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Tap-Paja (prototype)
HUMBUCKER
Sound Profile ?
A high-output humbucker delivering powerful drive, outstanding definition and excellent dynamic response.
Bass
8.7
Mids
8.9
Treble
7.6
Pickup Character
A bold and articulate high-output humbucker combining the punch of an AlNiCo 8 magnet with exceptional clarity. The asymmetric coils deliver rich harmonic complexity, tight low end and expressive dynamics while maintaining impressive note separation and an energetic, modern voice.
Electrical Profile ?
Core Parameters
In Series
DCR
21 kΩ
Inductance
8,2 H
Capacitance
95 pF
North Coil
DCR
9,1 kΩ
Inductance
4,06 H
Capacitance
163 pF
South Coil
DCR
11,9 kΩ
Inductance
6,02 H
Capacitance
162 pF
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Resonance Behavior
f₀
Peak
Q
IN SERIES (Both Coils)
No Load
2,29
-33,84
1,5
500k
2,27
-37,06
1,2
250k
2,3
-38,85
0,9
North
No Load
3,09
-38,15
2,1
500k
3,23
-40,78
1,6
250k
3,31
-41,94
1,1
South
No Load
2,54
-36,97
1,8
500k
2,45
-39,96
1,2
250k
2,67
-41,33
1,1
Magnetic Field ?
North Coil
Polarity
North UP
1.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
36 mT
density
2.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
36 mT
density
3.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
36 mT
density
4.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
34 mT
density
5.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
34 mT
density
6.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
36 mT
density
Spread
2 mT
(min 34 / max 36)
Very Balanced
Magnet density (mT) describes the magnetic field strength at each pole and how the pickup interacts with the strings.
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
South Coil
Polarity
South UP
1.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
34 mT
density
2.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
33 mT
density
3.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
32 mT
density
4.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
32 mT
density
5.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
32 mT
density
6.
AlNiCo 8 / Hex screws
34 mT
density
Spread
2 mT
(min 32 / max 34)
Very Balanced
Magnet density (mT) describes the magnetic field strength at each pole and how the pickup interacts with the strings.
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
Winding ?
North Coil
1.
Solderable polyurethane
8500 turns
South Coil
1.
Solderable polyurethane
9500 turns
Total (Combined)
18000 turns
Wax Potting
Full potting — maximum stability, no squealing even at high gain
Tap-Paja prototype combines two intentionally asymmetric coils into a highly expressive series humbucker with a distinctive tonal identity. The South coil features a higher winding count (9500 turns), providing a strong foundation with enhanced low-end authority, smooth sustain and a dense harmonic structure. The North coil, wound to 8500 turns, contributes additional openness, upper-mid articulation and clarity, creating a balanced complement to the more powerful South coil.
In series, the coils form a confident high-output pickup with excellent note separation and a lively harmonic response. The AlNiCo 8 bar magnet generates a focused magnetic field that delivers fast attack, firm bass and impressive string definition, while the hex screw pole pieces help maintain consistent magnetic coupling and precise transient response across all strings.
Despite its high DC resistance, the measured inductance, resonant behaviour and internal capacitance indicate a pickup that retains clarity and musical detail alongside its powerful voice. The result is a versatile humbucker that responds naturally to picking dynamics, offers rich harmonic content and performs equally well for articulate clean passages, expressive classic rock and modern high-gain tones. Overall, Tap-Paja stands out as a distinctive boutique design with a strong sonic personality and excellent technical balance.
Workshop Notes
ASA Bobbins • Baseplate silver/nickel (spacing 52mm, black) • Open frame (black) • Screws (#6-48 black) + springs included • Built entirely from new, unused components for optimal performance and consistency • Prototype configuration combining the Tap-Paja Bridge (9500 turns) and Neck (8500 turns) presets into a unique asymmetric humbucker.