Routing a Middle Pickup Affect the Sound?

It's a tool. It's your tool. Do whatever you want to it.

 

Works for Alvin Lee.

 

Just remember, it is not just the block you are altering, but the top as well. Don't know if it matters, just something to consider.

 

Is there enough space under the strings for a low profile surface mount pickup, like a jazz floater?

 

Paul Reed Smith once said (and may continue to do so for all I know) that "everything affects everything" when it comes to a guitar.

Putting on different tuning machines can change the tone.

Routing a hole in the top of your guitar is going to change the tone of the instrument. Whether that change is a positive one or a negative one is entirely up to you!

I had a Gibson Firebird once that I had a middle pickup put into. I really loved the tonal difference that change brought to the instrument.

 

It will probably change the sound. Whether it's good or bad you'll have to decide. Personally I wouldn't do it.

 

That's funny you mentioned this because I'm thinking of having it done to a Carvin Carved Top or an ES339 or possibly a type of LP.

I've done it ( by factory on a BC Rich Mockingbird long ago ) and it worked great- on a Solidbody the extra routing is only a plus IMO, because you get a little bit more air resonance from the extra rout, subtle but it's there( kind of like the rout under the Strat pickguard does ). You won't hear it( the routing) on the Bridge Pickup IMO and IF you can hear it on the neck pickup it's very subtle.

BUT- on a semi- hollow I think it will SOUND great- but I think you may have to keep it as small as possible to not weaken the center block etc.

But as one pointed out - the ultra rare Alvin Lee Sig has it- so if you have it done like that by a Pro- should be fine.

How many Alvin Lee Signature Guitars do you guys think Gibson has sold ? 6 ? 3? 9?

Don't get me wrong I would LOVE one of these with a 5 way and coil cut switches- just that they are expensive but more than that- I don't think people "get it" or want one- I'll bet you could get some great , unique tones this way though.

I was shocked when I priced the *Alvin Lee Model- and I'd still have to get it rewired.............

Funny that it's Alvin Lee and not Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour, or one of the Steely Dan Studio Guys etc. who have an H-S-H Sig 335.

Alvin Lee did play his ass off way back in 66-67-68 on those Ten Years After albums- he even did "Woodchoppers Ball"- a Jazz Tune but still......

 

You might think about just adding series/parallel and phase options to the p/u's you already have. Any competent tech. could hook you up and it would be minimally invasive if you used push/pull or push/push pots to activate the extra options.

PJ

 

I usually don't make irreversible mods to my guitars, but if you really want to do it... why not?

 

I installed a middle humbucker in my Epi Dot. No structural issues at all. The only change in tone was for the better. The guitar sounds great. Duncan 59's..... Do it. (carefully)

 

Enjoy the planning part of of the job all the different possibilities!! Nothing I like better,... the dreaming and planning part of the operation.
R&S can be not only a good source of electronics but also a source for "how to" knowledge.
Personally I'd rewire the entire guitar, much easier.
50s Wire?
Vintage Caps?
New quality Pots?
New finish?
Enjoy the process.