Hello to all......this is my first post and I need a little help. I have just bought a guitar with humbuckers and find myself having a hard time adjusting. I have played teles for years so the transition is a bit difficult. The guitar is loaded with a set of SD Alnico II pros which to my ear sound a little dark. What other SD pickup would give a brighter tone? I was thinking about the Phats Cats but don't know how noisy they may be. Thanks!
Bright sounding humbucker
- Thread starter dzrati
- Start date
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
Welcome to the forum.
If the APH's sound a little to dark to you, you can try a set of 59's, set of Jazz's or a set of PG's. All three will give you a brighter tone, while retaining that vintage PAF vibe.
Listening to the soundclips on the main SD site of each of these may help you decide. My choice would be the 59's followed by the Jazz. Also, what kind of guitar are these pickups in?
Welcome to the forum.
If the APH's sound a little to dark to you, you can try a set of 59's, set of Jazz's or a set of PG's. All three will give you a brighter tone, while retaining that vintage PAF vibe.
Listening to the soundclips on the main SD site of each of these may help you decide. My choice would be the 59's followed by the Jazz. Also, what kind of guitar are these pickups in?
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
:eek13: I actually think they're one the warmest humbuckers.
:eek13: I actually think they're one the warmest humbuckers.
M
MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
T
theodie
Guest
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
Here are you choices Duncan has in the realm of bright buckers. They are in the order from Darker to the brightest, (this is how I percive it anyway)
Darkest of the bright,
Pearly Gates
Custom 5
59
Jazz
Scremin Demon (trust me, it dosent scream!)
The Demon is without a doubt the brightest IMO and its a toss up between the C5, 59 and PG as to which one is brighter or darker! I would say since you are used to bridge singles coils in a tele, go with the Demon or the Jazz.
Here are you choices Duncan has in the realm of bright buckers. They are in the order from Darker to the brightest, (this is how I percive it anyway)
Darkest of the bright,
Pearly Gates
Custom 5
59
Jazz
Scremin Demon (trust me, it dosent scream!)
The Demon is without a doubt the brightest IMO and its a toss up between the C5, 59 and PG as to which one is brighter or darker! I would say since you are used to bridge singles coils in a tele, go with the Demon or the Jazz.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
It's unfortunate that Jazz's are overlooked by most, particularly the Jazz Bridge.
It's punchy, glassy, and full sounding. Don't forget, it's not listed in the vintage section, it's listed in the 'progressive' section. It's not as weak as people think.
That said, if you're a single coil player, and you want humbuckers that are articulate, clear, and open sounding......go for Jazz/Jazz, 59/Jazz, Screamin Demon/Jazz, or C-5/59. For single coil diehards, Alnico 5 is where you should stay IMO.
It's unfortunate that Jazz's are overlooked by most, particularly the Jazz Bridge.
It's punchy, glassy, and full sounding. Don't forget, it's not listed in the vintage section, it's listed in the 'progressive' section. It's not as weak as people think.
That said, if you're a single coil player, and you want humbuckers that are articulate, clear, and open sounding......go for Jazz/Jazz, 59/Jazz, Screamin Demon/Jazz, or C-5/59. For single coil diehards, Alnico 5 is where you should stay IMO.
Gamlejohn
New member
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
I am also a Tele player and I never could get used to the dark, compressed humbucker sound of my Les Paul. I just installed a set of Phat Cats in it and I can't believe how good they are. Clear, lively and agressive. And they are not noisy at all. The metal cover sheilds the pickups nicely.
I am also a Tele player and I never could get used to the dark, compressed humbucker sound of my Les Paul. I just installed a set of Phat Cats in it and I can't believe how good they are. Clear, lively and agressive. And they are not noisy at all. The metal cover sheilds the pickups nicely.
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theodie
Guest
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
Phats cats are not bright though!
Phats cats are not bright though!
T
theodie
Guest
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
Jazz Bridge? or JB? JB originally meant "Jazz Blues" (see "Tele-Gib")
Jazz Bridge? or JB? JB originally meant "Jazz Blues" (see "Tele-Gib")
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theodie
Guest
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
I am nearly certain he is talking about the Jazz bridge.
I am nearly certain he is talking about the Jazz bridge.
gripweed
Jolvisologist
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
I think the Jazz is probably the place to start. Check out Jolly's clips of the Jazz bridge to see what a great tone they have!
Fralin humbuckers are bright and articulate too, but they are pricey. They have a really single coil type of vibe, at least as much as any humbucker can. I have a 7.5 Fralin in the neck of my V, and it is my favorite neck bucker! The Jazz is a close second.
I think the Jazz is probably the place to start. Check out Jolly's clips of the Jazz bridge to see what a great tone they have!
Fralin humbuckers are bright and articulate too, but they are pricey. They have a really single coil type of vibe, at least as much as any humbucker can. I have a 7.5 Fralin in the neck of my V, and it is my favorite neck bucker! The Jazz is a close second.
Re: Bright sounding humbucker
Thanks so much for the very informative and helpful suggestions. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna try a set of Phat Cats. They seem to be what will fit my "ear" better. My guitar is a Campbell which I just picked up second hand and is surprisingly well made. Thanks again to everyone!
Thanks so much for the very informative and helpful suggestions. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna try a set of Phat Cats. They seem to be what will fit my "ear" better. My guitar is a Campbell which I just picked up second hand and is surprisingly well made. Thanks again to everyone!
