Do pole pieces make a difference?

[RHCP250]

Just a quick question, as everyone knows, there are pickups that have 2 small pole pieces per string (jazz), and others with one large piece (MM). Are there any noticiable differences in sound between the two? I was looking at Delano pickups and saw they offer they're P and J pickups with both styles.

[mcnach]

Are there differences? I am sure you (or a physicist!) could detect differences with the appropriate tools. Can you hear the differences? I very much doubt it

[GlennW]

There's a big difference. The pickups with one pole per string will have a much stronger attack; the JB arrangement has a softer attack.

[stflbn]

Single pole's like on a '51 Precision type pickup are also much more sensitive to finger attack differences. My understanding is that Fender went to a dual pole design because it's more forgiving for the player.

[Kenny Allyn]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Single pole's like on a '51 Precision type pickup are also much more sensitive to finger attack differences. My understanding is that Fender went to a dual pole design because it's more forgiving for the player.

And the amps of the day!

The initial attack on the single pole-piece pickups was wrecking havoc on some of the old amps like the original 4x10 open back Fender Bassmans.

Rather than reprinting it all here you can read more in the review of the Hammon Dark Star single coil pickup ...

http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/show...ct/1035/cat/16

... Yes thay are very much a "players" pickup and take some getting used to.

[RHCP250]

Thanks for the info. So that means a bumbucker with single poles, like a MM will have more attack than another HB, a Nordy for example?

[Kenny Allyn]

Well yes and no ...

MMs have a real good attack ... but it's not the same sound as a single coil, as you have the string being picked up in two seperate places, and that sets up a "phase" and string pull situation that changes the sound somewhat.

... Generally perceived as a mid range "growl"

[mikezimmerman]

I've always assumed that the single small polepieces on Wal pickups (similar to Darkstar) accounted for some of the characteristic attack that they have, as well.

MM pickups don't have quite the same attack, but it is different from the J/P double polepieces, as well. I'd say polepieces and the resulting different shapes of magnetic field do make a difference, but they're only one component of a pickup's overall sound.

Mike

[RHCP250]

I see, so very similar question. How does the sound of a MM style pickup compare to a Nordy style humbucker?