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Topic: Forgive me Non Peddlars, for I have sinned... |
Richard Sevigny
From:
Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 11:00 am |
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Those of you who pay attention to my occasional posts in this section are probably aware that I have an old Epiphone D8 console. For the last while it had been staying in the case not due to the challenge of 8 string/vs 6 string tunings. My problem revolved around sound...specifically the old Epi p'ups were prone to feedback at stage volumes.
Rather than let this old rare bird sit around and gather dust I designed, built, and wound a new set of p'ups. The design is similar Jerry Wallace's windings around polepiece magnets assembly (the original Epi's appear to be windings around a bar magnet possibly laid on its side with the polepiece screws going through a keeper contacting one pole of the magnet). I used StewMacs flatwork material to make the bobbins and I wound them using 42 gauge wire to a resistance of 6.4K (the original Epis meter out at 4.5) and dipped them in an 80% parrafin/ 20% beeswax mixture for 10 minutes.
I started by changing one pickup so I could get an A/B comparison. The new one appeared to have about 50% more output, clearer (and cleaner) string/note separation and lots of sustain. I've played with them a few hours so far, increasing the volume as I go and haven't experienced feedback so far.
I will take her to rehearsal this week and see how she pans out. 
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If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
-Albert Einstein |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 11:22 am
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| Cool, at least it won't be collecting dust. Any chance of posting a sound sample? |
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Richard Sevigny
From:
Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 12:08 pm
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I will work on it.
Don't mind the clams 
_________________
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If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
-Albert Einstein |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 1:14 pm
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I think redoing the electronics on the old instruments is a great idea. My understanding is that Rick Aiello (sp?) is a great source for top notch pups for upgrading lapsteels of all ages. The Chandler instruments people are another. Or why not put George l's in them for that matter?
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Amor vincit omnia |
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Richard Sevigny
From:
Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 2:20 pm
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In my case, off the shelf pickups weren't going to fit. The original ones were similar to the Old Epi broadway style.
I would've had to had them custom designed.
Besides, I'd already been experimenting with rewinding pickups for the last couple of years and had actually scratch built about a half dozen P90 style p'ups. (Have to justify this here shop full 'o tools, since I semi-retired ya see)
Nothing against the pros, here. Guys like Rick Aiello, Jeey Wallace and George L do great stuff. I just thought it was time to experiment on my own.
_________________
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If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
-Albert Einstein |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 3:33 pm
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| Richard Sevigny wrote: |
Nothing against the pros, here. Guys like Rick Aiello, Jeey Wallace and George L do great stuff. I just thought it was time to experiment on my own.
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The only thing I'm a "Pro" at ... is changing diapers ... 
Experimenting is fun ... nothing like it ...
For your next project ... try picking up some # 38 Formvar ... I use MWS ...
http://www.mwswire.com/awgsearch1.asp
Get single build ... anything heavier ... and you'll never get enough on a bobbin ...
Go for 5200 to 5500 turns ... you'll be happy you did  |
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Mark White
From:
Michigan, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 3:40 pm
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| Rick, don't sell yourself short! To people like me, you're a wizard! |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 12:57 am
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| Rick, what is "single build"?? I see they have all types of insulation. |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 5:38 am
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Single build ... is magnet wire that has been "passed" through the insulation "spraying process" once ... depositing just a thin layer ...
Heavy build is when it's passed though twice ...
Etc, Etc ...
Because pickups deal with very low voltages ... there really isn't a need for anything heavier ... especially when you are winding with # 38 ...
It's diameter is so large to begin with ... it's a challenge to get the required number of turns on a "standard" bobbin.
As far as insulation type ... Formvar and Plain Enamel seem to be the "choice" of most "vintage" style pickup winders ... |
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Richard Sevigny
From:
Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 9:45 am
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Rick,
I know larger wire gives you less resistance/number of turns. I've wound with 42 & 43 gauge and haven't noticed much difference in tone or output (that could be my untrained ear  ). What's the benefit of using 38?
_________________
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If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
-Albert Einstein |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 10:16 am
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38 gauge ... wound to 2 K Ohm (+/- 0.5) ... will give you ...
A very clean, crisp tone ... big lows, sparkley highs ... and a scooped midrange that's very "steel guitar" friendly ...
Rickys, Charlie Christians, Bigsbys ... all used 38
There is something really special about pickups wound with it ... you just gotta try one ... to know ... though  |
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