High gain Seth question

[Storey]

Hey guys. Really want your opinions on this. I am intrigued by trying an unpotted set and particularly love the tone of the Seths. I have read many testimonials online saying how they squeal horribly under high gain/high volume. Although i DO play with modern high gain, i get it all from pedals and external effects. My amp is always at a moderate volume(less than 50 watts), and any real volume comes from getting miked through the house p.a. Since the amp volume is moderate, even with extreme gain, do you think they should work? Thanks for any replies!!

[Rockstar216]

Re: High gain Seth question

You could have them wax pot you a model if your worried about feedback it would be a shop floor custom order most likely.

[beaubrummels]

Re: High gain Seth question

I had Seths in my SG and played through a JTM45 into a 4x12. To make them squeal, I had to face the guitar within 18" of the cabinet. Feedback, however, would happen anywhere up to 6' straight out in front of the speaker cones. As long as I was off center axis from the speaker cones, I had control.

[Storey]

Re: High gain Seth question

See, that's the thing, Beau. I've heard tell that these pickups can feedback easiy, but in a very "musical"' nice way. I've never played unpotted pups before and would love to if just because of the differences they bring to the table. By the way, if it makes any difference, they're going in an all mahogany LP Custom.

[DreX]

Re: High gain Seth question

Roughly speaking, they squeal for me with loud distortion and in close proximity to the amp, which is not an uncommon situation. Mine are in a semi hallow body, so that might trigger feedback more readily than if they were mounted in a solid body, I don't know. But clean to mildly over driven, they're fine. And there is nothing musical about the squealing when it does happen. It's more hideous than microphone feedback.

Maybe just buy one to start with, and if you have trouble during a gig, switch away from the Seth. IMO, the lack of potting gives them a spontaneous mid range that to me seems organic. I think they're more reactive to the circumstances of volume and sound, microphonic both for better and for worse. I might be imaging things, though. Best to try for yourself and see if you agree.

[AlexR]

Re: High gain Seth question

It all depends on what you are talking about. If its microphonic squeal then this is annoying and atonal.

feedback, where it is related to notes you are playing/holding can often be manipulated by stance. But beware the room where it becomes unavoidable.

[Edgecrusher]

Re: High gain Seth question

I had Seths in my SG and played through a JTM45 into a 4x12. To make them squeal, I had to face the guitar within 18" of the cabinet. Feedback, however, would happen anywhere up to 6' straight out in front of the speaker cones. As long as I was off center axis from the speaker cones, I had control.

Sorry but a JTM45 isnt high gain... But it does bring up a good point if they squeal under a JTM45's gain...then...

Ive had seths in a LP standard and for high gain they just leave a lot to be desired. Mostly because when you pick and you want the note to compress it wont. Its hard to get them to sustain without a squeal (this can be good or bad depending on what your doing) This was done at volumes say equivalent to a loud TV but not loud enough to play with a drummer. I found playing them in a high gain setting made me beat on them more trying to get it out of them but its just not there.

[AlexR]

Re: High gain Seth question

There's also gain vs volume. Because high volume will also do as much as gain will.

[Edgecrusher]

Re: High gain Seth question

There's also gain vs volume. Because high volume will also do as much as gain will.

Sure but the OP is asking about a high gain moderate volume situation.

[AlexR]

Re: High gain Seth question

Yep, I was more answering the general 'Seths and feedback' issue I guess.

[Storey]

Re: High gain Seth question

Thanks for all the advise guys. Think maybe i should go with my second choice: Dimarzio 36th Anniversaries. I am in love with the Seths tone, but seems a potted pup is a safe bet in my situation.

[xxxplorer]

Re: High gain Seth question

You could look into Jim Wagner (WCR) pickups as well. He doesn't pot his pickups, but uses some 'secret sauce' instead. Love his stuff. Darkburst would be a good start.

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: High gain Seth question

[JOLLY]

Re: High gain Seth question

You shouldn't have any problems unless you're standing right in front of your amp and facing it.

[SJ318]

Re: High gain Seth question

I've used Seth's in my bridge LP Custom with a Hot Rod Fender Deluxe with the amp on 7, no master gain channel, with a sparkle drive as a boost in a small club with a ferociously loud drummer, and outside also, using an A5 mag and A2 mag in both situations at other similar venues over the last 4-5 years and never had a problem with UNwanted feedback. Gave plenty of sustain in a good way. I love Seth's. Keep meaning to try one with an A8 mag for bigger mids but haven't done it yet.
Also used 'em stats, tele's and my SG. Same deal. Always in control, feedback never been a problem. Cover on or off, No potted pickups. The group I get a chance to play with every now and then is one loud blues/rock band. LOUD. With second lead guitarist who is also very loud. So I gotta turn up to keep up and I like it cause the band is fun!
Steve Buffington