Pole screws

[richardjmorgan]

Ok, so I've done a bit of a forum search and failed to find an answer, so apologies if this is a daft question, but it's just occurred to me I've no idea:

Does the type of pole screw used in a pickup (i.e. allen head or slotted) affect the sound, or is it a purely aesthetic issue? How about two rows of screws rather than one of screws and one of flat polepieces?

[Philly Q]

Apparently allen head poles give a more bassy sound - because the shape of the magnetic field is different, presumably.

A double-screw-poles pickup is also supposed to have more bass than a standard screws/slugs pickup.

So I guess a double-allen-poles pickup is... really bassy.

This is all just stuff I've read though.

[syr2012]

Allen bolts provide a bit more precise magnetic field than regular screws, giving a more focused sound (I think it makes things a bit tighter), and a slightly increased high and low end, plus a bit more attack. Double screw poles increase the bass, and also offer you a bit of an onboard EQ, since they're far more adjustable than the standard screw/slug configuration. I have a Holy Diver with allen bolts, and I think its sound is a bit more focused than my Mississippi Queen, which has screws.

[Dr. Vic]

Allen bolts provide a bit more precise magnetic field than regular screws, giving a more focused sound (I think it makes things a bit tighter), and a slightly increased high and low end, plus a bit more attack. Double screw poles increase the bass, and also offer you a bit of an onboard EQ, since they're far more adjustable than the standard screw/slug configuration. I have a Holy Diver with allen bolts, and I think its sound is a bit more focused than my Mississippi Queen, which has screws.

That's an interresting post !
But dunno how much the effect of allen bolt vs standard screws can be appreciated while comparing an HD and a MQ since the difference between those pups is quite significant.

[MDV]

Allen bolts provide a bit more precise magnetic field than regular screws, giving a more focused sound (I think it makes things a bit tighter), and a slightly increased high and low end, plus a bit more attack. Double screw poles increase the bass, and also offer you a bit of an onboard EQ, since they're far more adjustable than the standard screw/slug configuration. I have a Holy Diver with allen bolts, and I think its sound is a bit more focused than my Mississippi Queen, which has screws.

This is correct (its pretty much exactly what Tim has told me). Its because the allen poles flat surface focuses the field on the strings, whereas a screws curved surface disperses it more (the field lines emerge from the poles perpendicularly to the surface).

[pagan7]

I'm about to order a calibrated set of ceramic magnet nailbombs and in deciding on which pole screw type to go for I emailed Tim a few days ago and asked him about it - here's his reply

As with all things the type of pole screw does effect the tone produced however it's the material the poles are made from which has more effect. The tonal differences between a standard Fillister No5 and an allen bolt are very subtle however if you use a pole screw made with soft iron/electrical steel then it is a lot more magnetically conductive than stock machine steel and produces a stronger magnetic field,brighter note definition and clarity. By comparison machine steel isn't as conductive and tends to hold more of the charge rather than directing it at the string so produces a warmer tonal effect. These are all very subtle effects but all go into the pot to produce the final tone and as such need to be viewed as part of the bigger picture.
Maybe one of the forum members would like to do a before and after recording of the same pickup with the different types of pole screws/bolts? I'll happily supply a set of both types of poles for an unbiased test then everyone can make their own judgment on the forum.


Note the last paragraph

Anyone up for doing a test and posting the recorded results ?

Cheers

[Lucas]

It seems that this thread died, but it`s a really intriguing subject indeed, co I decided to rise it from the grave.

So considering your pickup and the way it matches with the wood type, you should also pay attention to screws. But how subtle that difference is? is it worth bothering at all? If it is, there`s another 'tool' while matching pickups and making the most out of them.

Is there any comparison/test done as it was mentioned above? 

[Slartibartfarst42]

I think the key word in all of this is 'subtle'. It may make a minor difference but there's a hell of a lot of other things we use as guitarists that will have far more impact. I suppose if I wanted a pickup that I felt was a bit too bright, I could order it with double allen bolts to give it more bass but that may also make an already tight pickup unbelievably tight so it might just be easier and more effective to just order a different pickup that better fits my needs. Of there's also the cosmetic impact. Allen bolts do look pretty cool  8)

[Dave Sloven]

Then there is the question of adjusting them.  I use one of these, makes it even easier than a screwdriver for regular screw pole pieces as it is a hex ball (so you can use it on a slight angle to avoid the strings)



You get these from radio control hobby places