Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Guitars => Topic started by: smackoj on May 31, 2013, 10:40:42 pm

Title: how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?
Post by: smackoj on May 31, 2013, 10:40:42 pm

I have an after market single coil alnico mag pickup that has staggered poles. The D and G poles are TOO high and screw with the balance of the volume. Can I just buzz some of the pole off with a dremel tool or file?  Anyone out there who has done such a procedure?

thanks, smacko jack     :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?
Post by: G._Hoffman on May 31, 2013, 11:03:26 pm

In theory, you can give them a tap with a hammer to drive them in a bit, but it is a quite risky procedure.  The coil rests directly against the coils on Fender style single coils, so there is a very real risk of braking the coil.  You don't want to try to cut it, because the shape of the top of the pole piece is pretty important.


Gabriel

Title: Re: how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?
Post by: Willabe on May 31, 2013, 11:56:15 pm

Couldn't the heat from cutting the pole pieces mess with the strength of the magnetism? And/or if they got hot enough, melt the insulation off of the coil wire and short the coil?


                    Brad     :think1:

Title: Re: how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?
Post by: smackoj on June 01, 2013, 09:47:45 am

thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. It's not an expensive pickup so maybe I'll try pressing it down and if it breaks I'll be sure not to try it on a '63 strat pup!

have a good wknd.

jack    :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?
Post by: smackoj on June 01, 2013, 07:09:56 pm

Pressing them seems to be the ticket. I warmed it up for a few minutes in the mini oven and they pressed down like butter with a pair of channel lock pliers. 

 :icon_biggrin: