Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

[GregN.]

I use some pretty high gain on occasion, but nothing over 50 watts so I was wondering if either the Antiquity or Seth humbuckers would be able to hang w/o having any microphonic issues? Amps are typically a VHT Pittbull 50/12 combo or a Boogie DC-3. The guitar I'm considering putting them in is a new Epi Les Paul Standard. I'm really leaning towards a '59 bridge and maybe an Alnico Pro II in the neck but I can't help but be intrigued by the Ants and Seths. Any advice appreciated!
Thanks,
Greg

 

[gripweed]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

If I *really* crank my gain on the other guitar players amp in my band, I can get my Seth to squeal. I think the gain/unpotted issue is overdone IMHO. You really have to crank the gain and face your amp to get your Seth to do that.

I haven't tried the Antiquities, but the Seths are great! I think they can do just about any type of music.

 

[BillyThe Wild]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

Have a Seth in my Paul. No issues, sounds great!!!!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

If I *really* crank my gain on the other guitar players amp in my band, I can get my Seth to squeel. I think the gain/unpotted issue is overdone IMHO. You really have to crank the gain and face your amp to get your Seth to do that.

Exactly!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

I'm a big fan of Seths and 59's, although they are very vintage sounding. On high gain, the Seths do fine, but it's not uncommon to get a bit of squeal if you're on a loud highgain lead channel, and you're too close to the amp. You really have to TRY to get the squeal.

Judging by your rig, I think you might like these combos more.....since they're a little hotter and tighter sounding, yet still fairly vintage sounding.
Custom 5/59N or Jazz N.....the modern A5 set
Custom Custom/APH or Pearly Gates N.....the modern A2 set.

Those are combinations that put a smile on most LP player's faces, upon installation.

 

[cheezemaster]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

Don't sweat it. I had this same concern re: Antiquity P-90s, but it's not a problem.

I gigged with them for the first last night and experienced no problems at all. Only time I ever got them to "squeal" at all was during rehersal when I pushed it to see what would make them squeal. I had to have the gain on my amp maxed, the master turned up to higher than normal volume, plus my tube screamer on AND I had stand 2 feet in front of the amp facing the speakers with the pups. Only then did I get some squealing which was easily controlled (turn away from the amp).

I know a guy who played heavy punk rock/art rock stuff with Seths and never had any issues either.

Basically unless you're in and extreme metal or punk band and are playing at mind-numbing volume levels with insane amounts of gain, you ought to have no problems.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

I've already said I agree with the above sentiments but here's something else to consider: does anyone really think that Seymour or MJ would release a pickup that would squeel uncontrollably? These folks know exactly what they're doing...they don't like pickups that squeel anymore than we do! Lew

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

ARE YOU GUYS SURE?

I had a few squeal issues - NOTHING MAJOR - but enough to scare me out of these pups. Lately, I avoided them mainly for lack of 4 conductor - that's why I went APH1. Other than that I have wanted to go back to the Seths.

I found the Ants a little lacking in clarity when I tried them.

This was a while ago.

I am usually mid gain, but god forbid I end up in bands where I have to crank and wail - I cannot have control problems with noise. I just could not take the chance. I also had Gibson BB's once that howled too much so I couldnt keep 'em.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

ARE YOU GUYS SURE?

I had a few squeal issues - NOTHING MAJOR - but enough to scare me out of these pups. Lately, I avoided them mainly for lack of 4 conductor - that's why I went APH1. Other than that I have wanted to go back to the Seths.

I found the Ants a little lacking in clarity when I tried them.

This was a while ago.

I am usually mid gain, but god forbid I end up in bands where I have to crank and wail - I cannot have control problems with noise. I just could not take the chance. I also had Gibson BB's once that howled too much so I couldnt keep 'em.

As you said: NOTHING MAJOR. You can probably induce a little squeeling if you're trying to make them squeel. (turn up super loud and stand right in front of and facing your speakers) But it's a minor issue at best and easily avoided.

Lew

 

[MesaDCLP]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

You really have to crank the gain and face your amp

this is true...
volume is key though...louder you are, less gain you can crank

squeal is why i changed pups in the first place ... 490r/498t ==> 59's
much higher threshhold of gain at my volume now on

 

[bigbob]

Re: Antiquities or Seths and high gain..

I've got two seths in my USA Hamer Artist and I've really got to be in front of the amp to get squeal. great sounding pups too.