Confused about pickup output

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Molly
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Re: Confused about pickup output

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Re: Confused about pickup output

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Re: Confused about pickup output

Post by Jay »

Molly wrote:How can a DiMarzio Cruiser be listed as a high output pickup but measure just 3.13k (output given as 140mV - which doesn't mean anything to me)?

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accesso ... eck-pickup

My bridge pickup is a DiMarzio Tone Zone which has a DC resistance of 12.39k (300mV).

The above are mini 'blade' style humbuckers. I'm used to regular single-coils so to me, say, 5.5k would be a vintage output pickup. Never had anything as low as 3.something.

What am I missing? Ta.
Simplistically, output voltage is a function of number of windings, strength of magnetic field, the material that interferes with the field (ie, the string),
and the closeness of that material.
More windings means higher output voltage but also higher DC value. Stronger magnet creates stronger field which also bumps the output voltage. Get the string close to the pickup and that also bumps up the voltage. If they have wired the two coils in parallel the DC resistance will drop to about half of what the value would have been for series. You get a slightly cleaner sound IMO that way. 140mV is respectable for a pickup.

I use neodymium magnets for my pickups and get away with fewer windings while still getting a decent output signal.

There are some good primers one can read understanding pickups better. Best to be read while in bed with your mrs serving you steak or so...
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Re: Confused about pickup output

Post by griff »

Molly wrote:How can a DiMarzio Cruiser be listed as a high output pickup but measure just 3.13k (output given as 140mV - which doesn't mean anything to me)?

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accesso ... eck-pickup

My bridge pickup is a DiMarzio Tone Zone which has a DC resistance of 12.39k (300mV).

The above are mini 'blade' style humbuckers. I'm used to regular single-coils so to me, say, 5.5k would be a vintage output pickup. Never had anything as low as 3.something.

What am I missing? Ta.
Molly, what are your thoughts on the Tone Zone mini? Had one in my Tele and couldn't get it out quick enough.
Different strokes I guess.

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Re: Confused about pickup output

Post by Molly »

griff7628 wrote:
Molly wrote:How can a DiMarzio Cruiser be listed as a high output pickup but measure just 3.13k (output given as 140mV - which doesn't mean anything to me)?

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accesso ... eck-pickup

My bridge pickup is a DiMarzio Tone Zone which has a DC resistance of 12.39k (300mV).

The above are mini 'blade' style humbuckers. I'm used to regular single-coils so to me, say, 5.5k would be a vintage output pickup. Never had anything as low as 3.something.

What am I missing? Ta.
Molly, what are your thoughts on the Tone Zone mini? Had one in my Tele and couldn't get it out quick enough.
Different strokes I guess.
If I want this to be my Strat I might change it but since I've got that covered elsewhere I might stick with it. It does have it's own thing.

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Re: Confused about pickup output

Post by griff »

Yeah it's pretty mid heavy, which isn't a bad thing.

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