Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

[Philcguitars]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

I like to RAWK from time to time!

The guitar is not mine though, it is a MusicMan Nigel Tufnel guitar... you know, the guy from Spinal Tap.

You know Mattt, seing it out of context, it just didn't register as anuthing other than reminiscent of Spinal Tap.

Now for extra points, what's his title, and who's he married to?

 

[rivera213]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

This is an interesting question.

I personally think 3 Humbuckers looks friggin ugly, but the sound is cool.

I have a Seymour Duncan SHR-1n in the middle position so i get the cool sound but it doesn't look like ****. Lol.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

My BELIEF is that a PGneck, distoriton neck in the middle, and Custom bridge, would be the best combo for three pups.

Logically maybe, but when you pop in a middle HB, it just doesn't sound like it's supposed to. Some of us are coming to the realization that a Phat Cat or two (middle or middle & neck) work out better tonewise. Middle HB's are a usually a big disappointment, which is why 99% of triple PU guitars are SSS, HSS, or HSH (that speaks VOLUMES about HHH guitars). In theory a middle HB should do all kinds of wondeful things, but some combination of magnetic fields, crowded coils, or poor location for string harmonics prevent its potential from developing.

After having a half dozen triple HB Epi LP's, SG's, & customized 335's, my original hope and excitement is gone, and I'd rather have a twin HB guitar. I can get as many usable sounds on that by using push-pulls, and I don't have the extra cost, weight, and lack of picking space. I make an exception for an alpine white SG Custom (with maestro), which is one of the world's most elegant guitars, but even on that a Phat Cat or P-94 is required.

An interesting idea would be for Gibson/Epiphone to make some LP's, SG's, and 335's with a bridge HB and two mini-HB's, and a bridge HB with two soap-bar P-90's. Both configurations would allow more picking space, and would be far better-sounding than what they're offering now. Gibson are you listening? God bless you for the "historical" aspect, but its time to focus on tone quality.

 

[Guest]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

I wonder how a phat cat or even a p90 would sound in the middle... Alone or with other pups.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

I have used and still own a SG with 3 gold humbuckers and gibson vibrato bar.

It's just OK

 

[FAC]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

I wonder how a phat cat or even a p90 would sound in the middle... Alone or with other pups.

PhatCat in the middle sounds great...alone and with the other pickups (to my ears). As stated previously in this thread, I have an HSS configuration right now in my Les Paul (PG, PhatCat, PhatCat), and it is extremely versatile. I can get some interesting strat-in-between-position-quacky-like sounds with Neck/Middle and Bridge/Middle that I cannot get with a standard 2 HB Les Paul, so I personally think it is worth having the three pickup version (the middle pickup does not get in my way while picking).

I believe Blueman must be right...the middle position is in some kind of node that is bad for a humbucker, or three HB's create some weird magnetic field, or something. But to me, the single coil in that spot sounds great.

 

[Ocifer]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

I've got no experience with them, but THIS ONE is one heckofa sexy guitar!!!

I haven't seen that many knobs since I took a wrong turn at one of those adult sites.

 

[YEM]

Re: Guitars with Triple Humbucker Configurations

In a strat with uncovered buckers, it hasn't gotten in the way for me. I've used various H/S/H & H/H/H combos in my strat, & its all a matter of acclimating.