Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

Charlie Boo

Charlie Boo

New member
I am working on a swamp ash body wenge/ebony neck Warmoth build and am looking for a low-moderate output hum/s combo that will be versatile enough to cover classic/hard rock to country. When I spoke with Kevin at SD and told him I was leaning towards the '78 Model for the bridge, he suggested a custom shop five-two stack for the neck. However - the output for the neck would be higher than the bridge humbucker (12.8k vs 9k) -and I don't want a hotter neck than bridge configuration. After checking out vids of the five-two in action, I think it could be perfect for me in the neck, and if I go with the "standard" non-stacked five-two, the output is 6.5 ('78 bridge is roughly 9). My other consideration is an Alnico II Pro humbucker for the bridge, but I've always been curious about the '78. I'm fairly new to the forum, so any feedback would be appreciated on either/all pickups.

Thanks!!!!
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

Charlie Boo said:
I am working on a swamp ash body wenge/ebony neck Warmoth build and am looking for a low-moderate output hum/s combo that will be versatile enough to cover classic/hard rock to country. When I spoke with Kevin at SD and told him I was leaning towards the '78 Model for the bridge, he suggested a custom shop five-two stack for the neck. However - the output for the neck would be higher than the bridge humbucker (12.8k vs 9k) -and I don't want a hotter neck than bridge configuration. After checking out vids of the five-two in action, I think it could be perfect for me in the neck, and if I go with the "standard" non-stacked five-two, the output is 6.5 ('78 bridge is roughly 9). My other consideration is an Alnico II Pro humbucker for the bridge, but I've always been curious about the '78. I'm fairly new to the forum, so any feedback would be appreciated on either/all pickups.

Thanks!!!!
Click to expand...
dont put too much stock in those DCR numbers.. they are not absolute and only give you a very rough idea on output..as alot of other factors go into determining an output
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

right, you cant compare those numbers since one is a traditional gibson style humbucker and one is a stacked single coil size humbucker. the 78 will have more output than the 5/2 stack which will have a similar output to the non stack 5/2 it just wont hum.
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

Wait...did I hear you correctly? They make a five-two STACK??? If so my Strat may soon be getting a new bridge puckup :^)
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

its a custom shop pup
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

I've got a Custom Shop 5-2 Stack and it's a wonderful pickup... very balanced with lots of depth for a noiseless single.

Aside from the CS 5-2 Stack, get a regular ol' middle 5-2 stack and split the '78 with a push pull pot... your middle position will be noiseless.
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

Thanks for the input, guys ... I sold myself on a 5-2 - however - I have shifted my "output concern" to a concern over the staggered pole pieces on a compound radius neck - lol. I'm afraid the 16" radius at the heel is going to "clash" with the staggered pole pieces and my 3/4 strings are going to be way too close to the strings. I really don't want to wait for a custom shop, and I can live with "hum" in the neck, since I don't plan on playing with a lot of gain in that position - but if I go 5-2 custom shop, I'll be able to request flat pole piece. $150 is a lot, though - ha ha. Maybe I'll just roll with an Alnico II flat in the neck ... decisions, decisions ...
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

zendmindbeginner - What radius neck do you have on your guitar? I'm going to install a compound radius neck and I'm worried about the staggered pole pieces.
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

How about something like a Cool Rail?
 
Re: Custom Shop '78 Model Bridge w/ Five-Two Strat Neck? Anyone try or have opinion?

I agree with the flat polepiece idea, although one of my guitars w/ a compound radius uses a Five Two middle which is never on by itself. An SSL-2 might be the choice for your neck. Just be careful of the balance between the bridge and neck HB. You can bump up to the Custom Flat, but then you start to get away from vintage-ness.
 
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