All Pickups Sound Dull in the Bridge - 1986 Charvel Model 3a
- Thread starter EVOLVIST
- Start date
alex1fly
Well-known member
Well obviously if the strings are from 1986, it's gonna sound dull... :smash:
But seriously, have you tried some different strings? Sometimes a different brand, material, or construction of string will give you that extra magic you're looking for. Same for different picks - they can make a real difference in your sound. Probably more so than changing out your saddles, but perhaps not.
If you're intent on getting the magic out of this guitar, and the electronics are OG, rip 'em and re-wire from scratch so you can have a solid baseline to work from. Lower output pickups could help too - they're more lively in general IME than high output ones, and you can always get your makeup gain elsewhere. Lowering your pickups can have a similar effect too. Putting an EQ pedal or preamp at the beginning of your chain can add some magic in as well by letting shape the signal going in to your amp (maybe those missing mids are what's bugging you). Try some different amps or cabs, maybe it just needs a particular speaker to sound good. Or heck, just give up and move on because it sounds like you've done quite a lot of work already :eek1:
But seriously, have you tried some different strings? Sometimes a different brand, material, or construction of string will give you that extra magic you're looking for. Same for different picks - they can make a real difference in your sound. Probably more so than changing out your saddles, but perhaps not.
If you're intent on getting the magic out of this guitar, and the electronics are OG, rip 'em and re-wire from scratch so you can have a solid baseline to work from. Lower output pickups could help too - they're more lively in general IME than high output ones, and you can always get your makeup gain elsewhere. Lowering your pickups can have a similar effect too. Putting an EQ pedal or preamp at the beginning of your chain can add some magic in as well by letting shape the signal going in to your amp (maybe those missing mids are what's bugging you). Try some different amps or cabs, maybe it just needs a particular speaker to sound good. Or heck, just give up and move on because it sounds like you've done quite a lot of work already :eek1:
DD set should work, you already have it so go for it. One of my favourite combinations in a MIM Charvel San Dimas is Full Shred neck with JB or Custom in the bridge. Unfortunately I just couldn't get along with the Distortion in the bridge, just too shrill and flat. Tight and punchy, but not very musical.
Speaking on bridge pups, I'm in love with the sound of both JB and Custom with A8 magnets in them through a tubescreamer set as clean boost with the tone set to 1 o'clock pushing the amp, just right up my alley
DD set should work, you already have it so go for it. One of my favourite combinations in a MIM Charvel San Dimas is Full Shred neck with JB or Custom in the bridge. Unfortunately I just couldn't get along with the Distortion in the bridge, just too shrill and flat. Tight and punchy, but not very musical.
Speaking on bridge pups, I'm in love with the sound of both JB and Custom with A8 magnets in them through a tubescreamer set as clean boost with the tone set to 1 o'clock pushing the amp, just right up my alley
Well, I have plenty of magnets if the DD doesn't do it for me. I loaded this set once in a Charvel 750XL, and then switched to a Full Shred set. Still not sure if I'm happy with that set.
I have the HB103B in a Jackson KE3 and love it in there.
I have MIJ Promods with a JB, JB2, and an X2N in them. They all sound awesome. I think you could put a turd (other than a DD) in a Promod and it would still sound awesome LOL!
treyhaislip
New member
Best bridge pickup in a Model 3 that I’ve ever used is a SH-12 Screamin Demon. Responds like a JB without being brittle/harsh.