Pickup bobbin

Types of pickup bobbins

A bass guitar pickup is a magnet that captures the vibration of guitar strings and converts them into an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickup bobbins: single coil and double coil.

Single coil pickups have one row of magnets and one coil of wire. They produce a bright, clean sound with a lot of treble. However, they are prone to electromagnetic interference, which causes a humming noise. Double coil pickups, also known as humbuckers, have two coils of wire with one magnet each. They are wired out of phase with each other to cancel any electromagnetic interference. This results in a thicker, heavier sound with a lot of bass. They produce a cleaner sound than single coils when distorted. Double coil pickups are used in the bridge position of guitars, while single coils are used in the neck position.

Another type of pickup bobbin is a P90. It is wider than a single coil pickup and has a single coil of wire with two rows of magnets. It produces a sound in between single coils and double coils. There are also mini humbuckers that fit in the same space as single coil pickups.

Pickup bobbins can be made of plastic, metal, or wooden materials. Plastic is the most common material, as it is lightweight, durable, and easy to manufacture. Metal pickup bobbins are sturdier and can withstand more wear and tear. They produce a brighter sound than plastic bobbins. Wooden pickup bobbins are rare and mainly used in premium guitars. They absorb more vibrations than plastic or metal bobbins and produce a warmer sound.

Scenarios of Pickup Bobbins

Pickup bobbins are essential components in various fields and industries. Here are some of the scenarios where they are used;

• Textile Industry

  Pickup bobbins are used in sewing and weaving machines to collect the thread from the shuttle or pick and wind it onto the spindle or bobbin. This is crucial for creating seams and fabric structures. The electric sewing machine pickup bobbin is a common type used in this scenario.

• Agriculture

  In agricultural machinery such as combines and harvesters, pickup bobbins are used to gather crop material and feed it into the processing mechanism. For example, the combine harvester pickup bobbin collects crops and winds them onto a spindle.

• Fishing

  In fishing applications, bobbins are often used in rod and reel systems to wind the fishing line. They help to manage the line and provide the necessary torque to land a catch. The fishing rod pickup bobbin is commonly used in this scenario.

• Woodworking

  In woodworking lathes, bobbins are used to pick up and wind wood around the spindle. This allows for the shaping and turning of wood into various products.

• Electricity and Electronics

  In electronics, pickup bobbins are used to wind wire on magnetic cores for inductors and transformers. This is essential for creating the magnetic fields and electrical properties required for these components.

• Repair and Maintenance

  Pickup bobbins are also used in repair and maintenance applications. For example, in repairing sewing machines, the bobbin can be replaced or adjusted to ensure proper thread pickup and stitching. Similarly, in agricultural machinery, pickup bobbins can be cleaned and maintained to ensure efficient crop gathering and processing.

How to Choose Pickup Bobbins

Choosing the right pickups for guitars involves considering several factors to ensure the selected pickups match the player's style, the guitar's construction, and the desired sound. Here are key elements to deliberate on:

• Sound Preference

  Each type of pickup has a unique sound. For instance, single-coils are usually preferred for their bright, crisp sound, which is great for genres like blues, rock, and pop. Conversely, humbuckers have a thicker, warmer sound, ideal for rock, metal, and jazz. If one loves vintage tones, pickups from the 1960s are more appealing. However, those who like more bottom and treble sounds may lean towards modern pickup designs.

• Guitar Type

  Consider the type of guitar and its sonic capabilities. For instance, humbuckers are more common in semi-acoustic and electric guitars with two magnets, while single-coil pickups are more common in hollow and acoustic guitars with three magnets. Additionally, the number of frets can also affect the kind of pickup one chooses. Guitars with 22 frets are usually suited for single-coil pickups, while those with 24 frets can use humbuckers.

• Output Level

  High-output pickups produce a stronger signal and are usually preferred for heavier music as they drive amplifiers harder, creating more distortion. Low-output pickups, on the other hand, provide a cleaner sound and are better for genres that use a lot of dynamic changes.

• Magnet Type

  The type of magnet used in the pickup affects its sound and output. Alnico magnets are usually preferred for their warm, vintage tone, whereas ceramic magnets have a higher output and are more powerful and brighter.

• Coil Configuration

  Consider whether to get single-coil or dual-coil pickups. Single-coil pickups are slimmer and brighter but can induce hum. On the other hand, double-coil (humbucker) pickups have two coils and are less noisy but are larger and heavier.

• Neck vs Bridge Pickups

  Remember that the position of the pickup matters. Bridge pickups (often swapped with humbuckers) sound deeper and more powerful than neck pickups, while neck pickups are sweeter and more musically inclined. They are also easier to play in songs with flow and solo scales.

• Budget

  Finally, consider the budget. High-end pickups can be very expensive, but they provide better sound quality and durability. However, there are also good mid-range and low-end pickups that sound better than stock pickups.

Function, Feature, and Design of Pickup Bobbins

The pickup bobbin's function, features, and design depend on the type of instrument. Here are some of them:

Electric Guitars

• Function: To convert string vibration into an electrical signal.

  Pickup magnets sense string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal.

• Feature: Adjustable pole pieces.

  Every string's height and sound intensity are customizable by adjusting the pole pieces.

• Some pickups have wax potting to prevent feedback and microphonics.

• Design:Single-coil or humbucker.

  Single-coil pickups have one row of magnets. They produce a bright, clear sound. On the other hand, humbuckers have two rows of magnets. They produce a thicker sound and have more output. They also cancel hum.

Bass Guitars

• Function: To produce low-frequency sounds.

  Like guitar pickups, bass pickups also convert string vibrations into an electrical signal.

• Feature: Wider magnets.

  The pickups have broader magnets to capture the low-frequency vibrations of the bass strings.

• They also have humbucking configurations to cancel hum and noise.

• Design:Single-coil and humbucker.

  Single-coil pickups are smaller and lighter. They produce a bright, clear sound. On the other hand, humbucker pickups are larger and heavier. They produce a thick, deep sound and cancel hum.

Electric Violins

• Function: To amplify the sound of the violin.

  Electric violin pickups amplify the sound so it's heard even without an amplifier.

• Feature: Piezoelectric element.

  Most electric violins use pickups with a piezoelectric element to convert vibrations into an electrical signal.

• Design: Bridge-mounted.

  The pickups are often mounted on the bridge of the violin to get a clear signal.

Electric Cellos

• Function: To amplify the sound of the cello.

  Like violin pickups, electric cello pickups also amplify the sound of the cello.

• Feature: Magnetic or piezoelectric.

  Cellos use magnetic pickups or piezoelectric pickups. Magnetic pickups are mounted on the strings of the cello. At the same time, piezoelectric pickups are placed under the bridge.

• Design: Under-the-bridge.

  Electric cellos are designed to hold pickups easily under the bridge for optimal sound vibration capture.

Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between a pickup and a bobbin?

A1: In simple terms, a pickup refers to an electric guitar pickup, which is an accessory used to convert the vibration of guitar strings into an electric signal. On the other hand, a bobbin is a component found in the pickup that helps to magnetize the steel strings of the guitar. To put it simply, the guitar pickup is an assembly that usually contains two coils and a metal plate, and they work together to create an electric signal.

Q2: How does one identify if the pickup is faulty?

A2: There are various ways to tell if a guitar pickup is faulty. One way is to check if the pickup is dead; if it is, it might have a loose wire or broken solder joint. Another way is to check for unwanted noises, such as humming and buzzing, which are signs that the pickup has a grounding issue or faulty shielding. Additionally, one can check for uneven output levels by playing the guitar and listening to the volume. If the volume is inconsistent, one side of the pickup might be defective.

Q3: What are some common pickup issues?

A3: Some common pickup issues include loose or broken wires, grounding issues, and magnetic pole piece problems.