A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
- Thread starter alex1fly
- Start date
jimijames
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Magnets have the same general EQ curve regardless of what pickup you put them in (comparatively, of course) Compared with the stock A5's in the jazz/jb, the A8 will be much louder, with tons of raunchy mids and bass, and comparatively weak highs, they're described as having the singing qualities of A2, and from my experience, I have to agree with that. The bass is huge, and while it's not as tight as ceramic, it's close enough that anyone listening won't know the difference. Plus I don't like my bass too tight anyway, I like the response of A2 and people here say that that's the 'loosest' of all the magnets. So you can accurately predict the results given what the existing pickup and magnet sound like. The biggest variable in the equation (again, in my opinion) is the guitar itself.
Magnets have the same general EQ curve regardless of what pickup you put them in (comparatively, of course) Compared with the stock A5's in the jazz/jb, the A8 will be much louder, with tons of raunchy mids and bass, and comparatively weak highs, they're described as having the singing qualities of A2, and from my experience, I have to agree with that. The bass is huge, and while it's not as tight as ceramic, it's close enough that anyone listening won't know the difference. Plus I don't like my bass too tight anyway, I like the response of A2 and people here say that that's the 'loosest' of all the magnets. So you can accurately predict the results given what the existing pickup and magnet sound like. The biggest variable in the equation (again, in my opinion) is the guitar itself.
alex1fly
Well-known member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
+1. The A8 warmed my guitar up; now it sounds more like what a Les Paul should sound like. With A5 it was a little on the thin side, but I think my LP is on the brighter side. The bass could still be tighter, but it isn't flubby unless the gain is too high. A8 could also help bulk a guitar up if you want a bigger sound but like using lighter strings. I really like the A8 mids though.
One thing I really like about it is that the 7-10 range on my guitar volume knob is very useable. Turn it up to 7 and it rocks, and then it just adds gain up from there. With the A5 I had to keep it closer to 10 to get the same amount of kick.
+1. The A8 warmed my guitar up; now it sounds more like what a Les Paul should sound like. With A5 it was a little on the thin side, but I think my LP is on the brighter side. The bass could still be tighter, but it isn't flubby unless the gain is too high. A8 could also help bulk a guitar up if you want a bigger sound but like using lighter strings. I really like the A8 mids though.
One thing I really like about it is that the 7-10 range on my guitar volume knob is very useable. Turn it up to 7 and it rocks, and then it just adds gain up from there. With the A5 I had to keep it closer to 10 to get the same amount of kick.
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
I'm just resurrecting this thread because the PGb with an A8 magnet in in fact awesome.
Thanks for the mags blueman. Thanks for your constant rants about how A8 in a pg is awesome Kojak.
Try it out folks. Its fat and mean yet with a smooth top end.
I'm just resurrecting this thread because the PGb with an A8 magnet in in fact awesome.
Thanks for the mags blueman. Thanks for your constant rants about how A8 in a pg is awesome Kojak.
Try it out folks. Its fat and mean yet with a smooth top end.
Chocklit_Thunda
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
What's the output difference from the regular A2 PG?
What's the output difference from the regular A2 PG?
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Much bigger and more defined low end. More meat in the mids. It does not sound as vintage and chewy as the normal pg. It is very much a different pickup. The key word here is "big".
Much bigger and more defined low end. More meat in the mids. It does not sound as vintage and chewy as the normal pg. It is very much a different pickup. The key word here is "big".
Last edited:
LtKojak
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
I think the keyword would be "huge", but hey! What do I know uh?
I think the keyword would be "huge", but hey! What do I know uh?
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
The PG8 turned out to be a life saver for me.
I tried the JB8 & DD8 but neither impressed me as much as the originals, but when my PG-n didnt work out in my AX40, I put it in the bridge with the Alnico8. Im afraid to take it out for regular PG-b cuz I don't want to lose the bass end chunk
Ulitimately, I think the PG8 is THAT pickup when people ask to do classic rock & ocassional metal with one guitar
Here's a couple of well- mic'd vids I did w/ my PG8 ( starts w playing, NOT talking: warning if allegic to VH)
A8+PAF=EVH
The PG8 turned out to be a life saver for me.
I tried the JB8 & DD8 but neither impressed me as much as the originals, but when my PG-n didnt work out in my AX40, I put it in the bridge with the Alnico8. Im afraid to take it out for regular PG-b cuz I don't want to lose the bass end chunk
Ulitimately, I think the PG8 is THAT pickup when people ask to do classic rock & ocassional metal with one guitar
Here's a couple of well- mic'd vids I did w/ my PG8 ( starts w playing, NOT talking: warning if allegic to VH)
A8+PAF=EVH
dvanburen
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
its been a while since ive posted here but I did a review months ago when I made my custom hybrid pups. Blueman and Kojak can jump in. they know better than me but A8 is a magical magnet in the bridge pup and pairs perfectly with the A4 in the neck. They seem to just "work" together.
I have Jazz screw/59 slug neck pickup with A4 and it is absolutely stunning. Takes the dominant open bell like chime and clarity from the jazz and blends it perfectly with the warmth and chewy goodness of the 59. The jazz itself is nice but can be a bit cold and lifeless for my taste. The 59 is nice but can be boomy and muddy in the low end at times for me. The A4 tames the boominess one tends to get from the 59 and fills out the scoop you get from the A5 mag. Ive tried this hybrid with in reverse with 59 screw coil and i like the latter best
I have a custom screw/ JB slug bridge pickup with A8 mag and its totally badass! I really like the ceramic mag too with this hybrid a lot because of the style of music i like to play (rock, metal). Ceramic sounds F**cking huge and nasty but..... it doesnt play nice with the A4 neck pup I have. The A8 gives it soo much more warmth and creaminess but still give it plenty of attitude and grind. A8 fills out the midrange considerably and makes it more musical vs say an A5 or ceramic mag. Oh yeah, and did I mention A8 plays well with the A4 :naughty:
its been a while since ive posted here but I did a review months ago when I made my custom hybrid pups. Blueman and Kojak can jump in. they know better than me but A8 is a magical magnet in the bridge pup and pairs perfectly with the A4 in the neck. They seem to just "work" together.
I have Jazz screw/59 slug neck pickup with A4 and it is absolutely stunning. Takes the dominant open bell like chime and clarity from the jazz and blends it perfectly with the warmth and chewy goodness of the 59. The jazz itself is nice but can be a bit cold and lifeless for my taste. The 59 is nice but can be boomy and muddy in the low end at times for me. The A4 tames the boominess one tends to get from the 59 and fills out the scoop you get from the A5 mag. Ive tried this hybrid with in reverse with 59 screw coil and i like the latter best
I have a custom screw/ JB slug bridge pickup with A8 mag and its totally badass! I really like the ceramic mag too with this hybrid a lot because of the style of music i like to play (rock, metal). Ceramic sounds F**cking huge and nasty but..... it doesnt play nice with the A4 neck pup I have. The A8 gives it soo much more warmth and creaminess but still give it plenty of attitude and grind. A8 fills out the midrange considerably and makes it more musical vs say an A5 or ceramic mag. Oh yeah, and did I mention A8 plays well with the A4 :naughty:
jumble jumble
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Surely it becomes the "Pearly GA8s" at this point.
Surely it becomes the "Pearly GA8s" at this point.
LtKojak
New member
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
You are asking Blueman about a 500T? He is afraid of the music those pickups make :lmao:
You are asking Blueman about a 500T? He is afraid of the music those pickups make :lmao:
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
The Crazy 8 is a cool pickup! Have one in a BC Rich Gunslinger reissue. Let us know how you like it!
Alex,
Very cool review!! Im gonna have to try this in my LP with the pearlies! I am like Ascension in that I also love alnico 8 mag pups! The Custom 8 is my fav go to pup and I also like my Crazy 8 and my Alt 8. 8 is great!! hahahaha
The Crazy 8 is a cool pickup! Have one in a BC Rich Gunslinger reissue. Let us know how you like it!
Alex,
Very cool review!! Im gonna have to try this in my LP with the pearlies! I am like Ascension in that I also love alnico 8 mag pups! The Custom 8 is my fav go to pup and I also like my Crazy 8 and my Alt 8. 8 is great!! hahahaha
cessnadave
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Looking for recent feedback regarding a PG with A8. I have a LP with ebony fret board with PG's in the neck & bridge; as expected the bridge PU is running a tad on the bright side. I'm debating if I should try an A8 in the PG-B or just toss a SH11 Custom Custom in the bridge. Will an A8 smooth out the upper mids & highs?
Anyone have experience with either/both?
Thanks!
Looking for recent feedback regarding a PG with A8. I have a LP with ebony fret board with PG's in the neck & bridge; as expected the bridge PU is running a tad on the bright side. I'm debating if I should try an A8 in the PG-B or just toss a SH11 Custom Custom in the bridge. Will an A8 smooth out the upper mids & highs?
Anyone have experience with either/both?
Thanks!
Tone Meister
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
I have lots of interest in this topic but zero experience with the swaps. Read back through the thread carefully and I believe your questions are answered in great detail.
From reading the various posts from several very experienced folks, it seems to me an A8 in the PG bridge and an A4 in the PG neck would be tone nirvana and a perfect match.
Good luck.
I have lots of interest in this topic but zero experience with the swaps. Read back through the thread carefully and I believe your questions are answered in great detail.
From reading the various posts from several very experienced folks, it seems to me an A8 in the PG bridge and an A4 in the PG neck would be tone nirvana and a perfect match.
Good luck.
Last edited:
Tone Meister
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Relevant is relevant. Lots of solid info in this thread. Many thanks to all contributors.
Relevant is relevant. Lots of solid info in this thread. Many thanks to all contributors.
cessnadave
New member
Re: A8 Pearly Gates - awesome
Yes.. good info on the past threads. Any known sound clips of a PG A8?
Thanks
Yes.. good info on the past threads. Any known sound clips of a PG A8?
Thanks
