Core elements

Output ≠ Better

Control

Small changes are not small. Every adjustment shifts feel, response and character.

What it actually does

The bobbin holds the coil, defines string spacing and determines the physical dimensions of the pickup. It affects both installation and how accurately the magnetic field aligns with the strings.

Materials

3D printed bobbins

ASA is a durable modern material with excellent UV and weather resistance. It also allows a much wider range of visual customization compared to traditional pickup materials.

This combines modern manufacturing with classic pickup design principles.

String spacing

Spacing determines how the pickup aligns with your strings. Incorrect spacing can lead to uneven response and volume differences.

Always match spacing to your guitar’s bridge and string spread.

Single coil vs humbucker

Things to consider

What it actually does

The magnetic field captures string movement and turns it into signal. Its strength, shape and material define attack, response and dynamics.

Two directions

Feel difference

Magnet structure

AlNiCo grades

Pole top shape

Magnet dimensions

Polarity

North up vs south up doesn’t change tone alone — but it matters when combining pickups.

This is where phase relationships and hum cancellation come into play.

Things to consider

Uniform vs Individual configuration

Steel slugs

In bar magnet pickups, the steel slugs transfer magnetic energy from the bar magnet to the strings.

What it actually does

The coil converts string movement into electrical signal. Wire type, number of turns and winding pattern define output, frequency response and compression.

Output direction

Feel difference

Wire type

Insulation affects how tightly the coil packs — subtly changing capacitance, response and feel.

Mixed wires

Wire gauge (AWG)

Winding approach

Perfect consistency isn’t always the goal — musical response is.

DC resistance

Often used as a reference — but it doesn’t tell the full story. Two pickups with the same resistance can sound very different depending on wire type and winding.

Use it as a guideline, not a rule.

Winding direction

The coil can be wound clockwise or counterclockwise. On its own, this does not significantly change the tone — but it becomes critical when combining pickups.

Winding direction works together with magnet polarity — neither should be considered alone.

Things to consider

What it actually does

The cover protects the pickup and defines its visual identity. Depending on the material, it can also slightly influence high-end response and shielding.

Cover types

3D printed covers (ASA)

3D printing allows full control over shape, structure and color. It enables designs that are not possible with traditional molded parts.

Ideal for unique builds and visual matching with the rest of the instrument.

Tone impact

The effect is subtle — but noticeable in sensitive setups.

Things to consider

What it actually does

Wax potting fills air gaps inside the coil using molten paraffin wax. This stabilizes the internal structure and reduces unwanted movement.

Without potting, the coil and components can vibrate — creating microphonic behavior.

Potting levels

Feel difference

Things to consider

Material

Paraffin wax is used to stabilize the coil without permanently altering its structure. It provides effective control while maintaining the natural tonal character of the pickup.

Wire types

Wire length

Default length is 24 cm, but each wire can be customized depending on your guitar and routing.

Always consider routing paths — internal wiring length is not just straight distance.

Hot & Ground

Correct grounding is essential for noise-free operation.

2 vs 4 conductor

Choose 4-conductor if you want advanced wiring options — even if you don’t use them immediately.

Mounting screws

Always match screw type to pickup threads — they are not interchangeable.

Height adjustment

Things to consider

What it actually does

Pickup height controls how strongly the magnetic field interacts with the strings. This directly affects output level, attack and sustain.

Height direction

Magnetic pull

If pickups are too close, the magnetic field can pull on the strings. This can reduce sustain and cause tuning instability.

Balance adjustment

Starting points

Measurements are taken from the string to the pole piece while fretting the last fret.

Interaction with design

Pickup height works together with magnets and coil. A strong magnet or high-output coil may require more distance to stay clear and dynamic.

Things to consider

What changes when combining pickups

When two or more pickups are active, their signals interact. This affects output, frequency response, phase and noise cancellation.

Phase

Phase depends on both winding direction and magnet polarity.

Hum cancelling (RWRP)

Noise is cancelled when two pickups have:

• opposite winding direction
• opposite magnetic polarity

This is known as Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity (RWRP).

Typical example

Humbucker principle

A humbucker uses two coils with opposite winding and polarity to cancel noise while keeping a full signal.

Coil split

One coil is turned off, leaving a single coil active. This gives a brighter, more open tone — but removes hum cancelling.

Dummy coil

A dummy coil cancels noise without acting as a full pickup. It allows single coil tone with reduced hum — but always with some tonal impact.

The goal is balance: enough winding to cancel hum, but not enough to dominate the tone.

Things to consider