The British Steelies Society

Has anyone any comments, experience or advice on what is a good single coil replacement pickup for an E9 neck?

Does anyone know if there is any problem with the re-issued Bill Lawrence 705's?

Dave, I know that Bob Adams has put a 705 in one of his steels so he's the man to ask about that...I've ordered one but it hasn't arrived yet so I can't comment.

Ive got a sho bud and I recently put in a George l's pf2 and I love it..What amp and steel do you have??/

Hi Matt. It is a ShoBud Pro2 and at the moment I'm using the Roland Cube 80x, which I have to say, is a great steel amp.
I used to have an LDG with a GeorgeL and I loved the sound, so I may just go down that route, but it would be interesting to hear what others say. I said single coil in my message, but I don't mind really.
I have a Wallace Truetone on the back neck and that sounds good, but I was playing out on Saturday, with new strings for the first time in a while and I just kept thinking the 3rd string in particular sounded really thin. When I put the guitar through a tuner the 3rd doesn't keep the light on long enough to tune it.... about 2 seconds max....the rest of the strings seem fine..
Just got me looking at replacements then I got confused! Dave

I have a George L on my Carter and it too has a problem with the third string not being loud enough, so I am getting a truetone..

Dave has this just happened or is it a long standing problem? if just happened I would be inclined to replace third string, if not and it is a long standing issue then you could try a replacement pick up.I have the luxury of having modular pick ups on my Millenium, an Alumitone , a Truetone and a George L E66, Tone wise there is nothing between the Alumitone and the Truetone, the Alumitone is slighty quieter in respect of picking up hum. The E66 is good but prefer other two.When I had my Sho Bud I tried a GL Franklin pick up but did not like it so went with E66 and that sounded good.I had heard a few Buds with Bill Lawrence fitted but personally thought they were a bit thin but everyone's taste is different and it is a very personal choice.Another choice might be a Tonealingher(is that right spelling?) which has adjustable pole pieces making it possible to balance the strings

I have only just noticed it really, malcolm, and I have just changed the strings, so maybe it is just that particular string. The whole sound is pretty good, but it was the apparent lack of any sustain as seen on the tuner that made me first concerned, and then listen for the thin sound... I'll try the string change first and see if it makes a difference.

I don't know much about alumitone pickups. I like the truetone though...only ever had it on the C6. Nice to get some response so quickly..thanks..Matt, John, Malcolm. Come on Bob!

Dave you could try swapping pickups round and put truetone on front neck if string change doesn't work.

Hi Dave, interesting topic !
I had a similar issue when I changed my ZB tripple coil p/u for a George le66. Changing the string was my first thought but decided also to rotate the p/u 180 degrees, (magnet under string 3 now under string 8), and a .010 string for the 3rd.
This did make a big change, in my case. I now have a more improved sustain & sound no matter which amp I use.
Worth a try before buying another p/u.
Let us all know how you get on.

Both great ideas! Thanks.

Jim, I am at the Bluebird club in Ferndown on Tues... if you can face the cold...come and say hello! Dave

Dave,
I go to the Bluebirds club every Tues., it's my local only 10min away. I believe this is the debut night for the band at the club.
looking forward to catching up with you and have a chat. Jim