Calibrated sets.... Definition?

[Chris Pile]

I have a client looking for a calibrated set of SSL-4's - used if possible. I just wondered exactly what is calibrated on these sets?

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

The term sounds more precise than its common meaning. Calibrated generally just refers to a set with a stronger bridge pickup, to make up for the fact that the string motion is much greater near the neck than by the bridge.

Modern sets are paired this way, but until the 1980s most stock pickups were wound the same for all positions, so the neck usually sounded louder as well as much fuller. Having a bridge pickup that's wound a little hotter helps them balance better and helps the bridge sound a bit thicker than it would otherwise.

 

[dave74]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

From what I've noticed the sets where the bridge and neck both share the same model-name (like the distortion/mayhem set or the invader set) they usually have the bridge about 20-25% higher in output than the neck.

 

[gregory]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

You can't trust what you read/see on the site. Sometimes the pickups are identical, but the output graph indicates otherwise (SSL-5, STK-S4N&M) and sometimes they are progressively hotter and, again, the output graph says otherwise (Antiquity Texas Hot Set). The A2P sets are labeled as calibrated and the output graph indicates that they are identically wound.

A recent post acknowledging an issue with the California 50's Set:
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/sho...lifornia-set&p=4148679&viewfull=1#post4148679

 

[jeremy]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

there is only two models of ssl4, normal and rw/rp.

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

Thanks for the info....
Again, client is looking for a used set (if anyone has one).

 

[Jacew]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

there is only two models of ssl4, normal and rw/rp.

So calibrated sets of QP's do not exist?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

Well, sort of a specific pair that goes together, like the rw/rp and the non-rw/rp. But there aren't QPs with different output levels designed for each position.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Calibrated sets.... Definition?

I might use a QP at the bridge and choose lower output singles for neck & middle.

I've had a QP in middle position on one Floycaster for nearly forty years now and it sounds great, but the bridge & neck pickups on that one are humbuckers.