Wide spaced h/bucker for lap slide 6 string.

[Len Biglin]

Hi all , I have on my bench a lap log 6 string with weak pickup , it's due to extra wide spacing of the strings.I have measured it out and a 7 string p/up will fit the spacing perfectly but then some of the inner strings won't align with the poles . So does any one know of a 6 string pickup in h/buck format that will span 2 1/2" or 62mm ? Any opinions about using the 7 string pickup as above.Is there a h/bucker that has rails extending to the edge , enabling wider spacing of strings ?Thanks for any clues, I wish the maker had nutted this out before he sold it . Len

[Russell Vance]

An "Off the shelf" 7 string spacing blade pickup that is reasonable priced is the DiMarzio X2N-7 (DP 705) - it is a dual blade humbucker and has 4 conductor wiring so it can be coil tapped to use as a single coil or other alternative wiring schemes. Using a 7 string 7 pole pickup with misalignment will cause some inbalance - probably better to just buy a X2N-7 or similar blade pickup. Rusty.

[Mac Walker]

For a potentially more cost effective solution, look at EMG select from stewmac (if you don't mind the look of this pickup), about $24. It has a blade pole piece which eliminates the need to align the strings. You'd need to call them to see what the internal blade dimension is and make sure it's within your string span at the mounting location.

I've used these pickups in standard guitar applications with good results, just removed the "select" label with fine grained sandpaper....

[Russell Vance]

The 6 string EMG Select pickup is not wide enough - the magnetic aperture is designed for 6 string spacing which is around 55mm for "F" or Trem spacing standard. EMG make a 7 string spacing pickup which would work but it is active (needs a battery and low impedance pots) and expensive. Rusty.

[Len Biglin]

Wow ! you guys are amazing ! I didn't expect any replies on this. Rusty I will go with you're suggestion it sounds perfect.Hope AMS have one in stock.Thanks again Len

[Ron Frazier]

If the pickup is wider than the strings you can angle the pickup to match the outside strings . Another thing if the pickup is shorter than string spacing try laying a flat piece of iron the magnets that will reach just beyond the outside strings. Adjust for height .

Ron

[Len Biglin]

thanks Ron , I was thinking the same way, but its a new guitar and I would have to expose the existing pickup cavity, and I doubt the iron would look to classy.thanks Len