Humbuckers for a 12 string

[PantherHeart]

Hi y'all,

I'm new to both the forum and to caring about what kind of pickup I use. But now I'm designing a custom electric 12 string and need a little help picking out pickups as there seem to be endless options. The guitar has a maple top with a maple fretboard on a mahogany body and neck. The neck is set and the body is routed and has f holes. Flat top, tuneomatic bridge, trapeze tailpiece.

I was kinda leaning toward a pair of pearly gates (def wanna go with humbuckers), but now after reading some reviews, I'm thinking PGn and something else on the bridge.

I play rhythm in my band, some lead, and I make the spaceship noises with my Hazarai when it seems appropriate (or not). I spend most of the time with a bassier and mid puddling sound, but want to be able to cut through when the spaceship lands. I play jam, rock, and almost get to an early Sabbath sound when we go heavy.

Playing through a '71 twin.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Hello and welcome to the forum. The if your not totally sold on the PG set you should try the WLH set or a set of A2P pups.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

I would consider mini hums also

 

[Davii]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

I'd go with something that allows you to coil split. Mine has SH-2n/SH-4, and my preference tends to be when they are in split mode (the low end seems a little messy), although it could do with new strings, and to go with unison 3rd/G strings rather than the octave.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Does SD have recommended pickups for 12 string guitars???

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Does SD have recommended pickups for 12 string guitars???

I've never seen a recommended pickup for 12-strings, or even a pickup specifically for 12-strings. Any single coil or humbucker that reasonably lines up with the pairs of strings will do the job. After that it's a question of what guitar it's going in and what sound you're trying to get.

 

[Davii]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

I did ask them about that once, albeit on Twitter, but don't think anything came back. I've often wondered if the staple type would change things, but given how close the pairs are, and the different string mass/heights, I could imagine it would be like trying to circumcise a flea!

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

I guess a Parallel Axis Trembucker would look cool...and sound great!

 

[PantherHeart]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Thanks for all the suggestions so far y'all. Taking a closer look at the WLH (kinda breezed by them on my initial search cuz of the name--funny how a name can throw ya), maybe doing that in the bridge with a PG in the neck. Also like the sound of the sm-3 (though I might save those for an upgrade to my strat down the road). Looking into coil splits too. There's a lot out there to do just with pups and pots. I thought watching pedal demos on YouTube was making my head spin! Too much too much

 

[Davii]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Let us know how you get on; I'm still not sure myself on what config I'll settle for overall, with plans to tweek setups, and a speaker change before making any further pup changes

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

I really like the tele bridge pickup for my 12 string. IMO, low output is very good for clarity in a 12 string.

Pearly gates seem like a good choice, But... I would rule out any higher output pickups right away. Outside of SD, 2H Wilde L90s would be an option. TV Jones would as well.

 

[Grindspine]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

A lipstick tube single coil in the mix keeps jumping into my head as an option.

 

[PantherHeart]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Hey y'all, thanks again for the suggestions. After watching too many demos, listening to this and that, and reading plenty, I decided to stop torturing myself and go with my original gut choice with add-ons

So it'll be a set of pearly gates with coil splits and a lipstick in the center position...and some sort of seven way switch so I can bypass the lipstick and get that blended humbucker sound. I'll update with pics as the work gets down. Here's the body as of last week.

 

[PantherHeart]

Re: Humbuckers for a 12 string

Just about there! Wiring this week...should be playing before the holiday. Thanks for the suggestions.