Just ordered a book that might interest some of you
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Electronics/Pickups,_Windings_and_Magnets.htmlsometimes these things include a lot of voodoo and guitars shop analogies (a.k.a Bulls**t) but i thought i would give it a read and see if i learnt anything new.
I have made pickups for myself before but it was more just for fun. They sounded good but i never got consistent results from one to the next. definately not looking to make more unless i need to for unusual instruments.
anyway - i will let you know what its like when i have read it.