Changing the sound of Phatcats.

[guitarhero1983]

I have a basswood Schecter with a Phatcat in the bridge with 250k vol/tone pots. The pickup sounds closer to a single coil.

I have a mahogany Schecter with a Phatcat in the bridge with 500k vol/tone pots. The pickup sounds closer to a humbucker.

My prefered sound is the basswood schecter for its single coil tone. What can I do to the mahogany Schecter to make the sound closer to the basswood/single coil sound? Would changing to 1meg pots help? (I also do not have the technical ability to modify pickups)

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Changing the sound of Phatcats.

i suppose changing pots is easier than changing mags on a phat cat; their construction makes it trickier than most other pickups with bar magnets.

i have a feeling that the differences you're hearing have more to do with the woods, body shape, neck etc. telling us more about the guitars would be wise, there are guys here who have played with pot and cap values a lot, they'll have some info

 

[blueman335]

Re: Changing the sound of Phatcats.

Change magnets. I don't think the A2's in Phat Cats sound much like single coils. Just not the right magnet. The neck is really dark, the bridge is puny. In the neck, put a pair of A5's (classic P-90 sound) or A5/A4 (a little fuller), or A5/A3 (less low end).

In the bridge, you could do twin A5's again, or add mids and 'beef' with A8/A5 or A8/A4.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Changing the sound of Phatcats.

^ remember the first time you opened up a phat cat and thought "wow, i'm glad i thought to open it gently from this end; i almost killed a sweet pickup"?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Changing the sound of Phatcats.

^ remember the first time you opened up a phat cat and thought "wow, i'm glad i thought to open it gently from this end; i almost killed a sweet pickup"?

One end lifts up easily, the other has the ground attached and won't lift much, so if you lift carefully, it's easy to tell which side you're opening. Still, I've changed mags in 10 different Phat Cats, some several times each.

 

[kilphody]

Re: Changing the sound of Phatcats.

I think you just answered my PM, 335. Calling Hannah today. Thanks!