Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

[Ace Flibble]

Been trying to work this out while battling to install a TB-5. Every other company manages to make F-spaced humbuckers which are, overall, the same dimensions as regular humbuckers. They all fit the same old mounting rings, easy to swap covers on, etc. Why is it that Seymour Duncan make their F-spaced pickups this bizarre thinner, longer size? I tried installing a covered TB-4 in a guitar before and since it wouldn't fit and the supplied matte black mounting ring was neither tall enough nor a fitting colour, that one got chucked out and I happily replaced it with a Swineshead pickup; thought I might have better luck with this uncovered TB-5 but nope, the bugger won't fit without me cutting up the mounting ring (which really won't look good on this guitar at all). Suffice to say this pickup is going in the parts drawer too and I've got a DiMarzio Evo 2 on the way instead.

So, anyone got any idea why SD make their whole pickups a different size instead of just changing the pole spacing like everyone else? I like regular SD pickups but it seems they're utterly useless for any guitar with a wider-spaced bridge.

 

[dvadneau]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

I just use a different mounting ring. I realize the "regular" mounting rings are easier to come by, but the larger ones are not impossible to find. And they're cheaper than a new pickup.

Besides the Trembucker spacing is a better fit than the DZ F-spacing for Vibrato-equipped guitars. Definitely my Lic. Floyd and even my Squier Tele Custom (hardtail).

I'm guessing that because of the extra width, they were forced to widen the base as well in order to get the right amount of winds for the given pickup flavour. But, maybe someone from Seymour Duncan can shed some light.

 

[dvadneau]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

I like regular SD pickups but it seems they're utterly useless for any guitar with a wider-spaced bridge.

Really, useless? I've used them and Trembuckers in my LP and neither falls directly in-line with the strings (one too narrow, one too wide), but the sound isn't very different. A little more "open" maybe using the Trembucker version.

I've used regular-spaced SDs and DZs on my Squier Tele Customs and wouldn't throw them out because of the pole spacing.

 

[AudioWonderland]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

Been trying to work this out while battling to install a TB-5. Every other company manages to make F-spaced humbuckers which are, overall, the same dimensions as regular humbuckers. They all fit the same old mounting rings, easy to swap covers on, etc. Why is it that Seymour Duncan make their F-spaced pickups this bizarre thinner, longer size? I tried installing a covered TB-4 in a guitar before and since it wouldn't fit and the supplied matte black mounting ring was neither tall enough nor a fitting colour, that one got chucked out and I happily replaced it with a Swineshead pickup; thought I might have better luck with this uncovered TB-5 but nope, the bugger won't fit without me cutting up the mounting ring (which really won't look good on this guitar at all). Suffice to say this pickup is going in the parts drawer too and I've got a DiMarzio Evo 2 on the way instead.

So, anyone got any idea why SD make their whole pickups a different size instead of just changing the pole spacing like everyone else? I like regular SD pickups but it seems they're utterly useless for any guitar with a wider-spaced bridge.

1) They are the size they need to be to do the job. They come with a proper ring
2) They are not useless. Standard spacing was used for years without issue

 

[gOgIver]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

So, anyone got any idea why SD make their whole pickups a different size instead of just changing the pole spacing like everyone else?

Good question.

My guess is that the marketing dept made the call.

Maybe Evan will chime in with the definite answer.

 

[Ace Flibble]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

1) They are the size they need to be to do the job. They come with a proper ring

The matte black low ring isn't too useful on my guitar which needs arch top, tall gold metal rings.

2) They are not useless. Standard spacing was used for years without issue

I worded that badly. I meant the trembuckers, not the regular SDs. The point is I love regular SD pickups but when it comes to a guitar needing an f-spaced pickups, the obscure dimensions of the trembuckers make 'em useless as far as I can see and I just don't get why they would make them like this when everyone else makes them the standard way which works perfectly.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

I'm sorry you're having issues. I've generally been able to fit uncovered TB's in any mounting ring. Sometimes you have to be careful with the tape, to gently push it inward a little on the pigtail side so it slips through the opening, but I can't say I've ever had to dremel a ring. I wasn't here when they designed the bobbin, but dvadneau is probably spot on. When the TB's came out, high wind pickups like the JB and Distortion were the prime suspects. Overwound coils like that come out to the edge of the bobbin, and the right way to make a pickup is to have the appropriate amount of bobbin space on the outer edges to protect the windings.

I'm not sure what you mean by "thinner". The bobbins aren't thinner, but the baseplate might be. Maybe that's what you're referring to.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Why are Trembuckers odd dimensions?

I'm sorry you're having issues. I've generally been able to fit uncovered TB's in any mounting ring. Sometimes you have to be careful with the tape, to gently push it inward a little on the pigtail side so it slips through the opening, but I can't say I've ever had to dremel a ring. I wasn't here when they designed the bobbin, but dvadneau is probably spot on. When the TB's came out, high wind pickups like the JB and Distortion were the prime suspects. Overwound coils like that come out to the edge of the bobbin, and the right way to make a pickup is to have the appropriate amount of bobbin space on the outer edges to protect the windings.

I'm not sure what you mean by "thinner". The bobbins aren't thinner, but the baseplate might be. Maybe that's what you're referring to.

After swapping different pickups in different guitars, i can confirm this. duncan trembuckers always fit in "standard" size rings.