Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

C

CajunBlues

New member
I have noticed that I have 2 sweet spots concerning my Phat Cats in that I get a very distinct single coil sound when I have my pots like

1) Neck position - Pot turned to 8 tone 10
2) Middle position - Both volume pots turned to 8 both tones 10

In these positions, I get a very sweet bite which sounds really cool through a hollow body...

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this...
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

'Sweet spot' volume & pot settings are going to vary with the individual guitar, wood, amp, speakers, etc. There's a number of variables involved in the signal chain.

The main thing I've noticed about Phat Cats is that the A2 magnets gotta go.
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

blueman335 said:
'Sweet spot' volume & pot settings are going to vary with the individual guitar, wood, amp, speakers, etc. There's a number of variables involved in the signal chain.

The main thing I've noticed about Phat Cats is that the A2 magnets gotta go.
Click to expand...


I remember you mentioning that to me... What are good replacements again ? and what does the replacement do to the sound ? More strat-like ?
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

nevermind... I found the thread...

would the magnets be the same for the Phat Cat as they would be for any humbucker ?
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

I've got a bunch of Phat Cats, and just don't like the stock magnets in any of them. Necks are too dark and muffled (a common complaint), the bridges are thin & weak; overpowered by the neck PC.

But...put two A5's in the neck, and you have a true open single coil sound that comes to life (like a real Gibson P-90). Much more clarity and cut.

In the bridge, they need more output and mids, so I use either an A8/A5 or A8/A4. That beefs up the output & tone, so it has a raw, muscular sound. Swapping magnets is easy, let me know if you need advice. There's a number of guys here that have followed my lead, and are pleased with the results.
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

blueman335 said:
P-90's, Phat Cats, HB's, P-94's, all use the same size magnets.
Click to expand...

Well I ordered them... I hope I can get that thinner sound... They already sound pretty good... but they could be a bit thinner... It's an es-137 so it should make for an interesting sound...
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

CajunBlues said:
Well I ordered them... I hope I can get that thinner sound... They already sound pretty good... but they could be a bit thinner... It's an es-137 so it should make for an interesting sound...
Click to expand...

Excellent choice of guitar. You'll like the neck Phat Cat better with more treble, and the bridge with more testosterone.
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

Blueman...

After removing the phat cat covers, I have a question ....
Will have to re-wax these pickups ? What if I don't
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

CajunBlues said:
Blueman...

After removing the phat cat covers, I have a question ....
Will have to re-wax these pickups ? What if I don't
Click to expand...

I've have a bunch of Phat Cats, changed the magnets in all of them, and never re-waxed them. There's usually enough wax still on the PU. If any chips fall off, put them under the magnet when you slide it in.
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

So blueman I changed the magnets (to A5A5neck A5A8bridge) and I am having a problem... First off the middle position really sucks... and when I turn up my bridge position volume to about 9 I lose all my bottom end... when the bridge is up to 10 it sounds horrible... No bottom end at all... Any ideas why this is happening...
 
Last edited:
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

For the middle position it sounds like you may have an out of phase issue. I am not sure with dual magnet pups, but I am wondering if having one of two magnets reversed could internally "out of phase" the pickup.
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

lowenzz said:
For the middle position it sounds like you may have an out of phase issue. I am not sure with dual magnet pups, but I am wondering if having one of two magnets reversed could internally "out of phase" the pickup.
Click to expand...

Maybe one of the mags on the bridge pickup is flipped? I also dont know if this is possible
 
Re: Do Phat Cats Have a Sweet Spot ?

lowenzz said:
For the middle position it sounds like you may have an out of phase issue. I am not sure with dual magnet pups, but I am wondering if having one of two magnets reversed could internally "out of phase" the pickup.
Click to expand...


Bingo ! tell this fine young gentleman what prize we have behind the purple curtain.... :friday:

Anyway.. all kidding aside.. thanks for the response... I talked with Wymore and he had neglected to mention to have the magnets reversed between neck and bridge...
 
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