A5 in a Pearly gates?

[WDeeGee]

I finally figured out how to set up my PG in a way that sounds pleasing. It has a chrome cover and with the coils screws raised above the cover, it had an unpleasant upper mid nails on a chalkboard sound. Lowered the screws significantly and now the sound is very nice.

Still, a bit lacking in bass. I tried raising the entire pup but then the high become too harsh again. I thought about swapping in an A5 magnet to add some bass.

The A5 will also boost highs, I'm afraid these might again push the "bitey" upper mid frequencies of the PG into un pleasant territory. Anyone have any experience with this? What did it sound like with an A5?

I'd use a roughcast to keep the highs soft, but am still in doubt.

 

[beaubrummels]

I thought the Pearly Gates Plus (used in the Fender "Big Apple" strat?) came with an A5? If so, it should reasonably maintain its character. Though I haven't personally tried the A5 PG option. I was planning to try an A4 sometime soon.

 

[Demanic]

I thought the Pearly Gates Plus (used in the Fender "Big Apple" strat?) came with an A5? If so, it should reasonably maintain its character. Though I haven't personally tried the A5 PG option. I was planning to try an A4 sometime soon.

UOA5 would probably sound fantastic.

Sent from my SM-A115A using Tapatalk

 

[WDeeGee]

I have an A5 spacer laying around... maybe put that in on the slug side?

Orientation has to be reverse of the main magnet if I remember correctly?

 

[Bowtomecha]

I have an A5 spacer laying around... maybe put that in on the slug side?

Orientation has to be reverse of the main magnet if I remember correctly?

where did you get that spacer?

 

[WDeeGee]

I think from the UK from a company that sells magnets... I forget which. Or maybe Ceramags, I ordered a bunch there once. They were hard to get, could find only one supplier. That was about 3 years ago.

 

[Clint 55]

If you want to boost the bass without also increasing bitey frequencies, your only option is double thick A2.










Or not. Lol.

 

[hamerfan]

I use an A8 in PG Bridge with great results. Some years ago I bought an PG+. It hat screeching highs and sounded quite thin, although I think a UOA5 could be better, I recommend A8.

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[eclecticsynergy]

PG Plus is indeed very bright. They were made only for Fender, probably intended for 250K pots.
I considered trying an A6 in mine, never got around to it. Still sits in a parts box.

 

[Aceman]

I have a PG + in my Strat. and of course, 250k pots. I like the sound. Many Strat fans don't. I think PG+ is the JB of the Strat world. I really like it, but I'm a Humbucker guy

Also - A PG+ is NOT just a PG with an A5.


I am surprised there hasn't been a PG w/ A5 person chime in. I'm sure a number have done it...

 

[WDeeGee]

Ah... maybe the one I have is a PG+ then. It has screeching highs, I bought it second hand online. Would it say PG+ on the sticker on the baseplate?

 

[Mincer]

The PG+ would also be reverse polarity from every other Duncan. You'd figure that out when installing it. To me, it is a screechy sounding pickup with 500k pots.

 

[WDeeGee]

The baseplate sticker said PG1B so it shouldn't be a plus.
I put an A8 magnet in and I like it very much!
The mids are a bit fatter, the high end still bitey but not nails on a chalkboard. I still might add a 500k resistor across the volume pot, though, to get a hint of a creamy sound going.
Of Course, the PG is a bit hotter now but I like it, it's still very dynamic and articulate.

 

[ItsaBass]

Have you tried inching back your tone control on the guitar, and upping the low end on the amp?

A5 will push the output up, which will interact with your amp to create more compression. More compression can sound like more bass...but it's really just more distortion. I would be tempted to try A8 before A5. More oomph from the pickup, without the "stiffness" that A5 can sometimes impart.

PG+ was not only "factory mag swapped," but also slightly overwound. They aren't common.