resistance ratings

[wilkinsi]

I noticed something odd on the SD site. The resistance rating of the Invader (bridge position) is 16.6k... but when I compared it to the JB, the resistance is also 16.6k. I then found a JB Rails at 18.66k. I was under the impression the Invader was supposed to be the hottest of all 3. Are there errors on the SD website?

 

[Chistopher]

DCR changes considerably with temperature.

 

[Chistopher]

Which is funny, because the only meaningful use of DCR as a measurement for a pickup is as a measure of literal heat.

 

[Seashore]

The three ceramic magnets and large cap pole pieces in the Invader give it more output than the single A5 and standard screw/slug poles in the JB.

 

[Artie]

^^^^ This. Amongst other things.

 

[Masta' C]

I noticed something odd on the SD site. The resistance rating of the Invader (bridge position) is 16.6k... but when I compared it to the JB, the resistance is also 16.6k. I then found a JB Rails at 18.66k. I was under the impression the Invader was supposed to be the hottest of all 3. Are there errors on the SD website?

This is the problem with relying on DCR values...you can only compare pickups that are constructed the same to determine the relative output via the DC Resistance measurement. Just the fact that the Invader uses different magnets than the JB means you can't rely on the DCR to determine how "hot" a pickup is, because they are not constructed the same.

The JB Rails is essentially trem-spaced by default, which requires additional wire to cover the longer bobbins, and it likely has a slightly different coil geometry due to using custom bobbins and thinner rails instead of traditional screws/slugs. More wire = higher DCR value, but that isn't what makes the Rails version "hotter" than a standard JB...that mostly comes from the use of an A8 magnet, which is much more powerful than the A5 in a regular JB.

 

[Masta' C]

Which is funny, because the only meaningful use of DCR as a measurement for a pickup is as a measure of literal heat.

If everything else is kept equal between two pickups (hardware, magnet wire gauge/type, coil geometry, magnet size/type, winding tension, etc.), then the DCR value *can* give an indication of the difference in output and tone in a relative sense

 

[nienturi]

I noticed something odd on the SD site. The resistance rating of the Invader (bridge position) is 16.6k... but when I compared it to the JB, the resistance is also 16.6k. I then found a JB Rails at 18.66k. I was under the impression the Invader was supposed to be the hottest of all 3. Are there errors on the SD website?

Nope. Not the temperature or anything. I'm sure the rails are in the trembucker size. Because i had 3 trembucker JBs and all was over 18K dcr. The last one i still hold is 18.64K (measured at 22C). On the other hand all of my JBs was ranging from 16.06K (21C) to 16.68K (24C) which i still have that 16.06K

 

[Artie]

We can still deem a leetle output info, in some cases. For example, a YJM Fury @ 25.5k is probably going to be hotter than a Lipstick Tube @ 3.4k. :cool2:

 

[JamesPaul]

If everything else is kept equal between two pickups (hardware, magnet wire gauge/type, coil geometry, magnet size/type, winding tension, etc.), then the DCR value *can* give an indication of the difference in output and tone in a relative sense

This is where I land. All other things being equal, higher DCR yields higher output. I, and many others, use a similar concept to demonstrate improved performance in the product I work with for my day gig.

Artie does make a valid point. There are cases where it is going to be obvious, even with differing pickup construction.

 

[Aceman]

DCR is not equal to output. It is loosely associated, so a 7.8k humbucker is not as high of output as a 17.8k pickup. Usually, probably, but not always. And 16.1 vs 16.6 - whatever.

A JB is hot. An Invader is hot. Bot should be considered very/rather hot.

 

[wilkinsi]

... I chose the Invader set to replace a pair of Bare Knuckle Aftermath's becsuse I was going by DCR and the fact I have Invaders in 2 other guitars. I am now wondering if I burned my money.

 

[Seashore]

... I chose the Invader set to replace a pair of Bare Knuckle Aftermath's becsuse I was going by DCR and the fact I have Invaders in 2 other guitars. I am now wondering if I burned my money.

What are you looking for? Invaders are fine pickups if you like the sound. Bare Knuckle makes great pickups too, I haven't used the Aftermaths but I have several other sets. I wouldn't say either one was "burning your money".