Question about G&L magnetic field design (MFD) pickups

Started by NoahB, August 07, 2012, 05:26:41 AM

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NoahB

I know this topic is not vguitar related but I can't seem to find an answer online. I recently purchased a g and l asat semi hollow tele and love it. I keep reading that the single coil in the bridge is a magnetic field design (mfd) and that each pole in the pickup can be set by the player to balance each strings output. That sounds great but there isn't a word in the manual or on the website that I can find that shows how. I'm guessing its under the pickup but that seems like it would be tedious taking the pickup out to make an adjustment then putting it back. Thanks
Jeff beck strat, GandL custom classic semi-hollow bluesboy tele,  mesa roadster, sy300 thru pair of peavey 15d powered pa speakers, big pedal board full of stuff.

Elantric

#1


http://www.glguitars.com/features/MFD-pickups.asp


QuoteThe G&L Magnetic Field Design® pickups use a ceramic bar magnet installed underneath each coil, with soft iron adjustable pole pieces to transfer the magnetic field to the top of the pickup. By contrast, traditional Alnico type pickups, such as used in the Legacy model, use non-adjustable Alnico pole pieces leaving the only adjustment being pickup height. The Magnetic Field Design (MFD)has this adjustment, but further offers individual adjustment of each pole piece, letting the player effectively adjust the output of each string on each pickup. Magnetic Field Design yield about twice the output per wind, making the pickup quieter while allowing a greater overall output. The sound of Magnetic Field pickups is slightly warmer with a broader frequency response.



I would leave them alone myself - and learn to use the Volume and Tone Controls
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/ngd-g-l-asat-special-semi-hollow-nitro-finish.1869728/

But a suitable sized allen key wrench can be inserted into each pole piece on the pickup to raise or lower the pole piece. Lowering reduces the volume, raising the pole piece increases the volume.
(Not unlike a Gibson P90 pickup)

But I would advise its best to have your G&L Dealer make these adjustments.

Be careful to observe that if any magnetic pickup is adjusted too close to the strings, it kills sustain.

NoahB

#2
So are the adjustments for each pole on the underside of the pickup? I'm not planning on making any adjustments right now but was curious after I read that you can adjust the picup like you do on any guitar but with more control and balance. I just like knowing about the gear I have. I usually pay a qualified tech to do all my major work though. Thanks for your response
Jeff beck strat, GandL custom classic semi-hollow bluesboy tele,  mesa roadster, sy300 thru pair of peavey 15d powered pa speakers, big pedal board full of stuff.

Elantric

#3
Should be able to adjust these from the top, with allen wrench inserted into the top of the pickup's polepiece for each string. the pole pieces themselves accept Allen wrench to raise / lower.

See your G&L Guitar Dealer for details


and this site

http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=43

http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewforum.php?f=13




If its G&L guitar built after 2005, it requires a 2mm Allen wrench





gumbo

#4
...ummm..

Didn't threaded pole-pieces happen a l-o-n-g time ago with few Seth Lover designs???

...not that new a concept, really...
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

Elantric

#5
QuoteDidn't threaded pole-pieces happen a l-o-n-g time ago with few Seth Lover designs???
Correct  - Its an old concept.

http://invention.smithsonian.org/centerpieces/electricguitar/invention.htm

Paul Bigsby did it in the late 1940's, but I'm sure its older


NoahB

#6
O I see I hadn't noticed that the pole pieces themselves were Allen holes I see. This is my first experience with them and with gandl for that matter. And I am loving this guitar. Thanks for the comments believe it or not I have the gandl manual and its not in there and the gandl site said they were adjustable but didn't say how. I'm sure they probably assume your smart enough to notice the Allen holes in the pickup but they underestimated my ability to make an ass of myself. Thanks anyway for the help.
Jeff beck strat, GandL custom classic semi-hollow bluesboy tele,  mesa roadster, sy300 thru pair of peavey 15d powered pa speakers, big pedal board full of stuff.

Elantric

#7
Probably need to hang out at the The G&L Discussion Page for more details about your guitar
Here's this link
http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewforum.php?f=13


and know that there is nothing unique about G&L "MFD" pickups , thought they are bright.
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/ngd-g-l-asat-special-semi-hollow-nitro-finish.1869728/
http://www.gmarts.org/index.php?go=231