Stainless Steel pole pieces??

[FrettyMcgee]

Sexy topic, I know.

I'm gearing up to try my second attempt at winding some pickups. I'm wondering what the deal is with possibly using stainless steel poles. But after a bit of research I realized that almost all stainless steel isn't magnetic. But I'm assuming it is conductive. So the obvious question is are they a good candidate for humbuckers? How much affect would they have on tone vs a magnetic screw? Anyone have experience with this?

[anotherfreak]

Can stainless steel be magnetized by another magnet? Like the ones in the base of a pickup?

It would prolly sound like a pickup with no slugs

[hamerhead]

Certain stainless is magnetic. Whether or not it's good for pole pieces I don't know.

'Ferritic stainless steels are generally magnetic, while the most common austenitic stainless steels usually are not. These have a higher chromium content, and nickel is also added. It is the nickel which modifies the physical structure of the steel and makes it non-magnetic.'*

*Stolen from the internet.

[JGravelin]

Hi Fretty,

Stainless steel will work as long as it's the 400 type (416 or 430), but most of the 5/40 fillister head SS screws out there aren't made of that. There are no 400 type stainless slugs commercially available to the best of my knowledge.

Would the non-magnetic extremely low conductivity SS varieties produce sound? To a degree, yes, but don't expect much output at all. Could be great for the "sounds like ass!" tone all the kids love these days, but I'm just speculating - I've never tried it. Perhaps I will now, just to see what happens. Why not!

I believe that Gibson uses a 400 type SS in a couple of pickups, or at least they used to.

Personally, I'd suggest sticking with the standard carbon steels: 1010, 1018, 1022, or 1215 as examples. I hope this is helpful!

[FrettyMcgee]

Thanks for the replies guys, its been really helpful....especially you, hertz!