a somewhat brighter sound.

[Brian W.]

With a wider coil, you need more wire for the same number of turns, so resistance will increase. The somewhat higher rsistance in insignificant for tone.
Frequency response is mainly determined by inductance and PU aperture. Both should essentially stay the same.
So I don't expect much difference.

But if you don't count turns and wire for same resistance as before, you will get less turns. Less turns means less inductance and a somewhat brighter sound.

Thanx...for reminding me of the length of wire and turn counts .

[J M Fahey]

Guess measured and audible difference will be MINUSCULE

[Brian W.]

Guess measured and audible difference will be MINUSCULE

Even if it's a thick layer of tape [ 1/16 " or thicker] ? The idea is to make a thicker coil without increasing resistance.

[Helmholtz]

Even if it's a thick layer of tape [ 1/16 " or thicker] ? The idea is to make a thicker coil without increasing resistance.

While I don't understand what you want to achieve with the wider coil and why you worry about somewhat increased resistance, maybe this helps:

PU resistance only depends on wire length and wire gauge. So a heavier wire would give you a fatter coil without tape and the chance of unaltered resistance.

BTW, too much distance between poles and coil might lower your output.

[big_teee]

The only reason I tape rod magnet coils?
To keep the magnet wire from shorting out to the magnets.
I use one layer of paper, masking, floral, or etc.
Also larger diameter magnets make a fatter coil.
Like .195, instead or .187.
Also the wider magnets, gives more surface for the string to sit over.
T

[Brian W.]

While I don't understand what you want to achieve with the wider coil and why you worry about somewhat increased resistance, maybe this helps:

PU resistance only depends on wire length and wire gauge. So a heavier wire would give you a fatter coil without tape and the chance of unaltered resistance.

BTW, too much distance between poles and coil might lower your output.

I was curious about how the distance of the coil from the magnets would affect sound..

" "BTW, too much distance between poles and coil might lower your output. " " ---- That's what interests me !

[Brian W.]

The only reason I tape rod magnet coils?
To keep the magnet wire from shorting out to the magnets.
I use one layer of paper, masking, floral, or etc.
Also larger diameter magnets make a fatter coil.
Like .195, instead or .187.
Also the wider magnets, gives more surface for the string to sit over.
T

I've taped magnets for that purpose, too. I started thinking about adding more tape to increase the overall width of the coil [without adding wire]. I've heard of pickups being made with that method and wondered what the impact on the sound would be.