Winter Build Off 2026 - 5 String Fenderbacker

[mapleglo]

So what do you think about those pickups? I happen to love them, but I'm interested to hear from you.

I think they are awesome, even better than the Aluma Bass Bar pickups, which used to be my favorites. But these now beat those out. A bit more clear without the harshness or brashness of the Aluma Bass Bars. These sit in the mix, cut through just right, without being over the top. Plenty of low end, just the right amount of mid and high end.

 

[Gary_M]

Stunning bass!

 

[Pep]

Posts like this are a love/hate relationship. I absolutely love what you’ve done, but I hate it because it makes me want to build another one.

 

[bassnyc1]

Thanks for this thread. I really enjoyed reading through this and I wish I had the skills, tools and patience to attempt something like this. I have dreamed about a Rickenbacker/Fender build for a long time. I'm glad to see that it's possible. Maybe someday I'll have one commissioned.

 

[1n3]

Thanks. If I could do it all over again, I'd have gone with one pickup, wired straight to a side-mounted output jack, with no controls or pickguard. Meh, bygones.

I'd be interested in the how and why of that; "single pickup" more than "sans controls".

 

[mapleglo]

I'd be interested in the how and why of that; "single pickup" more than "sans controls".

Sorry, a little late in replying to this. The "how and why" of a single pickup preference is a direct consequence of sans controls. I really hated to cover up the beautiful wood with that control panel. Of course, it was all part of the original plan, and I had already routed out the wood for both of the pickups and the control panel before I saw how nice the wood came out once I applied the finish.