Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 11, 2019 at 3:19pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on October 11, 2019 at 5:23pm

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

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 11, 2019 at 5:28pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on October 13, 2019 at 5:43am

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.}

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Permalink Reply by robert jones on October 13, 2019 at 9:17am

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.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on October 14, 2019 at 3:11am

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.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on October 14, 2019 at 7:40pm

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

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on October 14, 2019 at 7:55pm

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

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on October 17, 2019 at 2:42pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on October 18, 2019 at 1:08am

OOOOoooooh me likee that one....

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on October 19, 2019 at 6:16pm

Details please. You mean regular coax?

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on October 22, 2019 at 2:40pm

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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