P-90 tap Possible?

[Aceman]

The was a thread a while back about a "tap" technically being when you run a line out of a single coil. This got me thinking...could you wire a P-90 to be like say, a custom or hot, and then "tap" it so it could run just like a vintage? I've always wanted an LP Junior, but the one pup thing scares me. This way I could go Vintage or Kicked-up....can that be done? Or would it end up a weak hot/custom?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

I think it can be done. The only thing to do would be to decide whether you want ceramics (like on a Custom) or alnico mags.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

I'm sure MJ or Seymour could do that for you. It would be a Duncan Custom Shop job though. Lew

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

Yes, it can be done. You could order one from Duncan's Custom Shop.

I have a Phat Cat ('bucker sized P90) that I had MJ rewind to 7.5k with a tap at 7.0k.

If you get a Duncan Custom P90, you might want to experiment with the magnets some. Ceramics will probably sound a bit shrill and sterile at vintage wind levels (+/-8.0k) and not very vintage.

Alnico 5 will probably do the trick, though several of us have ordered some special Alnico 8 bar mags so stay tuned for the results on those -- according to Wicked Lester who has one in his Custom, they are the ideal combination of Alnico 2, 5 and ceramic. If true, then Alnico 8 will probably be the best magnet for your tapped P90.

Looking forward to trying mine out when they come in...

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

Another thing you may want to consider is having MJ wind it up to the vintage tap with #42 wire (thicker, used in vintage winds) and then the rest of the way with #43 (thinner, used in high output pu's) wire if #42 wire is too thick to fit on the bobbin to get that 14k or 16k spec.

This will ensure that your vintage tap sounds more vintage.

 

[Aceman]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

That's the real trick I suppose: Getting the balance from the "vintage" A2 sound and "Custom" A5 all in one pup....

Thanks Lew - I knew it was a custom job. And if possible I'm sure MJ and Seymour could do it. I'm just not sure it's possible. My man Z makes a great point about a thin-wound ceramic. And I don't know if the wire change is even possible!

Although maybe the A8 solution is the way to go...I'll wait a bit on that. Still too new. There shoul;d be a reserved A8 thread...

Zhangliqun - I sent you some props on a CC thread. When it comes to the engineering side -you are the man! Where did you get your degree?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

That's a great idea, tapped P90s. I think a pair of tapped Hots would work nicely for me. I'm just not sure if I'm willing to fork out for it...

 

[Aceman]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

There's something to be said for a classic p-90. But sometimes you want to go to "11" as Nigel Tufnel would say...or maybe you are on 11 and want to go to 7! Either way. And Nobody out there say Pickup Booster!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

With a high ouput pickup like a p-90, a $20 Lawrence Q-filter would be worth a try. Hooked up to a tone pot, it progressively lowers the impedance of the pickup, making it sound increasingly glassier and ending almost acoustic. Like a virtual pickup unwinder that doesn't make it quieter. You could also hook it to a switch loaded with a favorite preset resistance. More info: http://p082.ezboard.com/fguitarsbyfenderfrm8.showMessage?topicID=16.topic

http://billlawrence.com

 

[Aceman]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

Dude - I never heard of that - Awesome!!!!!! Thanks. I may still want the pup - but I will check this thing out!

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: P-90 tap Possible?

With a high ouput pickup like a p-90, a $20 Lawrence Q-filter would be worth a try. Hooked up to a tone pot, it progressively lowers the impedance of the pickup, making it sound increasingly glassier and ending almost acoustic. Like a virtual pickup unwinder that doesn't make it quieter. You could also hook it to a switch loaded with a favorite preset resistance. More info: http://p082.ezboard.com/fguitarsbyfenderfrm8.showMessage?topicID=16.topic

http://billlawrence.com

You can also achieve something like that by putting a cap across the 2 lugs of your volume pot. I think I'm using .002 microfahrad. I think.