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Are these big enough to make a pickup?

Hello again. Looking to build a pickup for my three string and have some neo magnets. I am unsure if they are strong enough or big enough for a flatpup style pickup, but thats what I was considering.

Im sure theyre far from perfect, but is it possible to make a decent sounding pick up with these? All other potential issues aside of course (winding poorly, etc). Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on February 11, 2014 at 6:45am

Yes, I think those would be fine.

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Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on February 11, 2014 at 9:35am

I agree...go for it.

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Permalink Reply by Elmar Zeilhofer on February 11, 2014 at 10:59am

yep, should work

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Permalink Reply by Manny Lopez on February 11, 2014 at 12:11pm

Are YOU sure? Haha.

Thanks everyone and Elmar... is it ok I try making one for my own use? Your design is brilliant, and wanted to try building one, but I also dont want to offend.

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Permalink Reply by Elmar Zeilhofer on February 11, 2014 at 12:44pm

Sure, go ahead ;-) good luck!

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on February 11, 2014 at 5:12pm

Most magnanimous of you. I have a spool of 42ga, some thin neo mags, and a stack of thin steel... I think I'll give it a try.

So far, all I can say is that working with such small wire is a skill...

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Permalink Reply by Manny Lopez on February 11, 2014 at 5:18pm

Ive managed to get to 1200 winds then they came off the open end of the bobbin....

Its past 11 so ive gotta stop for the night. Try again tomorrow.

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Permalink Reply by Elmar Zeilhofer on February 11, 2014 at 10:13pm

Well then make a stop end at the edge. I've used toothpicks, pieces of wires, rubber bands,...

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Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on February 12, 2014 at 1:56am

Heck ya. Perfect.

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Permalink Reply by Manny Lopez on February 12, 2014 at 9:39am

I made one. Tested 2K... If there was any output, it was minimal... Then the wires broke and I lost the ends of the winds. Frustrating after all this time. Elmar has not only designed a cool product but I now know that his prices are very good given the amount of work that went Into making one. And mine doesn't even work haha.

I guess I will try this again.

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Permalink Reply by Manny Lopez on February 12, 2014 at 3:57pm

I have a pickup. Its measuring 1.9k

Its not very loud. Im using an LM386 amplifier so maybe that is why. Its not as hu mbucking as I'd hoped and fairly noisy with some hum. Is this a shielding issue do you reckon?

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on February 12, 2014 at 6:54pm

Manny - the first few attempts at making pickups were very frustrating to me too. Could I maybe suggest trying a more traditional design as a first try? You will find loads of information on how to make them online, whereas Elmar's flatpup design is still something I'm trying to get my head around... you could combine your neo magnets with some machine screws and make one that way.

I blogged some of my early experiences in pickup winding here:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/my-first-2-weeks-of-pi...

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/my-continued-adventure...

Maybe you'll get some tips/encouragement. I've now only made 8 pickups in total but the last 2 went without a hitch... you'll get there!