suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

[Curly]

I'm starting to plan a new custom project. I thought I would do something a little different this time.
It will look something like this:

It's a '51 STP body. (That pic is from USACG's gallery.)

I plan to use P90 neck/ strat mid/ tele bridge pickups, with a vintage style tele bridge. I got the idea for the pickups from Richard Thompson's "Ferringtoncaster".

I have some concerns about balance, since a P90 neck is fairly hot at 8.2K. This means I'll probably need a hotter bridge, like a Broadcaster wound to 9 or 10K.

Also, the single volume and tone controls make blending tones and balancing volume a little tricky. I thought that some options like N&B and "all 3 in series" would be cool, but that would defeat the idea of simplicity.

Anyway, I'd like to know if anyone has any ideas, suggestions, or input on this project.

Thanks kindly

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

I think that a SSL-1 would work well in the mid, being that it still has a fair amount of string excursion at the mid position. For the bridge, I vote for the Hot Tele lead with a tap.It will have enough push to keep up with the P-90, but still have great tele twang with some wiring mods.

 

[Curly]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

I have an SD Vintage P90 for the neck, and yeah, I was planning on either an SSL or APS in the mid. I hadn't considered a Hot tapped tele bridge - I know that's one of Evan's favorites, and I have a CS set of "Seymour's favorite" tele set with a hot tapped bridge version.

 

[MikeRocker]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

I'm beginning work on a Tele with/for my brother, and he wants a similar configuration. He's thinking (b/m/n): Tele 5-2/Strat-sized CS Antiquity Johnny Farina Stringmaster/Phat Cat. I may try to talk him into a different bridge, as people don't seem to be overwhelmed by the 5-2 Tele bridge. I'm going to use a blend switch for the bridge/neck. I'd say I'll let you know how it turns out, but as we're only gonna start the first coats this week, it might take quite a while to be finished!

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

Curly,

Don't mind the output issue that much. My JD in the bridge of my ash tele overpowers the antiquity neck HB to get an alive bridge neck position. I have used a 59n (with the stock magnet) in that tele as well. Still there were no problems of output. But of course height adjustments would be needed.

Why don't you get phat cat neck. I am definitely not an expert on p90s but from what I have learnt PhatCats sound a little more polite than the originals. The neck I believe is like 7.50K. And since you'd be using a fender scale neck, that politeness would be a good thing because you'd already have more highs than more of that defined bass than what you'd get from the neck p90 in the neck position of a LP. Me thinks!

Keep us updated.

B

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

Gary,

Im still going P-90 in the neck, SSL or APS in the middle and a JD in the bridge. For the switching, you can do quite a bit with a Super or Mega switch then go with a volume and tone control. It's gonna be a tone monster!

 

[Curly]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

thanks for the input!

Dr B,
thanks, it's good to know you got those to balance out. I do think an HB rout would give me more choices, but I think P90s look so cool! I agree I'll have to do some height adjusting to balance things just right.

Christian,
I agree - the JD's in the running - I plugged in my alder tele with a JD the other day, and it sounded fine. I also put a meter on my spare Broadcaster, and it was 8.2K! I had to check again, but that's what it read. So, I might just start with pickups I already have, and just get the mid strat.

the Super switch is probably the way to go, too

thanks again ... I'm looking forward to this!

 

[Frebnedzo]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

If theres any price difference I don't think you need a super-witch,
you don't need auto-splitting or anything so 5 way strat switch
will give you all combinations.

I would go for warm and not too hot strat in the middle, APS-1, to
have some sweetness in the 3 position and to try to get a lot of
quack in the 2 and 4 positions.

A push/pull tone knob for the bridge tap and you still have the
volume knob to hide one more tone. I'd use it to "add" bridge
or neck to the 5-way output. This would give you "neck+bridge"
and "all three" connections, which may be very usable "airy and
clean" sounds.

Should be an absolute blues machine.

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

thanks for the input!

Dr B,
thanks, it's good to know you got those to balance out. I do think an HB rout would give me more choices, but I think P90s look so cool! I agree I'll have to do some height adjusting to balance things just right.

Christian,
I agree - the JD's in the running - I plugged in my alder tele with a JD the other day, and it sounded fine. I also put a meter on my spare Broadcaster, and it was 8.2K! I had to check again, but that's what it read. So, I might just start with pickups I already have, and just get the mid strat.

the Super switch is probably the way to go, too

thanks again ... I'm looking forward to this!

Curly,

You could think of dual concentric pots for more options. I would. Indeed, I have a tendency to turn every guitar into one where the controls "start to interfere with my drinking" (as Scott Miller put it). :smack: Anyway, that's why'd think of! :banana:

B

 

[Artie]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

Curly; If you don't absolutely have to have a nickel-covered neck, I'm discovering how (almost) perfect the Stag Mag is as a Tele neck pup. Especially if you split it. It mates perfectly with an Ant II, and probably would with a JD also.

Just a thought.

Artie

 

[Curly]

Re: suggestions for P90/ strat/ tele setup

thanks for all the input

B, I did think about concentric pots, but don't know if I'd get used to them. It would solve some issues though.

I plan to keep it simple as possible, which means a regular (non-tapped) pup in the bridge - I'll try a Broadcaster or JD first. Probably a flat version SSL or APS in the mid, and my Vintage SD P90 neck.

I'll deal with the balance issues as much as possible by adjusting heights, and consider a push pull for one more tone option.

thanks again