Contemporary pickup that can ‘channel’ Oahu lap steel (229?) pickup

[Mark Evans]

I got an old Oahu (229k model?), wood block palm rest, long scale, and some single coil magic beneath. Love it.
I have another lap with a P90 PU, slightly shorter scale, a newer lap… love it too… but

I am really loving the old sorta hummmy Oahu single coil sound. I’m just throwing ideas around, but…

Are there any contemporary pickups (other than the obvious Lollar Chicago Steel… which is tempting ‘Cept for the price). Also something that might be in a P90 format (soap bar shaped?)

Curious about people’s experiences with that kinda beast.

Mark E

[Bill Groner]

Maybe an Aluma Lace? I have 3 and like them all. I believe they are the same size as P 90..........however if you are in love with the hum.........you won't hear it with these. A lot less $$$$$ than the Lollar..........I think, I haven't checked either manufacturer lately. The one Kevin and I have are called a P-90 Riffian. I think they are a little hotter than the standard P-90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiMwk4shAAg

[David Venzke]

Mark,

Contact Jerry Sentell:
web: https://www.sentellpickups.com
email: sentellpickups@gmail.com

Tell him what you're looking for and want. He is great to work with.

-Dave

[Glenn Wilde]

You probably want something much weaker than a modern P90, look for an under wound one, maybe with A2 magnets, magnet swaps in P90s are cheap and easy, you can experiment.

[Mark Evans]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I am sending some specs to Jerry and will see what comes up.
Will keep posted.
Mark E
Denver

[Mark Evans]

Just a follow up:

I had Jerry Sentell build me a custom pickup based on that Oahu beast.
Well, he pretty much nailed it. A bit of sparkle, a dash of grit and bark. There is way more ‘dimension’ to the overall sound vs the P90 that was in there before. I really wanted to like the P90 (I don’t think I ever had a guitar of any kind with one). But I think I’m a single coil guy - with that sweet bit of hum.

Thanks for the suggestions
Mark E

Mark,

Contact Jerry Sentell:
web: https://www.sentellpickups.com
email: sentellpickups@gmail.com

Tell him what you're looking for and want. He is great to work with.

-Dave

[Greg Forsyth]

Hi Mark
Ive bought a couple of pickups from the Sentells and am glad you contacted them to build your pickup. Great choice.

[K Maul]

Mark,

Contact Jerry Sentell:
web: https://www.sentellpickups.com
email: sentellpickups@gmail.com

Tell him what you're looking for and want. He is great to work with.

-Dave

I second that motion!

[Justin Wierenga]

I had one of the Mojo pickups Valco style for Humbucker size, adjustable pole pieces it was killer and kick myself in the a** for selling that one

[Glenn Wilde]

Is the original Oahu pickup a horseshoe? I've never had a real old one with the wood hand rest.

[George Piburn]

Here are some P90 Noiseless Soap Bar Shaped

This company has a wide selection of P90 Soap Bar Shaped pickups.

p90.jpg

[Mark Evans]

Not sure.
I have the wood hand rest Oahu. It kinda looked like a big old single coil.

Is the original Oahu pickup a horseshoe? I've never had a real old one with the wood hand rest.

[Chris Templeton]

Like this. That style was my second steel. My first was a Vega with a matching amp.
I didn't have much perspective on its tone, so I don't remember much about its sound.

[Mark Evans]

Mine is identical, save for the indicator plates around vol/tone knobs. I just have plain black knobs.
The Oahu was my first real vintage lap steel (followed by a unbadged National New Yorker w/valco string thru) and a Rickenbacker Ace. I keep circling back to the sound of the Oahu: sweet, barky and cutting. The new Chatsworth with the Sentell ala Oahu single is pretty darn close.
I’m happy!

Like this. That style was my second steel. My first was a Vega with a matching amp.
I didn't have much perspective on its tone, so I don't remember much about its sound.

[Chris Templeton]

Mine also didn't have the indicator metal around the knobs.