Author Topic: Overwinding and tone (Read 5855 times)

badgermark · « **on:** February 17, 2008, 11:59:33 AM »

Just a quick question, what effect does overwinding a pickup have on it's overall tone? I know more winds = higher dc resistance which is roughly related to output, but would the tonal characteristics change much?

Like say I want to mix the Apache neck pickup with a sinner in the bridge, would winding the apache up a few notches affect it's sweet round tone much?

Philly Q · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2008, 12:17:59 PM »

Basically overwinding will make a pickup more powerful but darker.

Depending on the particular type of wire used in the coil, there's a limit on how overwound you can get (see Henk's thread on "true PAFs") - because the bobbin will be full up.

It's a question for Tim I think. An overwound Apache may, in effect, not be an Apache any more. Or it might work, but there might be something else in the range which will do what you want anyway.

badgermark · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2008, 12:27:57 PM »

Thanks for that. Just used the Apache as an example really. Might ask Tim in more detail if I ever think of it when upgrading pickups in the future.

MDV · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2008, 04:27:15 PM »

Uts gonna compress more and get darker.

Tim can compensate for the latter in the wind, though.

Tim · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2008, 05:14:45 PM »

Overwinding reduces high end and increases bottom end and mid range.As a rough guide each 10% extra will yield 10% more mids/bass and 10% less high end.

Scott674 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2008, 01:52:01 AM »

Would underwinding achieve the opposite? 10% less = 10% more high end and 10% less mid/bass?

silentrage · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2008, 06:50:23 AM »

Sorry for the slight thread hijack but does more winds = more power/gain?
Or is that all about the magnet?

Tim · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:05:51 AM »

Yes underwinding has the opposite effect 10% underwind = 10% more treble and 10% less bass/mid.
Overwinding does produce a more saturated tone.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2008, 02:14:47 PM »

I would say what I "know" but I'd just be repeating.

:(