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Opinions on Recessed TOM Tele.

Samhain

Junior Member
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I’m seriously considering a build with a recessed TOM and Humbuckers.
I’m curious if anyone has any feedback.
Also, what Humbucker size does one use with the Recessed? Regular or F spaced?
 
It sometimes depends which brand of pickups you use. For example, the F-spaced humbuckers from Dimarzio are a lot narrower than what Seymour Duncan refers to as “Trembucker”. The Duncan Trembucker are unusually wide and will not fit a pickguard or mounting rings designed for standard humbuckers. That can be a headache.

If you ask Dimarzio, they will normally say their F-spaced humbuckers are the correct choice for modern Gibson bridge spacing.
 
I think recessed makes sense if you don’t want a different break angle for the neck pocket - Teles are obviously flat.

Personally, I like the extra “air under the strings” with a traditional TOM and tailpiece.

If you’re thinking Bigsby, non recessed is the way to go.
 
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I think recessed makes sense if you don’t want a different break angle for the neck pocket - Teles are obviously flat.

Personally, I like the extra “air under the strings” with a traditional TOM and tailpiece.

If you’re thinking Bigsby, non recessed is the way to go.
An alternative that I had found to work well for me is this style over a recessed TOM, however, I put on a bridge with roller saddles.
Old Gold 2.jpg
 
I have a couple of the Dusenberg versions of that. The arm is QUITE long. I cut off the excess and use only the straight portion.
 
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