Double Double P Projects--Pickups?

[knigel]

Beat me to it

Nordstrand has the Power Blade available in it's split P sets. 128 a set. So 256 to fill up all four pup cavities. No worries about having to deal with string spacing either.
The Power Blade by Nordstrand

Power Blade Demo


Power Blade vs stock G&L LB-100 pups

Wow the G&L sounds great but the power blade just has something extra that sounds sweet.

 

[knigel]

I recently acquired a double P loaded with [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I've got to say, it has it's own snappy/punchy tone. Almost a classic Iron Maiden / Steve Harris type. Below is a recording I made over the weekend. I'm playing two-finger style over the neck pickup with both volumes and tone wide open. I did also use a Darkglass B7K for a pre-amp.

I’m not sure if it’s the darkglass or the pickups but I’m digging that tone! Great recording!

 

[mikewalker]

Maybe it's just me, but that pup switch looks suspiciously Ric-y.

Good catch! I'm a big fan of "4001-with-flats-with-pup-switch-in-middle-position"

@knigel : have you considered a pair of bartolinis? Running the four P-coils in series gives you the super deep "low-down-earth-shaker" option

 

[Clark W]

Wow the G&L sounds great but the power blade just has something extra that sounds sweet.

I noticed that too.

 

[sikamikanico]

Yeah, I too would try to get a fanned fret neck - that pickup layout may be too extreme for parallel frets. But, who knows, parallel frets may work just fine...

I’d start with something cost-effective, like Wilde, Duncan SPB-1, or DiMarzio model P, just to try it out. Choice depends on tonal goals. I’d choose clear sounding pickups (Wilde), as I imagine the tone will thicken when running them all together (like a giant humbucker). I wouldn’t worry too much about string spacing, tho yeah, Wilde has magnets spread really wide, and would be a safe bet.

Regardless of what you do, be prepared for some trial and error. Please report back with your findings!

 

[knigel]

@knigel : have you considered a pair of bartolinis? Running the four P-coils in series gives you the super deep "low-down-earth-shaker" option

Barts are on the list, but I think there are others I'd like to try first.

I’d start with something cost-effective, like Wilde, Duncan SPB-1, or DiMarzio model P, just to try it out. Choice depends on tonal goals. I’d choose clear sounding pickups (Wilde), as I imagine the tone will thicken when running them all together (like a giant humbucker). I wouldn’t worry too much about string spacing, tho yeah, Wilde has magnets spread really wide, and would be a safe bet.

Regardless of what you do, be prepared for some trial and error. Please report back with your findings!

I agree with this, loads of trial and error. I definitely like the Wilde pickups, for sure an option. Thanks!

 

[knigel]

Now is this insanity? One P in the middle two slots, 1/2 P for each outer slot. Too weird? Maybe V B T?

I'm finding the options to be overwhelming. There's loads of room in the control cavity for an active system of some kind, and that's a whole nother situation.

Also I bought a MM Boomerang. Was thinking it might work like a control plate on an old L2000. Don't think the holes are going to line up but we'll see (don't mind redrilling if the holes are all covered and it looks cool as hell).

Don't worry, this will be updated with the final product!

 

[Blues Cat]

I used stock Nordstrand NP4’s. V/B/T and a switch for series bypassing/shunting the balance pot. Huge sound.

 

[knigel]

View attachment 3729934


I used stock Nordstrand NP4’s. V/B/T and a switch for series bypassing/shunting the balance pot. Huge sound.

Love it. Where did you get that bridge?

 

[Blues Cat]

Love it. Where did you get that bridge?

We manufactured them in a production run about three years ago. None left currently.

 

[knigel]

We manufactured them in a production run about three years ago. None left currently.

I didn’t realize who I was quoting. Thanks for the nice body!!!

 

[knigel]

Here's a little mock up I did. I like the standard neck and the bridge, and the boomerang. I don't love the pickups with pole pieces--although they seem to line up ok, I think either plain tops or blades will look better. Might have to try the Wilde P46 pickups due to cost!

 

[knigel]

What about maple neck?

 

[abarson]

Maple neck.
For my own tastes, I think the banana plate and huge Badass bridge just kind of clutter and crowd everything.
Oh, and if you do go with that much chrome, you've got to go with chrome Lace Aluma P's. Just sayin'...

 

[garp]

Cool knobs.

What about maple neck?

Definitely...IF you go with either white or cream covers.

 

[knigel]

Hey all, been a while since I updated this thread. I did in fact finish the bass! Now I'm looking for possible active style controls or other craziness. Take a look if you'd like!

Double P Tone Control Ideas

 

[NoiseNinja]

EMG Geezer Butler P pickup for neck, DiMarzio Model P for bridge?