Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
- Thread starter Marshall_Abuser
- Start date
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
I don't have quite the pickup experience as some of you, but I like a Bill Lawrence USA L500XL. I'm not a fan or a listener to Dimebag Darrel, but I had read somewhere that he liked this pickup turned backwards (must have imbalanced coils) in his bridge position. I needed a hot bridge for a strat H-H, and the L500XL was pretty cheap compared to others, so I gave it a try. It seems to highlight the harmonics as well as any pickup I've heard. Like any pickup that has good harmonics, it's sensitive to anything you do with the strings. I also think in far more rounded than another strat I got with an X2N.
The best sounding humbucker guitar I got hands down is a LP studio with a 500T ceramic in the bridge. It must be the combination of wood and pickup, because it doesn't act or sound like any ceramic pickup I've ever heard in other guitars.
I don't have quite the pickup experience as some of you, but I like a Bill Lawrence USA L500XL. I'm not a fan or a listener to Dimebag Darrel, but I had read somewhere that he liked this pickup turned backwards (must have imbalanced coils) in his bridge position. I needed a hot bridge for a strat H-H, and the L500XL was pretty cheap compared to others, so I gave it a try. It seems to highlight the harmonics as well as any pickup I've heard. Like any pickup that has good harmonics, it's sensitive to anything you do with the strings. I also think in far more rounded than another strat I got with an X2N.
The best sounding humbucker guitar I got hands down is a LP studio with a 500T ceramic in the bridge. It must be the combination of wood and pickup, because it doesn't act or sound like any ceramic pickup I've ever heard in other guitars.
Marshall_Abuser
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Got the Suhr Aldrich today and installed it in my Ibanez Paul Gilbert PGM500 model, thus replacing the JB that was in there before.
The first thing that struck me is the stunning tightness of the Aldrich. It seems to fit right in the middle of the JB and Distortion, but it reminds me of the Dimarzio Tone-Zone also in that if you don't pick really hard, it doesn't burn or offer anything interesting. Also, there is too much pick noise for my preference and it feels too compressed.
Just like the Distortion :
It's VERY tight for rhythm playing
It's incredibly loud (louder than EMG-81, a little less than EMG-85 and X2N)
Has a lot of harmonics (maybe a hair less than a Distortion though)
Just like the JB :
It has an upper mid singing boost but the presence is shaved a bit to keep things under control.
So yeah, I can now figure out why many people love the Suhr Aldrich so much.
But, unfortunately, it doesn't do what I want a bridge pickup to do for me. It's not thick at all IMHO. When I say "thick" I really mean "muddy", like a super thick Invader or something like that. I don't care if the lows are totally untight and if the rhythm playing is impossible, I want something with lots of "oooomph" and gigantic low-mids to push the gain with smoothness, but still enough pick attack to be precise for picking. I don't like an upper-mid boost that much and both the JB and Aldrich have that. For what I want, the best pickup I've encountered so far is still the Full Shred, but I'm always looking for something smoother and fatter in the lows.
For a tone example, check out the song Redemption by Andy Timmons. Now that's THICK with not much high-mids, very smooth on the ears.
Next on the try list :
-Tom Anderson HN3+
-Tom Anderson HN3
-Tom Anderson H3+
-Duncan Alternative 8
-Duncan Custom Custom
-Dimarzio Breed Bridge (if all else fails!)
Got the Suhr Aldrich today and installed it in my Ibanez Paul Gilbert PGM500 model, thus replacing the JB that was in there before.
The first thing that struck me is the stunning tightness of the Aldrich. It seems to fit right in the middle of the JB and Distortion, but it reminds me of the Dimarzio Tone-Zone also in that if you don't pick really hard, it doesn't burn or offer anything interesting. Also, there is too much pick noise for my preference and it feels too compressed.
Just like the Distortion :
It's VERY tight for rhythm playing
It's incredibly loud (louder than EMG-81, a little less than EMG-85 and X2N)
Has a lot of harmonics (maybe a hair less than a Distortion though)
Just like the JB :
It has an upper mid singing boost but the presence is shaved a bit to keep things under control.
So yeah, I can now figure out why many people love the Suhr Aldrich so much.
But, unfortunately, it doesn't do what I want a bridge pickup to do for me. It's not thick at all IMHO. When I say "thick" I really mean "muddy", like a super thick Invader or something like that. I don't care if the lows are totally untight and if the rhythm playing is impossible, I want something with lots of "oooomph" and gigantic low-mids to push the gain with smoothness, but still enough pick attack to be precise for picking. I don't like an upper-mid boost that much and both the JB and Aldrich have that. For what I want, the best pickup I've encountered so far is still the Full Shred, but I'm always looking for something smoother and fatter in the lows.
For a tone example, check out the song Redemption by Andy Timmons. Now that's THICK with not much high-mids, very smooth on the ears.
Next on the try list :
-Tom Anderson HN3+
-Tom Anderson HN3
-Tom Anderson H3+
-Duncan Alternative 8
-Duncan Custom Custom
-Dimarzio Breed Bridge (if all else fails!)
CaughtLikeFire
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Tom Anderson HN series have stronger mids - if you're worried about a mid bump, hold off the HN3. Try the H3+ before anything else on that list. I'm happy with my H3 and haven't seen a need to go with the plus given my current guitar/amp setup, but the H3+ should be pretty dang thick given that the H3 is no slouch in that dept.
Tom Anderson HN series have stronger mids - if you're worried about a mid bump, hold off the HN3. Try the H3+ before anything else on that list. I'm happy with my H3 and haven't seen a need to go with the plus given my current guitar/amp setup, but the H3+ should be pretty dang thick given that the H3 is no slouch in that dept.
Marshall_Abuser
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Yeah, I was more thinking about the HN3+ or H3+ as the + series are said to have less high-mids and fatter low-mids. I don't think I can find Anderson pickups in Montreal anymore though. Steve's Music used to carry 'em but no more. They are said to be thick and fat though.
Yeah, I was more thinking about the HN3+ or H3+ as the + series are said to have less high-mids and fatter low-mids. I don't think I can find Anderson pickups in Montreal anymore though. Steve's Music used to carry 'em but no more. They are said to be thick and fat though.
CaughtLikeFire
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
http://www.magdonmusic.com/index.html
some of the best customer service I've ever received from an online dealer. he carries regular Anderson pups for $70 and HN series for $90. The H3+ is not currently listed in the online store but I'm sure they can get one. send them an email and see if they ship to Canada.
these guys ship to Canada but the price is higher to start and I've never dealt with them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2
http://www.magdonmusic.com/index.html
some of the best customer service I've ever received from an online dealer. he carries regular Anderson pups for $70 and HN series for $90. The H3+ is not currently listed in the online store but I'm sure they can get one. send them an email and see if they ship to Canada.
these guys ship to Canada but the price is higher to start and I've never dealt with them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2
jimijames
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
The JB didn't have enough mids for you? Oh, lawdy...
Get an A8 magnet and start trying it out in winds that you liked, but didn't have enough mids (JB!) A JB8 will have all the harmonics you're looking for, be smoother on the high end, have tighter bass and much more aggressive mids. If that still doesn't do it for you, throw the A8 in the full shred.
A8 has the most aggressive mids of any magnet, to my ears at least, so that'll be a good starting point.
The JB didn't have enough mids for you? Oh, lawdy...
Get an A8 magnet and start trying it out in winds that you liked, but didn't have enough mids (JB!) A JB8 will have all the harmonics you're looking for, be smoother on the high end, have tighter bass and much more aggressive mids. If that still doesn't do it for you, throw the A8 in the full shred.
A8 has the most aggressive mids of any magnet, to my ears at least, so that'll be a good starting point.
Marshall_Abuser
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
My understanding is that I tend to desire more "low-mids" than "high-mids". According to many, the JB has lots of mids, but those are "high-mids" bordering treble to my ears. I need more punch in the lows if you see what I mean? Not so much the "bass" but more of the "thick low-mids" stuff (i.e. more fatness and juice in the low-mids and bass).
Having that said, I toy with the idea of trying an A8 magnet in the JB someday just for the sake of it. I will try that someday. but for now its time to play and get ready for the next gig early February.
My understanding is that I tend to desire more "low-mids" than "high-mids". According to many, the JB has lots of mids, but those are "high-mids" bordering treble to my ears. I need more punch in the lows if you see what I mean? Not so much the "bass" but more of the "thick low-mids" stuff (i.e. more fatness and juice in the low-mids and bass).
Having that said, I toy with the idea of trying an A8 magnet in the JB someday just for the sake of it. I will try that someday. but for now its time to play and get ready for the next gig early February.
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
dood, almost half of the suggestions on this thread for you have lead to an a8 in a jb. dooo iiiiitt
dood, almost half of the suggestions on this thread for you have lead to an a8 in a jb. dooo iiiiitt
alex1fly
Well-known member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
For someone so particular about their mids and output (as well as preferring tones from players that rely heavily on processing and multiple amp setups), I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you invest in an EQ pedal of some sort. Heck, with the right EQ settings, I can make the PAF in the neck of my Paul sound like a chunky, biting, stinging superstrat bridge pickup.
You want to fine-tune and tailor your mids - save yourself further headache and get an EQ setup that will let you set exactly what you want.
For someone so particular about their mids and output (as well as preferring tones from players that rely heavily on processing and multiple amp setups), I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you invest in an EQ pedal of some sort. Heck, with the right EQ settings, I can make the PAF in the neck of my Paul sound like a chunky, biting, stinging superstrat bridge pickup.
You want to fine-tune and tailor your mids - save yourself further headache and get an EQ setup that will let you set exactly what you want.
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xxxplorer
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
I just stuck an Aldrich in my explorer... and to me that thing is thick! Maybe not sludge, but def.. thick. I was going to go with the DSH+ but I really listened to some clips and it was more of what you may want than what I want. I REALLY like the Aldrich tightness and attack... the DSH+ seemed more round and smooth and virtuosoish! I like that aggressive rock thang... I am starting to realize that I am not a refined player and I don't gel with PAF stuff like I want to! I am a rock/metal guy at heart and I just need to admit it and live with it!
I just stuck an Aldrich in my explorer... and to me that thing is thick! Maybe not sludge, but def.. thick. I was going to go with the DSH+ but I really listened to some clips and it was more of what you may want than what I want. I REALLY like the Aldrich tightness and attack... the DSH+ seemed more round and smooth and virtuosoish! I like that aggressive rock thang... I am starting to realize that I am not a refined player and I don't gel with PAF stuff like I want to! I am a rock/metal guy at heart and I just need to admit it and live with it!
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
I suggest a new guitar or a new amp or some lessons!
Or to just stop being so fussy.
LOL!
I suggest a new guitar or a new amp or some lessons!
Or to just stop being so fussy.
LOL!
Marshall_Abuser
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Yeah, for rhythm playing, the Aldrich really tears it up ! Sounds pretty much like a tamed down a bit Duncan Distortion.
However, I play leads 99.99% of the time and I never had a problem getting a good rhythm tone, no matter what pickup. Maybe I'm not really fussy when it comes to rhythm tones? But when I play a lead, it has to sound liquid and virtuoso as you said. The Aldrich has too much attack and is too gritty.
I pick extremely hard (I really ding into the strings!) and the pickup's response to pick attack is extremely important. The Aldrich IMHO doesn't get a good pick noise. The Full Shred has the best pick noise I've ever heard and for my alternate and sweep licks to come out tight and nicely clanky, I need a pickup that tends to smooth out the attack while delivering it cleanly at the same time. The Aldrich is very "in your face" in that department and the picking feel and noise is not that great.
EDIT : Reading what I wrote, one might think I'd be a candidate for the opposite kind of pickup that I'm looking for, mainly a pickup with scooped mids and clean attack like the Steve's Special. I have tried the Steve's special once and thought it felt lifeless and weak due to the lack of mids. I might try another one though, but up next is a PATB-3 me thinks ! It's supposedly very smooth.
Yeah, for rhythm playing, the Aldrich really tears it up ! Sounds pretty much like a tamed down a bit Duncan Distortion.
However, I play leads 99.99% of the time and I never had a problem getting a good rhythm tone, no matter what pickup. Maybe I'm not really fussy when it comes to rhythm tones? But when I play a lead, it has to sound liquid and virtuoso as you said. The Aldrich has too much attack and is too gritty.
I pick extremely hard (I really ding into the strings!) and the pickup's response to pick attack is extremely important. The Aldrich IMHO doesn't get a good pick noise. The Full Shred has the best pick noise I've ever heard and for my alternate and sweep licks to come out tight and nicely clanky, I need a pickup that tends to smooth out the attack while delivering it cleanly at the same time. The Aldrich is very "in your face" in that department and the picking feel and noise is not that great.
EDIT : Reading what I wrote, one might think I'd be a candidate for the opposite kind of pickup that I'm looking for, mainly a pickup with scooped mids and clean attack like the Steve's Special. I have tried the Steve's special once and thought it felt lifeless and weak due to the lack of mids. I might try another one though, but up next is a PATB-3 me thinks ! It's supposedly very smooth.
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Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Here's a suggestion:
Why dont you try custom wound pickups:
Give Jon Moore a call. He is in Ontario.
You can talk to him about what you are looking for and he will wind pickups to your specs, and the prices are very reasonable.
The website is here:
http://tonefordays.com/
I've had Jon wind pickups for me before and the quality and tone are excellent.
I'm still using his pickups for my #1 guitar.
Here's a suggestion:
Why dont you try custom wound pickups:
Give Jon Moore a call. He is in Ontario.
You can talk to him about what you are looking for and he will wind pickups to your specs, and the prices are very reasonable.
The website is here:
http://tonefordays.com/
I've had Jon wind pickups for me before and the quality and tone are excellent.
I'm still using his pickups for my #1 guitar.
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
call the duncan custom shop and tell them you want something akin to the fullshred, but with more lowmids and smoother and more output.
call the duncan custom shop and tell them you want something akin to the fullshred, but with more lowmids and smoother and more output.
Karmadog777
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
Invader
Breed ?
El Diablo
Invader
Breed ?
El Diablo
wanmei1
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
For Krishnas sake,
There are so many great musos using sub par gear that just make it happen because their minds, their emotions and their fingers make it happen.
They don't have the money to be so particular about tone.
Try an A8 in a JB or Try a P90 , after that you gotta consider that maybe, ....just maybe, you are too into your super sensitive head, and not enough into your music !
If that doesn't do it for, you then you know that what you seek doesn't exist......
Forget your tone!....get into your music...play !
For Krishnas sake,
There are so many great musos using sub par gear that just make it happen because their minds, their emotions and their fingers make it happen.
They don't have the money to be so particular about tone.
Try an A8 in a JB or Try a P90 , after that you gotta consider that maybe, ....just maybe, you are too into your super sensitive head, and not enough into your music !
If that doesn't do it for, you then you know that what you seek doesn't exist......
Forget your tone!....get into your music...play !
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
+1. I've seen, and known, excellent guitars who could play amazing things on the absolute worst beginner guitars; horrible quality & terrible actions. The equipment is about 10% of the sound, the rest comes from your hands & head. That's where music really is. If you don't sound as good as you want to, don't automatically blame the tools. The problem may be elsewhere.
+1. I've seen, and known, excellent guitars who could play amazing things on the absolute worst beginner guitars; horrible quality & terrible actions. The equipment is about 10% of the sound, the rest comes from your hands & head. That's where music really is. If you don't sound as good as you want to, don't automatically blame the tools. The problem may be elsewhere.
madguitar26
New member
your looking for anderson and invader
your looking for anderson and invader
Ive read your first post and after seen you dig all the good qualities on the emg´s ,ive instantly remembered what i liked of the anderson H3+.
It is exactly that which your looking for:tight on the bass,fat like an invader(which i still have),clarity responsive (like an emg85),and sustains like an active with very high output.And amazingly the clean stays...clean.
credit to seymour duncan,once ive tried the invader(with the pickup height as low as possible),have never looked back.Then again it is not as versatile as the H3+,is as fat,but the bass is stronger and looser...the way i like it.
The one thing that is crucial to all guitarists, IHMO,is tone,which sounds kinda generic with the anderson(EMG 85 like quality).In this matter the invader rips it apart.
my 2 cents
your looking for anderson and invader
Ive read your first post and after seen you dig all the good qualities on the emg´s ,ive instantly remembered what i liked of the anderson H3+.
It is exactly that which your looking for:tight on the bass,fat like an invader(which i still have),clarity responsive (like an emg85),and sustains like an active with very high output.And amazingly the clean stays...clean.
credit to seymour duncan,once ive tried the invader(with the pickup height as low as possible),have never looked back.Then again it is not as versatile as the H3+,is as fat,but the bass is stronger and looser...the way i like it.
The one thing that is crucial to all guitarists, IHMO,is tone,which sounds kinda generic with the anderson(EMG 85 like quality).In this matter the invader rips it apart.
my 2 cents
madguitar26
New member
Re: Fat, thick, bridge pickups ?
ps.: took me a long time to get used to the JB,at first (17 years old) thought it sounded like S$#%.Then to realize it was i that sounded bad...thanks to the JB and seymour for that.
That being said,i prefer the JB for cleaner,blues,hard blues ,rock and hard rock to the anderson H3+(not by much).
Beware that the H3+ also shares the same qualities as the invader and JB;it will in fact show off errors and force you to improve yourself.
Overall the H3+ does what the JB is intended to do for all styles and goes beyong into invader territory for metal and extreme,all in one.
best of luck
ps.: took me a long time to get used to the JB,at first (17 years old) thought it sounded like S$#%.Then to realize it was i that sounded bad...thanks to the JB and seymour for that.
That being said,i prefer the JB for cleaner,blues,hard blues ,rock and hard rock to the anderson H3+(not by much).
Beware that the H3+ also shares the same qualities as the invader and JB;it will in fact show off errors and force you to improve yourself.
Overall the H3+ does what the JB is intended to do for all styles and goes beyong into invader territory for metal and extreme,all in one.
best of luck
