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Sidewinders, Multi-coils and other hard to find pickups

#61
Attaching a Spacer on the bottom of the cover, like the top picture Is probably what I need.
There needs to be additional room and height, for the layed down sidewinder bobbins.
With a thick enough spacer, then use a baseplate on that, probably made from forbon fiber.
Thanks BeeTL for the pictures and Ideas.
Next I need to get some covers and see what I can come up with.
Chrome or plated Nickel, which is most popular?
T
 
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#64
If I can ever get the magnets I have ordered, I have all the other parts to build the 4 string multicoils.
Since string spacing is narrower on a 5 string bass, not sure what bobbins will work on a 5 string?
My 4 string multi-coils will be based on a 4 string MM cover, with 8 individual coils wound on either 5/16, or 3/8" A5 Rod Magnets.
Since most magnets are imported, It takes a while to order and get magnets with new dimensions made.
Also I'm hearing something about a Dock Workers Strike that has held up unloading foreign ships.
Hopefully the magnets will be here soon, I'm anxious to start the project!
T
 
#65
big_teee said:
If I can ever get the magnets I have ordered, I have all the other parts to build the 4 string multicoils.
Since string spacing is narrower on a 5 string bass, not sure what bobbins will work on a 5 string?
My 4 string multi-coils will be based on a 4 string MM cover, with 8 individual coils wound on either 5/16, or 3/8" A5 Rod Magnets.
Since most magnets are imported, It takes a while to order and get magnets with new dimensions made.
Also I'm hearing something about a Dock Workers Strike that has held up unloading foreign ships.
Hopefully the magnets will be here soon, I'm anxious to start the project!
T
Click to expand...

17.5 mm spacing is standard on Ernie Ball 5 strings. I have to imagine narrow spacing bobbins for MM pickups would be available.
 
#66
For multi-coils, As far as I know, there are no bobbins available.
Whoever makes the pickup usually has to make his own bobbins.
On a 5 String, as you narrow the string spacing the bobbins will get smaller allowing less room for the 10,000 turns of 42 gauge wire.
Someone is probably doing it? Right now I don't know of any.
For me, I will start with the 4 string, and if I can conquer that, I will look at the 5 string possibilities.
I have the 5 String MM covers and there is less room to put the 10 bobbins.
Maybe that will all work out as we go along?
T
 
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#67
big_teee said:
For multi-coils, As far as I know, there are no bobbins available.
Whoever makes the pickup usually has to make his own bobbins.
On a 5 String, as you narrow the string spacing the bobbins will get smaller allowing less room for the 10,000 turns of 42 gauge wire.
Someone is probably doing it? Right now I don't know of any.
For me, I will start with the 4 string, and if I can conquer that, I will look at the 5 string possibilities.
I have the 5 String MM covers and there is less room to put the 10 bobbins.
Maybe that will all work out as we go along?
T
Click to expand...
One thought that may be beneficial would be to have Mojotone laser-cut custom bobbin ends out of fiberboard and glue them directly to the rods like a T, S, P or J pickup.

That would be easy, relatively cheap, and would buy you a few extra winds on the coil because there is no material between the rods and the coil.

One builder who winds his own multi-coils for bass is Pete Malinoski.

about Malinoski Guitars

mono-pup.jpg


As a matter of fact, he has a 32" scale 5-string available on his site right now:

Saga bass #144

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
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#73
There are other ways to make multi-coil pickups too. On several of my model basses, I use a separate coil for each string. They are long narrow ovals, going along the line of the strings. Each coil has 3 or 4 magnets, 1/4" Alnico rods. The coils are tall and narrow, 5000 turns of #41 wire. Medium impedance, very good output level with passive wiring. I put each coil in its own housing, each individually adjustable in height. It's a wonderful configuration; excellent sound. And expensive to make, because it's four complete pickups.

IMG_3275B.jpg
 
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#77
My 5/16, and 3/8" multi-coil rod magnets finally ship by my supplier tomorrow.
Been trying to get them since Christmas.
The start of a long multi-coil process begins.
Next I need to order a cheap P bass, router, and get a test axe ready.
Anyone got any ideas for a cheap P lefty that is suitable for routing, or something that already uses MM sized pickups?
T
 
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