using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

[Ro_S]

I'm aware that neck and bridge pick-ups are designed with different distances between their respective pole pieces, to deal with the way the strings taper from the bridge towards the neck and nut.
However, the difference in the distance is only minimal. The overall distance between the two E strings' pole pieces is typically something like 52mm (neck) and 54mm (bridge), I gather.

So, my question I seek advice about is:
I have a neck pick-up which - because it's a lower output humbucker - I'm considering intalling in the bridge position. Due to its narrower pole piece distance, though, will this have any notable/significant/important detrimental impact on its performance? How big a deal is this issue?

Thanks

 

[jeremy]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

typically it isnt a big issue at all

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

typically it isnt a big issue at all

I agree. In most cases, I think the issue of pole pieces lining up perfectly with the strings is more cosmetic.

That said, I've never liked any neck pickup I've tried in the bridge, but I'm not really big on low output bridge pickups.

 

[Heaven&Hell]

using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

I have never had a problem with the pole pieces not being in line with the strings. It's more of an OCD thing.


Metal for life!!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

Depending on the pickup, I'd say you may only notice a difference when you bend the high E up enough to center it over the pole, and you may (as I have) notice a slight increase in the volume of that string when doing so. If it's a low-output pickup, the effect may be more noticeable than with a high-output pickup, which is hot enough to pick up the string as long as it's got enough tension to make noise.

As an aside, you may find your E-strings are slightly quieter than the others, especially when playing clean, where that open high E might not ring out as clearly when doing certain chords, or that low E might not have quite as much depth as you'd prefer. This is definitely much more noticeable with a low-output pickup in my experience.

As well, you may find your neck pickup (in the neck position) to be louder than the bridge. A couple of years ago I took a JB and a 59 and made two hybrids with them. The neck is noticeably louder than the bridge, yet it's the 59 coil that's closest to the neck and the bridge positions (JB coils on the inside).

 

[Ro_S]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

I've got a Tele neck chromed-covered single coil pick-up; it has a bar magnet. Would that work okay in the bridge position in relation to the pole spacings?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

Tele neck pickup and bridge pickup mounting is completely different.

 

[Ro_S]

Re: using a neck pick-up in the bridge position: distance between pole pieces

I've got a Tele neck chromed-covered single coil pick-up; it has a bar magnet. Would that work okay in the bridge position in relation to the pole spacings?

Tele neck pickup and bridge pickup mounting is completely different.

To clarify, I'm don't propose to use it on Tele.