Update & question: two pickup LP to three pickup LP?

[bosnialove]

Here's my LP upgrade update:
- Installed SD Antiqity neck and bridge pickups;
- TonePros: locking tailpiece, locking tuner mechanics and locking bridge;
- Removed the Gibson PCB -> installed 500k CTS pots + capicators
- Changed all the wiring to better and isolated wiring.
- And I've changed to looks a little bit.

With all this upgrades, this morning I thought I've finally finished my guitar.. But then... I got a real awesome idea.. Since I really love three pickup LP's, I've decided to make a three pup guitar from my two pup LP.

But... Is that possible? I would like to put a DiMarzio SUper Distortion in the middle..

I've made something with "Paint", and I really like it:

.. Opinions?

 

[b3john]

Cue the complaints about not being able to pick with a middle pickup:

In three...

two...

one...

.​

 

[b3john]

The answer is that it's doable, but you'll want to have the routing done by a luthier familiar with Les Pauls who knows what he's doing (check his references). It won't be exactly like a factory 3 pup Lester, because they can do all the routing before the top wood is glued on, but it is possible.

The other thing to consider would be the wiring, as four pots and a two way switch won't cover all potential switching possibilities. There is the stock 3-pup wiring which adds the middle and bridge pickup together or the Frampton wiring which blends in the middle pup or the the wiring from Pagey's 3-pup Custom that has a six-position pickup switch (these tend to be finicky).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I would like to do the same and add a 3rd pickup to my traditional. I'd go with 3 volumes, one master tone and the 3 way as B-M-N ful on with not splitting or combinations

 

[bosnialove]

Well, I prefer this kind of wiring:

I am using now the Antiqity pups in the same settings. So:
Neck: Tone: 8 Volume: 8
Bridge: Tone: 8 Volume: 8

In this kind of wiring (picture above) I could set the SuperDistortion differently, what I prefer..

 

[KenG]

You would be pretty close to doubling your investment in the guitar when done I'd think. Resale really wouldn't increase but if you're doing this for fun or don't plan on selling, it's your money & guitar to do with as you see fit.

 

[Eric Smith]

And if you don't like it, you can always remove it.

 

[b3john]

And if you don't like it, you can always remove it.

Fixed!

 

[River]

Isn't this the guitar you don't like the finish of (too dark)?

WAY too much trouble (and expense), in my opinion. And I'm going to fulfill b3john's prophecy for him: What you're installing is called a "pick-block". Similar to a "pickup", but in the wrong spot and of questionable tone value.

 

[bufbills]

I suggest you play a three pickup Les Paul before having a third pickup installed. I like the term used above. Pick-block. IMO this is an accurate description. Ive played one, for a few minutes, and thats all it took for me to completely lose interest. Im not saying its a bad thing, but its certainly not for everyone. Definitely try one if you haven't already. Good luck!

 

[bosnialove]

I'm hearing that very often. I really hate that question. Since it's my first Gibby, I'm NEVER gonna sell this one again, I just love him too much. no homo though lol

And, a good thing regarding me is: I don't pick 'low'.

River, no, I absolutely love this finish. I would only like to have a more faded finish. On vacation in Bosnia, I'm gonna take him outside every single day so the sun can do his job on him.

But what do you mean? Wouldn't the SuperDistorion sound good in the middle position?

Bufbills, I haven't tried it yet. I'm gonna try it on a 3pup Epi SG in a couple of days.

 

[bufbills]

I'm hearing that question very often. I really hate that question. Since it's my first Gibby, I'm NEVER gonna sell this one again, I just love him too much.

And, a good with regarding me is: I don't pick 'low'.

River, no, I absolutely love this finish. I would only like to have it a more faded finish. On vacation in Bosnia, I'm gonna take him outside every single day so the sun can do his job on him.

But what do you mean? Wouldn't the SuperDistorion sound good in the middle position?

Bufbills, I haven't tried it yet. I'm gonna try it one a 3pup Epi SG in a couple of days.

Good move on trying one.

 

[Lowdown]

...WAY too much tripe (and no experience), for my opinion. And I'm going to fulfill b3john's prophecy for him: What I'm posting is called an "intellect-block". Similar to "inanity", but in the wrong spot and of questionable substance.

* fixed for ya,Ol' Man

 

[smorgdonkey]

Since you asked for opinions:

My opinion is that I find the middle pickup useless and I hate the look of the middle pickup crammed in there.

 

[bosnialove]

I was wondering.. Lowdown? What are your opinion about a three pup LP, since you have one?

I've tried a three pup Epi SG today.. -> No problems at all with the pickup in the middle!

 

[bosnialove]

Isn't this the guitar you don't like the finish of (too dark)?

WAY too much trouble (and expense), in my opinion. And I'm going to fulfill b3john's prophecy for him: What you're installing is called a "pick-block". Similar to a "pickup", but in the wrong spot and of questionable tone value.

Ehm.. I don't understand what you're trying to tell me with this..