Is there a standard size for a humbucker pup?

luvpbass · #1 10-20-2008, 09:07 PM

I'm redoing a no-name mij jazz from the 70s. Very well constructed, but the hardware and electronics are kinda junky and worn.

I initially thought about just replacing the controls with a pre-built set and use the original pups. Now I'm thinking of just replacing the whole works.

The original setup had what appear to be a pair of chrome covered humbuckers or single coils (how can I tell what they are?) The pups measure 1.25" wide by 1.75" long.

Ach · #2 10-21-2008, 03:50 AM

1.25"x1.75" are much more like square, are you sure you measured right?

Turnaround · #3 10-21-2008, 06:27 AM

Got one just like it. It's actually 2.75" x 1.25" and it's a single coil, despite the fact that it looks like a humbucker. Inside that chrome case is a surprisingly small coil and 2 strong magnets. Horrible pickup IMHO - the high magnetic field and small coil causes the pickup to overload resulting in a sound that just goes 'blaaattt'.

Replaced mine with a pickup from a Precision and ended up with a pretty decent bass.

GeoffByrne · #4 10-21-2008, 09:54 AM

That pickup is pretty much identical to those on the Baldwin semi-solid made in Italy series of guitars/basses they put out after taking over the Burns company and they are not a standard size.

The DiMarzio Model 1 and the Lawrence PL-500 (I think) are standard humbucker-sized.

You could also try some other rail-type pups - DiMarzio makes one & it's quite often used on basses.

luvpbass · #5 10-21-2008, 11:29 PM

Thanks, the dimensions are actually 1.25 by 2.75. Given it's a jazz bass, I thought they were single coils. I recall that the sound of the bass when I got it was pretty rotton. What I'd like to do is run it as a regular jazz but utilize the original pickguard. Does anybody know of a single coil that fits those dimensions? As an alternative, I'd like to use a single humbucker just in the neck position, which would eliminate the need to route a precise space for the bridge pup. Are any humbuckers available with those dimensions that would work? I probably will put a dummy pot where the second volume know is located unless there's a useful for that spot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.