Matching different brand pickups

[PitchShifter]

When trying to match different brand pickups, to ensure output levels are reasonably balanced, what specs should I be looking at? Is it as simple as looking at the relative Ohm ratings, and allowing for standard Bridge/Neck balance?

 

[jackthehack]

Impedance values can be a good guide, but aren't always the be-all, end-all to making your choices. Magnet type and structure and design can also effect sound/tone to a great degree. What are you thinking about trying to do/match up for your build?

 

[PitchShifter]

I'm looking at putting a Bartolini RC 6 in the bridge position, and some form of Filteron or Lipstick, or P90 in the Neck.

 

[jackthehack]

I can't find a reference to a "Bartolini RC6" pickup, and it would be harder to come of with a wider/weird set of choices for a neck a pickup, as those are all over the place. What are you thinking and what kind of music do you play?

 

[PitchShifter]

I'm still deciding on the pickups for the neck.

It's a Baritone guitar/Bass VI.  The Bartolini is a bass pickup replacement for the Rickenbacker 4000 series. I want something with high treble, but a fuller sound for the neck.

 

[PitchShifter]

I'm still deciding on the pickups for the neck.

It's a Baritone guitar/Bass VI.  The Bartolini is a bass pickup replacement for the Rickenbacker 4000 series. I want something with high treble, but a fuller sound for the neck.


The lipstick idea is inspired by the Danelectro and Jerry Jones Baritones.  The P90 for my own tastes, though I feel I should go a different direction there --> Hence looking at a Filtertron.

I plan on having a sterero output at this stage.

 

[jackthehack]

Well, this is basically sounding like a science experiment. Are you doing a top route so you can swap out pickguards/pickups? From your verbiage I'd go the P90 in the neck. I've never tried to use a bass pickup for a guitar; wouldn't think the output characteristics would work very well.

 

[PitchShifter]

An expensive experiment -  that's the beauty of Warmoth custom specs!

If using a 25-35-45-55-75-95 gauge strings, I think a Bass pickup will give much more detail in the bottom end than the Jaguar single coils ever did. And from there, blend the signals.

Presently looking at a rear route, but routing for Humbucker, which will give versatility if it doesn't work out. P92s, or the TV Jones Filtertrons with the Humbucker mount.