I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

pluck

New member
This may not be accurate, but, to my ears I associate a microphonic sounding pickup with that extra degree of 'liveliness' to the tone. I hear this in both Brian May and David Gilmours tone. Now, their pickups may actually be very well heavily potted or waxed and thus not really microphonic, I don't know....and what I might be hearing from their LEAD TONES isn't necessarily associated with a slightly microphonic pickup (or maybe it is), but I have had used Peavey guitars from the early 90's that had microphonic pickups. I know this because you could literally sing into them and they would pick it up very clearly and loudly. The effect on the guitar tone, is like this extra dimension of that 'liveliness' that I mentioned earlier that waxed or potted pickups just don't have. So, what are my options to buy a HSS set for my superstrat style guitar? Thanks.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

I would experiment with some cheaper pickups. Carefully scrape wax from them and see if it starts doing what you're after. Also, try some unspotted pickups. I have an old Gibson with PAFs, and they have a lot of that sort of 3D character. However, stand the wrong way with the amp too loud, and it's squeal city.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

I had the SD P90 Antiquity in the neck of a guitar and it’s slightly microphonic. It sounded great. Also, the Duncan SM-1 is great in the neck and is either lightly potted or unpotted as well. But as far as a standard strat single coil I have no idea. Maybe try a GFS gold foil. I have the humbucker sized single coils in a Mustang and they have almost the same thing going for them in the way of that open airiness.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

Fender Japan Jaguar singles are often un-potted and have very loose winds that wiggle around.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

i too like the microphonic sound.

it has been said that the Stewart MacDonald Parsons Street humbuckers are slightly microphonic.

while i have not tried them, they are first on my list when the time comes.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

Unpotted Seth Lovers or Antiquities are a thing of beauty. Perfect if your style depends on touch-sensitivity, more power amp than preamp distortion, and no excessive volumes.
 
Re: I want mildly microphonic pickups. What are my options for SSH?

This may not be accurate, but, to my ears I associate a microphonic sounding pickup with that extra degree of 'liveliness' to the tone. I hear this in both Brian May and David Gilmours tone.

Also they play quite loud. Did try the Treble booster (embedded in Brian May's strap) and the Big Muff Pie (Gilmour) ?
I have a MIJ Muff clone with a modified tone circuit that ALWAYS squeal when you push the settings.
 
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