HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

[MadmaxG79]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this forum but not new to SD pickups

I thought I'd try asking you guys for some advice on pickups for my Carvin TL60. Right now it has a Parallel Axis Trembucker (PATB-1b) in the bridge and a Lace Sensor Gold Tele neck pu. I put the Lace in the neck because 1. I needed a PU that would fit in the direct mount of the Carvin, which doesn't have that extra 'space' on the side of the pickup that traditional single coil guitars has, and I couldn't find anything else that would fit and 2. I wanted that Tele neck sound.

Fast forward 7 years later and I hardly ever play the Carvin anymore. Mostly because of the sound combination of those 2 PU's. I find the PATB a little 'sterile' sounding and because of the large difference in output, it's not a very good match for the Lace. The PATB is very far from the strings while the Lace is as close as possible, just to even out the output difference. And I don't really use the Lace alone very often because I often need that HB neck sound instead. I primarily/only play humbucker or P90 equipped guitars now and am not really looking for the single coil sound. I wouldn't mind the option of splitting a humbucker though, for that 5-10% of the time where I need a little single coil vibe for U2 covers or the like. Besides, the guitar already has a 3 way on-on-on mini toggle (currently used for series/split/parallel of the PATB-1b) so I might as well take advantage of this...

I have the JB+Jazz combo in one of my guitars, and while I like this combo, I'm looking for something a bit more 'high output' or fuller sounding in the bridge, if you will. I'm playing a lot of classic/hard rock and I'm the only guitar in the mix.

So I'm looking to switch the pups in the Carvin for a trembucker in the bridge and a single coil sized HB in the neck. So far I'm thinking something like the Custom 5 in the bridge, but I don't know which neck pu would be a good match... Maybe the Little 59'? Or a Little Screamin' Demon?

What do you guys think? Any suggestions or advice? It would be much appreciated.

 

[HALENisking]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

So basically you're looking for recommendations... For fuller hotter sound I've liked the Tone Zone, sounds really crunchy and big. Not super experienced with half sized hb's though.

 

[MadmaxG79]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

So basically you're looking for recommendations... For fuller hotter sound I've liked the Tone Zone, sounds really crunchy and big. Not super experienced with half sized hb's though.

Thanks for chiming in.

Yeah, I really like the Tone Zone as well. Have it in the bridge position of one of my favourite guitars. I guess I'm looking for something similar but different. I've also considered a Railhammer Anvil in the bridge, but I still need a recommendation for a good sc sized hb for the neck position though...

 

[Juanhanglo]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

I believe dimarzio will make a single coil sized pickup in either the standard strat with the extra "wing" or the EMG cut like you have.

This can open up a lot more choices for you.

You would have to call them directly.

 

[MadmaxG79]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

I believe dimarzio will make a single coil sized pickup in either the standard strat with the extra "wing" or the EMG cut like you have.

:cool2: I did not know that. Sounds a little expensive when taking shipping and taxes into account, since I live in Europe... I was hoping I could use a shelf product like the SD strat humbuckers, since these fit the cavity and can be had for reasonable amounts over here.

How about this: If we disregard 'matching' the small humbucker in the neck with the full size in the bridge but instead focus on matching the output, what could be a good choice? I ask because I rarely use the two pickups on my guitars at the same time but most often just use one or the other - and I hate it when there's too big a difference in the volume/output of the two pups. I know that this can be countered by raising or lowering pups, but this has an added effect on the tone/sustain of the pickups, and I'd rather not trade that if I can match the output.

I know that output can be measured (partially) in the impedance of the pickup, but these figures seem to be all over the place with these small size humbuckers, especially when comparing them to the impedance rating for the full size version of the same pickups... Say I have a 15K Ohm bridge humbucker, what would be a ballpark Ohm rating for the small humbucker in the neck?

 

[HALENisking]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

:cool2: I did not know that. Sounds a little expensive when taking shipping and taxes into account, since I live in Europe... I was hoping I could use a shelf product like the SD strat humbuckers, since these fit the cavity and can be had for reasonable amounts over here.

How about this: If we disregard 'matching' the small humbucker in the neck with the full size in the bridge but instead focus on matching the output, what could be a good choice? I know that output can be measured (partially) in the impedance of the pickup, but these seem to be all over the place with these pups... Say I have a 15K Ohm bridge humbucker, what would be a ballpark Ohm rating for the small humbucker in the neck?

11-13k would be ideal I would think. But so we're talking pretty darn hot here- Not sure what SD has to offer in that area. If that doesn't work out I would just take a little trololol stroll around the Dimarzio website in the high output section. See something you like, buy it and modify the wings.

 

[MadmaxG79]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

11-13k would be ideal I would think. But so we're talking pretty darn hot here- If I were you I would just take a little trololol stroll around the Dimarzio website in the high output section.

Cool, thanks. Then something like this might be worth checking out: http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/custom-shop/stratocaster/strat_pearly_ga/

I always wanted to try a Pearly Gates anyway, just never thought it would be in a single coil size

And I know, pretty hot, but like I said, I like 'em hot... The Dimarzio Tone Zone is actually around 17K Ohms. The 15K is that of a Railhammer Anvil, which is another option I'm entertaining for the bridge pup.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[HALENisking]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

Cool, thanks. Then something like this might be worth checking out: http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/custom-shop/stratocaster/strat_pearly_ga/

I always wanted to try a Pearly Gates anyway, just never thought it would be in a single coil size

And I know, pretty hot, but like I said, I like 'em hot... The Dimarzio Tone Zone is actually around 17K Ohms. The 15K is that of a Railhammer Anvil, which is another option I'm entertaining for the bridge pup.

Thanks again for the info.

The Tone Zone is SEVENTEEN K?

Well I've been living a lie. I had no idea my tone zone was anywhere near that hot. Lol.

I have a PG bridge in my strat. Kind of comparing apples and oranges, but just wanted to say it's stellar. Very sustainy.

 

[MadmaxG79]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

Just found out that a PG would be very expensive to acquire over here... My closest option right now is probably a Hot Rails neck pup judging by the output rating.

 

[HALENisking]

Re: HS PUP suggestion for Carvin 'tele'

I think hot rails would sound great for what you want