Where to place 4-String Single Coil Pickup?

In viewing pics I notice some builders place the pickup just in front of the bridge; other place it forward near the end of the finger board.  Is one "better" i.e. more effective than the other.  I am in process of building six 4-stringers and have built two - one with each placement.  They are not yet finished so do not yet know the sound.  Any comments?

Charles

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  • Recently finished 6 speakers, four of which are pictured here.  Two more "enclosed" are in the making, i.e. the works are inside the cigar box and it is plain on the outside.  Had to re-hinge to get the tops to open to the side and not the back.  Charles

  • Sorry not very exciting as I have used standard 3w kit parts from Gitty - all 6 of the amps in diff style cigar boxes. So new to this world, got to stay with the proven and simple - the KISS method, which works for me. Have built many mtn dulcimers, but not amplified. All this inspired by grandchildren, a couple of whom are semi-professional guitar players/musicians. Would love to know more about amp options out there. Charles

    • Cool...Ben offers great things. Not a worry about using pre-made circuits...I do it too. But every now n then I like to get out the component box and solder up one of my own. I use cube-ish shaped cigar boxes that don't make a good guitar body, and the speakers I get from local thrift stores for a few bucks each (old stereo speakers).

    • Recently finished 6 speakers, four of which are pictured here.  Two more "enclosed" are in the making, i.e. the works are inside the cigar box and it is plain on the outside.  Had to re-hinge to get the tops to open to the side and not the back.  Charles

      speakers.jpg

  • 'preciate the help, Farmer Ted.  Four more to go so will place pickups nearer to the neck.  Pics to follow in a couple weeks.  Just finished all 6 amps this morning - and tested them.  They work, which is a good thing!  Charles

    • Very welcome, Charles. Amps? Tell us more. I have Ruby amp circuit on the bench...first time making one of those. But I've made many others with different circuits too.

  • In a nutshell, the strings will be moving/vibrating more at the neck position, and will generally create a fuller sound than a pickup at the bridge position. Each has its merits. I've tried both, and prefer the neck position when using one pickup. However, I have since been doing two pickups with a 3 way switch so the person playing can choose what they like.

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