Hamer Artist - pickup recommendations

[dango]

Hi - I have a gorgeous Hamer Artist Archtop - one of the first years they made it. Plays like a dream, however the tones (while excellent) are not exactly what I'm looking for, and I was hoping you folks could make some recommendations. I use the bridge pickup almost 100% of the time.

The guitar came stock with a Seth Lover in the bridge, which frankly I didn't like - the cleans were great, but driven sounds were a bit undefined/unfocused and harsh sounding to me. This was through a customized deluxe reverb. I don't use pedals - all the gain is through the dirty channel - if you've heard a Fuchs amp then you are in the same ballpark as my amp.

I swapped that out for a JB, which was much better, certainly more defined and modern sounding, but ultimately it sounded a bit too gainy and a bit out of control on this guitar. Mind you, I love the JB in another guitar I own, but it just seemed like too much for this guitar.

Which lead me to the Dimarzio Norton - which was better overall. But something still wasn't right - the guitar lacked presence when I played out - the guitar just didn't sit in the mix correctly.

...which lead me to the custom custom... probably the best, most present tones yet, although I'm still not happy. This pickup is too fat sounding - I get a Santana like fatness in the sound now, which frankly I HATE. Presence is better, but still could be better. I suppose I like a brighter tone overall.

So - given all of these experiences, what would you suggest? I have a set of VanZandt trubuckers in a Les Paul which sound outrageously good - more snap, definition, presence, and tightness than anything I've used on the hamer. The hamer has more of a spongy quality to it - I want more snap, more presence, with some mids and low end but without being too fat. Also, a bit of extra power so that I don't have to hit the strings that hard during solos.

Would love to hear your thoughts before I give up on this beautiful instrument...

Thanks!
Dango

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Hamer Artist - pickup recommendations

swqp the magnet out of the CC for an alnico V and you'll get a Custom 5, which I think you will like.

 

[ugrkoglu]

Re: Hamer Artist - pickup recommendations

You might want to try the Custom. I have a Hamer Artist also (late 90's). Although I really liked the Seths, I wanted a little more hair in the bridge position. Just like you, I tried both the JB and CC but I did not like them in this guitar. CC sounded too thick with no top sparkle and I wasn't crazy about JB's highs. I have just installed a Custom and although it is a bit early, my first impression is very favorable. I think I have found what I was looking for. If you want a brighter version of CC I think you will like the Custom.

By the way, is your Artist neck-heavy? I love this guitar but its weight is not very well distributed. The neck tilts down because it is heavier than the body. I am a bit dissapointed that such a great guitarmaker as Hamer would overlook this.

 

[Travis]

Re: Hamer Artist - pickup recommendations

My Korina Artist has the stock 59s in there. Those are just some all around great sounding all-purpose pickups. Don't discount them because they're among the cheapest pickups. I've thought about replacing them with a CC/APH before. But every time I do, I get some excellent tones from the 59s. THey'll be staying in there for a long time I figure.

 

[dango]

Re: Hamer Artist - pickup recommendations

You might want to try the Custom. I have a Hamer Artist also (late 90's). Although I really liked the Seths, I wanted a little more hair in the bridge position. Just like you, I tried both the JB and CC but I did not like them in this guitar. CC sounded too thick with no top sparkle and I wasn't crazy about JB's highs. I have just installed a Custom and although it is a bit early, my first impression is very favorable. I think I have found what I was looking for. If you want a brighter version of CC I think you will like the Custom.

By the way, is your Artist neck-heavy? I love this guitar but its weight is not very well distributed. The neck tilts down because it is heavier than the body. I am a bit dissapointed that such a great guitarmaker as Hamer would overlook this.

Hmm - never would have thought to try the custom - way back when, I used to consider that pickup as Duncan's version of a Super Distortion (you know, a sort of muscular, higher output pickup). Perhaps I was way off base - I'll definitely look into it - thanks for the suggestion!

As far as the neck heaviness, I don't have that issue with this particular guitar. What's interesting about mine is 1) it's noticeably lighter than any other artist archtop I've picked up, and 2) the neck is relatively easy to pull sharp, due to the double cutaway design (i.e., lack of support, as compared to a LP style body).

Thanks again for the advice - it is GREATLY appreciated. I'll report back if I end up moving on a Custom!

Dango