Magnetic Hex Pickups

Started by Elantric-fgn, March 18, 2010, 03:49:51 PM

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MCK-fgn

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
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vanceg-fgn

How about OPTICAL hex pickups? 
http://www.opticalguitars.com/products/default.html

This website is pretty old, and when I wrote to Mr. Hoag several years ago he stated that his optical pickups were not available except on his instruments.....

vanceg-fgn

Let's also note that our old friends the Roland GK-2 and GK-3 are also magnetic hex pickups...though not really intended to produce great sound themselves ;-). 

On a similar vein, there was the short lived GK-3 'wannabe' from Seymour Duncan marketed by Axon
http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2008/06/26/hex-pickup-ships/


vanceg-fgn

Last post about this topic from me today ;-)

I don't believe that the Bartolini pickups in the "Roland" guitar in the first posting in this topic are actually the Bartolini hex pickups. I can't be sure, but I BELIEVE Bartolini only made hex pickups in a humbucker format. Also, it doesn't look like that pickup selector switch could handle the 6 individual contacts from each pickup which would be necessary to switch between three hex pickups.

That was my problem when I build this guitar:  I was using two Bartolini hex pickups (amazingly I stumbled upon a PAIR of them - one voiced for neck, one voiced for bridge...Mr. Bartolini told me he made less than 20 sets like this!).  I couln't find a switch which was going to let me do the standard Bridge/Both/Neck selection. So, what I did was I created pickup selector switches for EACH STRING.  That sounds insane, and it is if you are trying to switch between neck and bridge quickly. You just can't do that on this guitar. But, I found a MUCH more amazing advantage to doing this:  I can select the pickup that sounds best for EACH string!  By setting the pickups up this way I am able to essentially decide which harmonics of each string I want to hear.  I was STUNNED at how much of an amazing difference this made.  Chords really ring out clearly...even when I sum all the signals to mono (which I sometimes do)  I typically use the bridge pickup for the top three strings and the neck for the lower three strings, but mixing it up produces some really profound results.

The V-Bass and VB-99 both allow for a similar thing to be done in which users can decide the location of the virtual pickup on a per-string basis (the VG-8, VG-8 and VG-99 allow this 'virtual pickup positioning' but NOT on a per string basis...I really wish they would enable this on the VG-99!)


When I have some time this June, I'll try to do a proper write up about this guitar.  I plan to put a Baritone neck back on it (I had one on there originally, but it broke in an unfortunate accident...who knew a graphite neck would shatter like that?)  I also want to put a 13 pin jack on it (it currently uses three stereo cables to get the stereo or hex signal from the guitar).  When that's all done, I'll take some proper photos and post it all. 

I will also try to contact Bartolini and see if I can get more info about these older hex pickups.

Oh, by the way - the tone off these pickups: F-ing GODLIKE (but I'm a big bartolini fan)

Elantric-fgn

In 1980 I was employed at a Bartolini dealer, and I installed a couple sets of Bartolini Hex pickups. I recall selling a Bartolini hex PAF pickup to Steve Ripley, and a year later he was marketing the  "Ripley Guitar"  with on board stereo pan pots for each string. He sold the concept to Kramer, who built quite a few Ripley guitars with EVH as the prime endorsee
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

vanceg-fgn

There is a new Magnetic Hex manufacturer out there! 

I recently ordered and received a pickup from a new company called Ultramagnetics. 
http://www.ultramagnetics.org/

There is only basic information on the site right now, but the cat who runs the company says more info is to follow very soon.

They are based up here in the Seattle area and have some very interesting ideas about how to design and setup hex magnetic pickups.

The idea is that the user can order pickups with any sort of string splitting they want: 6 individual outputs,  2 outputs split EAD/GBE, 3 outputs split EA/DG/BD, 2 outputs split EDB/AGE...etc. The way he's designed the pickups, he can set each output up so that it can easily drive a standard guitar amp.

I ordered my pickup with 6 individual outputs.  I intend to remove one of my Bartolini hex pickups from one of my ergonomic guitars and try this pickup out through the VG-99 and String Port.

I haven't installed it yet, so I can't say how it sounds or how well it will work with the VG-99...but I'm really looking forward to finding out!!!

The pickup LOOKS very nice: Super pro and very solid.  Attaching a photo or two....


vanceg-fgn

But wait, there's more!

I ALSO received an UBERTAR pickup this week! 

I ordered a hex output type 1 Ubertar pickup with a set of impedence matching transformers.  Again, I'm going to experiment with this pickup running through the VG-99 and the String Port.

One cool feature of the way the Ubertar pickup is configured:  Using a simple switch, I can change between a hexaphonic humbucker and a hexaphonic singlecoil/mono single coil....which allows me to more easily use this rig with a standard guitar amp or...in my case, use the mono output to drive a Sustainiac.  That's the plan for a new guitiar that I should have completed in January.

The Ubertar pickup has that mad scientist" look to it!  I can't wait to hear how it sounds!  Give me a few weeks to report back on that - these hex pickups take some serious wiring...






MCK-fgn

Amazing!!! Thanks for the update. Those pups looks great! Can't wait to hear how they turn out in your guitars. Talking of which... When are we going to see some teaser shots on the new ergonauts?
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vanceg-fgn

I HAVE been slow about posing anything on the new ergonomic guitars. This is mainly because I keep getting advice to patent the design.  But, I don't believe I will at this point.  I'm more impressed by folks doing "open source" work recently...and I just cant see wanting to deal with all the hassle of trying to chase after people IF they wanted to "steal" a design.  Only possible serious downside would be if someone like Gibson liked the idea (which i don't think they will) and decided to patent it themselves. 

So, I guess that means I need to post SOMEthing, don't I ;-)

The guitars are in such an initial state of build, that they don't really warrant photos yet.... mainly a pile of parts and crazy designs.  Actually, the one that's being built for someone in this group is a little further along.  Some NICE wood! 

Let me see what I can do on Tuesday when I have a moment. Maybe I'll post a really crude SketchUP document  which shows the inner workings and a description late tonight ;-)

They exist, they really do!

Vance

MCK-fgn

Hi Vance,

Great to hear you're making good progress. Its never easy. As for photos I was teasing you. Please don't feel pressured to post anything you're not comfortable with. I fully understand how one might want to wait for the right moment to make the right impressions with the finished product.

As for patenting designs, I think you could go the Apple or MS way and patent the general concepts you're stringing together and hope that it sticks. Having a patent to your name is a huge ego boost but it doesn't come cheap to process. As for open source development, as the patent holder you still get to choose whether you wish to allow folks to use your design or not so its best of both worlds but its an added step that's for sure.

Good luck with your project. I am sure it will turn out to be wonderful.
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Elantric-fgn

I will have the hex pickup from this to try next week



More here:
http://www.powergig.com/
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

#13
While shopping at Bestbuy last Christmas, I spotted the PowerGig guitar  and  could easily see that this wired fretboard guitar / game controller  was using a standard size hexaphonic pickup - rather like the old SoundGarage type which have not been available for at least 7 years.

A few weeks ago I saw on Amazon.com that these PowerGig guitars were on sale for $68, so i took a gamble.




I'm not a gamer, so within 10 minutes of delivery, I began taking the guitar apart.

After removal of the back plastic cover on the body, the "guts" were revealed, and there was my treasure -  Yes! A hexaphonic standard P.A.F. size pickup.

see the multiple wires emerging:





After a few more minutes of dis-assembly, I had the hex pickup removed from the Powergig guitar




Removal of the PU cover revealed the pickup's construction:

its actually a Hex PU, with an adjacent stacked single coil with a copper shield for normal guitar operation - a two in one solution!








for comparison, here is a pic with a Roland GK-2A PU sitting next to the PowerGig PU - note the pole piece spacing is pretty standard, and quite usable for hacking.. 


Each single coil on the Roland GK-2A measures 540 ohms

Each single coil on the PowerGig PU measures 840 ohms

I will interface the  PowerGig hex PU  to a modified old Roland GK-2A "head" preamp, and install on a Les Paul, and report my findings.

Buy more here: (the price fluctuates +/- 10 bucks each week).

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gig-SixString-Guitar-Xbox-360/dp/B003N13ZRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1297371987&sr=1-1















. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

MCK-fgn

#14


Quote from:  Elantric on February 10, 2011, 12:58:08 PM
While shopping at Bestbuy last Christmas, I spotted the PowerGig guitar  and  could easily see that this wired fretboard guitar / game controller  was using a standard size hexaphonic pickup - rather like the old SoundGarage type which have not been available for at least 7 years.

A few weeks ago I saw on Amazon.com that these PowerGig guitars were on sale for $68, so i took a gamble.

Great find!!! Want one! Externally the pu looks like the one from the other game controller right above it. Perhaps same OEM producer in China.


Can you think of an alternative to the head-amp from GK-2?

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MCK-fgn

Quote from:  vanceg on November 20, 2010, 03:33:14 PM
I ALSO received an UBERTAR pickup this week! 

I ordered a hex output type 1 Ubertar pickup with a set of impedence matching transformers.  Again, I'm going to experiment with this pickup running through the VG-99 and the String Port.
....
The Ubertar pickup has that mad scientist" look to it!  I can't wait to hear how it sounds!  Give me a few weeks to report back on that - these hex pickups take some serious wiring...


Ok buddy, your few weeks is up...  ;D ;D ;D 

Please let us know how the Ubertars turned out! Can you also please report width of E to E coil magnetics? Thanks!!!
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vanceg-fgn

Well, seeing as how I've only been at home for 2.5 weeks so far this year, I am going to have to take a LITTLE more time. As soon as i get back from this two week trip, my #2 task is drilling into my "hog" guitar to start testing new hex pickups.

Now, to go find one of those cheap controllers Elantric found.


MCK-fgn

Good to hear you're keeping yourself busy & out of mischief. I didn't mean to sound rude but it might have come across as such. Please take all the time needed. Have safe travels.
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vanceg-fgn

Quote from:  MCK on February 10, 2011, 11:58:27 PM
Good to hear you're keeping yourself busy & out of mischief. I didn't mean to sound rude but it might have come across as such. Please take all the time needed. Have safe travels.

Totally understood dude.  I really do need to get off my butt and do that. The main thing holding me up:  I need to get a new Dremel attachment...and that's a weak excuse ;-)

vanceg-fgn

Quote from:  MCK on February 10, 2011, 03:02:47 PM
Can you think of an alternative to the head-amp from GK-2?

This cat makes preamps for GK-3 type pickups...but...so could Elantric if he wanted to!

http://billbax.110mb.com/


vanceg-fgn

Quote from:  Elantric on February 10, 2011, 12:58:08 PM

Buy more here: (the price fluctuates +/- 10 bucks each week).

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gig-SixString-Guitar-Xbox-360/dp/B003N13ZRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1297371987&sr=1-1

Used on Amazon right now - $30.  I couldn't resist.  Jeez-e-peezie: I have a HECK of a Hex shootout to do!  This could take me most of the next 3 months!

MCK-fgn

Quote from:  vanceg on February 11, 2011, 10:53:17 PM
Quote from:  Elantric on February 10, 2011, 12:58:08 PM

Buy more here: (the price fluctuates +/- 10 bucks each week).

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gig-SixString-Guitar-Xbox-360/dp/B003N13ZRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1297371987&sr=1-1

Used on Amazon right now - $30.  I couldn't resist.  Jeez-e-peezie: I have a HECK of a Hex shootout to do!  This could take me most of the next 3 months!


Amazing. I bet if we were able to locate the maker of Power Gig in China we could buy just the pu for $5 each!


Look forward to your shootout. Will be interesting!
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hp3

anyone have success installing and using these xbox Power gig guitar controller hex pickups?

EmmitSycamore-fgn

The Power Gig units are being closed out through Big Lots, at $25.

MCK-fgn

Got a PowerGig for C$29.99 at FutureShop in Canada. Good deal considering it also includes a game! Now I need to wait a little so the kids grow bored of it! Did anyone have a chance to use the pickup from these guys in a Roland Hex setup?
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