Understanding Stagger Patterns in Guitar Pickups: A Guide to Designing Your Own

Why Stagger Patterns?

Stagger patterns in guitar pickups refer to the varying heights of the pole pieces (or magnets) underneath each string. The primary reason for this stagger is to balance the output across the strings. This ensures that one string or a couple of strings aren't disproportionately loud compared to the others. In essence, staggered pole pieces help bring the volume of each individual string into balance.

How Stagger Patterns Are Based on Your Specific Guitar and Playing Style

The design of stagger patterns is influenced by several factors:

1. Fingerboard Radius: Since string height corresponds to a fretboard's radius, the strings themselves vary in their height above the pickups. Their arc across the width of the fingerboard results in the middle strings (typically D and G) sitting higher above the pickups than the bass and treble strings.
2. String Gauge and Type: Lighter strings produce less output than heavier ones. Additionally, wound strings have a different output than unwound strings.
3. Playing Style: A player who strums hard might prefer a different stagger than someone who plays softly.

Creating a Balanced Set for Your Setup

To create a balanced set for your guitar:

1. Understand Your Guitar's Radius: This will give you an idea of how the strings arc over the pickups.
2. Know Your String Gauges: This will influence the output of each string.
3. Adjust According to Your Playing Style: If you play hard, you might want to adjust the pole pieces to prevent certain strings from being too loud.

Differences Between Modern and Vintage Stagger

• Modern Stagger: Designed for modern playing styles and typically used with guitars that have a flatter fingerboard radius. They also account for the use of an unwound G string, which is common in modern string sets.
• Vintage Stagger: Suited for vintage guitars that have a more pronounced fingerboard radius. Vintage patterns often account for a wound G string, which was more common in older string sets.

One Size Fits All: Examples for Stratocaster and Telecaster

While it's always best to customize the stagger pattern to your specific guitar and playing style, here are some generalized patterns for both modern and vintage setups:

Stratocaster:

• Modern (unwound G): Low E: 17.5, A: 17.5, D: 18, G: 18.5, B: 17, High E: 17
• Vintage (wound G): Low E: 17, A: 17, D: 17.5, G: 18, B: 16.5, High E: 16.5

Telecaster Bridge Pickup:

• Modern (unwound G): Low E: 17.5, A: 17.5, D: 18, G: 18.5, B: 17, High E: 17
• Vintage (wound G): Low E: 17, A: 17, D: 17.5, G: 18, B: 16.5, High E: 16.5

Telecaster Neck Pickup:

• Modern (unwound G): Low E: 17, A: 17, D: 17.5, G: 18, B: 16.5, High E: 16.5
• Vintage (wound G): Low E: 16.5, A: 16.5, D: 17, G: 17.5, B: 16, High E: 16

In conclusion, while stagger patterns play a crucial role in achieving a balanced output across strings, it's essential to understand your guitar and playing style to design the perfect stagger for your needs.