Pickup(s) for LapSteel Build

Ken Koellner · From: Massachusetts, USA

Thinking about building a lap steel, partly for fun and partly to have something better than my SX3. I mainly find the SX3 too light and it moves around two easily and the pickup doesn't pick up the strings evenly. Trying to decide what I'd want to use for pickup(s). Yes, I'm sure it's 99% subjective but thinking about a starting point for average build.

One pickup would be easier than two but have not ruled out two yet.

One pickup, I would think I'd position it a bit further from the bridge than bridge pickup, more or less in between the bridge pickup and neck pickup positions. Then the question is whether to get a bridge pickup or a neck pickup, I gather that the windings are different. That's probably the most puzzling question for me as I'm leaning toward a single pickup and don't know whether to get a bridge or neck pickup and where to put it. And then there's different types of magnets like ceramic vs. alnico.

I'm leaning toward one standard two-coil humbucker as I could get a standard ring to mount it and don't need to worry about precise routing. But open to ideas.

So, type of pickup(s) and position is the main questions.

So, yeah, totally open-end questions but any thoughts on selecting a pickup (or pickups) for a middle-of-the-road first lap steel build.

FYI, will build to 24-25" scale length and GBDGBD tuning as I'm still just learning reso and won't start a new tuning for quite a spell.

Don Downes · From: New Hampshire, USA

WOW! There is a lot there to unpack. I've built quite a few 6 string "Frankenstrats" and Gibson (and clone) upgrades. I've used single coils, HBs, and any number of combinations.
If I can ask a few questions?
1. Is this a 6 string instrument? Your post alludes to an open G 6 string
2. You say something about a 25.5 scale length. Is that for the guitar you are currently building, or one you are contemplating?
3. In reference to the scale length, is that from the "nut" to the "saddle"? Since I have no idea of the topology, I can't visualize it.
4. What kind of sound/tone are you looking for? Most all of the tone will be directly related to the electronics you put in. That in and of itself requires quite a bit of thought. I'm sure you know this. Also, having 2 pickups complicates things exponentially. I'm sure you know that too, because you referenced it.
5. Another thing to consider is string/magnet spacing. If you're not exactly sure of the position of the string vertically relative to the pick up magnet, you might want to get a "rail style" pickup. There is also the distance from the string to the pick up. Most specs put that distance at about 0.125" nominal. If it's going to be any more than that,, you might want to get a "hotter" pickup.
6. Nominal DC resistance for a single coil is between 7-8k (ohms). That holds true for bridge or neck pickups. The higher the resistance, the hotter the pickup. Some can be as high as 10k. Rare, buy real screamers.
7. HBs are a totally different animal. They tend to be much more mellow than SCs (IMHO, YMMV). HBs tend to hover around the same DCR, but they give you the option of splitting coils, etc. And again, selection of electronic components play a huge factor in the sound.
8. A third option would be EMG active pickups.
Those are just my humble thoughts. I would love to see how you move forward. I have a ton of 6 strings that I have bought and upgrade, and have a little bit of experience. If I can be of any help, just let me know. I'm sure there are others that have other thoughts.
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"The secret to a long life is to keep breathing."

Ken Koellner · From: Massachusetts, USA

My goal is to have something portable that I can use to practice using the same scale length as by reso (dobro). That is 25" 6-string GDBGDB. I want to copy the dimensions with respect to string spacing. And while it wouldn't sound like a reso, I want it to sound pretty good.

I've built a couple franken electrics with two pickups before, one with single width and one with double width pickups. But those were in the days when a pickup was a pickup the options aren't what they are today. I'm going to look for a rail pickup (that doesn't have a radius) as then I don't have to worry about the strings lining up exactly.

I guess the thing that is throwing me is whether I should get a bridge pickup or a neck pickup when I'm thinking of a one pickup design where the pickup is a bit further from the bridge, let's say one third of the way from the bridge to the neck position. Not quite sure why. I guess I figure that electrics with just the bridge pickup are just a tad too twangy.

Tim Toberer · From: Nebraska, USA

I have had good luck with bass rail style pickups. I have wound a few also. It is time consuming, but I like the way they sound. Bobbins and winders are pretty easy to make. Lots of Youtube videos. I see a lot of people using the Lace pickups. I am curious about those. I think I am moving towards humbuckers, because I am tired of the hum.

Don Downes · From: New Hampshire, USA

I used ChatGPT for this.

is there a tonal difference in a neck pickup and a bridge pickup IF they were both placed in the same position in a guitar?

ChatGPT said:

Yes, even if a neck pickup and a bridge pickup are placed in the same position, they’ll likely still sound different, though the difference would be less pronounced than if they were in their usual positions. Here’s why:

Pickup Design:

Bridge pickups are often wound "hotter" (with more turns of wire) than neck pickups to compensate for the naturally lower string movement near the bridge. This higher output creates a punchier and often brighter sound.
Bridge pickups may also use stronger magnets to help increase output and accentuate higher frequencies, while neck pickups are usually designed with a more balanced or slightly bass-oriented EQ.
Magnetic Strength and Pole Piece Differences:

Neck and bridge pickups can use different magnet types or magnetic strength, which affects the tonal response. For example, bridge pickups may have stronger or different pole pieces to handle the different tension at the bridge position.
EQ Voicing:

Pickup makers often voice neck pickups to have more bass and less treble, and bridge pickups to have more treble and midrange presence. Even if placed in the same spot, the internal construction (winding, magnet, and EQ) tailored to each pickup's original position will still produce tonal differences.
So, while the difference won’t be as pronounced as when they’re in their typical spots, a bridge pickup in the neck position (or vice versa) would still retain some of its characteristic tone due to these design differences.

FWIW
_________________
"The secret to a long life is to keep breathing."

Don Downes · From: New Hampshire, USA

How are you making out with your pickup search?
_________________
"The secret to a long life is to keep breathing."

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