6-string pickup for a 3-string

Posted by Chris Cusimano on February 25, 2012 at 3:22am

Hi There,

I'm on a new build with a question about pickups.

I'm building a 3-string electric, can I use a 6-string pickup for that.

If so, is my string placement "between the dots".

If not, what are my basic options.

Thank you for your input.

chris

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Replies

  • eK March 14, 2012 at 4:58pm

    An alternative would be to use one of those blade type pickups which have a continuous bar and not individual pole pieces. With those it definitely doesn't matter where the strings fall over it. Just center it under your strings and "Bob's yer uncle!"

    • MichaelS Country Boy Guitars > eK March 18, 2012 at 10:13am

      Yes, you can use a 6 pole pickup. As said above try to get the poles near the strings and it will work. If you have a pickup already with 6 poles and you want it to be a blade type you can run a piece of steel across the poles, then you don't need to be so accurate. Problem with this is it makes the pickup taller and you will need a deeper hole to put it in.  If you don't have one yet, CB Gitty sell a 3 pole bass pickup that works on 3 string CBG's, juts ignore the fact its for a bass, it doesn't matter to us.

  • Mark Bliss February 26, 2012 at 9:17am

    Hey Chris, might get more responses in one of the pickup or electronics related groups.

    I have seen many standard six polers on CBG's, some dont seem to consider where the string is related to the pickup. I would try to get the strings over a pole if possible myself. Some people angle the pickup as needed to get some desireable relationship. Depends on the string spacing.

    Maybe try experimenting before you make the installation permanent?

    Let us know how it goes!

    Mark

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