The Staggered Jazzmaster Pickup
I frequently receive a number of requests from Jazzmaster players regarding the stock pickups and the somewhat limited options they have for replacing them. In response to this, I have created my own unique solution; it’s essentially a Strat pickup shape in the form of a Jazzmaster, but with some thoughtful adjustments made to provide you with the best qualities of both pickups. The main differences between the traditional Jazzmaster pickups and my specially designed Staggered version can be found in their construction methods, overall size, and distinct tonal characteristics. I’ve compiled a detailed list below that highlights these key differences for your consideration.
1. Construction and Design
• Size and Shape:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: Wide and flat coil with a shallower wind height. The coil covers a larger area of the string, resulting in a broader magnetic field.
• Staggered Pickup: Narrow and taller coil, with windings stacked more vertically. This creates a more focused magnetic field over a smaller section of the string.
• Coil Winding:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: The wide, shallow winding pattern results in lower inductance and resistance, contributing to its unique tonal properties.
• Staggered Pickup: The taller, narrower wind results in higher inductance, producing a sharper more focused tone.
2. Tonal Characteristics
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Produces a warm, full, and smooth tone with a broad frequency response.
• Known for its rounded lows, clear mids, and softer high-end compared to a Strat pickup.
• Works well for clean, atmospheric playing and is a favorite for surf, jazz, and alternative genres.
• Staggered Pickup:
• Has a brighter, more focused tone with a sharper attack and more pronounced highs.
• The mids are slightly scooped, creating a chimey and bell-like quality.
• Well-suited for blues, rock, funk, and classic clean tones.
3. Output
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Typically has a lower output due to the larger coil spread and reduced inductance.
• Staggered Pickup:
• has a higher output, offering more bite and a dynamic, responsive feel.
4. Magnetic Field and String Interaction
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• The wider coil interacts with more of the string, contributing to a more open tone.
• Staggered Pickup:
• The narrower coil focuses on a smaller section of the string, resulting in a more direct and punchy sound.
Whilst I’d probably recommend a 250k pot on the volume, it’s always worth seeing if you’re happy using the original electronics prior to changing them.
Specs:
Pole Spacing: 51mm
Wiring: White- Live, Black- Ground
Resistance: 6.5k (+/- 5%)
Inductance: 3.3H (+/- 5%)
Magnets: Alnico 5
Pole Style: Staggered
Recommended Pot: 250k, though I would try with 500k
Wire: 42 AWG
Handmade in Manchester UK
I frequently receive a number of requests from Jazzmaster players regarding the stock pickups and the somewhat limited options they have for replacing them. In response to this, I have created my own unique solution; it’s essentially a Strat pickup shape in the form of a Jazzmaster, but with some thoughtful adjustments made to provide you with the best qualities of both pickups. The main differences between the traditional Jazzmaster pickups and my specially designed Staggered version can be found in their construction methods, overall size, and distinct tonal characteristics. I’ve compiled a detailed list below that highlights these key differences for your consideration.
1. Construction and Design
• Size and Shape:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: Wide and flat coil with a shallower wind height. The coil covers a larger area of the string, resulting in a broader magnetic field.
• Staggered Pickup: Narrow and taller coil, with windings stacked more vertically. This creates a more focused magnetic field over a smaller section of the string.
• Coil Winding:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: The wide, shallow winding pattern results in lower inductance and resistance, contributing to its unique tonal properties.
• Staggered Pickup: The taller, narrower wind results in higher inductance, producing a sharper more focused tone.
2. Tonal Characteristics
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Produces a warm, full, and smooth tone with a broad frequency response.
• Known for its rounded lows, clear mids, and softer high-end compared to a Strat pickup.
• Works well for clean, atmospheric playing and is a favorite for surf, jazz, and alternative genres.
• Staggered Pickup:
• Has a brighter, more focused tone with a sharper attack and more pronounced highs.
• The mids are slightly scooped, creating a chimey and bell-like quality.
• Well-suited for blues, rock, funk, and classic clean tones.
3. Output
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Typically has a lower output due to the larger coil spread and reduced inductance.
• Staggered Pickup:
• has a higher output, offering more bite and a dynamic, responsive feel.
4. Magnetic Field and String Interaction
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• The wider coil interacts with more of the string, contributing to a more open tone.
• Staggered Pickup:
• The narrower coil focuses on a smaller section of the string, resulting in a more direct and punchy sound.
Whilst I’d probably recommend a 250k pot on the volume, it’s always worth seeing if you’re happy using the original electronics prior to changing them.
Specs:
Pole Spacing: 51mm
Wiring: White- Live, Black- Ground
Resistance: 6.5k (+/- 5%)
Inductance: 3.3H (+/- 5%)
Magnets: Alnico 5
Pole Style: Staggered
Recommended Pot: 250k, though I would try with 500k
Wire: 42 AWG
Handmade in Manchester UK
I frequently receive a number of requests from Jazzmaster players regarding the stock pickups and the somewhat limited options they have for replacing them. In response to this, I have created my own unique solution; it’s essentially a Strat pickup shape in the form of a Jazzmaster, but with some thoughtful adjustments made to provide you with the best qualities of both pickups. The main differences between the traditional Jazzmaster pickups and my specially designed Staggered version can be found in their construction methods, overall size, and distinct tonal characteristics. I’ve compiled a detailed list below that highlights these key differences for your consideration.
1. Construction and Design
• Size and Shape:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: Wide and flat coil with a shallower wind height. The coil covers a larger area of the string, resulting in a broader magnetic field.
• Staggered Pickup: Narrow and taller coil, with windings stacked more vertically. This creates a more focused magnetic field over a smaller section of the string.
• Coil Winding:
• Jazzmaster Pickup: The wide, shallow winding pattern results in lower inductance and resistance, contributing to its unique tonal properties.
• Staggered Pickup: The taller, narrower wind results in higher inductance, producing a sharper more focused tone.
2. Tonal Characteristics
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Produces a warm, full, and smooth tone with a broad frequency response.
• Known for its rounded lows, clear mids, and softer high-end compared to a Strat pickup.
• Works well for clean, atmospheric playing and is a favorite for surf, jazz, and alternative genres.
• Staggered Pickup:
• Has a brighter, more focused tone with a sharper attack and more pronounced highs.
• The mids are slightly scooped, creating a chimey and bell-like quality.
• Well-suited for blues, rock, funk, and classic clean tones.
3. Output
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• Typically has a lower output due to the larger coil spread and reduced inductance.
• Staggered Pickup:
• has a higher output, offering more bite and a dynamic, responsive feel.
4. Magnetic Field and String Interaction
• Jazzmaster Pickup:
• The wider coil interacts with more of the string, contributing to a more open tone.
• Staggered Pickup:
• The narrower coil focuses on a smaller section of the string, resulting in a more direct and punchy sound.
Whilst I’d probably recommend a 250k pot on the volume, it’s always worth seeing if you’re happy using the original electronics prior to changing them.
Specs:
Pole Spacing: 51mm
Wiring: White- Live, Black- Ground
Resistance: 6.5k (+/- 5%)
Inductance: 3.3H (+/- 5%)
Magnets: Alnico 5
Pole Style: Staggered
Recommended Pot: 250k, though I would try with 500k
Wire: 42 AWG
Handmade in Manchester UK
