Is 30 ga. wire OK for wiring pickups?

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30 gauge can certainly handle the current output from a pickup. The problem is that it is so small it is a pain in the ass to work with.

Copy that. I was most worried about the load. I just got a nice soldering iron that works well,

My fat fingers have a hard time stripping insulation from 24 gauge without cutting the wire. 30 gauge would be a real challenge for me. If you can handle stripping then you're go to go.

For the "wire stripping challenged" I suggest Harbor freight's 

PITTSBURGH®

6-1/2 In. Wire Strippers With Pressure Adjustmen

Precision wire strippers cut hard or soft wiring

$5.99
I'm all thumbs and they work well.

Pickups are usually wound with 40 or 42 gauge enamel coated wire.

30 gauge being larger passes current more easily so would need more length to get to a given resistance potentially ending in a physically large pickup.

Current through a pickup coil is on the order of milliamps so larger wire for current capacity really isn't needed.

The advantage of enamel coated wire is that stripping involves a lighter and steel wool to clean off the burnt enamel. It is only necessary to remove the enamel from the ends for soldering.

Antique Electronic Supply has small rolls of magnet wire for $7-$8 a roll.

Robert is right, most pickups are wound with 42, 43 or 44 gauge wire. Smaller wire makes a stronger coil, so the larger 30 gauge wire would not be recommended by most pickup winders. Pickup type can play a factor in wire size as well. Remember that just because it can work, doesn't mean it's the best way to do it.

I'm asking about hookup wire. I ain't about to wind my own pickups yet...

It’s a little smaller than regular hook up wire(22-24AWG) but that won’t matter if it’s not being tugged on. 

Sorry for the mix up.

I use the Coaxial wires from video/audio RCA type cables. It's a good size shielded wire to keep noise down and provides your signal wire and ground wire all in one.

OOOOoooooh me likee that one....

Details please. You mean regular coax?

It's the 1 video and 2 audio hook up cables for DVD/Blueray/VCR players. They are Coaxle wires(1 insulated wire for signal wrapped by a bare standed ground wire for shielding). I get a pack on the cheap(3wires) at walmart or dollar stores for around 3 bucks or less and there's enough to wire 2 or more guitars depending on size and components involved. They help keep everything neat and looking like a rats nest. ;)

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