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Post new topic Pickup upgrade for Oahu lap steel?
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Author Topic:  Pickup upgrade for Oahu lap steel?
David DeLoach


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2018 1:11 pm    
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My Oahu sounds great - until I compare it to my Gibson BR-9 or Rickenbacher B style. Is there an upgrade I can make to the pick up to improve the output/tone?


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Noah Miller


From:
Rocky Hill, CT
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2018 1:57 pm    
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Those Oahus with horseshoe pickups are rare and considerably more valuable than later ones with wood-covered pickups. From an economic point of view, if you don't care for the sound, you'd be much better off selling this one and buying a different steel instead of modifying it.

Last edited by Noah Miller on 23 Jun 2018 2:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
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David Matzenik


From:
Cairns, on the Coral Sea
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2018 1:59 pm    
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That's a particularly desirable Oahu. They did not make them with horseshoe magnets for long. Those magnets may need to be recharged after all this time. Rick Aiello should able to advise you.
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Bill Sinclair


From:
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2018 2:04 pm    
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I don't think I'd do anything more than having the magnets recharged. Maybe check the pot and tone cap values. Anything else would affect its collector value and you already own a couple of guitars that you like better. Beyond that, I'd say just enjoy it for what it is or pass it on to another collector. Nice looking example.

Edit: looks like the more knowledgeable guys weighed in first Smile
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Bill Creller

 

From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2018 2:46 pm    
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YUP ! A rear bird ! If you remove the magnets, be careful not to disturb stuff around the pickup ! Old age can make things fragile in the wiring etc..
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