Hofner 511B 'Violin' Bass Staple Pickups Repair & Rewind

Repairing & Rewinding Vintage Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Pickups

Rewinding & Repairing Vintage Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Violin Bass Staple Pickups

I do like these old Hofner 511B 'Staple' pickups. Launched in the early '60s and made in both 6-String & 4-String versions they're essentially a humbucker but rather than have steel slugs hidden under the cover in the usual, standard Humbucker design, Hofner made these with steel 'staples'. These ferrous poles work in the same way, the difference being they're not hidden away under the cover, resulting in a clearer, more defined tone. They're also mini-humbucker size giving a more focussed, clear sound. 

Rewinding & Repairing Vintage Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Violin Bass Staple Pickups

Hofner Staple Pickups - Repair & Rewind

I've repaired & rewound a good number of these and one of the main issues is internal corrosion. Whether its the actual wire or flux used, deep inside the coil the actual start 'hook up' wire can corrode which, when leeching into the thin insulated copper wire, can effectively kill the pickup - making a rewind the only option left. I do try and repair them to as close as vintage specification and output as possible but it is better ti use some modern materials that will give the repaired & rewound pickup longevity.

Rewinding & Repairing Vintage Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Violin Bass Staple Pickups

Hofner Staple Pickup Rewind - Bridge & Neck Positions

Both bridge & Neck positions can have very similar outputs so a repair & rewind gives the opportunity to make more of a calibrated set, with good volume balance as you switch through the positions. A slightly underwound neck pickup helps to give better balance as its a naturally warmer, more resonant position so by under winding, or overwinding the bridge a little a good 'volume' balance can be achieved.

Rewinding & Repairing Vintage Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Violin Bass Staple Pickups

Rewinding an old Hofner 511B Nova-Sonic Staple Humbucker

The coil wire used in the originals were somewhere between 43AWG & 44AWG (Wire Gauge) so there's always a choice which to use with a modern rewind. I prefer to use the slightly thicker 43AWG just so there's a little less emphasis on the mid-range that more wraps of thinner coil wire can produce.

Anyway, if you're a Beatles fan you can hear these rewinds in action at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool where the house tribute band are playing them in their Violin Bass guitars.

You can read more about my Creamery Custom Guitar Pickup Repairs, Upgrades & Rewinds to original specs here