5 String PUP in a 4 string 70's Fender

[irritantbassist]

Ok heres the plan.

(Still looking for a good model of 5 string Pickup passive)

Want to stick a 5 string humbucker at the bridge of my 78 Fender P 4 string.

Anyone know if this is a good idea or not? Have heard that it can greatly increase tone capabilities with the added lower frequencies.

Niall

[ibz]

That doesn't seem like a good idea any way you look at it...

[infect]

That'd be strongly ill-advised

[smogg]

the four string spacing will probably not line up correctly over the poles of a five string pup. look at 4 string pups that match your string spacing at the bridge.
good hunting

[!Rob!]

I love modding my axes, that being said I don't know if I would do this particular mod.

I assume you need to enlarge the cavity?, (scary, especially if it doesn't end up to your liking).

Now, if you were to find HB's with "blades" then the string spacing etc, is no longer an issue.

You might want to try replacing with another brand of "P" style. Like Duncans, Bill Lawrence P45s, Barts. I'm sure you can find something that gives you the sound you are looking for, without the major facelift on the Fender.

Good Luck, keep us posted.

[The Penguin]

Originally Posted by irritantbassist

Have heard that it can greatly increase tone capabilities with the added lower frequencies.

Niall

5 string pickups don't have lower frequencies than 4's. A Tele bridge pickup will pick up a low B.

[DavidRavenMoon]

Originally Posted by irritantbassist

Have heard that it can greatly increase tone capabilities with the added lower frequencies.

No, it wont. 5 string pickups are no different from 4 string pickups, just wider. It;s the low B string that adds bottom, not the pickup.

Instead of modding an old bass like that, try replacing the current pickup. Bartolinis get a lot of low end, as do active pickups like a Duncan or EMG.