I got questions, maybe good ones, maybe not.

[Roandave]

Question #1 When I look at the tone charts, what are the numbers for D.C. Resistance, and Resonant Peak telling me?
Question #2 While studying the various combinations that people like, I've noticed that mostly the favored combos use the same magnet, for example Seymour's favorite, the JB bridge, and the Jazz neck, or the other favored neck, the 59 are all alnico 5 pups. The one that got my attention JB Jr, Duckbucker, and Little 59 are all ceramic, Is this peoples ears liking the sound of certain hardware? Or do pickups using the same magnets actually blend together better. I'm sure there are examples of combo preferences which employ different magnets, but it appears to me after several days of cruising through this forum (instead of working) it's a pretty high percentage of favorites use the same magnet.

 

[Artie]

Re: I got questions, maybe good ones, maybe not.

Yup . . . good questions.

1. DC resistance: This is just that. If I put a meter on the pup, and set it to ohms, this is what I'll read. There's a lot of controversy as to how meaningful this measurement is, relative to sound. I find it, along with knowing the magnet type, to have some value. Its not cut-and-dried, but generally, I know a pup at 16k will be stronger than a pup at 2.67k.

Its also good for identifying a pup in a drawer with a cheap meter.

2. Resonance: Every object, including your dining room table, has a resonant peak. Its simply the frequency at which something will naturally vibrate. On a pup, its the frequency that will tend to be strongest. I've got a pretty extensive background in electronics, and I don't use the resonance peak value for much. I suppose its one of those specs that has different value to different folks.

As for pups with the same magnet, again, its not cut-and-dried, but I generally consider pups with the same magnet, to be in the same "family". Having said that, I mix and match them all the time. Its one of those things you kinda have to learn with experience. Also, not everyone wants the pups in their axe to "match". Sometimes, its desirable to have completely different voicing in the same guitar.

Thats my 2-cents worth.

Artie