Bootstrap HB-90 in the neck.

[Esquire Rod]

I'm considering trying a HB sized P90 in the neck of the tele in my profile. Right now it has 250K pots with orange drop and treble bleed circuit. Currently 7.6k neck pickup and 7.1k bridge.

If I put a HB-90 in the neck will I need to worry about balance while in the middle position?

 

[Boreas]

I'm considering trying a HB sized P90 in the neck of the tele in my profile. Right now it has 250K pots with orange drop and treble bleed circuit. Currently 7.6k neck pickup and 7.1k bridge.

If I put a HB-90 in the neck will I need to worry about balance while in the middle position?

Yes - a given. Any change in pickups should involve balancing the pickups - usually easily accomplished by adjusting heights. You MAY want to bump up to a 500k V pot, but evaluate with what you have first. Make sure you also pay attention to balancing EACH pickup WRT bass and treble strings.

EDIT: Whether you have to "worry" about your middle position depends on your taste and what you are going for. On a Tele, I am usually in the neck position, occasionally in the mid, and rarely in the bridge. If you like the neck and bridge positions solo and they seem balanced but the mid doesn't work for you, then you may need to look at the value of the V pot. That can impart a significant change which is rarely even across both pickups. It may affect the N more than the B or vicey versey - depending on the pickups. This may lead to a more pleasing mid position - or worse. And you may need to re-balance again.

 

[Bruxist]

What he said.^

I would def try with everything as-is and play with the heights of the pickups (first the new neck pickup, only raising the bridge if needed) and save replacing pots for if you cannot get it the way you want it.

 

[Boreas]

Let me know how it turns out. I am currently throwing together a Thinline with a soapbar P90 neck and Tele bridge.

 

[Boreas]

What he said.^

I would def try with everything as-is and play with the heights of the pickups (first the new neck pickup, only raising the bridge if needed) and save replacing pots for if you cannot get it the way you want it.

Some people resort to stacked pots or something of that ilk to dial in and blend the tone with dissimilar pickups. I can't be bothered - but it obviously depends on your level of tone pathology.

 

[Bruxist]

Exactly. And I almost never use the middle position, so it never bothers me one bit.

 

[Esquire Rod]

I'll also add that I currently like the middle position. The bridge is great and the middle adds some bottom end and body.
I just don't love the neck by itself. That and I've never owned a P-90 and have the bug.

 

[Boreas]

I'll also add that I currently like the middle position. The bridge is great and the middle adds some bottom end and body.
I just don't love the neck by itself. That and I've never owned a P-90 and have the bug.

It is a path we all must walk down one day. Arguably, the third flavor of pickup.

Lipsticks are next on my list.

 

[Bruxist]

It is a path we all must walk down one day. Arguably, the third flavor of pickup.

Lipsticks are next on my list.

They are alot of fun.

I just bought some TV Jones Classics so I am about to go down that path...

 

[Boreas]

They are alot of fun.

I just bought some TV Jones Classics so I am about to go down that path...

Enjoy the trip and send us postcards with pix.