DC Resistance: Distortion vs. Volume?

[Silence Kid]

Bit of a technical question... If I switch from lower output pickups (Duncan Designed Jazzmaster) to higher (Duncan Jazzmaster Hots,) for any given amp volume/gain setting the tone of the Hots should be more distorted.

But does that mean the hotter pickups distort at a quieter volume in decibels? Or only that at the same amp volume setting, the sound output overall is louder (this sort of assumes that the amp will only distort once a certain volume threshold is reached.)

Real-life scenario is that I'm in a condo, and want earlier distortion with lower volume from a non-master amp. In short, will using higher output pickups make me any quieter for a given level of distortion, or keep overall volume at breakup the same?

Or what if any pickup parameter would affect this (keeping different amps/tubes/pedals out of the equation entirely?)

 

[jeremy]

Re: DC Resistance: Distortion vs. Volume?

the pups do nothing but amplify the signal, the distortion comes from the amp and speakers. with a higher output pup you can get more distortion but the amp will still breakup at around the same volume even if its maybe one number lower on the amps volume control. if you are trying to be less loud with a nmv amp and get a overdriven tone youll need a pedal or attenuator or something along those lines.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: DC Resistance: Distortion vs. Volume?

Perfect... That lets me know what to do/expect, ty.

Trying to conceive the simplest condo rig I can use to get what I want with my Silverface Champ, already have an RFT 12ax7 in it that seems to affect low volume bass/distortion in a positive way, prob. need to throw a pedal on it too then if pickups alone can't do it.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: DC Resistance: Distortion vs. Volume?

Real-life scenario is that I'm in a condo, and want earlier distortion with lower volume from a non-master amp.

depends on your amp. lower wattage amps can overdrive/distort at lower levels. some people also want the speaker to physically distort/breakup as well.

Mojotone made the Studio One with a situation like yours in mind

there are other options when it comes to amps, as well as pedals. it really depends on your own goals.

however, you can also add a bit of "push" or "grind" into the situation with your pickup selection. but DCR might have more to do with distortion (as in, a tight or compressed voice) than volume (as in, output)

 

[Artie]

Re: DC Resistance: Distortion vs. Volume?

Or what if any pickup parameter would affect this (keeping different amps/tubes/pedals out of the equation entirely?)

You really need an iso-cab.