How To Make Cheap Guitar Pickups Sound Great and Look Great Too

This tutorial will demonstrate how to change the pole pieces of a neodymium modified pickup ( • How To Make Cheap Guit... ). The length and the type of material of the pole pieces, as well as the number of disc magnets used, will have an effect on the sound output character of the pickup. You may want to review the basic procedure in my other video, on How to Make Cheap Guitar Pickups Sound Great (Ceramic to Neodymium) ( • How To Make Cheap Guit... ). The stock pickups modified in that basic video, will be modified again here.

[@john.doesnt]

[nb - I just discovered that this comment was deleted so I am posting it again.] [nb - Several days ago, as I was about to post the reply below, to the third comment of chris howard (kzbin.info/door/-s_ejnaSaX3R53lGor4seg), who is "a musician, producer, teacher and hobbyist pickup maker from the UK", the said comments (with my corresponding replies) disappeared although the number of comments listed on the page was 3. I thought there was just a bug and so I waited. For a few more days, the same anomaly occurred, the number of comments was still 3 but nothing was being displayed. But now, the number of comments is listed as 2, with only the latest ones here being displayed, which leads me to believe that they have been deleted (not by me). As has been my practice when posting long comments, I copy them first before saving to the website in case something goes wrong. Thus, I am able to reproduce my reply below, in toto. I feel compelled to post this reply to clear up some matters.] chris howard - I cannot fathom how you can muster all that gall to tell me how to make my videos; to tell me not to post my work simply because you don't like them. What I have stated in my replies to your tirades were merely matters of fact. You said that I am "too on the offensive" in my replies to your remarks. And I suppose that you are also saying that you are the opposite, even though you were the first to insult me by saying that my work is "pointless", my choice of using a text reader was "dumb", mocked the whole video as simply "(taking) apart (an) already customised pickup to add 1 more magnet", and that I wasted your time. To cap all that, you had the temerity to whine and demand, as if you had the right and I am obligated, for me to provide audio clips or in its lieu, a slew of technical information and comparative analysis. You were even emphatic that if I could not provide these information, I should not post my tutorial; that I should make tutorials "properly". Do you want me to say "amen" to all that? And just for defending myself, you are now saying that I am "too on the offensive"? Did you really think that the whole video was simply a procedure where I merely "took apart (an) already customised pickup to add 1 more magnet"? It is surprising that you disregarded the change in the material and size of the pole pieces and you completely failed to see the significance of these things, being a hobbyist pickup maker claiming to "understand the ins and outs of pickups". Did you think that this was just a cosmetic change with a fancy ceremony? The measurements made were just a charade? Were you able to grasp the meaning and implications of the second sentence recited in the video? Since it appears that you are absolutely clueless about this, it's not about the fact that the pole pieces are set screws. It's all about the fact that the pole pieces are made of hardened steel and they are shorter. In fact, when I described the pole pieces, I mentioned that they are hardened steel first and then they are set screws, to emphasize the point that the material is more important than the form. If you still haven't figured out, there is nothing in this tutorial to suggest that it is a technical discussion. It is intended for a very broad audience and not only for "a musician, producer, teacher and hobbyist pickup maker from the UK", rolled into one. From the very start, and clearly manifested in the title, this video claims only to be a simple step by step instruction to perform a specific procedure (modify) on a specific object (scrap pickups) to attain a specific goal (amazing "tone"). The title and the very first sentence uttered in this video should have already alerted you on what the video is all about and how it will be presented, which you referred to as a "dumb text-to-speech". That should have caused you to immediately refrain from viewing it if what was immediately apparent did not appeal to you. I did not force you to view the video so don't blame me if you feel that you wasted your time. To put matters into perspective, the whole video revolves around a set of scrap pickups, tiny magnets which cost no more than US$2, and screws that also cost not more than US$2 (these estimates are on the high end and they could be a lot cheaper). The entire procedure was made in a tiny space with basic craftwork tools and materials. The actual physical work was light and took no more than one hour (disregarding the waiting periods). It is evident that the idea is to keep it simple, easy and cheap so that even young kids with low budget can make them. Beyond that, as mentioned in my previous videos, there are many permutations on how to go about the modification, depending on the skill level and budget of the individual. In my previous videos, which you admit to have viewed, I already explained that I cannot make audio sample recordings because I do not have the proper equipment and resources to do that at the moment. Taking all these into consideration, for lack of audio sample recordings, you demanded that I should have included technical information about the modification such as: impedance, attack, sustain, decay, tone profile, loudness analysis, and a series of comparative analysis. Are you saying that my tutorial is insufficient or is not proper because you did not get the information you are looking for, which you feel you are entitled to? Let's just take the first set of data you are demanding, do you have the slightest idea how tedious it is to manually plot the impedance curve of an inductor? Or are you just too lazy to research and experiment, despite your claims of being a teacher and a hobbyist, because you want to be spoon fed with everything you want. I am still perplexed by your claim of being a hobbyist and yet you are not motivated to explore and find out on your own. Are you saying that nobody can make the pickup modification that I just demonstrated just because I did not have a sample recording of the pickup? That the modification cannot be made properly because I did not provide the technical information you were asking for, such as the impedance, attack, sustain, decay, tone profile, and loudness analysis? Is it really absolutely necessary to make a comparative analysis between the pre-modification and post-modification states, or between different magnetic materials, to modify a pickup? How would you make a simple tutorial where the only objective is to modify a scrap pickup? What if I gave all the technical information you are asking for? What is the practical value of these information in this simple tutorial? How would that benefit an average viewer? Would it define the "tone" of the pickup any better? It would probably make me look just like you, arrogantly trying to impress people that I know a lot, bragging that I am smarter and better than most of you. And what would that achieve? Absolutely nothing. I am not saying that technical information is unimportant. They just have no place in a tutorial that is intended to be simple, concise and direct to the point and targeted for viewing by a broad audience. Technical information is better tackled independently in a separate treatise, intended for a specific group of people. As an analogy, you don't study differential equations from an algebra book. But if there is a large number of viewers who are interested in the electronics, physics and/or acoustics of the modification, I might consider making a study but I doubt if video would be the appropriate medium for it and, surely, it would take me a long time before I will be able to publish it. An effective tutorial only needs to explain the basic process to efficiently attain its objective, and thereafter suggest options or show possibilities. It is always good to leave some space for your "students" to learn on their own and use their imagination. Learning is best achieved through experience and discovery, not through obedience and compliance. The value of obedience is in building discipline and character. My aim is to encourage independent explorers and not make mindless followers. For example, I intentionally left out any statement or reference in this video that the modification can begin from a stock pickup, using the instructions in my first video up to the point where the pole pieces are removed from the pickup, and continue to the point in this video where the same thing occurred. I only provided a hint to view my previous video. If that was discovered independently by the viewer, it would have created a sense of discovery and achievement, which would be a motivation to explore more "unrevealed" ideas and concepts. It is akin to a child's play called "connecting the dots". I would like to believe that the knowledge, information, ideas and concepts that I have conveyed have been understood clearly and are sufficient enough to be applied or tested independently. If not, I take questions and comments graciously. As far as possible, I treat and presume all questions and comments to be made intelligently and in good faith and I reciprocate in like manner. No question is too simple to be considered stupid. I do not take offense from adverse statements or opposing points of view unless it is clearly with malicious intent and I feel compelled to make a fair defense. Comments made in jest are fair game, within the bounds of decency. I will respond appropriately to arrogant condescending rude statements. I do not wish to insult the statements of anybody nor do I desire to malign any person. I do hope that many will enjoy and appreciate the videos I have made and others that I am planning to make. Please do not hesitate to write a comment or express a sentiment or concern.

[@noi5emaker]

"Let it go.... let it go...."

[@john.doesnt]

Nick B - I am not holding anything against anybody. Did I say something derogatory? I merely presented facts. You're the one who drew your own conclusion. Let it go...

[@noi5emaker]

LOL ok :)

[@dredzsmithz]

saan mo nabili mga magnets

[@john.doesnt]

When I see, hear, or read something that I feel is wrong, bad or inappropriate, especially when I am the one advocating, I feel compelled to respond not to retaliate but to point out what is wrong, bad or inappropriate and why it is so. That is the responsible thing to do rather than to keep quiet and be apathetic. When there is something bad, wrong or inappropriate, yes, we can do something about it and we should do something about it. Trolls use their freedom of expression to shame, discredit and destroy; I will use my freedom to inform. Sometimes, they only need to be told and if they listen, I have gained a friend. Sometimes, it's also better to tell them to stay away and keep the peace. The best person to defend and protect my backyard is myself.

[@vintageandmoderneffects]

learn something new every day. Today's lesson is that Steven Hawking can play and mod guitars! Whatever next?

[@davidpiersonlazarov5562]

Hilarious

[@oceansdeep2986]

Why is everyone doggin this dude for using a "robot voice" ????? Can we understand each word said? Yes. Was anything inappropriate said? No. Did the guy making the video achieve what he intended to do with the tutorial? Yes. Job well done sir!!! I'll be trying this on some cheap pickups later !!! Keep up the good work. As for the haters? Guess some people forget they aren't as special as they wish they were so they have to bully and ridicule others to feel somewhat important . Tisk tisk...

[@francacereu]

Just what I was looking for, thank you very much for making this easy to follow tutorial.

[@LetMeDieLord]

hey john! I love your video!! I don't even have any cheap pickups to modify (my duncan designed sc-101s are just fine..), but i loved watching you do all that work with so much excellency! You rock dude!! Don't even pay attention to negative comments by some hater-trolls. This is some of the coolest stuff, i've ever come across. And I'm a DIY enthusiast! So there you have it. God bless.

[@john.doesnt]

You are too generous with your compliment. I appreciate your kind words. This is indeed a blessing from God and to Him belongs the glory.

[@LetMeDieLord]

That's right Sir!

[@NicholaiKatsicovic]

This is great! Upgrading my diy Strat tonight! Thank you for posting!

[@StevenFAllen]

Thanks for this excellent video series! I've been having a blast reworking some cheap pickups!

[@john.doesnt]

I'm glad to hear that the modifications have been going well for you.

[@mrgitarman]

What a hoot! I completely related to this. I laughed when such a professional "tutoring" type of voice said;... "with no heads which may remind you of some people"!!!

[@john.doesnt]

The comparison may be too harsh and unfair. Set screws are useful.

[@stevepethel6843]

Amazing you ROCK. Thanks just what I was looking for...God continue to bless you

[@jjnmOH]

Thank you... very cool! I may well give this a spin!

[@john.doesnt]

You may want to experiment on the number of magnets. I was told that putting 3 magnets (instead of 2 as shown in the video) on each pole piece works best. But you are the better judge of that. Let me know if you run into problems.

[@pements155]

Wow. I would love to hear the difference. It seems like a really cost effective solution to find your individuals sound. Thanks for making this tutorial.

[@primroseconcina5785]

Is there any demo of a sound of the pickup?

[@74dartman13]

They look nice!

[@moimeme7839]

The material wich gonna be magnetic inside the coil is a big part of the resulting sound. Lenght of each pole piece should be different depending on the results you want, your strings are disposed above the fretboard on a radius pattern. So the pole pieces should be too for better results. Or the use of a bigger magnet like lipstick pickups or EMGs can compensate for weaker coils. You can also get the pickups closer to the strings but height adjustable pole pieces are better to have more options for getting THE sound you prefer

[@muse-mech-moda]

I got lots out of this, thank you. I spend fortunes on pickups - it's something I enjoy. But I do believe them to be 'simple' components and I think I am going to have as much fun altering a set of pickups as I do in changing them. Cheers :-)

[@BARZOMETR]

Without sound test?

[@lordimpaler3899]

Are neodymium bar magnets a thing? I ask because i want to put them in some cheapo humbuckers, and i know how to replace the magnets on them. And i will do this to them

[@philspill6854]

Fitter, happier, more productive

[@brianpike4070]

Great job. love the way you stifle the trolls.

[@john.doesnt]

I'm just treating them properly, with respect.

[@graysaw]

What exactly is the mod? You didn’t put the pup’s on a meter to show any change in resistance or gause? Does it make it brighter??

[@trofisuroso2469]

Thanks for the vid..I don't really get the use for the green plastic tape on the cover..whats that for?..

[@john.doesnt]

They are used as spacers to make the pole pieces protrude a little from the pickup covers when pushed from the other side. I'm sorry I wasn't able to make that point clearer.

[@benjimenez7702]

Hi Aaron - I removed the bar magnets from the bottom of my single coil pickups. I put neodymiums on all the pole pieces, per the instructions of "John Doesn't". Now, positions 1,3,4, and 5 sound really good - and position 2 sounds really weak. Any idea why?

[@jesterfrost1369]

Turn the magnet over the polarities might be backwards

[@ricardoa5626]

now "imagine" that it works and all the effort invested works.... John, every video needs a video demo of the results in tone, without it is almost useless, any video of of it sounds ?

[@john.doesnt]

Not every video needs a demo of the result and the lack of a demo does not render the video useless. As an analogy, cooking videos are not useless even though you can't taste the result from the video alone. But if you find this video useless, then ignore it and don't do the modification. I am not encouraging everyone to do the modification. I have already done my part of showing how to do the modification. It's up to you to prove that I am wrong. There are other ways to prove the resulting change. I have already explained in the comments, in reply to queries, the principles behind the modification. If my explanation does not appeal to you, then it is within your prerogative to dismiss this whole tutorial as false and untrue. Others who understood how the modification works have made the modification despite the lack of an audio demo. If you are not inclined to "invest" your time and effort and take the risk, I suggest that it would be better for you to invest your money instead and buy a new pickup, with a money back satisfaction guarantee, to get the improvement that you are looking for in your guitar.

[@mantalanemar3281]

Kuya.. Ung pick up ng acoustic ko walng bilog na magnets. Ung neodimium ba tawag dun? San kaya nakaka bili nun?

[@DerSchmied86]

First of all, I want to thank you for the great tutorial video. Secondly, I seriously wonder what's wrong with the people here. Instead of being grateful for the free content provided here, you offend the creator because of a computer voice? That´s just stupid....

[@gastank43]

Thou shalt never offend the creator!

[@top10shockingfacts6]

one question I'll do my pickup from scratch I learned a lot from this tutorial but If I used wood instead of plastic would it make any difference ? also thanks again amazing video

[@brunocejas]

No difference.

[@Fernando.Canal2]

Hey, whats sthe size of the neodymium magnet you put on? Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@john.doesnt]

diameter = 5mm thickness = 1mm (stack/add as many as you want until you get the sound you like)

[@gigabloke]

That is the nicest robo voice I have heard

[@jean-pierrecharbit5934]

Hello, I'm French and I sometimes have trouble understanding some explanation ... Could you tell us what is the product (in a brown bottle) that you use with a brush to get out the long cylinder magnets please? Thanks for your help ! Best regards.

[@king-ci4ob]

Alcohol

[@HossainPanthoOfficial]

Stephen hawking teaching us how mod guitar pickups

[@stefanobellantonio1169]

no pickup sounds, of course. nice job john

[@TheForce_Productions]

It's alwas great to listen to Professor Stephen Hawking teaching about pickups, thank you.

[@Arnd2it]

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!

[@Traynoramp08]

Hi John. I also don't speak on my video. I just do text . Anyway thank you for all of your hard work.. I have a question for you. If I have an squiers sets of pickups with ceremic bars. And I want to change the polepiece. To let's say alnico 5. Will it works? Thanks Waiting for your response!!😎😎

[@john.doesnt]

Yes sir, Alnico pole pieces will work. Just make sure they are properly magnetized. But they are a lot more expensive than neodymium disc magnets and set screws.

[@Traynoramp08]

john doesnt stewmac. Got them for under $3.00 for alnico 5. So let me get this clear. I can just put the alnico 5 in there . With the ceramic bars?

[@john.doesnt]

To get the full benefit of having Alnico pole pieces, you have to remove the ceramic bar magnet. I think stewmac sells their alnicos unmagnetized so you have to magnetize them before installing your pickups in your guitar.

[@Traynoramp08]

john doesnt... How do I magnetized them? Thanks

[@john.doesnt]

You need 2 very strong magnets and place them on the opposite ends of the Alnico magnets. Align the magnets such that the opposite poles are facing each other, meaning that they are attracting each other. Also, the alnicos in the middle pickup should be magnetized in reverse polarity. You can get strong neodymium magnets from a dead hard disc. If you can not find strong magnets, you can also use the ceramic bar magnets of your pickups but they will not be able to fully magnetize alnico 5 magnets. But at least you will be able to use your pickups until you can find strong magnets to fully remagnetize your alnicos.

[@danielsgrunge]

I didn't notice the robot voice until I read the comments

[@john.doesnt]

... which shows that you are more interested in substance rather than form; knowledge and information rather than entertainment. That speaks very well of you, sir.

[@danielsgrunge]

john doesnt Good video btw, and there's nothing wrong with the robot voice, gj and keep going

[@ZootaAndrewMahera]

What exactly did he do with the pickup? Did he just repaint the magnets?

[@whatstrangetimeswerein3087]

Yo, did you try this out?

[@dredzsmithz]

saan mo nabili mga magnets

[@MobileDecay]

Hello mr. Robot sir. 😊

[@danielcastillo1225]

How can I order a set of pickups from you

[@john.doesnt]

I will take that as a compliment but I'm sorry to tell you that I do not make or sell guitar pickups on a regular basis. I actually need some scrap pickups to experiment on but I have ran out donors (my friends have already given me all their scrap pickups).

[@TukTukTurbo]

Is it possible to measure with an Ohm meter before and after modification?

[@john.doesnt]

You will just get the same reading. An Ohm meter measures only the DC resistance between its probes. Since there is no change in the coil before and after the modification, the measurements will read the same values.

[@TukTukTurbo]

So how do we know that we have getting better pickup after modification?. Sorry if this is a stupid question. Anyway thank you for your reply.

[@john.doesnt]

A pickup is simply an inductor and it must be treated and analyzed as such. The major parts of an inductor that define its frequency response are: (1) the coil; and (2) the core. The modification proposed here changes the properties of the core. Hardened steel (the material of the set screws used here) has a much greater permeability than soft or mild steel (the stock pole pieces). The convex end of the set screw will also make the magnetic flux propagate over a bigger area of the string. Placing 2 disc magnets will increase the magnetic field flux. Summing up the modifications, the net effect will improve the high midrange response of the pickup, give the pickup more "body", and will make the pickup hotter. But I would add that these are projected results because there are other factors that influence the response of a pickup, particularly, the construction of the coil.

[@TukTukTurbo]

john doesnt, Thanks for clearification.

[@areyouavinalaff]

" The convex end of the set screw will also make the magnetic flux propagate over a bigger area of the string." that's incorrect. shape of a magnet has little bearing on the shape of the field or how it propagates near a string.

[@benjimenez7702]

John hey there - I installed neodymium magnets on my start copy guitar. Now, my #2 switch position is really weak. Do you think I did something wrong?

[@aarondsouza9707]

If you removed the bar magnet and just put the disc pieces then it will be so..cause i tried this experiment long and noticed that removing the bar magnet and just putting the disc pieces the magnetic field was really weak like when i tested it by touching the top pole piece with discs it was quite easy to remove it off but with the bar magnet it wasn't that easy though compared to putting the single disc neos and the output was rather amazing with the bar magnet and the magnetic field strength had increased when i put the neos on top the poles pieces without the bar magnet removed and i adjusted the pick up height for good sustain without loosing the new crazy high output do check it properly

[@john.doesnt]

Aaron Dsouza, The magnetic field of a single set screw with a single 5x1mm neodymium disc on the opposite end is really weak because there is poor coupling between the set screw and the magnet. You can try to flatten the end of the set screw to improve coupling but you will need a special grinding disc for this because hardened steel is literally what it is. If you place six of them in a pickup bobbin, the Gauss strength on each pole piece appears to increase because the field lines are forced to loop higher. Adding a disc magnet shield per pole piece will further contour the field upwards and increase the Gauss strength at the opposite end of the set screws. If you stack 2 pieces of real N52 5x1mm neodymium disc on a set screw, the field strength is almost that of an Alnico 2. My colleagues have suggested that stacking 3 N52 discs per set screw sounds best. You can try stacking as many as you want to get the sound that you want. Adding neodymium discs on top of the set screws without removing the ceramic bar magnet at the bottom "improves" the sound by boosting the volume output but it does not change the "tone" much. If you are going to put the disc magnets on top, you might as well remove the ceramic magnet at the bottom to make the field lines propagate as individual magnet pole pieces. But, if you put the disc magnets on top of the set screws, you lose the "cool" appearance of the hex socket of the set screws. Also, putting the disc magnets on top have the greater risk of dislodging from the set screws. If appearances do not matter to you, go ahead and put the magnets on top to get the tone that you want.

[@john.doesnt]

Ben Jimenez, Sir, if positions 1, 3, 4 and 5 are just fine and only position 2 is weak, there is probably something wrong with your switch (loose contacts, corroded pads, etc.). Check it with a multimeter and replace it if it shows signs of malfunction.

[@aarondsouza9707]

not much of a fan for looks but in the future i plan to replace the bar magnets with neos but what do you mean by removing the bar magnet from the bottom if you can the disc magnet on the top i didn't get what you meant

[@john.doesnt]

Aaron Dsouza, When you said, "I put the neos on top the poles pieces without the bar magnet removed," I understood this to mean that you placed the neodymium disc magnets on top without removing the ceramic bar magnet at the bottom. This will generally boost the output volume of the pickup without changing the "tone", which is not much of an improvement. I suggested that you remove the bar magnet at the bottom to change the propagation of the magnetic field which would change the "tone" to give it more "definition". If you can cut the set screws, you can put the neodymium disc magnets in the middle of the pole pieces to give a "better" "tone". Watch my other video on magnet simulations to get an idea on the effect of magnet position within the pole pieces (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWGyi6xurJ2DqJo). For my tastes, the ideal location for a neodymium disc magnet is somewhere in the middle of the coil, which is a little off center of the pole piece, taking also in consideration the distance of the string from the pole piece according to your playing style. Experiment on what sounds best for you. Incidentally, a weak magnetic pull at the opposite end of the pole piece from the position of the neodymium disc magnet does not mean that the "tone" will be bad or that the volume will be too weak, especially for the bridge pickup where you can raise the pickup height really close to the strings without interfering with its vibration.

[@173guitarman]

Why didn't you show a tone sample ?

[@john.doesnt]

Not just for you but for everybody else, I think I have already answered this question several times, in the comments in this video and in my other video. Please make an effort to discover and learn. Thank you.

[@100roberthenry]

i would think the power of the neos far outweighs the ceramics and therefore shortens sustain. i wouldnt want to magnetically attract the string too much, it needs to ring, and ring longest in my opinion...this is why ceramics are almost always used, apart from alnico etc etc....good idea, and work though, worth trying indeed...just my 2p.

[@john.doesnt]

DEADASTRONAUTFX - You are probably comparing same-sized ceramic and neodymium magnets. In which case, you are correct that the magnetic field would be too strong if neodymium magnets were used. But if you only watched the video, you will see that the magnet used here were tiny disc 5mm diameter x 1mm thickness neodymium magnets and they are placed at the bottom of the pole pieces, farthest from the strings. And because of the bad coupling surface between the magnet and the set screws, two disc magnets had to be used. With the setup used in the video, the gauss level at the surface of the pole pieces, nearest to the strings, would be a little more than the gauss strength of an Alnico 2 pole pieces. Needless to say, the magnetic field would have no appreciable effect on the vibration of the strings. If you will follow the instructions in this video or my first video on neodymium magnet modification, you will be pleasantly surprised with the resulting "tone" of your modified pickup. It will not be like how you imagined it to be, as you described it in your comment. Ceramic magnets are used in pickups because they are very very cheap. Alnico magnets are used because they are the de facto standard of a "good tone". The use of neodymium magnets in pickups is relatively new but it is gaining popularity and they have their distinct "tone".

[@100roberthenry]

john doesnt , yes i did see the video in full, i tend not to comment on things i havent seen, a before and after comparison sound clip of sustain and sound would have been useful to aid your case for 'better tone'.....just a thought. :)

[@john.doesnt]

I did not mean to say that you did not watch the video. What I meant to say was to take note of the details of what I was about to explain. I made a wrong choice of words and misstated my thoughts. My mistake. Sorry about that. I wanted to explain that the setup of the pole pieces and the magnets I used were not that powerful to drastically affect string vibration. I thought you were concerned with the magnetic strength of the pole pieces resulting from the modification, not on sound samples. Many viewers have already commented that a before and after sample of the pickup modification would have been ideal. But I did not have the equipment and spare guitar to make a good recording when I made the video. Besides, I am merely offering a solution to the basic premise that "you don't like the sound of your stock pickups AND you don't want to spend a lot of money." I am not advocating that everybody who has cheap pickups to do this modification. If you're happy with what you have, don't change anything. But if you're curious and adventurous, take the risk and go ahead. With a modification that is so cheap and that is so easy to make on cheap or maybe scrap pickups, why not do it yourself and hear it under test conditions that will satisfy their insatiable curiosity. If you're not happy with the result, you can easily revert back to the original setup of your pickup. I'm just saying, if you are going to wait for me to make a sample recording, you might be missing out on something that you might regret you did not do earlier. On the other hand, if you feel that you need a sample recording before you start modifying your pickup, you can still wait for me to make a sample recording, if and when I will make a sample recording. There are many permutations on how to go about the pickup modification with neodymium disc magnets. What I have presented (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLdoHSYfJyBq8k and kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrCdaCXjtWjpNU) are only two of the many possibilities, and these are the easiest ones to make. To get an idea, watch my short video on magnetic field simulations of different configurations of the pole pieces and read the description (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWGyi6xurJ2DqJo). Then if you are going to be really sassy about it, you can have different combinations of pickup pole piece configurations in a guitar. I dread to see the day when someone asks for sample sounds of the different pole piece configurations.

[@tommyrayraypic4906]

The commentator is Stephen Hawking

[@john.doesnt]

What kind of judgmental arrogance do you have to dictate what medium I should use or how I should use it to present my ideas? What I did is called creative license or artistic discretion embraced in the exercise of freedom of expression and I have the sole exclusive prerogative to exercise it in any of my works. I do not need a "legitimate excuse for an impediment" to choose to use synthesized speech in any language I choose. What right do you have to insist on what you want or what you think is "proper" for my video?

[@CJslingshot2010]

5:05 😂

[@Val-dk1zt]

Who do not make this: I will drink alcohol and the sound of my pickups will be greatest))

[@john.doesnt]

Even ugly ladies (no offense to those who feel alluded to, which I hope nobody will admit) will look beautiful if you drink enough alcohol.

[@IPushHard]

I want to know something... Maybe a year ago, I watched a KZbin video on cheap pick ups upgrades using Neo-whatver magnets. When I finished watching the video (and it was pretty long), I looked down in the comment section and there was a war raging between the video creator and some other KZbinr who said he had posted the same content before. There were many back and forths, and ruffled feathers...and of course the squawking. The hideous, ugly, squawking. As I looked back through the comments I realized that this battle had gone on for awhile. Now, I look down into the comments of this video and here again is another war. Same topic. Same basic information. ....at least months apart, and there's another war. Amazing. ..and what I find most amazing is that I'm pretty sure that the creator of this video is the same as the creator of the last video I watched (of the pick ups and the raging war). Let me explain something here. We... the viewers don't care. We come and watch videos to get information. Not to watch children fight in the playground. This is MY KZbin. Understand? Mine. I don't want this petty fighting crap on MY KZbin. As a matter of fact. I am leaving this video only partly watched. I am giving it thumbs down. I am never coming back. This is the internet, and you need to understand that you are not the sole source of information on guitar pick ups. Far from it. I can learn this stuff from 20 other sources easily. I don't need you. You need me. You need the KZbin community to watch these videos or else you don't get paid. Right? ...Yet, you go smashing the place up with childish and unacceptable behavior and expect us to step around the trash left by your little wars. Simply because of your inability to cope with any dissension in a mature manner. I don't care what he said. I don't care what she said. I sure as hell don't care what you said. Enjoy the childish drama. Don't worry I wont let the door hit me in the ass on the way out. I highly suggest that you learn to cope with the realities of daily life without resulting to mud slinging and insults. Seriously. Thanks

[@john.doesnt]

1. "there was a war raging... The hideous, ugly, squawking." - In the particular comment you are alluding to, there is nothing malicious or offensive in the exchange between the "video creator" and "other KZbinr" akin to a "war" or destructive confrontation. The responses are appropriate since there was a false and malicious imputation of an offense, i.e. plagiarism. The defense propounded is factual. What you are referring to as "hideous, ugly, squawking" came from "We... the viewers." 2. "here again is another war" - Your perception is grievously misplaced. An intelligent debate is healthy as it challenges your position, tests your ideas, and, hopefully, refines your thoughts and actions. Also, there are standards that I set myself to. 3. "We... the viewers don't care." - From the looks of your comment, "we" is only you. It doesn't matter if you don't care about the discussion. In an academic debate, only the ideas of the proponent in the interpellator are important. 4. "This is MY KZbin." - The platform offered by KZbin is owned by KZbin. The terms and conditions of use are determined by KZbin alone and as far as KZbin is concerned, your own self-declared terms and conditions of use are irrelevant. I abide by the terms of KZbin not yours. 5. "I am leaving this video only partly watched. I am giving it thumbs down. I am never coming back." - That is your prerogative. It doesn't matter to me, coming from you. In fact, I have already asked several millennials with similar entitlement attitude to stop watching my videos and avoid my channel. Your declaration is welcome news and I expect you to keep your word. 6. "you are not the sole source of information on guitar pick ups" - There was never any claim or statement to this effect. 7. "I don't need you. You need me." - Wow... Do you see yourself as god? 8. "You need the KZbin community to watch these videos or else you don't get paid. Right?" - Because of the new policies of KZbin, my videos are no longer eligible for monetization. But I am not financially or in any manner dependent on KZbin and, therefore, it had no impact on me. Monetization of videos is a feature offered by KZbin and I merely availed of the privilege. It's not much but it provides some elation and a certain sense of achievement or recognition when I receive notice of payment. I will avail of it again when I become eligible again because it is fun. In any event, I have never asked any viewer to "like" any of my videos or "subscribe" to my channel although such gestures extended to my videos and channel are greatly appreciated. When I give a lecture, I never ask for applause because expression of appreciation must be initiated by the audience and in the same vein, I will never seek for it here by asking for "likes" and "subscriptions". What I really appreciate is an intelligent challenge or engaging reaction to my ideas and thoughts. And, of course, I am humbled and feel honored by expressions of gratitude and appreciation. 9. "you go smashing the place up with childish and unacceptable behavior ... your inability to cope with any dissension in a mature manner" - My ideas and thoughts on my videos have been confined in my channel. I have the right to defend my ideas and any attempt to suppress it, like what you are doing, is unacceptable. You have the right to disagree but don't try to curtail my defense. Please cite specific instances where I have behaved badly or inappropriately. 10. "mud slinging and insults" - All my responses reciprocate appropriately at the level of the discussion brought about by the commentator. Nonetheless, I strive to maintain the standards I imposed on myself, based on my faith and beliefs. I have never used any foul, offensive, demeaning or inappropriate language. On the contrary, I have been the subject of unfair comment and indecent language in my own channel but I take it all in stride and reply appropriately. 11. "I sure as hell don't care what you said." - Now I know where you're coming from but please allow yourself to be delivered from that place. This also begs the question, if you don't care about what I said, why are you making a comment on what I said when nobody asked you?

[@IPushHard]

Obviously, John Doesnt care so much about views. He cares more about hearing himself talk. That's fine with me Mr. Doesn't. Enjoy : )

[@john.doesnt]

What you have just said is actually a reflection of who you are. You pretend to be a god then falsely and unfairly accused me of so many things and you expect me not to defend myself? I listened to what you have said and I am willing to discuss all of them one by one. We can start with item #1 of my reply or any one of your accusations. I want to hear from you what is your answer to my reply refuting statements I quoted from you because I care about what you have said.

[@farazzaidi944]

Yep, the screws did remind me of some people...

[@zoundsic]

lots of aliens watch your vid's, gotta be alien's, right ! they all see with their ears.

[@jeffjantzen2654]

How does the hardness of the pole change anything????? This makes no sense.

[@john.doesnt]

It will make sense when you understand magnetic permeability. "Hardened steel" is also sometimes referred to as "tempered steel". I used the term "hardened steel" because that is what screws of those types are commonly called, at least where I bought them. Do not confuse it with stainless steel, which is also a "hard" steel. Stainless steel is not magnetically permeable.

[@jeffjantzen2654]

Tempered means the material has been hardened but then tempered so as to reduce hardness. Not the same thing. Not all stainless steels are hard and not all stainless are non-magnetic. Depends on the content of the stainless. I work in metallurgy. Content is what makes a material magnetic (cobalt, nickel and iron). Not degree of hardness. Magnetism is a physical property of a material. Hardening or annealing does not change that.

[@john.doesnt]

I used the terms as they are commonly known and not as technical material data. That is why I said it is "sometimes referred to". When you go to a hardware store, "hardened" and "tempered" are usually interchanged. Also, most types of stainless steel are hard and non-magnetic. Hardened steel does have a higher magnetic permeability than the regular steel material used as pole pieces. This tutorial is not intended to explain the material data sheets of different types of steel. You can just Google that.

[@JohnOakwest]

Pointless, for 49 bucks Dragonfire vintage alnico. Sound great, also I degaused and re magnetized all the south up and switch center pickup wires to be in phase. 5.5k-6k

[@john.doesnt]

John Oquist - I agree with you in so far as this is pointless for you. The basic premise of the modification, which is the very first statement in my first video, which is the basis of this video, is that you don't like the sound of your pickups AND you don't want to spend a lot of money. Clearly, this modification is not intended for you because you have more money than most of us and you have the privilege and luxury of spending it for pickups. Consider these: The cost of doing this modification is not more than USD5. The cost of doing the modification in my first video is less than USD2. The pickups to be modified are most likely scrap unwanted pickups. The whole procedure, minus the waiting periods, is less than an hour. You only need one square foot of working space. The tools used are common household tools. If you like the result of your modification, you get the satisfaction that you made it yourself. Hopefully, you will also learn something.

[@robedianacecastro8813]

Panu maging sounds good wlang sound check

[@rmstevens01]

Or just spend $16 on ebay for a loaded pick guard with already Alnico's on it.

[@petemcknight803]

I think it would be easier to buy new ones 😂

[@john.doesnt]

you only need money to buy things. building things require skill, intelligence, patience, foresight, and a much smaller amount of money (resources). if you only have money, buying is your only option. when you buy, you only get what you bought. when you build, you also gain experience, knowledge, understanding, and you learn to value work. you always get what you are worth getting. in the end, it's your choice.

[@tuppo1201]

john doesn't speak. I wish he would. I hate computerised voices.

[@john.doesnt]

I have a bad voice. Since this instructional video is a very visual presentation, text annotations would be more of a distraction. I cannot afford licensing commercial voices that sound more human. Bundled free voices are my only option.

[@noi5emaker]

The rhythm of the voice and dodgy pronunciation makes it difficult to listen to. Getting a friend to do the voice over for you is an option.

[@john.doesnt]

Nick B - It's so easy to point at somebody else to do a job. Would you volunteer to do it, friend? Asking a friend to do the voice over my videos is not an option for me. You may have the guts to do that to your friends but I don't. It's too much of an inconvenience and it will appear like I'm taking advantage of my misfortune to mooch off somebody. It's like asking my friend to mow my lawn for me because I have a sore foot. He may do it out of friendship but I'm quite sure that he won't like it.

[@noi5emaker]

Well, that sounds like an issue to take up with your friends, but in all honesty, friends DO help friends. And creative people collaborate and help each other all the time. I help my friends, and they help me. That's how it works. As a matter of fact, yes I would offer to do it, if a friend of mine needed a voice over. I've done things like that in the past. I once did a vocal for a dance track that someone used in clubs throughout Europe. It's what he needed and I helped out. I'm sorry your friends aren't so amiable, but I was merely offering a simple solution to a creative problem. All the best.

[@john.doesnt]

It's not that my friends are not helpful but I don't want to be a burden for something that isn't a necessity. I don't need a voice over. In fact, I had a way to do it and it's just unfortunate that you don't like it.

[@brianrussell1565]

New pickup cheap enough on ebay

[@Spacegoat92]

Dunno man. You say you can make pick ups sound good, yet you use an appalling robot voice. I don't know if i can trust this information...

[@john.doesnt]

Don't believe the information I am imparting if you don't want to. The truth or validity of what I am saying does not depend on whether you believe it or not neither does it depend on whether you like the medium of communication used. You should watch videos that are more suitable to your level of appreciation and understanding.

[@Spacegoat92]

@@john.doesnt Dude I'm having a dig. The information is sound, as I've seen this before on other videos. It's the presentation that needs some work. It looks like from your response that you have a good command of the English language, so why cheapen your video with a synthesised voice? If you're self conscious and don't want to use your own voice then do subtitles and have some guitar music playing in the background? So many people will switch off whenever they hear that voice.

[@john.doesnt]

What you are saying now is diametrically opposed to your previous statement. You can't trust the information and yet it is sound. You really should make up your mind. To address your present concern, if there are other videos with the same content as this video, why should it matter if I used a synthesized voice in this video? I am not competing, neither I am copying or trying to conform with anyone in presenting this video but, rather, I am contributing new information or I am presenting a new form of information to the existing pool of information that is accessible or available to everyone. If at all, you should be glad that I am adding a different option for those who like, or do not mind, hearing synthesized voice. I have no problem if people avoid my videos because of the synthesized voice. Just consider this video as only for those who like synthesized voice or are not annoyed by it. They may be only a few of them but this video addresses the needs of the marginalized minority who like synthesized voice. Accept it that this video is not meant for you. Since you said that information conveyed in my video is sound, you obviously understood what was said in the video, and probably watched its entirety, despite the synthesized voice. The purpose of this video is to convey information. I do not understand how using a synthesized voice can "cheapen" that information. But if you are really interested in what I have to say, why should the way I say it matter if it can be understood? As for you and those who are similarly minded, just watch the other videos since, as you said, they contain the same information and I would encourage you to watch only those other videos instead of mine since you are obviously annoyed by my video. Those who are annoyed by my video should not watch my video and should opt to watch those other similar videos that would be more appealing to them. Doesn't that make sense? As an analogy, when you go to your neighbor's house and he offers you cookies from the box or can and juice in a bottle or can, do you say, "Don't be cheap and give me cookies in a plate and juice in a glass. I eat cookies only from a plate and drink juice only from a glass. By the way, all of our neighbors also offer me cookies and juice but they give them to me in a plate and in a glass. I do not like what you are doing. Next time, give me cookies in a plate and juice in a glass but let me eat and drink what you are giving me now."

[@Spacegoat92]

​@@john.doesnt Ok firstly, my original comment was a joke. You make a video on how to improve the sound of something by using a dreadful sounding medium to deliver it. You know? Irony?? Alanis Morissette should have had that as a line in Ironic " It's like making a video about something sounding good....And then using a robot voice, isn't it ironic? Don't ya think?". I wasn't criticizing your knowledge or intelligence. Secondly. Your analogy of the cookies whilst good, is flawed in its application. Allow me to explain. You imply one who dislikes the robot voice would be like the person who turns down the exact same cookie simply if it wasn't served on a plate. In essence you are saying delivering your video with a robot voice is the same as delivering it with a human voice. That isn't the case. Your analogy could be used instead, for a situation where someone has used their own voice, but had not prepared what to say, hence not giving the best presentation he could. And therefore "serving the cookies right out of the box". In this situation however, i believe a better analogy would be perhaps comparing cheap mass produced cookies vs fresh homemade ones. And while they both may share some similar ingredients, and they are both food and sweet, no store bought cookie will be as good as fresh homemade ones. Your voice is like the homemade cookie, the robot voice is the mass produced store bought one that you can buy anywhere. It lacks originality, it's not special. Why do you think when something has the word "Home made" on it, people are willing to spend more?? Because it has a character that mass produced lacks. Your voice is you. It's unique, no one else has it. People like to watch videos with people speaking because people can relate to another human, or laugh at them. Half the reason FPS Russia is popular is because of the way the guy talks. And there is a ton of videos out there that are awesome, BECAUSE of the voice. Good, bad, or otherwise. When you use a robot voice, you sell yourself short, and make the video sound cold, annoying, manufactured, boring and lazy. It also can come across as though you couldn't really give a stuff about putting any real effort in for your viewers. There is a reason so many people hate the robot voice on these videos. Just look at all those military videos out there with robot voices and how much hate they draw. And then you look at any successful KZbinr, i'm talking ones with several hundred thousand+ subscribers and see how many of them use a robot voice. I can tell you now, other than Anonymous, it won't be many. And the ones that use the robot voice that have a lot of views usually have a very catchy title, but as soon as people hear that voice, they stay long enough to leave a comment expressing their disdain and then they move on. I'm not a professional, but i have done a fair bit of public speaking in my life and one thing i've learned is how powerful the human voice is. It can motivate, inspire, enable, and break someone. Empires have been built at the power of a persons voice. There's a reason why motivational speakers can earn so much money, and that's because with their voice they can change peoples lives. Can you imagine someone trying to sell a product in a public arena and using a robot voice??? Hell no!! They get the most lively person they can find and pay them bulk money to sell their product!! In saying all that, there are reasons why someone would use a robot voice. Maybe they have a severe speech impediment or very thick accent that could detract from their presentation. Or maybe they are just a troll who knows how hated the robot voice is and will therefore use it out of spite. And finally they may be speaking about a very controversial subject, and revealing their identity in any way could risk their safety such as a member of Anonymous. But at the end of the day, it's your video and your channel, people will like or dislike what you have to offer no matter what. Robot voices have their limited place in certain videos. But they certainly don't belong in a video about anything creative. Use your own voice, and if you don't feel comfortable about it, ask a friend to help you out. You've got good ideas. Don't waste them with cheap presentation.

[@john.doesnt]

I prefer being engaged in the merits and validity of my ideas so I will just state my response succinctly without going through your strained conclusions, presumptions and inferences. I am the producer of this instructional video, or what KZbin calls as a content "creator". I have the sole right to determine the medium to express my ideas. It is embraced in my right to artistic discretion or creative license, which is part of the freedom of expression. I am granted that privilege in this platform offered by KZbin. For as long as I am exercising my right within the bounds of legal and moral standards, nobody can question, curtail or restrain my exercise of that right. Nobody can insist on what they think is right or proper because nobody can impose their personal preferences as my standards. Whether or not people will like or agree with any aspect of my work is a matter for my sole concern. Corollarily, with all due respect, it is not your concern whether or not other people will like or agree with any aspect of my work. While I respect your expression of extreme displeasure in my use of a synthesized voice, you cannot generalize that sentiment as applicable to everybody or to a majority. Finally, in reiteration, those who do not like my presentation SHOULD watch other videos that will suit their needs and preferences instead of watching mine.

[@user-pc6tc3ti3i]

Пособие, как испортить звукосниматели

[@flintdavis2]

Just buy some pickups, play more tinker less.

[@mr.9439]

i like the idea but the voice makes this unwatchable

[@john.doesnt]

I don't think you like my idea. If you did, it would not matter how it was conveyed as long as it can be understood. I think you only like the idea of posting your idea that it is unwatchable. At any rate, I did not intend this tutorial for people like you but I don't know how to prevent you from watching it. If something is unwatchable for you, please don't watch it. It's your fault that you watched my video despite your feeling that it is unwatchable. You should exercise more common sense.

[@mr.9439]

lol dude I like the thought of your idea. if I could hear a before and after soundbite, i could tell if it's really worth it and then i would agree to like it. currently, I just think you could have done the video with some normal human narration and it would have been much better

[@john.doesnt]

You don't have to agree with me and you don't have to like my video. The theory behind the idea makes sense, even without a before and after demonstration, and it worked for me. It's your prerogative if you don't want to do it because you don't believe it will work. Also, I will never make a video with a natural human voice because that's how I want my videos to be. I guess the only solution to your predicament is for you to look for a better video that will suit your preferences. Please take notice that you should not watch my videos because they are all unwatchable for you.

[@kewlbns69]

i hate these robot voice over videos. xD

[@john.doesnt]

Kewl Beans - The solution to your problem is simple. If you hate the audio, mute the audio. If you don't like the video, don't watch it and look for something that suits your tastes, stature, , etc. If you keep on doing what you hate, get help.

[@kewlbns69]

interestingly muting the audio creates another problem: i can't hear the instructions. are you implying i'm less intelligent than the idiot that suggested i make watching his video pointless? lol no wonder you only have 300 subs. good luck jackass!

[@john.doesnt]

You can follow the procedure without the audio. I'm not after popularity. I am merely sharing what I know. You are free to disagree. It is also your right to dislike it if you so feel it. You misunderstood me. I am not saying or implying that you are not intelligent. I never said or implied that I am better than you. To restate what I said, if you don't like the video, watch something better for you according to your tastes, stature, , etc.

[@john.doesnt]

If it makes you feel better, I will cross out the offending word, intelligence. It's not that relevant anyway.

[@kewlbns69]

agreed. intelligence seems to have left the building a while ago lol.

[@abujog]

A waste of time....