Tele bass build: non standard pup ideas

[ccrnnr9]

Well I just purchased the wood for my first build: a modified '51 style tele bass. Here is the dilemma I am in: I want to have the '51 style pickguard but I would like to do a two pickup configuration with a gibson styled humbucker (mudbucker some refer to them as) and another pickup. Here are my questions:

1. Will there be a problem if I set the mudbucker right below the pickguard (towards the bridge) where the standard single coil usually goes? In other words will I still be able to get that thick muddy tone ala Jack Bruce on the Cream albums (specifically think "Crossroads")

2. What would be a good second pickup for a nice mellow tone that still delivers bass thump? I thought standard p-pup or maybe even a jazz bass pup situated right below the 'bucker so it doesn't sound too tinny?

3. guitarfetish.com has tele bass control plates but they only have 2 "pot holes". Do you think they are wide enough apart to accomodate adding another hole? I have the ability to do so. I would rather avoid using a '72 guard that has 3 control knob holes.

4. Am I crazy for thinking this way? Should I just go with the mudbucker idea?
~Nick

 

[SpamBot]

1. You could, not so muddy but still overly warm.

2. Look for a Ricky pup. That sounds like it'd be right up your alley.

3. Depends on your knobs. You probably can get away with it though.

4. You are, but in a good way.

 

[ccrnnr9]

I like the ricky pickup idea. Are you talking about those Bartolini pickups? They are a bit more than I wanna spend but if I only go with one pickup the cost will be about the same.
~Nick

 

[SpamBot]

I know that there's a guy who sells replicas of Ricky pups on the evilBay for decent prices. Don't remember who tho

 

[Nighttrain1127]

If you want to use only two holes on the control plate and have vol,vol,Tone controls just use a stacked pot for the Vol/Vol control two pots in one mounting hole.

 

[ccrnnr9]

Well if anyone can chime in with some help there that would be awesome. That tone is pretty much exactly what I would need. I have two options in my budget: bartolini rickbacker pickup or seymour duncan srb-1...then it's just whether I want one fit for the bridge or neck...
~Nick

 

[Darkstrike]

What about a DiMarzio Model One, and a P pickup, kinda Billy Sheehan vibe, and push them further back, like you want?


The Model One would be tappable as well.

 

[ccrnnr9]

So many choices! So far the best fit seems to be either doing a rickenbacker humbucker or doing the replica mudbucker right below the pickguard and then a p-pickup below that. Choices choices...
~Nick

 

[ccrnnr9]

Anyone have any suggestions between a bartolini rickenbacker pickup and the seymour duncan srb-1 rickenbacker pickup?
~Nick

 

[FL Knifemaker]

How about a single or double lipstick tube pup?? That would look retro along with the rest of the bass

 

[ccrnnr9]

I don't like the sound of the lipstick pickups for bass. They just don't do it for me. Looks aren't much of an issue since although I am doing it in vintage fashion so to say, it is in no way a recreation of the '51.
~Nick

 

[lunarpollen]

I suggest a Burns Tri Sonic like the Bison Bass has...

 

[Phalex]

I've kinda been toying with a similar idea.

I'm intrigued by the DarkStar pickups.