Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on January 12, 2013 at 12:13am

42 awg. eBay. Just search for 'magnet wire pickup' and you'll find it. It's much cheaper by the larger spool if you intend to make a few, and do factor in a few failures and rewinds. Good luck making pickups is very rewarding

Permalink Reply by Don Goguen on January 12, 2013 at 2:41am

I had mentioned this before in a previous post but it is probably even more relevant now that copper is just out of control pricing wise.  Surplus Sales of Nebraska has 42 gauge Electricsola wire in 4-5 lb spools for $17 a pound.  The first one I ordered, I asked for 4 lbs and got one just over.  Worked out though as the first quarter pound was not usable as the spool was a little beat.  The second one I ordered came in clean.  Still cheaper than anywhere else for a large spool. 

Mojotone sells wire but seems more expensive than anyone.  Formvar is $215 for 5lbs and plain enamel is $270 for 6lbs.

As you are in the UK, I know Stew Mac ships internationally.  If you just want to experiment then Stew Mac has 1/2 lb spools for $30.  There have been some complaints earlier on a winders forum that the smaller spools didn't feed as cleanly as the larger spools.  I've no experience as I always work with 5lb spools.

Your mileage may vary yada yada......

Permalink Reply by Don Goguen on January 12, 2013 at 10:13am

Did you know I could buy a cheap chinese made kids guitar at the local big mart for $20?  I know this can only come out snarky but the whole point is the experience.  And I am sorry but the cheap chinese pickups while ok are not anything to write home about.

I build because I can.  Otherwise, I'd just hang out at the local banjo mart.

With as much love as I can muster,

Don

Permalink Reply by Don Goguen on January 12, 2013 at 10:49am

Sorry Pete

Did you ever just have one of those days when evil just sat there on your shoulder getting you into more trouble than you are used to.

And the guitar thing was just totally kismit as I didn't check out your profile till after I posted.  Again, I'll have to fess up to evil enjoying that although, I didn't think it was funny at all (seriously).

The guy wanted to make his own pickup.  What can I say?  Sorry again.

Permalink Reply by Skeesix on January 12, 2013 at 9:40am

If you do end up getting a smaller spool, just make sure the part where the wire will be feeding off is very smooth. Feel it with your finger to make sure there are no bumps or rough spots. I've had spools that had a bump where the part line for the spool was, causing the wire to a catch. I just used some fine sandpaper to sand it down smooth, and all was well.

Permalink Reply by Edmund on January 12, 2013 at 11:11am

Thank you for your reply, will get onto it soon, Ed

Permalink Reply by Edmund on January 12, 2013 at 11:13am

Hi Don, Ta for the info will check it out, Ed