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Eric
December 3rd, 2009, 10:27 PM
Hi.

I've been warming up to the SX Tele I bought a while back, and find that I really enjoy a lot about the design of a Tele. However, I've been thinking about changing out the pickups some day (not real soon), and would like opinions on it.

I'm interested in swapping out the two single coils for a humbucker and P90. I don't have any experience with P90s right now, so one part of this whole thing would be to, you know, try out some P90s first to see if I like 'em. However, for the purposes of this thread, let's assume that's the final setup.

Where would you put the two pickups position-wise? HB in the neck and P90 in the bridge? That's my initial thought, but I figured all of you would probably have some actual reasons for your recommendations.

Also, any recommendations for pickups? Bear in mind that I'm pretty cheap by nature, so good value is probably high on the priority list, and it's also a freaking $100 guitar.

Thanks!

Tig
December 3rd, 2009, 10:50 PM
I'd put the humbucker at the bridge, and the P-90 at the neck. I hope you have a way of modding the guitar body and pickguard to make 'em fit.

While I'd love some Throwback vintage style humbuckers (http://gundrymedia.typepad.com/throbak_electronics/2008/07/throbak-vintage.html), or anything from Lindy Fralin (http://www.fralinpickups.com/default.asp) or Lollar (http://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/merchant.mvc), the reality of not being employed keeps me in the same boat.
That doesn't mean that there's nothing left worth considering, because for the money, Tonerider (http://www.tonerider.com/pickups/pickups_main.html) is a good option. There are a few stores in eBay (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=tonerider+pickups&_sacat=See-All-Categories) that carry them. Maybe others can come up with some good choices.

Commodore 64
December 4th, 2009, 07:17 AM
Installing humbuckers will necessitate other changes, including switching to 500k pots, I think. I'm also new to this modding stuff. I'm starting with a $45 guitar, and ordered parts from GFS. I got my lipstick pickup and strat rewire kit from GFS yesterday. I'm hoping to mod my Epi Strat Copy this weekend.

If you stick with singles, you could get some relatively cheap ones at GFS, and see how they sound:

Classic Tele Pickup. (http://store.guitarfetish.com/altenepiclch.html) From the description (take with grain of salt, of course): "You know the problem with Tele neck pickups- The great looking and vintage correct chrome covered pickups tend to sound dead and totally bassy- and the non-covered pickups kill the look of your guitar. Here's a great vintage style pickup with enough snap and string response to overcome the problem, and they're loud and full!"

GFS also sells humbuckers that fit into teles with no modifications. Check it out. (http://store.guitarfetish.com/catepisetmvi.html) Not sure if you'd need new pots too, though.

Edit: Those toneriders seem cool too. Here's a link to a store in the US that sells them: http://pickersparts.auctivacommerce.com/Tonerider-Pickups-C31417.aspx

Eric
December 4th, 2009, 07:41 AM
If you stick with singles, you could get some relatively cheap ones at GFS, and see how they sound
Thanks, but I'm not interested in single coil pickup upgrades in this guitar. My question is about the config of the two and suggestions for pickups to buy. I'll definitely consider GFS.

oldguy
December 4th, 2009, 08:36 AM
I'd buy another SX w/ P90's in it. If you don't like them you can sell the guitar.

wingsdad
December 4th, 2009, 08:48 AM
Thanks, but I'm not interested in single coil pickup upgrades in this guitar. My question is about the config of the two and suggestions for pickups to buy. I'll definitely consider GFS.

A P-90 is a single coil. If I were mixing one with a bucker, since it's a Tele, I'd go P90/bridge, bucker/neck....if it were worth it. Frankly, with a $100 SX Tele, IMHO, you'd be wasting your money. OG's suggestion of buying another SX or Agile with the GFS 'P-90' pups is a better move, or shall I say, a better way to spend 100 bucks, since the GFS pups go for about 60-80 of those bucks and the other 50 bucks are for the high quality woods and hardware.

Eric
December 4th, 2009, 09:12 AM
A P-90 is a single coil.
Touche. As you could probably surmise, I was talking about the Fender single coils. My mistake. The point is that I'm not necessarily going for the signature Tele sound.


If I were mixing one with a bucker, since it's a Tele, I'd go P90/bridge, bucker/neck....if it were worth it. Frankly, with a $100 SX Tele, IMHO, you'd be wasting your money. OG's suggestion of buying another SX or Agile with the GFS 'P-90' pups is a better move, or shall I say, a better way to spend 100 bucks, since the GFS pups go for about 60-80 of those bucks and the other 50 bucks are for the high quality woods and hardware.
Interesting. Something like that was a concern for me, and a reason why I hesitated when thinking about switching pups in a guitar like this. That's good input though; thanks for clarifying.

marnold
December 4th, 2009, 09:26 AM
My concern would be how much work you'd have to do on the guitar. As was mentioned, you'd need new pots. If the bridge is a standard Tele-style bridge you'd need a new one of those to fit a full-sized humbucker in there (Gotoh makes one that isn't frightfully expensive). You'd also need a new pickguard to fit either a P90 or a humbucker at the neck. You might even need to route out the body a little bit. While I admire the concept, it seems like an awful lot of changes.

oldguy
December 4th, 2009, 09:28 AM
A P-90 is a single coil. OG's suggestion of buying another SX or Agile with the GFS 'P-90' pups is a better move, or shall I say, a better way to spend 100 bucks, since the GFS pups go for about 60-80 of those bucks and the other 50 bucks are for the high quality woods and hardware.

That's what I was alluding to. If you just want to hear P-90's or HB's in a guitar I'd buy another cheap SX. If you know the Tele's the axe for you and want the HB/P90 combo I'd upgrade to a G&L (right, wings?:AOK ) or a Fender and use that as the platform to build on.

wingsdad
December 4th, 2009, 09:36 AM
..If you know the Tele's the axe for you and want the HB/P90 combo I'd upgrade to a G&L (right, wings?:AOK ) or a Fender and use that as the platform to build on.
Exactly, OG. A USA G&L would be going to extremes, but the import G&L Tribute ASAT models offer some possibilities, coming loaded with the same USA G&L pups as their American brethren.

In any case, if you're going to upgrade, do so on a quality platform.

Thre's an expression that comes to mind here, and I'm bound to tick some folks off, but....

"You can't polish a turd. All you get is a polished turd."

Eric
December 4th, 2009, 10:00 AM
import G&L Tribute ASAT models offer some possibilities, coming loaded with the same USA G&L pups as their American brethren.

In any case, if you're going to upgrade, do so on a quality platform.

Thre's an expression that comes to mind here, and I'm bound to tick some folks off, but....

"You can't polish a turd. All you get is a polished turd."
I'm not one of the ones you're going to annoy. I just know that I don't have the discriminating tastes to justify major expenditures in most cases, particularly when I have three electric guitars already.

Where do you find a G&L guitar with both of these pickups? Most guitars I see are one or the other.

oldguy
December 4th, 2009, 11:06 AM
Where do you find a G&L guitar with both of these pickups? Most guitars I see are one or the other.

I was referring to using one as a platform to build on, as in installing the pickup combination you want, but only if you're sure the Tele style guitar is the one you want as your go-to guitar.
If I were doing this for myself, I'd probably use my Agile3000 for the platform, 'cause I've grown fond of a LP style. A P90 in a Paul sounds pretty sweet to my ears.
In fact, if you're just curious about P90's you could install one in your 3100, that's a sweet axe for the money.

Eric
December 4th, 2009, 11:16 AM
In fact, if you're just curious about P90's you could install one in your 3100, that's a sweet axe for the money.
Fair point -- they do make HB-sized P90s, don't they?

The 3100 is the only axe I regularly use publicly right now, and it's what has made me realize I will probably always want the option of a HB pup.

I'll probably tool around a P90 at GC for a long time before I decide to do anything. I was really just trying to make the Tele something I would use more regularly for serious applications, but it might not be worth it. Maybe I'll see if I can find a beginning guitarist and hand it off to them. It plays well enough, but I just don't know if I would use it as my main guitar right now. As you've noted, that's probably not a reason to pump more money into it.

Tig
December 4th, 2009, 12:12 PM
OK, slow day for me thanks to mixed frozen rain and snow...

A stacked humbucker could fit into either pickup position.

A fairly cheap but much better quality Squier Vintage Modified Tele SH (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301235506) has a humbucker in the neck, and a stacked humbucker in the bridge's single coil space. You could even add one of the many P-90's that are humbucker sized to it later.
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/prod_images/guitars/0301235506_md.jpg http://www.squierguitars.com/products/prod_images/guitars/0301235525_md.jpg


The Squier Vintage Modified Tele Custom II (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0327602506) comes with 2 P-90's.
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/prod_images/guitars/0327602506_md.jpg


There's also the John5 Squier J5 Telecaster (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301005506), which could be modded with a HB sized P-90 in either position.
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/prod_images/guitars/0301005506_md.jpg


But wait, that's not all! :nope

There's also the Xaviere (http://store.guitarfetish.com/xvsesehocu.html)XV-600 Semi Hollow (http://store.guitarfetish.com/xvsesehocu.html) with P-90's.
http://www.guitarfetish.com/600B.jpg http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-50206111187217_2079_16702169

Or even the Xaviere XV-825 Solid Ash "KEEF" Model (http://store.guitarfetish.com/xvsoashkmomi.html)- Mini Hum neck Pickup.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-50206111187217_2079_18458101

wingsdad
December 5th, 2009, 11:00 AM
Where do you find a G&L guitar with both of these pickups? Most guitars I see are one or the other.
You won't, mainly because G&L doesn't make a true P90 - their large MFD (Magnetic Field Design) single coil looks like one and is often innacurately assumed to be their version of one, but it's really not. It's an outstanding pickup, though.

Besides, the only G&L, ASAT, Legacy, or Commanche, close to realistic for you - would be a Tribute version. Unlike the USA's, Tributes are 'production runs' of only the most popular-selling USA's in limited finish and fingerboard options, and no neck options -- Tribute ASATs have a 9" fingerboard radius...kind of a compromise between the slim 7 1/2" and the more-Strat like 12".

If you're looking for a single-coil/humbucker with a Tele body feel and vibe and that operates like one, then a Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow (http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/TributeSeries/guitars/ASAT_Classic_BBSH/index.asp) may be worth a look. I have a USA custom-ordered one; out of your range, for sure. But the Tribute is really a good compromise. Instead of the Duncan Seth Lover neck bucker, it has G&L's own alnico 2 bar mag 'version'.

ZMAN
December 6th, 2009, 10:04 AM
Eric: I would make sure you try out a P90 guitar before you do any swapping. If you are used to a humbucker you may not be able to put up with the noise of a P90.
Also the cheaper they are the more noise there is. They pick up every electrical signal and in some cases radio programs. They are only humcancelling in the middle position with both volumes fairly close. They are in a world of their own tone wise. But if you like the raw punch of it they might suit you well. I am only saying this because if you are used to a quiet humbucking guitar, or a Strat with hum cancelling pickup selections you will notice the difference immediately. Also make sure you use the same amp as you have at home if at all possible.
Oh and by "quiet" I mean no background humming, only the sound of the strings being picked.

Eric
December 6th, 2009, 12:54 PM
Eric: I would make sure you try out a P90 guitar before you do any swapping. If you are used to a humbucker you may not be able to put up with the noise of a P90.
Also the cheaper they are the more noise there is. They pick up every electrical signal and in some cases radio programs. They are only humcancelling in the middle position with both volumes fairly close. They are in a world of their own tone wise. But if you like the raw punch of it they might suit you well. I am only saying this because if you are used to a quiet humbucking guitar, or a Strat with hum cancelling pickup selections you will notice the difference immediately. Also make sure you use the same amp as you have at home if at all possible.
Oh and by "quiet" I mean no background humming, only the sound of the strings being picked.
Good points. I had read some of that stuff about P90s, and I wasn't going to do this pickup swap until far in the future, but I will admit that I didn't know they were quite as touchy as you describe. I definitely plan to spend some time getting to know P90s before I do anything with this.

ZMAN
December 6th, 2009, 02:04 PM
Yeh Eric I am in no way bashing P90s. I have two P90 guitars. I have owned one since 1969. They are fun to play and give you a distinct tone for sure. The reason the humbucker was invented was the 60cycle hum and the feedback issues with them. A lot of guys like the old school approach and the dirtier the better. I just thought I would give you a heads up on them.
I think everyone should have a least one P90 guitar, a humbucker and a single coil guitar. Active pickups ala EMGs etc. I have no experience.

sumitomo
December 7th, 2009, 08:44 AM
Hey guys don't forget P-rails then you can have it all in both positions (that dosen't sound right) but you can.Sumi:D

M29
December 7th, 2009, 09:13 AM
I put GFS P90's (Dream and Mean 90's) if I remember correctly. They fit the humbucking route in my Turser Cleopatra semi-hollow body and I love them. I get compliments on the sound all the time. They have clarity and a sweet growl and for the life of me I can't understand why they are so quiet, even in single mode. I am thinking about getting a pair for my Epi LP Studio.

FrankenFretter
December 7th, 2009, 01:52 PM
Eric, I have an SX SJM-62 (http://www.rondomusic.com/sjm62pbu.html) with P-90s, and I love the tone. They've got to be cheap, rather low-quality pickups for them to be in a guitar at that price point, but they still sound pretty darn good. I've entertained the idea of changing them out for some AlNiCo pickups, but unless I could find something really good for really cheap, I don't really see the point. I own two SXs, and a Douglas, so you can either consider me cheap, or frugal. My other SX, a Strat knock off, is still in the process of being modded (http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=12128). I need to get myself a router before I can break that stalemate.

P-90s definitely have their own character. I plan on buying a goldtop Les Paul (probably the Epi version, since I'm...frugal) with P-90s at some point in the future. I have to agree with OG, that you'd be better off buying another SX than to undertake such major surgery on your current git. Boy, a G&L would be sweet, though. My ex-roommate had one, and it's always been his favorite out of all the guitars he's owned. Sounded great, too.

Good luck with your future decisions, Eric. Sounds like you've got a lot to consider now.

-Sean

Eric
December 7th, 2009, 03:16 PM
I own two SXs, and a Douglas, so you can either consider me cheap, or frugal.

Yeah, I took a look at your pictures and must say that I think we run on the same wavelength as far as cheap guitars and accessories are concerned.

It's good to know that GFS pickups are a viable option.

ZMAN
December 7th, 2009, 03:24 PM
If you are looking for a budget LP with P90s take a look at the Vintage Icon Gt series. They have Wilkinson p90s and wilkinson bridges and hardware. I purchased on last year for 419 Can. It needed a fret job, that cost me 95 dollars including strings and a set up. Now is is probably one of the best playing LPs that I own.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a392/Stewz/P1220151.jpg

FrankenFretter
December 7th, 2009, 05:49 PM
If you are looking for a budget LP with P90s take a look at the Vintage Icon Gt series. They have Wilkinson p90s and wilkinson bridges and hardware. I purchased on last year for 419 Can. It needed a fret job, that cost me 95 dollars including strings and a set up. Now is is probably one of the best playing LPs that I own.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a392/Stewz/P1220151.jpg

I checked those out earlier this year, and they look great. Last time I looked, they weren't available in the US, though. Has that changed, Z?

(Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this thread, Eric. :thwap )

ZMAN
December 7th, 2009, 08:14 PM
Sorry but I am in Canada. I thought you could get them in the US.
The Wilkinson P90s are hotter than the Gibsons I have. Still a little noisey but that could be the rest of the electronics. Middle position is noisless though. Quite a nice tone. I am pretty sure you can buy the pickups separate from Wilkinson. Another option for Eric.

Duff
December 8th, 2009, 03:00 PM
I have a Squire black Vintage Modified Custom II with twin duncan designed noise cancelling in the middle position pickups and it sounds really great.

I have a solid mahogany w mahogany set neck SX LP special copy with twin SX P nineties that are not noise cancelling but they still sound great and it roars!

Commodore 64
December 10th, 2009, 09:25 AM
Man, there's a local seller with an Agile LP with P90s. He's also selling an SX tele. Sooooo tempting.

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/msg/1502984227.html
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/msg/1503000972.html

Eric
December 10th, 2009, 09:37 AM
Man, there's a local seller with an Agile LP with P90s. He's also selling an SX tele. Sooooo tempting.

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/msg/1502984227.html
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/msg/1503000972.html
Haha, you're getting right into the swing of over-purchasing, aren't you? Want to buy some of my stuff?

Duff
December 10th, 2009, 12:41 PM
On the rondomusic.com page you can get brand new ones of these for almost the same price, plus shipping.

Don't know if you knew that.

I would definitely try to talk him down.