Using half a P Bass pickup?

[GuitarPaul]

I'm planning an 8 string guitar, the lower strings will be a low E and A like on a bass (it will be a multiscale, the E string will be around 29").

I'd like one bass pickup that's just on those low two strings, and a humbucker on the guitar strings.

I'm wondering, could I just use the Dimarzio split P and only use one of the two pickups? My understanding is that each one is a separate humbucker?

Thanks!

 

[fermata]

Each half is a single coil and will work just fine. If you want a little two-string humbucker, just place the two halves right next to each other (above-below, not side-to-side, of course).

 

[GuitarPaul]

That's what I was wondering though....I think each half of a split P is a humbucker? So I could just use one half?

 

[skycruiser]

That's what I was wondering though....I think each half of a split P is a humbucker? So I could just use one half?

Yes that's correct on the DiMarzio split P.
I have a set for sale in the classifieds right now!

 

[dwizum]

That's what I was wondering though....I think each half of a split P is a humbucker? So I could just use one half?

Each half is a single coil. It will function like a single coil pickup. It won't be humbucking on it's own.

It does work well though, as a single coil, I've built many instruments with half a p used as a single coil pickup.

 

[skycruiser]

Each half is a single coil. It will function like a single coil pickup. It won't be humbucking on it's own.

It does work well though, as a single coil, I've built many instruments with half a p used as a single coil pickup.

He's asking about the DiMarzio Split P, DP127. Each half is a humbucker.

 

[dwizum]

Fair point - I missed the Split P, as in the DiMarzio model called Split P, and I assumed he meant a split P in the generic sense as opposed to a 51 single coil P.

 

[bigthemat]

Maybe look into the Submarine Pickup, does exactly what you're talkin about

 

[skycruiser]

Fair point - I missed the Split P, as in the DiMarzio model called Split P, and I assumed he meant a split P in the generic sense as opposed to a 51 single coil P.

Ah yes, I see how that was ambiguous.

 

[skycruiser]

Maybe look into the Submarine Pickup, does exactly what you're talkin about

That's a cool idea - thanks for posting that!

 

[XLunacy]

As others have said, it should work, but please be aware that it will not sound like a P pickup, but more like a single coil pickup : more treble content, less overall volume. Also, the position of the pickup along the strings matters a lot, but hopefully you already know that

 

[Bassamatic]

P Pickups are connected in series, so Half a P pickup will have half the impedance, so may work improperly with other pickups and the tone control and cap values that are intended for around 10K impedance. Something to check out and be aware of.

 

[Slater]

P Pickups are connected in series, so Half a P pickup will have half the impedance, so may work improperly with other pickups and the tone control and cap values that are intended for around 10K impedance. Something to check out and be aware of.

The Dimarzio Split P is 19.16 Kohm, so 1/2 should still have some decent output.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm planning an 8 string guitar, the lower strings will be a low E and A like on a bass (it will be a multiscale, the E string will be around 29").

I'd like one bass pickup that's just on those low two strings, and a humbucker on the guitar strings.

I'm wondering, could I just use the Dimarzio split P and only use one of the two pickups? My understanding is that each one is a separate humbucker?

Thanks!

Yes. Although, it wouldn't be humbucking, and it wouldn't sound the same.

 

[Aidenn7]

guy from local H does the same thing.. but on a six string

 

[retroXvertigo]

Mark Lettieri's baritone has something like that going on.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Here's the way to solve it, use both.
That's the Charlie Hunter thing.

 

[GuitarPaul]

Yes. Although, it wouldn't be humbucking, and it wouldn't sound the same.

I appreciate all the responses but for the record, I was specifically talking about the Dimarzio Split P which I believe is 2 separate humbuckers. So would I have reduced output if I only used 1/2 on 2 strings?

I know the Novak's used both sides...it looks kinda annoying to me.

This is Charlie's current pickup on the Hybrid Guitars:

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I appreciate all the responses but for the record, I was specifically talking about the Dimarzio Split P which I believe is 2 separate humbuckers. So would I have reduced output if I only used 1/2 on 2 strings?

I know the Novak's used both sides...it looks kinda annoying to me.

This is Charlie's current pickup on the Hybrid Guitars:

Can't say. That one's above me.

 

[dwizum]

So would I have reduced output if I only used 1/2 on 2 strings?

No. You'll have a different tone but output will be largely similar.