Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is there any other difference between a high gain pickup and a toaster other than the higher number of wire wraps? Is it possible to unwrap a high gain to the point it is at a vintage toaster level, like 7.5K? Would it sound the same?

There are several differences between the two pickups including but not limited to the type of construction, magnet type, number of magnets, etc. If you want a toaster sound, get toasters; you can probably trade your hi-gains to someone towards toasters.

the toaster is scatterwound ... that changes the tone ... the high gain is hotter and dirtier sounding ... the toaster is cleaner and more "jangly" sounding ...

Thanks Jeff(s)! As a follow up; since I only really use the bridge pickup on my 320JG, would there be a problem in just replacing the bridge high gain with a toaster (other than the look of course).

No problem at all.

No problem with swapping out one pickup at all. You could even get a toaster cover to replace the cover on your high gain.

the toaster is a good pickup and some prefer the look and sound to the high gain ... it makes for a good neck pickup ... it can be replaced with a screw driver and a soldering iron ...

And unwinding a high gain down to the 7.4k toaster range does approach the sound of the toaster, but the magnet type differences can still be heard. I did just this on my bass pickup before deciding to get a toaster, just to see if I'd like the sound.