I've been a single coil player for about 10+ years now and I've recently been playing in an original 2 guitar rock band with a guitarist that plays humbucking guitars. Here's the problem - after we dial in our rhythm tones (where we spend most of our time) his unwound strings are noticeably louder/brighter/more present than mine. As the main lead player this poses a problem. I've even gone as far as buying an SG (which I really like) but I can't seem to bond with the dark wound strings/bright unwound strings issue inherent in humbuckers. So, does anyone make a humbucker that's more balanced like a single coil with the wound strings a bit brighter and unwound strings a bit less harsh?
A more balanced humbucker?
- Thread starter mom
- Start date
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
You seem to fit the bill for a P90 almost perfectly. The sizzle of a singlecoil with some of the punch of a humbucker. If you want a dedicated guitar for this, then the 60's tribute SG or LP are great. Otherwise Phat Cats in the SD line are direct humbucker sized p90's.
You seem to fit the bill for a P90 almost perfectly. The sizzle of a singlecoil with some of the punch of a humbucker. If you want a dedicated guitar for this, then the 60's tribute SG or LP are great. Otherwise Phat Cats in the SD line are direct humbucker sized p90's.
LtKojak
New member
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
Looks like your p'up is too close to the strings... try lowering the neck p'up and raise the polepieces until you're satisfied with the tone,then adjust the bridge p'up accordingly until they balance. Not exactly rocket science.
That'll certainly help. THEN you can think 'bout changing p'ups.
You didn't say what p'ups your bandmate has and/or what do you have, and both rigs also. Maybe it's an amp and/or speaker problem. Many variables to think of, not enough info given to make an educated guess.
HTH,
Looks like your p'up is too close to the strings... try lowering the neck p'up and raise the polepieces until you're satisfied with the tone,then adjust the bridge p'up accordingly until they balance. Not exactly rocket science.
That'll certainly help. THEN you can think 'bout changing p'ups.
You didn't say what p'ups your bandmate has and/or what do you have, and both rigs also. Maybe it's an amp and/or speaker problem. Many variables to think of, not enough info given to make an educated guess.
HTH,
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
That actually helped quite a bit. The neck and bridge p'ups were balanced with each other as far as height but on their own the treble side was too high. Lowering the treble side and slightly raising the bass side brought much of the balance I was looking for. Ur right, it wasn't rocket science
Also, we're playing medium high gain originals. I play Strats w/hot sc's and an SG w/490's into an OCD and SHO into a Naylor SD60 through a Hiwatt 4x12 with 90's Celestion V30's and H's. Other guy plays a PRS w/an HFS bridge through a TSL100 Marshall and V30 loaded cab.
I love p90's. My next guitar will be a p90 gtr... and the 80's Tribute LP looks sweet! Thanks for the advice guys.
That actually helped quite a bit. The neck and bridge p'ups were balanced with each other as far as height but on their own the treble side was too high. Lowering the treble side and slightly raising the bass side brought much of the balance I was looking for. Ur right, it wasn't rocket science
Also, we're playing medium high gain originals. I play Strats w/hot sc's and an SG w/490's into an OCD and SHO into a Naylor SD60 through a Hiwatt 4x12 with 90's Celestion V30's and H's. Other guy plays a PRS w/an HFS bridge through a TSL100 Marshall and V30 loaded cab.
I love p90's. My next guitar will be a p90 gtr... and the 80's Tribute LP looks sweet! Thanks for the advice guys.
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
I found these...
http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk...humbucker_sized_p90s&pickup=mississippi_queen
The Bareknucle Mississipi Queen. Anyone try 'em??? I hear nothing but good things about BK pickups. Others I've considered are the Phat Cats, GFS Mean/Dream 90's and Fralin's Unbucker.
I found these...
http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk...humbucker_sized_p90s&pickup=mississippi_queen
The Bareknucle Mississipi Queen. Anyone try 'em??? I hear nothing but good things about BK pickups. Others I've considered are the Phat Cats, GFS Mean/Dream 90's and Fralin's Unbucker.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
Best HB set for an SG is a C8/'59N. We love it around here. The A8 magnet in it adds some warmth to the plain strings, and it's high output PU.
Best HB set for an SG is a C8/'59N. We love it around here. The A8 magnet in it adds some warmth to the plain strings, and it's high output PU.
richard parker
Active member
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
The pups that Gibsons fit to SGs are not particularly wonderful and in my experience get muddy and undefined once you've pumped the gain and volume a little. Can't speak for MQs but I have other BK pickups and they are wonderful. They have a LOT of clarity and their humbuckers rival single coils in this respect.
The pups that Gibsons fit to SGs are not particularly wonderful and in my experience get muddy and undefined once you've pumped the gain and volume a little. Can't speak for MQs but I have other BK pickups and they are wonderful. They have a LOT of clarity and their humbuckers rival single coils in this respect.
Andrew Lamprecht
Minion of One
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
The C5 used to be the favored SG bridge HB here, but several years ago the majority switched their allegience to the C8 as it has a fuller, richer tone. Being warmer, it's also easier to EQ with a neck PU. The C5 still has followers, but if you dial in your amp EQ to it (it's bright and scooped), then you could have a challenge getting the neck PU sounding right.
As was pointed out, 490's aren't all that impressive, at least not with the stock A2 magnets. But, put an A5 in the neck (as some of us have), and an A8 or UOA5 in the bridge, and it's a whole new ballgame.
The C5 used to be the favored SG bridge HB here, but several years ago the majority switched their allegience to the C8 as it has a fuller, richer tone. Being warmer, it's also easier to EQ with a neck PU. The C5 still has followers, but if you dial in your amp EQ to it (it's bright and scooped), then you could have a challenge getting the neck PU sounding right.
As was pointed out, 490's aren't all that impressive, at least not with the stock A2 magnets. But, put an A5 in the neck (as some of us have), and an A8 or UOA5 in the bridge, and it's a whole new ballgame.
LtKojak
New member
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
Looks like the good ol' Lieutenant just got another happy customer...
That actually helped quite a bit. The neck and bridge p'ups were balanced with each other as far as height but on their own the treble side was too high. Lowering the treble side and slightly raising the bass side brought much of the balance I was looking for. Ur right, it wasn't rocket science
Looks like the good ol' Lieutenant just got another happy customer...
Andrew Lamprecht
Minion of One
Re: A more balanced humbucker?
To blueman:
I know, I just think don't like the midrange with A8 mags. You just can't say it is the best pickup for an SG is all, it's just what our forum thinks as a majority, some people feel differently. I prefer to get a nice dose of mids (ie lots!) from the amp and use A5 pickups (most of time).
To blueman:
I know, I just think don't like the midrange with A8 mags. You just can't say it is the best pickup for an SG is all, it's just what our forum thinks as a majority, some people feel differently. I prefer to get a nice dose of mids (ie lots!) from the amp and use A5 pickups (most of time).
