There’s a lot talked about the original Fender Wide Range humbucker especially now with Fender re-introducing these classics with vintage correct CuNiFe magnets.
For the full back story on what makes these magnets so important here’s a great interview on my favorite podcast with the man who brought CuNiFe back, Tim Shaw.
The Fender Wide Range humbucker was the invention of Seth Lover. He’d previously worked at Gibson and is responsible for the PAF Humbucker
In 1967 he went to work for Fender and was asked to make an equivalent to the PAF to compete with Gibson. He was still obliged under the PAF copyright (even though it was under his own name) to make something completely different and that’s what he did.
So why CuNiFe ?
Fender guitars are known for their percussive treble. A bit part of which is achieved by having the magnet located inside the coil unlike Gibson style pickups with the magnet outside. He was clearly keen to have adjustable poles too so that left the question of – how do I make magnetic threaded bar? The answer is CuNiFe. Other magnetic material needs to be cast where as CuNiFe – an alloy of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) – can be machined.
The primary use for CuNiFe at the time was in speedometers where this threaded magnet was used in calibration. But when the automotive industry moved on to better methods of measuring speed CuNiFe stopped being produced. So the traditional Wide Range ceased production in 1979. The re-introduced Wide Range humbuckers of the 1980’s have a Gibson PAF style bar magnet underneath the coils. They might look like Wide Ranges but they really aren’t.
Why is the Fender Wide Range humbucker so big?
CuNiFe does not make strong magnets and has quite a trebly tone. To offset this Seth needed to design powerful coils. The more windings on a bobbin the more power but also the more bass and less treble. The whole eq is shifted to the bass side. Compered to a PAF the Wide Range coils are very overwound. So much so the bobbins had to be made bigger to accommodate them and therefore the whole pickup is bigger. Wide Ranges are wound to around 10.6KOhms where as a traditional humbucker is closer to 8KOhms.
Then there’s the much ignored steel plate under the coils. Putting a steel plate under a magnet will help push the magnetic field up towards the strings creating a bit more power and a bit more bass. This works in the same way as in my Tui pickup – here’s more on that.
The result of all this is a clear, full sounding pickup loved by many.
Interesting eh.
Repairing a Wide Range
A while ago I had a faulty Fender Wide Range humbucker sent to me for repair and took the chance to take some pictures. This one is from 1975 as you can see from the last 2 digits of the serial number. From the underneath you can also see the sneaky way he used the threaded magnets fitting half of the upside-down.
With the cover off we get a good look at these unique bobbins. There’s a small metal tab at each end of them to help with connecting the winding wire with the hookup wire.
With one bobbin removed there’s that steel plate underneath directing the magnetic field and adding inductance to the coils. The black wire connects the 2 coils together in series and it’s tucked away between the coils when the pickup is together.
You can see that even though this is an oversized bobbin it’s full up with wire.
Here’s a really interesting blog post on a Wide Range copy by Tym Guitars in Australia. You can see the difference between an original Fender Wide Range humbucker and what looks like an exact replica.
Inspired by the early Gibson PAF pickups the Integrity-vintage humbucker give the classic full balanced tone we all love.
Asymmetric coils give an open sounding mid range and the rough cast Alnico II magnet gives clarity and balance. A rich bottom end, characterful mids and sweet treble make this a pickup set for every situation. Jazz, Blues, Rock, it does it all.
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Every pickup manufacturer makes a “Vintage” humbucker based on the Gibson PAF, of course they do – old Gibsons sound so good.
So how come they all sound so different? Well, the simple answer is that PAF’s were all different. Of any guitar pickups you’ll come across these are possibly the most variable.
I’ve been a full time luthier since 1995, whenever I come across an old humbucker I test the ohms and the gause and have a good listen. They’re all different. My conclusion is that pickup manufacturers have taken the PAF they like and based their own version on that. Old PAF’s vary so much so modern ones do as well.
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Here is Nik Dobbin show off an Integrity set. The guitar is an all mahogany PRS Santana SE II from the early 2000’s.
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Integrity-vintage humbucker requirements
I have designed my own version to be clear sounding, have obvious string separation and definition and to keep clarity no matter how much gain. The mids must be strong and woody, this is not a “scooped” pickup. The clean sound needs to be chimey and clear with no mush; through a valve amp I want clarity. When I tickle it I want clean and vocal sounding when it clips. The bridge pickup needs to be well behaved with high gain and clear with enough cut through so the drummer knows you’re there. The neck smooth, clear and articulate. Warm but with none of the boom you get with a more powerful pickup.
I don’t want much do I.
My “Integrity”-vintage humbucker has a rough cast Alnico II magnet. It uses plain enamel insulated magnet wire with asymmetric coils to open up the mids, just like the originals. Asymmetry in the coils creates a clearer mid range.
The very first pickup I ever made back in 1995 was a PAF style and I’ve been tweaking the recipe ever since.
Studying the intricacies of this pickup design have given me a huge respect for Seth Lover the designer of the original Gibson PAF. My version is not an exact replica of the originals, rather my own take on them. I have worked on countless PAF pickups over the years. I feel I have a good take on what makes them tick.
Its hard to imagine the guitar world without the PAF. Would Gibson be such a popular band without Seth Lover’s contribution? Its hard to say.
Like all my pickups I’ve used a number of test pilot players in its development as well as gigging it myself. Countless hours have gone into the testing stage of this design.A huge thanks to all the players and engineers involved in the development.
These pickups were played in studios and on stages in the hands of numerous players long before I gave them a name or built this website.
I made my first PAF type pickup in around 1995. It wasn’t until 2015 that I finally settles on this particular design. It has been a very long road for the integrity humbucker set. I am delighted to be offering them to you.
Here’s a great little demo of the Integrity’s in a mix. I encourage you to go and subscribe to this YouTube channel.
A Pickup in 4 Flavours
This pickup is available in 4 flavors to cover the various applications of this versatile pickup. You can select your option at the checkout.
The idea behind the 4 flavors is to simplify things for you. Rather than have 4 separate pickups with a similar vibe I’ve put them all under the umbrella of ‘Integrity’.
All 4 flavors fit within the range of the original PAF pickups. If you’re a Jazz or a rock player there’s an Integrity that will suit your style. All the pickups within this range use the same alnico II magnet, it’s just the windings that differ. If you are unsure which will work best for you just get in touch. I’m always happy to discuss your requirements.
The Standard wind –
This is the one I feel is the best balance between output and tone. All the demos are of this version unless otherwise stated. After my years of experimenting this is the version I like the best and use myself.
5% Underwound –
This has 5% less winding than the standard pickup. Less wire means less power but it also reduces the bass and gives a little more high end sparkle. If you want a low powered very clean humbucker this is for you. This one is all about clarity. Especially suited to archtop guitars. Here’s a nice little demo from TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow.
Alex wanted a vintage vibe from his ’70’s Yamaha. He isn’t a rock player so was more concerned about the clean sound and light break up.
Integrity 5% under wound
A customer sent this little demo of his 5% under wound set. This is a great example showing how they respond to both clean and dirty sounds.
5% Overwound –
More winding mean a little more power but more significantly an increase in bass. Ideal for players wanting a classic rock tone or in HSS Strats.
Here is Nick Granville talking about his 5% over wound Integrity in the bridge position of a Strat.
He went for the Double Cream bobbins to match his single coils. I think you’ll agree it looks great.
10% Overwound –
An increase in power and bass from the standard pickup. Still very much the PAF vibe but with a bit more. This is a great rock pickup with the dynamic range to clean up nicely but with the power to push you amp. Suited to players using dirtier sounds from classic rock to Slash to early Van Halen.
The Integrity comes with 4 conductor wire to give you all the switching options. I very lightly wax pot the Integrity to reduce microphonic feedback but to retain some of the microphonic character of the originals.
The thinking behind the Integrity set
Here are a couple of short videos to explain the thinking behind the Integrity pickup set and its variants.
Integrity Neck Pickup
Integrity Bridge Pickup
In a HSS Strat
Here are a few videos showing the Integrity in different situations.
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The full and honest sound of the Integrity-vintage humbucker along with it’s timeless tone inspired the name “Integrity”. https://mrglynspickups.com/
There are a number of cover options so you can choose how your Integrity looks. Uncovered options are black, double white, double cream, and zebra or reverse zebra (in either cream or white) at no additional charge. Or you can add a cover to your purchase in: black, gold, chrome, nickel, sliders, gatsby or open raw nickel at $20 per pickup ($40 for a set).
Feel free to inquire about variations of these cover options. I can, for instance use gold screws with the black covers.
If you would like your pickup aged don’t hesitate to ask. I can do any degree of ageing from just reducing the glare to the full steam punk treatment. If you are matching your new pickup to an old guitar I will ask for some photos of your guitar. That’s the best way for me to match the degree of ageing to suit you. I always enjoy working with my customers to achieve what they want.
I put the integrity pick ups into my Jim Root Jazzmaster last week. I gigged with the guitar on Sat night and am so happy. They have the versatility that I’m looking for. Thanks
Bought a set of Mr Glyn’s Integrity humbuckers and they are awesome! These pickups do everything from clean to blues rock to screaming distorted rock tones. So great to just roll off the volume, have it clean up but still stay loud and defined. My guitar is now super versatile and sounds great! Thanks
