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what is the dufference between output and dc resistance? ive always thought they were interchangeble. and what does a Henry measure? also, do any of those have anything to do with loudness? because some pickups are low output or dc resistance, but people say they are loud (and i dont think they mean in terms of noise or hum). how do i figure out which pickups are good matches?

This is a pretty complex issue, and I'm just going to hit the highlights 'cause its late.

DC resistance and output are loosely related, but not enough to make it a quot;rulequot;. For one thing, magnet strength is also important. Then there's frequency response.

Two pickups, that have the same magnet, but one is wound significantly quot;hotterquot;, (higher DC resistance), will probably have a higher output voltage. The problem comes when you compare resistances that are off by a smaller margin. One may have more bass, while the other has more treble. Depending on your setup, two different people may percieve each as the hotter pickup. Or, you may percieve them as different, in different guitars. Thats sort of where quot;henriesquot; come in. The inductance, (henries), is a measure of the degree to which the coil resists voltage change. The opposite of a capacitor. (Which resists a steady state.) The inductance also affects resonant peak. All objects have a resonance point. If the resonance of the pickup matches the resonance of the guitar wood, you'll percieve a higher output, even though no greater voltage is being generated.

See . . . it gets deep. Basically, you can use the DC resistance to get a rough idea of output and EQ, but it will be real rough, and not necessarily consistant. Its one of those things that will become more clear the more you can actually play with different pups and experience how they sound, relative to their quot;specsquot;.

damn so how do i know out of all the single coil sized pickups available, which ones would be best suited for each position?

Like most of us,you eventually buy and trade them all.

ok so out of the different ways to measure the sound of pickups, which is most accurate for showing, i guess, loudness?


Originally Posted by nepalnt21ok so out of the different ways to measure the sound of pickups, which is most accurate for showing, i guess, loudness?

Playing 'em

Rock ON!