An observation...opinions wanted.

[SCOTT502]

I've been trying to decide on replacement pickups for a couple of my guitars, I have asked a lot of questions here and you guys have been very patient and helpful as always.

My observation is this, I have been paying close attention to my guitar sound in order to decide what I do and don't like about my current pups, I realized that there is a dramatic change in the tone just walking around the room. I've always known this but now that I'm paying particular attention it's really got me thinking. Would a better approach to deciding on a pickup be to put more emphasis on the clarity and attack that each pickup provides and "tune it in using the amp's EQ?

Just a thought...let me know what you think.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: An observation...opinions wanted.

The way I choose pickups is to find a pickup that fills in the guitar's sonic holes.

For example, in my LP's neck spot, I need a pickup with sparkle, enough mids to play lead with, and a pulled back bass response. I ended up with a PGn wound to 7.3k.

I also have a maple Carvin DC127-T. Unplugged, that guitar has lot of highs and lows with an almost clinical midrange response. I chose a CC because of its rolled off highs, abundance of low mids, and since the guitar has plenty of lows, the spongy lows of the CC aren't that apperent.

Decide what the voice of your guitar is unplugged and then decide what you want it's voice to be when you plug it in. Base your pickup decisions on that.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: An observation...opinions wanted.

I've been trying to decide on replacement pickups for a couple of my guitars, I have asked a lot of questions here and you guys have been very patient and helpful as always.

My observation is this, I have been paying close attention to my guitar sound in order to decide what I do and don't like about my current pups, I realized that there is a dramatic change in the tone just walking around the room. I've always known this but now that I'm paying particular attention it's really got me thinking. Would a better approach to deciding on a pickup be to put more emphasis on the clarity and attack that each pickup provides and "tune it in using the amp's EQ?

Just a thought...let me know what you think.

I think you are 100% correct and this is something I mention all the time on this board...especially when I guy complains that a pickup or speaker is to harsh or to bright. Obviously anything is going to sound alot brighter and more present if you're standing facing the amp from a couple of feet away!

To me, this isn't rocket science: if a pickup or speaker or amp gives you a tone that turns you on and allows your creativity to flow, that's all that's really important. It's about music and being a good musician, and I think we all get a little obsessive about the gear.

Choosing a pickup is not an intellectual or theoretical decision...it's a feeling kinda thang. If it sounds good it IS good!

But don't judge the tone from 2' away...and especially, don't call it harsh because you're listening from 2' away, using to much treble and playing to loud in to small of a space.

 

[flank]

Re: An observation...opinions wanted.

honestly, the thing about new pickups that makes the difference is the harmonic and "aliveness" of the sound. I can make any pickup sound warm and biting with treble. Overall, you can choose pickups based on EQ, but sometimes it doesnt matter, or at least in my findings. But what i hear with Seymour Duncans compared to stock pickups is the clarity and aliveness of the sound. maybe its the dynamics i'm talking about. Thats where i find the true worth in aftermarket pickups, or at least for what i'm working with