Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

[Chistopher]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

A compass works a lot better.

Eh. Maybe. I have plenty of Alnico just laying around, so whatever works.

 

[PicoRiveraTele]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

Thanks Dave. This is the first one I built... no photoshop. Here are two more I just finished up:

So far I've tried cheap ($15-20 each) tele-style pickups from random ebay sellers, some gold foils in the tele size (too thin -not enough warmth or middle for me), and SD Quarter Pound and Hot Tele's. I like the idea of sticking to one format/size so I don't have to make a bunch of different router templates, and then players can drop in different pickups if they want. And, the tele pu shape suits the shape of the body... I don't think I could stomach installing rectangular pickups in there. Hopefully, I'll be able to narrow my choices down to 2-3 different options that could come stock with the guitar... but, yeah... I've gone down many late-night online rabbit holes reading reviews, comparing spec sheets, listening to sound clips, etc.

I agree with the toggle switch on that first one...it's not ideal. I went with a larger Switchcraft switch on the white one. The bridge is an ABM 3021. It's fine, but I'd like to design my own when I get the time. I'd really prefer a fender-height bridge (it's hard for these tele-style pickups to reach high enough with a LP height bridge the way I have them mounted in the body), but I like the simplicity of a wraparound bridge and I much prefer a solid bar of aluminum over stamped steel.

I should probably make a tester guitar with a means of quickly swapping pickups just for comparison. For now, I'll build a couple more to work out the kinks before we offer any for sale. I hope this won't break any anti-self-promotion rule (happy to edit if it does) but, if you're curious, you can follow the project on Instagram: @bethguitars.

Thanks again to everybody that responded with info -you've given me lots to think about and do further research on!

Those look stunning. The way you're using Tele neck pickups reminds me of lipstick tube style pickups, but the Tele pickups are a whole lot smaller.

Back in the 50's, the guitar makers disparaged the Tele as looking like a boat paddle, but in this case it's like the central theme of the guitar.

 

[nblake]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

Those look stunning. The way you're using Tele neck pickups reminds me of lipstick tube style pickups, but the Tele pickups are a whole lot smaller.

Back in the 50's, the guitar makers disparaged the Tele as looking like a boat paddle, but in this case it's like the central theme of the guitar.

Thanks man! Yeah, there's definitely some Danelectro inspiration too... my mother in law made a comment about the "pizza paddle" guitars and I was like "crap... I hope that won't be what people call them"....haha.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

Ah, I didn't realize you were already producing these, although strat pickups would open up a world of options without a huge size/shape difference. But the Tele neck pickup certainly is the smallest, smoothest, most minimalist pickup I can think of. I do think the switchcraft toggle looks better; it fits in with the theme.

Thanks for the reply on the bridge. If you want to go lower you could always try recessing the wraparound, or make your own variation, either as a wraparound or running the strings through from the back over a thin bar?

Congratulations on coming up with a design that is truly original but still somehow fits within the paradigm of what an electric guitar looks like.

 

[nblake]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

Ah, I didn't realize you were already producing these, although strat pickups would open up a world of options without a huge size/shape difference. But the Tele neck pickup certainly is the smallest, smoothest, most minimalist pickup I can think of. I do think the switchcraft toggle looks better; it fits in with the theme.

Thanks for the reply on the bridge. If you want to go lower you could always try recessing the wraparound, or make your own variation, either as a wraparound or running the strings through from the back over a thin bar?

Congratulations on coming up with a design that is truly original but still somehow fits within the paradigm of what an electric guitar looks like.

Thanks Dave! It's certainly been humbling (as a furniture maker who assumed luthiery would be a simple, lateral move). I really wanted to create this simple "bean" shape, but I'll concede that without a "waist" it's not as comfortable to play sitting down as a traditional shape... unless you kinda cradle it in your lap like a spanish classical guitar. But, we'll have a new body shape coming that is hopefully still original (wacky) enough but creates a recess for your leg. Still lots to learn... thanks for the encouragement!

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

If you're still looking at the QP Tele Neck for a bridge pickup (I think that might work pretty well) and you aren't interested in degaussing/recharging, a RWRP Tele neck pickup might be easier to find that a reverse wound QP. Just a thought.

PS: On the subject of slippage when playing seated, have you considered a non-slip strip for the lower edge? Something akin to the ones on vintage Flying Vs. There are self-adhesive strips at hardware stores for use on stairways.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Tele-style neck pickup in the bridge position?

I was just thinking. The OP could add a middle pickup and keep the 3-way toggle. You could also add a semi-recessed rubber strip (like on Flying Vs) to stop it from sliding around.

Take this and market it as the "Pizza Paddle Plus" for the classier, more discerning comsumer.