A Tour of the Ron Ellis Pickup Workshop - Ask Zac 129

[@dhaefele81]

I run a small pickup winding business myself and I have to say that this is absolutely gold. Ron Ellis seems like a really nice guy who surely knows his business. So much information in this video. Thank you!

[@AskZac]

Our pleasure!

[@Eman-e9u9e]

❤

[@alanpettibone]

I don’t understand half of what Ron is talking about, but I could listen to him talk nerdy about pickups all day. The guy just comes off as earnest and committed to the craft. Thanks for this vid. It opened my eyes to the world of pickups.

[@garyssimo]

I've known him since he was about 10 yrs old and my favorite of the entire family.Love to see him again for some Betty Buckers. His mom Betty was soo sweet!

[@briannacery9939]

I've wanted to know how pickups were made for a long time. Thanks for this show!

[@briannacery9939]

What neck pickup works best with a Broadcaster Tele bridge pickup?

[@RaxFx]

Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Thank you!!!

[@stanbarnhart6677]

He is above and beyond doing his part on the building process and he explained all the variants involved in a final tone which I appreciate. What stuck with me was hearing only the pickups but not really hearing the guitar acoustics... I have heard that difference thru the years . I love the sound of an active guitar acoustics with great pickups sandwiched in there. Then on top of that you have the players touch and style that contributes. What a great interview !

[@markhammer643]

I've been making my own pickups for probably something like 30 years. I wind them with an old-school cranked hand drill, clamped to the bench, and a bolt going through the bobbin into the drill chuck. The wire spool sits on the floor and feeds upwards. Because I bought my wire from a scrap dealer who sold it by the pound, all my spools (from #32 up to #44, all either MWS or Elektrasola) are of very different sizes and weights, making use of one feeder system unfeasible. So I let gravity do the work. I get 4.25 coil turns per handle-crank, and when I'm on a roll, I get about 60-80 handle-turns a minute; roughly 300 turns of wire per minute, on average. Stopping every now and then to prevent cramping, it takes me about a half hour or so to make a Strat/Tele type pickup. It would take me twice as long to drive to the nearest music store and back, with a commercial pickup in hand. If I was in business, I would end up bankrupt PDQ, but for the small handful I make for myself in any given year, nice-n-slow wins the race. A big part of what Ron obviously aims for is consistency and a reliable distinctiveness. I.E., each and every pickup of *this* type is going to sound exactly like *this* . In contrast, what I make for myself is for me, and nobody else. Because it costs me pennies and only a little bit of time, if I don't like the result, I just start over, and don't concern myself with sonic targets or efficiency. Of course, that's a luxury I can afford as a DIY-er, which Ron can not afford as a manufacturer, with both bills to pay, and a reputation to protect. Sometimes I get lucky, and sometimes not. Ron studies results so that the customer gets lucky every time out. Nice video. Thanks for that.

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome, Mark. And thanks for the great story about your winder.

[@bobdillon1138]

How old is the wire you have? if its from before the 80s i bet your pickups sound amazing nothing beats that old wire imho.

[@markhammer643]

@@bobdillon1138 Couldn't tell you. Perhaps Elektrisola has records and there might be a batch number on the label of the spools, but I suspect that's more work that either they or I am willing to do.

[@allpartsoriginal4746]

Great interview, Zak. Ron’s knowledge of guitarists, guitars, playing/sound dynamics, and tone are encyclopedic. He understands clearly the delicate but fluid mix of science/engineering combined with the art of his craft as well as the importance of sustaining relationships and listening in the feedback loop for continuous improvement - all are a combination for delivering a great product tailored to players’ needs. I don’t have a set of his pickups but I’m now really, really curious - more research required on my part. Ron also seems to be genuinely a really solid, approachable guy which is a key differentiator especially in today’s business and music world. Kudos to him and his team. Really enjoyed this IV and shop tour. Keep the great content coming.

[@ranchoricardo]

This is an amazing and informative piece, Zac! I can't say I really understand what makes a pickup sound good or preferable -- even after reading countless articles about pickups, woods, wire, gauge of string, etc. I always assumed every link in the chain would have an impact on what I thought sounded good or not, and it was neat to hear such a respected pickup maker talk about these things. Thanks!

[@eddiemartinez6510]

Hi Zac, Thanks, that was a great interview with Ron in his shop. He’s a great guy and his pickups are outstanding!

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rectangularcuboid]

Thx 4 not having us get past @3:16 wondering about if he's wearing shorts. I've been fooled before. Kudos!

[@rdmkeytohwy]

I don’t know how I missed this video but glad I got time to watch it now. It is always interesting to hear real engineers and pickup-makers with lots of experience debunk some of the myths that are out there about pickups and magnets and wire. Ron explains everything really well here and making pickups is fascinating to me. I’m not an engineer but I love this stuff!!!! Thank you to Ron and his crew and also Zac for another great and highly informative interview. I have learned more about Teles and their makeup on this channel than any of the others combined. I constantly watch and re-watch these videos and always have new insights into what I want to do as a player and what I like. I can’t thank you enough Zac!!

[@passionplayer7]

Great to see the new shop and that the pickups will be more available! 👌🏻 Amazing how beveling magnets was due to Leo Fender wanting to make the pickups look good and not throw away and it ended up making them react mire efficient and sound different, practical turning into magical. Thanks for sharing!

[@louisdombrowski4198]

Fantastic episode , I'll be watching this again and again and again. Thanks for sharing Zac 👍

[@CC-te5zf]

This is awesome!!! The magic behind the scenes. Great pickups!

[@justinpaquette224]

I've been winding pickups for a couple years now, so this was great to get to see

[@deaconddd]

I’m an SD native and it makes me smile to see my little beach town become a bastion of amazing guitar and guitar related boutique builders including Ron Ellis. Kinda odd that I’ve only recently heard of Ron Ellis pick ups but absolutely love Julian Lage’s tone and would love to pick up a set for my tele. Great work Ron and great Video Zac as always!

[@zacate1983]

I got a set of LRPs for my Bartlett 59 replica, I gotta say Alan and Ron are great guys, awesome communication and very helpful. Also these pickups made an amazing guitar turn into a thing of magic. Sometimes I can’t believe that it’s me making those sounds!

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

Bought a set of his mid scooped strat PU's - just fabulous. Waited less than a week!

[@cuinoz3569]

Wow, what an amazing video. Absolutely stellar. Thank you for sharing.

[@mgbasinski]

love the Ron Ellis pickups in my 335 and my Strat!

[@Heavenreck]

These behind the scenes are amazing. Loved the glaser one you did a while back. Would love to see a Danocaster behind the scenes with Dan less obviously his trade secrets. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AskZac]

I will ask Dan if he will do it.

[@Heavenreck]

@@AskZac thank you. That would be super special. 👌

[@Strumbum01]

I second this request!

[@InTheoryApps]

Please!

[@Ryan-kw7gj]

I talked to Ron personally and he helped my choose a set of his pickups for my "SRV/Hendrix" Strat. I didn't know if I wanted his SRV or Doyle set. After I told him the Strat was chambered black korina as apposed to ash or alder, he suggested the SRV set. The guitar sounds amazing, perfect for fuzz and TS style ODS.

[@copperaudio9664]

Zac - bloody brilliant. Thanks!

[@AdamWellsMusic]

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@Arwndr]

Thanks a lot! Very awesome 👍🏻 Very cool specific specialised information about pickup building 🙌🏻☀️🌿✨

[@roverer109]

What a treat! Thanks to you and R.E.

[@AskZac]

Our pleasure!

[@donnieskaggs9548]

I love Ron! All my Fenders have Ron’s pickups.

[@yarygork2334]

Long time no see Ron! Your sister named herfirst son after me and I was very honored. I stil! play every day almost and you will rewind my 56 Strat if Gary Brawers wire breaks on my neck pickup. Hi bill alana and its so kewl the Betty pickup! She was sooo sweet!

[@davidinsocal3032]

Ron: My Brother Paul works with you, and sent me here to watch. Truly amazing, the work you do, and not knowing the science of pick-ups, I've learned alot. Altho I don't play much at all lately; now that I'm retired I will dust off the old geetars/charge 'em up and see if I can break a few windows in the house. One guitar I do have that always gave me fits was a 1965 Harmony Meteor, just like the one Keith Richards played in the early Stones years. I always said that stick had 'Hum-Making' pickups; and always thot it would electrocute me outta my shoes! Ha! It may have some other wiring issues, will have it checked out.....Thank you for helping pro players make that sound that will bring tears to our eyes!

[@jcmguitar8609]

An absolutely fascinating interview and shop tour. Thank you so much, Zak and Ron.

[@AskZac]

Our pleasure!

[@tomk1tl39]

WOW.....I would love to work in place like that. Many thanks for this walk- thru interview....learned a lot about P/U's and the equipment used to wind all the P/U's. Also learned more about the magnetics of a P/U......learning something every time I watch your vids...👍👍

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreamarrado]

One of the most informative videos on pickups. As a EE I really appreciate you sharing this.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@IL2TXGunslinger]

Awesome! I NEVER thought about how many times I laid a guitar on amp for break back in the 70’s.

[@jensenbell]

Thank you Zach and Ron!! I learned so much!!!!!!

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Wow, Ron really hit it on the head with his observation about materials changing and trying to sustain consistency. I deal with this on a daily basis in a very different industry, but it’s still a never ending battle between suppliers and producers can be extremely stressful.

[@bobryan8793]

Known Ron for years so happy for his success....

[@robamaral9089]

More players need to play their electric axes a lot acoustically at home. It bonds the guitar to you in a deep way

[@jahblowme4364]

That being said I play without a pick without a Amplifier and me and my guitar are bonded deeply...I play 13 gauge strings for my.high e

[@jahblowme4364]

No one else can make the sounds I can .....especially without a pick

[@garyssimo]

It sure does! I just found a big jazz box Gibson L 5 copy by Samuel that is healing an old broken rib with its vibrations unplugged! Same for my old Strat I've mainly played unplugged since 1995. Cats ears are sensitive!

[@garyssimo]

Woops...Samick JZ 3 someday to have Bettybuckers?

[@J.C...]

I play guitars. Not axes 🤷

[@BobKohlerMagic]

A fantastic behind the scenes look at how much work Ron and his team put into making IMO the very best pickups. He's the perfect combination of applying the highest level science with the relentless pursuit of chasing tone, analyzing every detail, then creating proven solutions that are becoming legendary. Kudos to Zac for revealing why Ron Ellis Pickups are the top tier!

[@AskZac]

Thanks! Couldn't agree more!

[@joeldowdy404]

So Ron's secret sauce in his pickups isn't the magnets or the winding pattern but the cheese residue from the cheeze-its!! 😂 On a serious note, I love the 50B and 60T Tele pickups!!

[@GuitarBeard]

Thanks for making these videos Zac. This and the Glaser one are so great.

[@PhilHeesen]

If you’re ever in the Richmond, VA area, come on over to the Fralin shop. We’d love to have you!

[@AskZac]

It's a deal!

[@terriwinn6806]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this , thank you .

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BracliCreations]

Extremely knowledgeable and so earthy. Will buy a pair of pups someday

[@sirloifior]

Thanks for this huge video zac,ron and the ellis team

[@jeffmazzei8520]

Thank You Zak for the show today,

[@AskZac]

Any time!

[@joeriffanucci]

This is so great Zac! thanks so much for doing this Ron and Co. Every link in the chain matters, man after my own heart 🙂 Love my 50/60s and LRPs....now I need Tele pickups

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@jaygedeon443]

I just learned about Ron's pickups through his brother who came to a gig I played recently. Ron's sister in law sang with us that evening too. This is a timely field trip having just learned about Ron's work. I'm inspired to learn more and would second the idea of a tour of a boutique guitar shop. Suhr maybe? Thank you Zac. I love your channel!

[@iamgcase]

Wow! Answered so many questions! 😀

[@AskZac]

So glad!

[@brownsfan7753]

Thank you for this great interview!!!

[@AskZac]

Thanks for listening

[@davidjennings9253]

Its incredible how many variables there are in pickup manufacturing and when you consider the variables in guitarists, its a total minefield. Kent Armstrong used to make the pickups for my guitars and they were great but I dont think I truely realised what he went through to get what I wanted. Another great video and another great guy. You are soooo lucky to know all these people and be able to call them friends.

[@JasminBellavance_Music]

Wow...great video! Thanks Zac. 👍

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@49VinCom]

Really enjoyed this.

[@kennvillegas2014]

ALL GUITARS ARE ACOUSTIC is the Zen Moment! I probably play 80% of the time Dry. And most of that is unplugged. Just me and the plank. If it sounds right, like "hand tone" then it’s only going to sound better amplified

[@Grant_Ferstat]

The 50B and New Tall in my T are beyond incredible. Thanks so much Zac. And, great to see you Ron.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Grant!

[@charlescopeland1436]

This is really amazing! I am really stoked to hear that Ron has built a bigger shop and this was a fantastic glimpse into his operation.

[@bradfordlester17]

Wow, What a great Ask Zac!

[@Zane_Doe]

Shoutout for using Talenti Gelato containers for parts bins. Great minds and all that.

[@julianleal4768]

What a great video, thanks

[@Ottophil]

I use that exact winder(the smaller blue ones) but ive never made a pickup. I should try it.

[@CurranKevin]

Totally fascinating. I'm amazed by how Ron Ellis can get so down into the scientific weeds of, say, wire, but then pull back out and see the whole tonal picture -- guitar, amp, string gauge, touch, etc. Very few people can think across the full range of the knowledge spectrum like that.

[@denmar355]

My favorite episode ever!

[@sweethands4328]

Cool setup...interesting. I was fortunate to meet Mr Van Zandt with pickups of the same name fame in the early 90s before he died. He asked me what I like to play and gave me a pickup ....still have it. 😎

[@hankd6312]

Ron is a freaking legend he's living 21 century Dumble of pickup scene

[@dondenson3542]

Zac has made Tuesdays something special! Never disappoints

[@arcdestriumph586]

Bro .. if a local resturaunt doesn't have a Taco Tuesday special .. Not really sure what you're doing. When Zac sends me a hospitality tray every Tuesday .. we will talk. 🙂

[@majortwang]

You have outdone yourself

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

hey just an idea, but for the wax under the tele bridge plate, I would totally make a silicone mold that's the same shape as the bridge plate but probably slightly smaller and then obviously make the mold for like 100 of them. then I would pour like an ounce of wax in each one, let it firm up and then peel um out and use um basically like they're stickers. That seems like it would be so much easier and perfectly uniform then, just throwing that out there... silicone molds are fantastic!

[@deplinenoise]

This was great. Thank you!

[@AskZac]

You're so welcome!

[@AndrewAHayes]

I want to wind a tapped single coil so that I have a hot and a low output option, I have some plans to build a winder from 3D printed parts an Arduino and a trinamic motor driver.

[@DaveElke]

Sweet shirt! Thanks for this tour

[@AskZac]

Any time!

[@Macmax7077]

Best pups I have ever played. Mid 60's and a LRP HB in a HSS Strat

[@Moods45]

Ron is the best!

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Mike!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

He is. And so are you Mike.

[@rogerlawson4516]

Great interview, Mr Ellis taught a great lesson, not that I understood all of what he said. I would love to try a set of those 50/60's he talked about. I am in no position to pay the price of Ellis pickups. But If I were 30-40 years younger, I certainly have a set of 50-60's in my Strat and Tele. Awsome video Zac. I'll share this, maybe help you both out.

[@jimpage601]

Brilliant!!! Super informative! Thanks to you and your friends at Ron's. Still in the middle of the video, but I'd love to hear Ron's (and your) opinion on the old Mosrite pickups, which I love, and the old Carvin AP-6s, which I really love, and their modern equivalents. Boy howdy, don't we have FUN?!??!?!

[@jackjohn3035]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@robamaral9089]

Great episode😉👍

[@335gc]

Thanks Zac ,great video

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@judosteamcarpetcleaning1632]

wow good knowledge !!!!!!

[@Nowandthen-zen]

Good stuff , thanks Zac 🎸

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Ron Zac ⚓️

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

I learned a lot! Enjoyed this.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaybe813]

This has been excellent!!!

[@AskZac]

Thank you my brother

[@smokepeddler]

Quality Control is key! Ron doing it right.

[@Badhands55]

Great video I will try some

[@michaelschuerman8826]

Would be nice to order a set there’s no links to find out the different pickups

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Zac! Great episode! Pick ups are such a mystery - even to an acoustic guitar builder.

[@AskZac]

So true!

[@koolkat808hawaii]

Great pickups !!!

[@AskZac]

I think so too!

[@leeroyuk45]

Does anybody know what model the unit is that Ron uses to charge his pickups? Great video!

[@carlrydlund7456]

AWESOME!!!!!!

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Carl!

[@georgevillanueva6926]

Good video as I was watching I came across a question for Ron ? Instead of the wounding wires how could one use a conductor mold or would that either a) work better or b) worst or is it even possible to be frank but just a fun question 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@redcatstw]

Hi , Are bobbins varnished before winding? I didn't notice this process in the video.

[@AskZac]

Yes

[@redcatstw]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought maybe he gave up on it and uses tape.

[@joepeezy4sheezy]

Jesus. Guys like Ron and Dr Z make it hard to not love them and their products due to the amount of heart they put into their work. Off to the cash machine I go…

[@jeffkirpach4815]

good video Zac; cool to see the behind the scenes of boutique pickup mfg.

[@AskZac]

Thanks 👍

[@iansnyder274]

Awesome Zac thanks! Do you know what the turnaround is to get Ron's pickups with his new set up?

[@AskZac]

Quick

[@cpetty4305]

Great video! How much do these pickups cost?!

[@THRobinson]

I liked that "it's not rocket science" followed immediately by how he uses a spectrometer for testing materials with. 😁 Good video though.

[@ameliaislandfineguitars5368]

The BEST!

[@FC-cz6zd]

Hard to imagine him holding down a day job while doing this. Also, they should send a snack bag of cheez-it's with each order.

[@metroecco7908]

great pickups got a set of 50/60 from Ron

[@guitareveryone]

That was a wonderful episode. Ron’s pickups have so much attention to detail.

[@redcatstw]

Fully magnetized Alnico 5 has approximately 1100 gauss. Ron says it should be 550-600 gauss. Does this mean that it demagnetizes them to the desired value?

[@bbmade]

My only complaint is the video wasn’t four hours long. I’ve heard of Ellis pickups for a long time but this was an absolute treat to watch. I could listen to him talk pickups for an entire day.