Drop Turning (6 string) - What frequencies do I want to increase/decrease

[hawk45]

Hey all,
Just increasing knowledge. When looking for a pickup for guitars that are used for drop tuning (3 semitones max), am I going to look at getting a pickup with any more or less of particular frequencies (Highs, High Mids, Low Mids, Lows)? Does output matter or have an impact?
Thanks!
Hawk

 

[dystrust]

I don't know about specific frequencies, but I like a hotter pickup for drop tunings. Of the two guitars I keep in Drop-D, one has a JB while the other has a Custom. I find that I vastly prefer the tighter bass and more aggressive feel of the Custom for rhythm playing, while the JB is a bit smoother for leads. I don't currently have one installed, but the Distortion also works pretty well for me. I didn't care for the Invader; I thought the bass was overbearing and a bit too loose. I haven't tried a Black Winter or Nazgûl, but I hear they're great for lower tunings.

 

[Mincer]

It would really depend on the kind of music. Mid 70s Sabbath has a lot more mids than a modern metal band tuning that low.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I don't think I would want to "drop turn" any guitar. That sounds brutal.

 

[GuitarDoc]

No hate mail please. Especially from you GuitarDoc haters on the forum. That was meant in jest. Get it? A joke. Ha, ha.

 

[ICTGoober]

The most useful tuning of a guitar is often found with experimentation. I have a client with a Taylor who feels it really comes to life when tuned down to C. I have an Oscar Schmidt Goldtop copy that sounds terrific when tuned down a half step. Listen to your guitar!

 

[GuitarDoc]

I actually agree with Goober.

 

[hawk45]

I don't think I would want to "drop turn" any guitar. That sounds brutal.

No worries brother. I laughed.

 

[dave74]

The most useful tuning of a guitar is often found with experimentation. I have a client with a Taylor who feels it really comes to life when tuned down to C. I have an Oscar Schmidt Goldtop copy that sounds terrific when tuned down a half step. Listen to your guitar!

That is my approach also. I let the specific guitar dictate where it wants to go (that fits my own style) for pickups and tuning.

 

[alex1fly]

I’ve been playing with drop tunings for the last 6 months or so on several guitars to find the best fit.

tight articulation and scooped mids worked the best. I lost definition as I went lower and got bigger strings so that’s how I compensated for a useable tone.