F Spacing...do it need it?

[dmraco]

I am looking to pick up some Dimarzio pickups for my current build.  They have what is called "F spacing" which spaces out the poles a little.  They recommend using it if you have a 1 11/16 nut and 2.1 inches or great in the bridge.

I do have a 1 11/16 nut and the Wilke/Gotoh whammy I am installing measures JUST 2.1.

should I use F spaced pickups??  I am not aware of any other brands having F spacing....does it even matter???

Thanks

 

[SrDeMaFp]

In my personal experience, the difference is merely cosmetic. I haven't heard any "tone drop-off" or anything like while while playing, doing bends, etc. when the strings didn't line up perfectly.

 

[taez555]

If you've got a guitar with a wider bridge, Wilky, Floyd, Fender, (non gibson) etc, you're best off going with the F-Spaced or Trembucker(that's what Seymour Duncan calls theirs) style pickup in the BRIDGE position.  The magnets line up better with the strings.    The neck pickup will work with the regular spaced pickup.

There's usually no cost difference between the two, so their's really no reason not to go F-spaced.

erik

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

It centers the pole pieces under their respective strings, enabling the pickup to hear each string with the same range of "pickup" as the rest.  This is usually the issue on the out 2 strings more than any other.

 

[NeilStryker]

Is the overall size off a trembucker the same as a regular humbucker?  ie will a trembucker fit in a standard sized pickup mounting ring?  thanks!

 

[blue313]

Yeah, they are the same size

 

[spauldingrules]

Not always the same size - I had to open my pickguard a little when I put in a duncan trembucker 59, but the poles did line up better.

 

[JamesL]

I've worked with dozens of guitars with this problem and playing with the pickups, There's no reason not use the F spaced, but I've noticed no difference.

 

[dmraco]

Thanks guys...I went and ordered the F spaced pickups...Super 3 in the bridge and an Evolution Neck from Dimarzio...

 

[DocNrock]

Thanks guys...I went and ordered the F spaced pickups...Super 3 in the bridge and an Evolution Neck from Dimarzio...

Great combo!  DangerousR6 has the same combo in one of his teles that he's building.  I haven't heard the Super 3 in person, but I've heard from others that it kicks ass!  I have an Evo neck and I can assure you that it is a killer neck pup.

More cowbell! (sorry, couldn't resist.  :icon_biggrin

Regarding the F spacing, it stands to reason that if the pole pieces are directly under the strings, there will be a bit better output there.  Agreed that it will most affect the E strings.  That said, I go for F spaced pups (DiMarzio) when I use bridge with that width.  I wouldn't worry so much about nut width as I would with bridge width.  As mentioned above, Seymour calls them "trembuckers."

 

[dmraco]

Thanks DocNRock...I think the pickup selection was the most confusing part of the entire build...I spent more time on websites listening to clips and going to music stores trying to play a guitars with specific pickups installed. 

Needless to say I am trying to build a rock and roll machine for my son...I too think these will work great.