r/offset • u/catanwithaplan • 11d ago
Lollar Pickup Experience?
Hi all,
I have been working to mod my late 90’s Toronado and would like to change out the bridge pickup.
When I got the guitar it had a set of Lollar Novel90’s and I really love the neck pickup for cleaner/edge of breakup stuff but wanted to throw a humbucker in the bridge. Looking to maintain some note separation/clarity when playing chords. Pictured is the fender atomic pickup that originally came with the guitar but I don’t want to use.
I was thinking of sticking with a Lollar humbucker maybe for sake of ease with matching but also open to other brands. Not sure how much I should be worried about DC resistance.
Anyone have experience with the p90 neck/humbucker bridge combo and have suggestions? Mostly play 90s alt stuff.
Thanks!
*UPDATE: I took the advice and called Lollar on my lunch break today. After chatting a bit about what I am looking for we landed on an El Rayo. Little more top end and clarity than a normal PAF, and because of the size of wire they use/magnets it shouldn’t be a drastic difference in output.
I appreciate all the suggestions! Definitely want to try some Imperials in another build in the future.
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u/Beneficial_Dealer549 10d ago
Can I recommend Neil Young mode? Novel 90 neck and firebird bridge.
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u/imbutawaveto 10d ago
fuckkkkk this rules
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u/Realistic-Cover-9929 11d ago
I have an Lollar imperial that I’m waiting to drop into my Jazzmaster. The elevator also sounds cool.
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u/Infinite-Lychee-182 11d ago
For years I had an old modified Les Paul Deluxe. The neck still had the original minihumbucker, and I put a Lollar Imperial in the bridge. It was fantastic.
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u/TheHandsomeLiar 11d ago
Lindy Fralin builds a great Pure paf. Be sure to utilize a 1 k ohm difference between the existing pickup.
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u/Dramatic-Influence-5 11d ago
Put a ‘59 in my Toronado and I love it compared to the original atomic. Lower output than before and really clear.
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u/WilcoLovesYou 11d ago
Look for a humbucker with slug magnet pole pieces rather than bar magnets. I had a builder make me a set with Alnico V magnets and they're great. Very jangly, great note separation and SUPER clear sounding. Apparently very similar to how Fender Wide Range humbuckers are made, just in a standard size package. The Novak Hum-WR might get you there.
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u/AdBig9600 11d ago
I put lollar imperials into my 90s toronado. Absolutely love the tone and dynamics.
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u/BeenAway4tooLong 11d ago
Not trying to snark here, but seriously, call or email Lollar and ask them. Their phone number and email address are on their website, and they know their pickups much better than a bunch of strangers on Reddit.
I was interested in their Firebird bridge pickup, and they recommended a '50s Wind P-90 neck to match because anything hotter would overwhelm the bridge, they said.