Alternative to Pearly Gates

[nw202]

I have a nickel covered PG in my strat along with a two Dimarzio Area single coils and I think they are all good pickups. However, I've noticed that when I listen back to myself practicing, or listen back to a rehearsal, I can't help but notice that the Pearly Gates, as much as I like it, has a nasal quality to my ears.
I think the PG is a good pickup. It's got that 'rude' quality about it, just like the description on the main site. Its clear, bright, but still warm. I just think I might want to change to another PAF style humbucker that is a little more balanced, and without the nasal quality.
I'm not very fond of the 59' model, and I've tried the Seth Lovers in another guitar and love them, but not for the strat. Any ideas?

 

[DreX]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Probably a Screamin' Demon.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Probably not, considering the OP said he wanted to change 'to another PAF style humbucker.'

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

You could try swapping the magnet to a roughcast unoriented alnico 5 or alnico 8. This would allow you to shift the EQ curve of the pickup.

 

[DreX]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Probably not, considering the OP said he wanted to change 'to another PAF style humbucker.'

The Screamin' Demon is very much PAF style, it says so right in the product description:

"Moderate output, P.A.F.-style with added "growl." ... This pickup was designed in the Custom Shop to provide the big open sound of our '59 Model with a little less bite and a little more growl."

 

[jeremy]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

paf generally describes something wound with #42 pe wire 7.5k to 8.5k with an alnico magnet

the demon doesnt fit into that description other than the alnico magnet. im not saying it isnt a good pup or that it might not fit, but it isnt a paf type pup

 

[blueman335]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

paf generally describes something wound with #42 pe wire 7.5k to 8.5k with an alnico magnet

the demon doesnt fit into that description other than the alnico magnet. im not saying it isnt a good pup or that it might not fit, but it isnt a paf type pup

Thanks. Just like a Custom or C5 don't sound 'PAF-like', regardless of anything said to that effect.

 

[DreX]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Seymour Duncan Co. says it's PAF-style. You're entitled to your opinion... but so are they.

 

[nw202]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Well, o clear things up, I don't think I'm into the Screamin Demon anyway. Any other suggestions?

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

It sounds like the WLH might fit in the tonal space you're aiming at. That's generally considered to be a balanced PAF style pickup.

 

[nw202]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

The what? Sorry, I'm unfamiliar with the abbreviation.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

WLH = Whole Lotta Humbucker

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Try the Whole Lotta Humbucker. It's a little more stiff and less honky than a PG.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

And not scooped like the 59

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

I suggest the Pearly Gates Plus. A5 rather than A2, slightly hotter wind. Fender's own choice for several HSS and HH models.

For ash/maple Stratocasters, consider the Brobucker.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

I don't think that would be a worthwhile swap, Mr. Fingers. A PG Plus in a Strat sounds just like a PG in a Strat, only a bit louder...which is exactly what it was designed to do.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

If you like the PG but want a flatter response, try an A4 in it.

 

[elelpe]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

WLH is a good idea. I'd recommend another: PATB-3.

 

[audiocheck]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

JAZZ anyone?

I am not sure if it is built like a PAF, but it is Vintage output with a smoother EQ.

 

[nw202]

Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Interesting. I'm not a very technical guy, so I'm not sure exactly how to swap a magnet. Hell, I don't even know where to get one. But I'm interested by the concept that simply swapping the magnet in a pickup can change your pickup for the better.