Dc ResIstance Is DeceptIve

The Creamery’s Jaime Campbell explains: “A Gibson PAF humbucker will generally have an output reading of around 7.8 to 8.3k and it will be wound with 42 AWG wire. Because it’s a well-known pickup, people know roughly how loud – in terms of audible loudness – a Gibson PAF with an Alnico V magnet sounds at that reading, so it tends to get used as a benchmark. Based on that, you might look at a lower resistance reading from a Strat and conclude that it’s a weaker pickup. But the strength of the magnet plays just as much of a role in perceived loudness: a strong magnet can increase output, too – and the geometry of the coil also has an influence. So the DC resistance reading suggests roughly what the pickup can do, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”