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Installing A Darkstar In A 5-string?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by LongHairFreak, Jul 22, 2013.

  1. Jul 22, 2013 #1
    LongHairFreak

    LongHairFreak Insert cool nickname? Nobody's given me one yet. Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2006
    Twin Cities - MN
    Hey TB
    Currently I've got a Darkstar in a heavy plywood pos Precision. Ideally, I'd like to have it put into a nice lightweight custom P. Also, I've been hankerin' for a custom 5-string fretless. However, finances are only getting worse year to year, so I'm thinking on combining the two projects.
    So my question is:

    Has anyone ever put a bridge Darkstar (19mm) into the middle position (thereabouts) of a 5-string?
    If so, how'd it turn out?
    If not, what does TB think?
     
  2. Jul 23, 2013 #2
    henry norton

    henry norton

    Sep 7, 2011
    Hertfordshire, North of London
    Luthier, LHN Born
    It would have to have a pretty narrow string spacing but the poles on any Dark Star/Bi Sonic/NuSonic aren't that focussed, so as long as the strings are over the bobbin (the black bit of the pickup) it should work. It might look a little weird though....
     
  3. Jul 23, 2013 #3
    Muziekschuur

    Muziekschuur

    May 25, 2009
    Stavenisse
    I would not do so. A Darkstar is a show piece (besides being a great pickup). You would do it disservice...

    That darkstar can be swapped with other members here for a more suitable 5 string pickup. I'm quite sure you could swap with a pickup manufacturer as those would love to get their hands on one..
     
  4. Jul 23, 2013 #4
    4Mal

    4Mal Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 2, 2002
    Columbia River Gorge
    The magic in the Dark star is the highly focused adjuatable pole pieces. String alignment is a critical element in getting the best out of a Dark Star. Using a 4 string DS on a 5 string is not a good application for that wonderful pickup.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2013 #5
    LongHairFreak

    LongHairFreak Insert cool nickname? Nobody's given me one yet. Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2006
    Twin Cities - MN
    Yeah... Looks that way. Now that I have both my 4 (DS loaded) and my 5 side-by-side where I can do proper measurements, it doesn't seem as doable as I once thought. String spacing would be way too tight for my comfort.


     
  6. Jul 23, 2013 #6
    LongHairFreak

    LongHairFreak Insert cool nickname? Nobody's given me one yet. Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2006
    Twin Cities - MN
    I guess I agree w/this. I hadn't looked at it that way. As far as selling/swapping??? No way man!! I'll keep it in my pos before I do that!

     
  7. Jul 23, 2013 #7
    LongHairFreak

    LongHairFreak Insert cool nickname? Nobody's given me one yet. Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2006
    Twin Cities - MN
    Yep. Yep. You guys convinced me; I'll use the DS as it was intended... Turning a simple 4-string into a bad ass player.


     
  8. Jul 23, 2013 #8
    henry norton

    henry norton

    Sep 7, 2011
    Hertfordshire, North of London
    Luthier, LHN Born
    Well whatever you do, get it out of that ply P copy!!!!
     
  9. Jul 24, 2013 #9
    LongHairFreak

    LongHairFreak Insert cool nickname? Nobody's given me one yet. Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2006
    Twin Cities - MN


    Yep. It looks like I'll be sticking to my original plan; though it's taking a mite longer than I expected. I already have (in my possession) the body, bridge, strings and pots/knobs; and I already know (though don't yet own) which machines I'll be using. I can't find the neck I want, but once that's done, it's little more to get together. Finding that blasted neck though; that's just not falling together.

    Thanks all for your input and sage advice.