2 questions on SH-16s

[rgrocks62]

Hi, I am looking for the right combo of PUPs for my 2018 PRS SE Tremonti Custom. While I know the hotrodded set (sh-2n / sh-4) would work, I already have an 2007 Epiphone Dot Deluxe customized with those in them with Jimmy Page wiring. I also have a 2008? Schecter C-1 Custom with a SH-1n (59) and a SH-11 (custom custom) which I also like. What I have kinda pinpointed is the SH-1n (59) / SH-16 (59/custom hybrid), but would like others who have used them before's opinions. I play mostly classic rock, blues, pop, and r&b plus a variety of Christian music in church so I need versatility. I like the bluesy sound of the SH-1n over the SH-2n so my main concern is the SH-16 model. I know it should meet a lot of what I need but want to be sure.

My other question is with those 2 pups in that like my other 2 guitars I have them wired for split coil and want to do the same with one caveat. I have read because there is such a difference in the 2 coils on the SH-16 there seems to be different opinions on which coil to use for split coil mode. What I'd really love to do is set it up for split coil for each and be able to toggle between them. I have not seen specific wiring schematics for this and wondered if anyone else has done this or has some schematics to do so. Like I said versatility is most important for me because I know the quality tone will be there with SD pups.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or ideas anyone has on here. Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

Welcome to the forum!

The 59 & Hybrid is an excellent choice. Usually, you split to the Custom coil...it sounds better due to having more power. You could use a switch, or do it more elegantly with a Triple Shot ring.

 

[dystrust]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

I have a '59/Custom Hybrid in my LP with a '59 in the neck. I built a Jimmy Page harness, but it's wired 50s style with independent volumes instead of the usual modern wiring. As a bonus the Hybrid can be split to either coil using the phase switch.

Here's the diagram:

The OP is correct that the two coils sound pretty different. I generally prefer the Custom coil, but the '59 sounds good if a bit bright and thin. Overall IMO the '59/Custom Hybrid sounds much closer to a '59 than a Custom; it has that little bit more that really works nicely in my LP where the '59 was weak.

 

[blueman335]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

The '59/Custom hybrid is versatile, also bright & mid-scooped. Very different than a CC (SH-11). I'd recommend checking out the WLH as it's not such a drastic departure from the CC.

'59N's have more 'character' than a JazzN (SH-2), the downside being that they can sometimes be bassy (the issue usually being found in some LP's).

For coil split, the Custom coil makes more sense as it's 7K, which is still pretty bright and thin for the bridge slot, but not nearly as much as the '59 coil which is just over 4K. A stock '59B in full humbucker mode is too bright & thin for some members; going to one coil of it is going to be much more so. A 4K bridge PU isn't all that appealing to most players.

 

[rgrocks62]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

Thanks dystrust, I like the idea of the separate volumes as that has been an issue on my Dot guitar. I have ordered the wiring parts to completely re-wire my Tremonti. After seeing the comments on my post I agree the custom coil would be best for the split coil. I've seen so many versions of the Jimmy Page wiring my head is spinning. I will go with yours as a lot of the other diagrams are upside down in their drawings and if you don't pay attention you will wire backwards (like I initially did on my Dot). I've listened to audio clips on the SD site for SH-5, SH-11, SH-14, and SH-16, but there is not much difference in the clips so its hard to tell. I'm kinda torn on the SH-16 and wonder if the Custom SH-5 or Custom 5 SH-14 might be options too. I'm going to hold off ordering the pups until I do more research and get maybe more feedback on this. Meanwhile I can still do the main rewire on the existing Tremonti S pickups.

One more question though on the wiring, I noticed a few mentions in forums with this wiring saying to add a treble bleed for when at low volumes. Would that affect this wiring any?

 

[Mincer]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

The Custom 5 is a Custom with an Alnico 5 magnet, so you can just buy the magnet for a few bucks and swap it out.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

... I play mostly classic rock, blues, pop, and r&b plus a variety of Christian music in church so I need versatility. I like the bluesy sound of the SH-1n over the SH-2n so my main concern is the SH-16 model.
...
Like I said versatility is most important for me because I know the quality tone will be there with SD pups.

My only thought based on all that description was Whole Lotta Humbucker set.

 

[Ascension]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

One of my favorite pickup combos is the Hybrid with the Sentient.
The Hybrid is explosive harmonically it's one of the most dynamic and expressive pickups I have worked with. To me first off the 59 or Jazz really does not match that well with a Hybrid. the Jazz is to weak and bland the 59 is just not a big enough pickup sonicly. Th Hybrid feels much hotter than it really is and on solos will jump out in the mix much ore than both a Custom Custom or Custom 5 will. The Sentient is bigger richer and bolder sounding than both the 59 and Jazz but is still very defined and clear with out being muddy. Split a Hybrid to the Custom coil with a Sentient in the neck and it will shock you how good the tones are.
2 clips from a Christmas service in the fellowship hall of my church. Both same rig same guitar my 1993 Carvin DC127 in solid KOA with a Hybrid and a Sentient, the amp is a little Mesa Boogie Subway Rocket with a WGS ET 10 few effects and running un miced.
First both pickups split running a Boss CS3 in the front and Verb in the loop check out this country lead tone.

 

[Ascension]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

Now same rig same guitar running only a verb in the loop and the Subway.

 

[rgrocks62]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

I do like the sound of clips I listened to of the Sentient. I appreciate the suggestion. If I had to pinpoint my style and sound I'd say SRV meets Peter Frampton covers the variety of what I do. I think the Sentient in the neck and Hybrid in the bridge would be very nice in my Tremonti Custom.

 

[blueman335]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

I'm a big proponent of the Kinman treble bleed, cap & a resistor in series between the two non-ground lugs of the volume pot. Simple & very cheap, doesn't effect the wiring. Unlike other treble bleeds, it doesn't get too bright as the volume's lowered, and it doesn't mess up the sweep of the volume pot.

 

[dystrust]

Re: 2 questions on SH-16s

One more question though on the wiring, I noticed a few mentions in forums with this wiring saying to add a treble bleed for when at low volumes. Would that affect this wiring any?

The tone controls in my diagram are wired 50s style, so you don't need a treble bleed. The 50s wiring accomplishes the same thing and sounds more natural IMO. If you're used to modern wiring, the tone control will behave differently, but I like the additional interaction with the volume.

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