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SETbucker Explained

​SET stands for Split-Expand-Tap. Simply speaking, it adds “expand” and “tap” to the humbucker pickup on top of coil-split. The coil at the slug bobbin side is expanded from its main coil to the patented inner-coil (US Patent No. US9552802). It can also be tapped while being extended to the inner coil. Illustrative schematics below show the basic idea of the SETbucker compared to the traditional humbucker. 

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The inner-coil fills in the space taken by the bobbin wall in the traditional humbucker pickup. When disconnected, it does not affect the tone made by other coils so that the SETbucker can generate classic humbucker sound (HB mode). The inner-coil can add clarity and/or power thus tone variations to the pickup sound portfolio.

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Below are the 3 key tone modes:

  • HB (humbucking) mode: main slug coil (A1+A2) and B are connected in series, which is identical to the traditional humbucker and produces authentic humbucker sound. 

  • SE (split-expand) mode: all A’s are used. In this mode the inner coil adds more signal strength to the split coil. It is enjoyable when you don’t like the output difference between humbucker and split coil. It produces sound between single coil and P90 pickups and is very useful with Les Paul guitars for more bites and growls.

  • SET (split-expand-tap) mode: only A2 and A3 are used. In this mode the inner coil adds clarity to the original split-coil. A tapping point is deliberately decided to adjust output close to a typical single coil pickup while not losing fullness in sound.

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There are a couple more modes you may also want to explore: 

  • MHB (muffled humbucking) mode: if the inner coil is self-looped (both ends are grounded) in HB mode, it adds a some amount of capacitance to the pickup, resulting in “muffling” effect on the humbucker sound. Mid and treble are slightly cut as a result, and drive tone becomes warmer and mellower than the normal humbucker sound. 

  • MPHB (max power humbucking) mode: all A’s and B are connected in series. The maximum power can be obtained from this mode. It does not lose treble too much thanks to the inner coil. The sound becomes slightly wilder and more aggressive.

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How to Choose the Right Pickups for You

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If you are looking for a SETbucker or a set for you, it is recommended that you start from what type of humbucker pickups you would want. The SETbucker just adds the unique versatility for you! A quick guideline for the humbucker sound would be...

  • Traditional/vintage humbucker tone: Classic series is the way to go. Choose C-5 for clarity and biting and C-2 for warmth.

  • Maximum clarity: M-2 is there for you. It offers cleaner sound than the Classic series. 

  • More output and drive but with some vintage feel: M-3 is the right choice. It offers warm smooth drive yet retain a vintage charm.

  • Even more output: try out I-2 if you are a big fan of JB model from Seymour Duncan. 

  • Cleaner coil-split tone: a combo of A5 magnet with AWG42 should work. C-5 and M-2 use that combo. 

  • Telecaster-like coil split tone: M-3 set is the way to go. It works well with alder and ash body. 

  • Upgrade Les Paul: try I-1 or I-11 for vintage sound, which is inspired by the legendary "Dry Z" pickup. 

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Check the PRODUCTS for more details of individual pickups. 

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Do we carry only SETbucker pickups? NOPE! We have a lineup of single coil pickups too, both machine-wound and hand-wound. Noiseless versions will come along sooner or later. A concept for the noiseless single coil pickups is already under validation and optimization. 

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