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Pots: 250K audio-taper/"A" curve are recommended. 500K pots can of course be used, but, all other things being equal, they will deliver a little more brightness and punch.



Pole-piece spacings:

Measurements expressed in inches. To convert to cm, multiply by 2.54. To convert to mm, multiply by 25.4.

Pickup: Pickup Spacing (between the centre of the E poles) / Range of String Spacing accommodated

FN (Fender Neck): 1.94 / 1.89~1.99
FL (Fender Lead): 2.02 / 1.98~2.08
FLW (Fender Lead Wide): 2.10 / 2.05~2.15

GN (Gibson Neck (aka G1)): 1.90 / 1.85~1.95
GL (Gibson Lead (aka G2)): 1.98 / 1.93~2.03

NB. Due for revision! If you are thinking of installing Bill Lawrence pickups with a true vintage-width *Strat* bridge, like the Callaham, be sure to read this thread!

Constant requests for PAF tone:

For those desperate for PAF tone, you might like to try PeteMK1s suggestion re the L-450N16:

IMO, it's possible to get close with an external R and C. The problem is that you need data on the characteristics you want to emulate (465 or PAF data), specifically L, R, and C. The same data for your 450 is also needed. It won't be an exact fit because those pups are constructed differently.

And, [o]f course, PAFs vary a lot etc.

[A]n important advantage of relatively clear, low inductance buckers like the 450 is that it's possible to dial in different characteristics with a switch.

The key point is that it's possible to lower the resonance frequency of the pup by means of external components, but it's not as easy to dial in a higher resonance frequency. I think the 450-16 is well suited to this mod.

The PAF data I found states an inductance of about 3.7 H, a resistance of about 7.7 kOhms, and a capacitance of about 100 pF. When this pickup is loaded with a cable of about 500 pF and two 500k controls, a certain transfer characteristic results.

For [the] 450-16, I assumed a cable of about 500 pF [(which means using a 25 foot BL cable)] and two 250k controls. To approximate the above pup, I suggest 220 kOhms in parallel with 1 nF (1000pF) from the hot wire of the 450 to ground. This network must be installed before the volume pot, but it can be before or after the tone pot.

Please note that this mod doesn't turn a Tele into an LP.
It just approximates putting a higher inductance bucker in place of the 450-16. To be specific, this mod shifts the resonance frequency of the system from about 5 kHz (clean, even response) down to 3 kHz (warmer, more coloured sound). The pickup will still be less muddy than a Gibson bucker because of the missing cover.

Of course, you have to decide if the modification is an improvement or not, but at least it doesn't cost much and can be undone easily.

(PeteMK1)

Of course, output will be lower than a PAF.


Disclaimer:

The comments/opinions/advice expressed on the F.I.B. are those of the poster.

The F.I.B. is not liable for any damages to you, your guitar, amplifier, or any other equipment, due to following any advice offered herein.


Selecting boutique pickups is supposed to be about getting the best tone possible, rather than getting an approximation of another manufacturers tone. Bill's pups are versatile and toneful throughout their impressively broad range. Constant requests to turn a L-450 into a L-465 or a PAF are akin to asking how to make the L-450 sound like a cheap PAF copy, rather than how to get the most versatility out of the L-450 without compromising its superior tone. Folks might do well to take note of what Bill keeps reiterating, and that is: dont be afraid to play with ones amp settings and vary ones playing technique. Bill doesnt have dozens of switches on his guitars, nor does he get his soldering iron out between every solo. If someone really wants xyz tone, then they should probably really buy xyz pickup, or xyz guitar, rather than asking how to get every tone out of the L-450, but the best tone of the L-450 itself. And, its worth noting that even Bill has more than one guitar.

Ill add that several folks have reported that when theyve put an L-450 into a guitar with any other pickup, the 450 has made them dissatisfied with the other pup.

I suggest consulting Bill.

Bill doesn't quote DC resistance, because it's actually pretty meaningless, and makers measure it differently. Bill quotes Henries.

As for the specific characteristics of the 450 and its output, it depends what version, how it's wired, the target guitar, the strings, etc, the cable capacitance, the amp, the speaker(s), and the player's personal dynamics.

As stated in the initial post, the 450 is available in the following inductances (Henries)- 0.5, 1.0, 1.6, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8, and 6.4. To give you an idea, 2.4H is the heat of a classic Strat single-coil.

New thread started here.

> "But where does the A come from?"

Good question.

I have asked, but have never received an answer.