WO2005070117A2

WO2005070117A2 - Multi-mode multi-coil bobbin, pickup and pickup system for stringed musical instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2005070117A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/000668
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin Krozack; Paul Reed Smith; John Ingram
Original assignee: Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Limited Partnership
Priority date: 2004-01-12
Filing date: 2005-01-11
Publication date: 2005-08-04
Also published as: WO2005070117A3

Abstract

A stringed musical instrument having a pickup system including at least one dual coil pickup, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminala. A first or mode switch selectively connects first and second output terminals of a pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils, (b) the first and a second end terminala of one of the coils, and (c) the at least one tap of both coils. Selection (c) allows for a selection of less than two full coils. The musical instrument includes additional pickups and a second or pickup selector switch to selectively connect the pickups and the first switch to the first output terminal of the pickup circuit. A bobbin for a pickup includes a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure integral thereto. The post structure has one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces. The post structure includes a plurality of lateral windows so that the one or more pole pieces in the one or more cavities would be immediately adjacent windings of one or more coils to be wound on the bobbin.

Description

MULTI-MODE MULTI-COIL BOBBIN, PICKUP AND PICKUP SYSTEM FOR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001 ] The present disclosure is directed to an electromagnetic pickup system for stringed musical instruments and, more specifically, to an improved bobbin, pickup and pickup system for stringed musical instruments.

[0002] The electrification of stringed musical instruments includes pickups to pick up the vibration of the strings and convert them into electrical signals. There are two main classes of pickups. One is electromagnetic pickups, which sense vibration of the string in a magnetic field. The other class is piezoelectric pickups, which contact the string and senses its movement. Many kinds of electromagnetic pickups have been designed for stringed instruments. These include single coils and dual hum canceling coils. The dual hum canceling coil is designed and wired to cancel the electric noises and interference picked up by the coils. The two coils have opposite magnetic and electrical polarities. The noise, which is electrically induced in the coils, cancel each other out.

[0003] The number of double and single coils along the strings of a musical instrument has varied in the industry. One example is two dual hum canceling coil pickups spaced along the strings with a single coil pickup in between. Various switching arrangements have interconnected the various coils. Switching has included connecting only one coil of the hum canceling pair of coils to the output circuitry. This is usually achieved by connecting the center tap between the two hum canceling coils to ground or to hot. Various impedances have also been connected with the coils to change their frequency response. The bobbins and pickups are generally designed specifically for a single coil or dual hum canceling coils.

[0004] The present disclosure is directed a stringed musical instrument having a pickup system including at least one dual coil pickup, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminals. A first or mode switch selectively connects first and second output terminals of a pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils, (b) the first and second end terminals of one of the coils, and (c) the at least one tap of both coils. Selection (c) allows for less than a full coil of both coils. The tap is generally to a portion of between 55 and 80 percent of the winding between the first and second terminals. The second terminals of the first and second coils may be connected to each other for hum canceling.

[0005] The disclosed stringed musical instrument pickup system may alternatively include two dual coil pickups, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminals. A first or mode switch selectively connects first and second output terminals of a pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils of both pickups and (b) the taps of both coils of both pickups. In this embodiment, the mode switch changes both pickups simultaneously.

[0006] The musical instrument includes additional pickups and a second or pickup selector switch to selectively connect the pickups and the first switch to the first output terminal of the pickup circuit. The second output terminal of the pickup circuit is connected to ground. One of the additional pickups is a dual pickup having the first and second terminals and the tap. Another additional pickup may be a single pickup having first and second terminals.

[0007] The disclosure is also directed to dual coil pickup for a stringed instrument, the pickup having first and second coils having first and second end terminals. Each coil has at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminal. The second end terminals connect the two coils in a hum canceling arrangement between the first terminals and between the taps.

[0008] The present disclosure is a bobbin for a pickup including a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure integral thereto. The post structure has one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces. The post structure includes a plurality of lateral windows so that the one or more pole pieces in the one or more cavities would be immediately adjacent windings of one or more coils to be wound on the bobbin.

[0009] The present disclosure also includes a bobbin and a pickup using the bobbin capable of being used for a single coil pickup or a dual hum canceling coil pickup. The bobbin for a pickup includes a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure. The post structure has one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces. At least two recesses are provided on a first lateral edge of the base, and a terminal is in the base for each recess. A third recess is provided on a lateral edge of the base opposite the first lateral edge and extending substantially a length of the one or more cavities. The third recess is provided for receiving a magnet for the one or more pole pieces. Alternatively, the magnet may be in the one or more cavities.

[00010] In a further embodiment, the bobbin for a pickup includes a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure. The post structure has one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces. At least two recesses are provided on a first lateral edge of the base, and a terminal is in the base for each recess. Each terminal has a first portion extending into the recess and a second portion extending from a first outer surface of the base transverse to the first portion.

[00011] A pickup for a stringed musical instrument of the disclosure includes a bobbin having a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure, at least one pole piece in at least one cavity in the post structure, and at least two terminals in the base and having a first portion extending from a face of the base. A coil having a wire is wound around the post structure and has ends connected to respective terminals. A magnet is provided in the bobbin adjacent the at least one pole piece. A printed circuit board is secured to the base by the terminals and having an electrical connector electrically comiected to the terminals.

[00012] A dual pickup for a pickup for a stringed musical instrument of the disclosure includes two bobbins each having a base and a top or cover spaced and connected by a post structure, at least one pole piece in at least one cavity in the post structure, at least two terminals in the base and having a first portion extending from a first face of the base, a coil having a wire wound around the post structure and having ends connected to respective terminals, and a magnet in the bobbin adjacent the at least one pole piece. A printed circuit board is secured to the bases by the terminals and has an electrical connector electrically connected to the terminals. A common magnet bridges the adjacent bases.

[00013] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure, when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings. BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00014] Figure 1 is a plane view of a stringed musical instrument incorporating the pickups of the present disclosure.

[00015] Figure 2 shows the details of the terminals and taps of the pickups of Figure 1 incorporating the principles of the present disclosure.

[00016] Figure 3 shows a switching arrangement for the pickup system of Figure 1.

[00017] Figure 4 shows another switching arrangement for the pickup system of Figure 1.

[00018] Figure 5 is a side view of a bobbin pickup with portions cut away according to the present disclosure.

[00019] Figure 6 is the opposite side view of the bobbin without pole pieces, magnets or a printed circuit board.

[00020] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the pickup of Figure 5.

[00021 ] Figure 8 is a bottom view of a dual coil hum canceling pickup according to the present disclosure.

[00022] Figure 9 is a side view of a bobbin with five recesses and terminals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00023] Figure 1 shows a musical instrument 20 having a body 22, neck 24 and headstock 26. Strings (not shown for sake of clarity) extend from the bridge 30 over pickups (for example, 32, 34 and 36) and over the neck 24 to tuning machines 38 at the headstock 26. Although the musical instrument 20 is shown as a 6- stringed guitar, it may be a 12-string guitar, a 5-string bass or any other electric stringed musical instrument. The type of instrument and the number of strings are merely examples. Pickups 32, 36 are dual coil hum canceling pickups, while pickup 34 is a single coil pickup. Less than three pickups (or five coils) may be used. The present disclosure is directed to a unique structure for the dual hum canceling pickups 32, 36 and the selective switching.

[00024] The pickups 32, 34, 36 are connected to circuitry within the musical instrument 20. Knob 40 is a tone knob, and knob 42 is a volume control knob. Knobs 40, 42 are shown as rotary potentiometers but also may be slide potentiometers. Switch 44 is a pickup selection switch to select interconnection of the pickups 32, 34, 36. Switch 46 is a mode selection switch to select between at least two hum canceling modes and single mode or configuration of the dual hum canceling coils 32, 36. Switches 44, 46 are shown as blade-type rotary switches, although they may be other types of switches, including digital switches. As will be explained in more detail with respect to Figure 3, switch 46 is a three-position, six-pole switch, while switch 44 is a five-position, two-pole switch. These are examples of the types of switches that can be used.

[00025] The dual hum canceling coils 32, 36 are illustrated in Figure 2. The dual coil 32 includes coils A and B, with coil A being of one magnetic polarity (shown as north), and coil B being of opposite magnetic polarity (shown as south). Terminals 2 and 3 are the end terminals of coil A, and terminals 4 and 5 are the end terminals of coil B. Coil A also has a tap 1 connected to a portion of the coil between the first and second terminals 2 and 3. Similarly, coil B includes end terminals 4 and 5 and a tap 6 connected to a portion of coil B between the first and second terminals 4 and 5. The second ends 3 and 4 of coils A and B are shown disconnected but are generally connected either in the pickup 32 or in the switching arrangement.

[00026] For a full hum canceling effect (more amplitude and lower resonant frequency), the electronics are connected between terminals 2 and 5 of pickup 32. For less than a full hum canceling effect (less amplitude and higher resonant frequency), the output terminals are connected between taps 1 and 6 of pickup 32. For a single coil effect, the output terminals are connected to terminals 2 and 3 or 4 and 5. Single coil 34 has end terminals 7 and 8, with terminal 8 being connected to ground.

[00027] Dual hum canceling pickup 36 also has two coils D and E, each with two terminals and a tap. Terminals 10 and 11 are the first and second end terminals of coil D, with 9 being the tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second terminals 10 and 11. Coil E has first and second end terminals 12, 13 and a tap 14 to a portion of the coil between the first and second terminals 12, 13.

[00028] The taps 1, 6, 9 and 14 may be to a portion between 55 and 80 percent of the windings between the first and second terminals. Also more than one tap may be provided between the end terminals. The full and less than full hum canceling is a matter of personal taste and may vary.

[00029] A switching arrangement to allow full hum canceling or less than full hum canceling, as well as selection of single coil of the dual coil pickup(s), is illustrated in Figure 3. Switch 46 is illustrated as a three-position, six-pole switch. Each of the poles are ganged together. In the full hum canceling arrangement (position 1), terminals 2 and 5 of pickup 32 and terminals 10 and 13 of pickup 36 are selected. In the example shown, terminals 5 and 10 are connected to ground at output terminal 17, and terminals 2 and 13 are connected to output terminals 15 and 16, respectively. For less than full hum canceling (position 2), taps 1 and 6 of pickup 32 and taps 9 and 14 of pickup 36 are selected. Taps 6 and 9 are connected to ground at output terminal 17, and taps 1 and 14 are connected to output terminals 15 and 16, respectively. In the single coil selection (position 3) of the hum canceling pickups, terminals 2 and 3 are selected for coil A of pickup 32, and terminals 12 and 13 of coil D of pickup 36 are selected. Terminals 3, 4 and 5 of coils A and B and terminals 10, 11 and 12 of coils D and E of pickups 32, 36 are selectively connected to ground. Terminals 2 and 13 of coils A and E are connected to output terminals 15 and 16, respectively.

[00030] Output terminals 15 and 16 are selectively connected to switch 44. Switch 44 is shown as a two-pole, five-position switch of the prior art. Other pickup selection switches may be used. In the first position of switch 44, pickup 32 alone is selected. Depending upon the position mode switch 46, it will either be full hum canceling, less than full hum canceling or a single coil of pickup 32. In the second position, pickup 32 and single coil pickup 34 are selected. In the third or center position, only the single coil pickup 34 is selected. In the fourth position, single coil pickup 34 and pickup 36 are selected. In the fifth position, only pickup 36 is selected. Thus, while mode switch 46 selects the configuration of the pickups 32, 36, selection switch 44 selects the interconnection of the pickups 32, 34, 36. The position of the switch 44 connects switch 46 to the hot or plus output terminal 18. Output terminals 17 and 18 represent the output terminals of the pickup circuitry, which are connected to electronics in the musical instrument or exterior to the musical instrument.

[00031] While Figure 3 shows a single mode switch 46 for simultaneously selecting the mode of both dual coil pickups 32 and 36, Figure 4 shows a mode switch 46A and 46B for each of the dual coil pickups 32 and 36. Each mode switch 46A, 46B is a three-pole, three-position switch. [00032] Although the dual hum canceling pickups 32, 36 are shown as horizontally adjacent pickups on a common carrier, they may be stacked pickups or mounted vertically adjacent to each other on a common carrier. Switch 46 shows the ability of selecting full hum canceling, less than full hum canceling or single coil. Switch 46 may also be a two position switch which selects between full hum canceling and less than full hum canceling or a plural position switch for plural taps. Switch 44 shows the interconnection of various pickups 32, 34, 36. Switch 44 is but an example of the interconnection of a number of additional pickups. Other selections may be made at switch 44. All of the switches may be digital switches.

[00033] The bobbin of the present disclosure has the capability to be used for a single coil pickup, or it may be used in pairs for a dual coil hum canceling pickup. Also, the bobbin is designed for increased magnetic efficiency. For sake of clarity and examples, Figures 5 and 7 show the bobbin with wires and printed circuit board included, as well as two different kinds of pole pieces and magnets. Figure 6 shows the bobbin illustrated only with the wire connection to the terminals without the printed circuit board, pole pieces and magnet.

[00034] In Figure 5, the pickup 110 includes a base 112 and a top or cover 114 connected by a post structure 116. The base 112, the top 114 and the post structure 116 may be an integral molded structure. A support 118 may be provided at both ends between the base 112 and the top 114. Support 118 is for the pressure produced by the fingers of a player, which may rest on the pickup top 114 during playing. Support 118 may be eliminated if not desired.

[00035] As illustrated in Figure 7, an opening 120 is provided in a first face 122 of the base 112. The first face 122 is recessed relative to a second face 124 of the base 112. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, a plurality (for example, three) of lateral recesses 126 are provided on a first lateral edge 128 of the base 112. A lateral recess 130 (illustrated in Figures 5 and 6) is provided on the opposite lateral face 132 of the base 112. Each of the lateral recesses 126 includes a first terminal portion 134 extending into the recess 126 and not extending past the surface 128. A second terminal portion 136 extends from face 122 of the base 112 generally transverse to the first terminal portion 134. Also, extending from the face 122 of the base 112 is a second terminal portion 136 adjacent the edge 132 of the base 112. The same L- or T-type structure for the terminal having first portion 134 and a second portion 136 may be molded into the base 112. In that the first portion 134 does not extend past the lateral edges and there are no recesses 126 on the lateral face 132, there is no accessibility to the first terminal portion 134 at the edge 132.

[00036] As illustrated in Figure 5, windings of coil 138 are wound around the post structure 116 between the base 112 and the tops 114. As illustrated in Figure 6, the ends 140, 142 of the coil 138 are wrapped around first terminal portions 134 at the two end recesses 126. A portion of wire 144 of the coil 138 intermediate the ends 140, 142 are connected to the first terminal portion 134 in the center recess 126. Although only one intermediate tap is shown in Figures 6 and 7, a plurality of recesses 126 may be provided between the two end recesses with multiple taps to the coil 138 intermediate the end wire terminals 140, 142. As illustrated in Figure 9, there are five recesses 126 with terminals 134, 136.

[00037] The post structure 116 includes one or more cavities 146, as shown in Figure 7. The one or more cavities 146 may include individual pole pieces 148A (as illustrated on the left side of Figure 5) or a single continuous pole piece 148B (as illustrated on the right side of Figures 5 and 7). One or magnets 150A may be provided in the cavity 146 (as illustrated in the left side of Figures 5 and 1), or a single magnet 150B may be provided in the lateral recess 130 (as illustrated in the right side Figures 5 and 7). In either case, the magnets 150 are immediately adjacent if not touching the pole pieces 148. If the pole pieces 148B extend the total length of the cavity 146 and beyond the recess 130, the magnet 150B will only be in the recess 130 (as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7). If the pole pieces 148 in the cavity 146 do not extend .beyond the recess 130, the magnet 150B would then extend beyond the recess 130 over the top of the pole pieces 148B. It should also be noted that pole pieces 148 A may be a unitary structure, and the magnets 150A may also be a unitary structure instead of individual structures, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7.

[00038] A recess 152 is shown in dotted lines in Figure 5 in the center of the top 114. The pole pieces 148 A, 148B extend into the recess 152. This is but a mere example. A cover 114 may be totally flat with the recess 152 being totally flat instead of arced. Also, the recess 152 maybe eliminated.

[00039] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 1, a printed circuit board 154 is provided on face 122 of the base 112 in the recess formed between the second face 124. The second terminal portions 136 extend up through the printed circuit board 154, and the circuit board 154 is secured to the base 112 by soldering 158. The printed circuit board 154 includes a connector 156 connected by conductors 160 to the terminals 136. Connector 156 has a contact for each terminal 136. A plug is provided into connector 156 to connect the pickup to the appropriate circuitry. This may be, for example, a ribbon connector. A shield layer 162, as illustrated in Figure 5, may be provided across the face of the PC board 154 opposite the connector 156. This will be connected to ground through the connector 156. This provides a shield across the base 112 to shield electromagnetic interference from the pickup coil 138.

[00040] In order to increase the magnetic efficiency of the pickup 110, the post structure 116 includes a plurality of windows 164 allowing the windings of the coil 138 to be immediately adjacent the pole pieces 148, as illustrated in Figure 7. In order to produce these windows 164, the post structure 116 includes a plurality of struts 166. As illustrated in Figure 1, the struts 166 lie within the area defined by the projection of the opening 120 in the base 112. If individual pole pieces 148A and magnets 150A are provided, the struts 166 may extend across the opening 120 and, therefore, define a plurality of cavities. Alternatively, if a single notched pole piece 148B is used, struts 166 will not go all the way across (as shown) and, therefore, define a single cavity 146. Strut structure 166 minimizes the size of the post structure 116 and increases the size of the window 164, thereby minimizing the separation between the pole pieces 148 and the wires of the coil 138. Other post structures 116 may be used to provide the windows 164.

[00041 ] The ability to use the bobbin and coil of Figures 5 through 7 as a double hum canceling coil is illustrated in Figure 8. A pair of pickups 110 are placed side by side with edge 132 of the base adjacent each other. This allows using a single, common magnet 150B extending across the adjacent lateral recesses 130. This allows a single magnet 150B to polarize the pole pieces 148 in opposite polarity. A single PC board 154 with a single connector 156 is shown. This illustrates the versatility of the pickup 110 and bobbin structure such that it can be used for a single coil, as illustrated in Figures 5 through 7, or as a dual hum canceling coil pickup of Figure 8. [00042] Apertures 168 are provided in the base 112 and the top 114, as well as the support 118, to receive fasteners to mount the pickup 110 in a stringed musical instrument body.

[00043] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that this is done by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED: 1. A stringed musical instrument having a pickup system comprising: at least one dual coil pickup, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminals; and a first switch for selectively connecting first and second output terminals of a dual pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils, (b) the first and second end terminals of one of the coils, and (c) the at least one tap of both coils.

2. The instrument according to Claim 1, including a second dual coil pickup, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminals, and the first switch selectively connects the first and second output tenninals of a dual pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils of the second pickup,

(b) the first and second end terminals of one of the coils of the second pickup, and

(c) the at least one tap of both coils of the second pickup.

3. The instrument according to Claim 2, wherein the first switch selectively connects the first and second output terminals of a pickup circuit to the first and second pickups simultaneously.

4. The musical instrument according to Claim 2, including a second switch for selectively connecting the pickups individually via the first switch to the first output terminal of the pickup circuitry.

5. The musical instrument according to Claim 4, wherein the second output terminal is connected to ground.

6. The musical instrument according to Claim 2, wherein the dual coil pickups are wired as hum canceling pickups.

7. The instrument according to Claim 1, including a second dual coil pickup, each coil having first and second end terminals and at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminals, and a second switch selectively connects the first and second output terminals of the pickup circuit to (a) the first end terminals of both coils of the second pickup,

(c) the at least one tap of both coils of the second pickup.

8. The instrument according to Claim 1, wherein the coils each include plural taps to portions of the coil between the first and second end terminals, and the first switch selectively connects the first and second output terminals of the pickup circuit to corresponding taps of both coils of the pickup.

9. The instrument according to Claim 1, wherein the tap is to a portion of between 55 and 80 percent of the winding between the first and second terminals.

10. The pickup according to Claim 1, wherein the second terminals of the first and second coils are connected to each other.

11. The musical instrument according to Claim 1 , including additional pickups and a second switch selectively connecting the coils selected by the first switch to the first output terminal.

12. The musical instrument according to Claim 11, wherein the second output terminal is connected to ground.

13. The musical instrument according to Claim 11, wherein the additional pickups include a dual coil pickup and a single coil pickup between the two dual coil pickups.

14. The musical instrument according to Claim 11, wherein the first switch is a three-position blade switch and the second switch is a five-position blade switch.

15. The musical instrument according to Claim 11 , wherein the first switch is a three-position, six pole switch and the second switch is a five-position, two pole switch.

16. A dual coil pickup for a stringed instrument, the pickup comprising: first and second coils having first and second end terminals; each coil having at least one tap to a portion of the coil between the first and second end terminal; and the second end terminals connecting the two coils in a hum canceling arrangement between the first terminals and between the at least one taps.

17. The pickup according to Claim 16, wherein the first and second coils are mounted vertically adjacent to each other on a common carrier.

18. The pickup according to Claim 16, wherein the first and second coils are mounted horizontally adjacent to each other on a common carrier.

19. The pickup according to Claim 16, wherein the coils each include plural taps to portions of the coil between the first and second end terminals, and plural hum canceling connection between corresponding taps of both coils of the pickup.

20. The pickup according to Claim 19, wherein the tap is to a portion of between 55 and 80 percent of the winding between the first and second terminals.

21. A bobbin for a pickup for a stringed musical instrument, the bobbin comprising: a base and a top spaced and connected by a post structure integral thereto; the post structure having one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces; the post structure including a plurality of lateral windows so that the one or more pole pieces in the one or more cavities would be immediately adjacent windings of one or more coils to be wound on the bobbin.

22. The bobbin of claim 21 , wherein the post structure is a plurality of struts spaced about the periphery of the one or more cavities to form the lateral windows there between.

23. The bobbin of claim 22, wherein the base includes an opening to the one or more cavities, and the struts are interior a projected volume defined by the base opening.

24. The bobbin of claim 21, wherein the base includes at least two recesses on a first lateral edge and a terminal in the base for each recess, each terminal having a first portion extending into the recess and a second portion extending from a first outer surface of the base transverse to the first portion.

25. A bobbin for a pickup for a stringed musical instrument, the bobbin comprising: a base and a top spaced and connected by a post structure; the post structure having one or more cavities for receiving one or more pole pieces; at least two recesses on a first lateral edge of the base; and a terminal in the base for each recess, each terminal having a first portion extending into the recess and a second portion extending from a first outer surface of the base transverse to the first portion.

26. The bobbin of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first outer surface of the base is recessed relative to a second outer surface, and the recess in the second surface is for receiving a plate to be secured to the bobbin by the second portions of the terminals.

27. A pickup including a bobbin of claim 26; wire wound around the post structure and having ends connected to respective first portions of the terminals; and a plate in the second surface recess and being a printed circuit board with an electrical connector electrically connected to the second portions of the terminals.

28. A pickup including a bobbin of claim 21 or 25; wire wound around the post structure and having ends connected to respective first portions of the terminals; and a printed circuit board secured to the bobbin by the second portions of the terminals and having an electrical connector electrically connected to the second portions of the terminals.

29. The bobbin of claim 24 or 25, wherein the base includes at least three recesses on the first lateral edge, each with a terminal.

30. The bobbin of claim 21 or 25, including an additional recess on a lateral edge of the base opposite the first lateral edge and extending substantially a length of the one or more cavities, and the third recess is for receiving a magnet for the one or more pole pieces.

31. The bobbin of claim 30, wherein the base includes one or more openings to the one or more cavities, and the additional recess extends to the one or more openings.

32. A pickup including a bobbin of claim 31 ; one or more pole pieces in the one or more cavities; wire wound around the post structure; and a magnet in the additional recess immediately adjacent the one or more pole pieces.

33. A pickup including a bobbin of claim 24 or 25; and wire wound around the post structure and having ends connected to respective first portions of the terminals.

34. The pickup of claim 33, including a pole piece and a magnet in each cavity.

35. A pickup including a bobbin of claim 21 or 25; one or more pole pieces in the one or more cavities; and wire wound around the post structure and immediately adjacent the pole pieces.

36. The pickup of claim 35, including a pole piece and a magnet in each cavity.

37. The bobbin of claim 21 or 25, wherein the base, top and post structure are a single molded piece.