I want some pickup advice

[Natman]

Now I'm not a noob; I've tried alot of good pickups in a bunch of guitars. I currently have the stock Seth Lovers in my Hamer Newport Pro and I'm not bonding with them. It's VERY close to what I want, but being picky, there's something missing in each position. The neck is a little too muddy and the bridge is a little on the bright side. Now, each of those things is no big deal, but I think it's the midrange character I am not agreeing with. I don't really need this much output, but I love the way the bridge screams when I crank it.

I have been thinking of 2 things:
1) Magnet swap. Just putting the Alnico 5 in the Seths sounds like it might help. I intend to try this because I'm poor and don't want to buy new pickups. they say it adds bass and a bit more clarity (less mids). Sounds doable.

2) TV Jones TV'Trons. I had a Gretsch, loved it, and since this is a mostly hollow guitar, I thought these might sound awesome in the Hamer. However, I'm a little concerned about output. Maybe the brige pickup won't rock like the Seth does now.

Whatever. If you have tried A5's in Seths or you have heard TV'Trons, I'd love to hear from you. Another set from Syemour Duncan is OF COURSE an potion, but None of the models has me interested as much as the Seths (except maybe the Pearly Gates?). A Seth with an A5 in it is like an unpotted 59, and I'm feeling that they have MORE output than I really need already, so you see where I'm going. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[jeremy]

Re: I want some pickup advice

my suggestion is to lower the neck pup a little and raise the bridge pup up some.
lowering the neck will get you a little brighter, cleaner tone. raiseing the bridge will give you a thicker tone. id try that before swapping pups or magnets

 

[Xeromus]

Re: I want some pickup advice

don't worry, we aren't "noob" flamers here. Welcome to the board, hope you enjoy your stay. I second jeremy's suggestion as a starting point.

 

[Natman]

Re: I want some pickup advice

Thanks fellas, I done tried it, but I know the Seths can be fussy (even changing string brand) so maybe I need to tweak some more. The neck pup is below the ring and the bridge one is way up but I'll give it another go. Any1 else have advice/experience?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I want some pickup advice

my suggestion is to lower the neck pup a little and raise the bridge pup up some.
lowering the neck will get you a little brighter, cleaner tone. raiseing the bridge will give you a thicker tone. id try that before swapping pups or magnets

The Seth neck is warm...I don't hear it as being as bright as a Jazz, 59N, or PG.

The Seth bridge is the same pickup just wound with a little more wire and to vintage alnico 2 paf specs.

Maybe try a Custom Custom as the bridge pickup. I use a CC with my neck Seth in my Hamer Monoco and like it alot!

Going for a CC might allow you to add a little treble to your amp which might give you what you want from the Seth neck too.

Lew

 

[Natman]

Re: I want some pickup advice

Bump, wanna keep this one going.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: I want some pickup advice

my suggestion is to lower the neck pup a little and raise the bridge pup up some.
lowering the neck will get you a little brighter, cleaner tone. raiseing the bridge will give you a thicker tone. id try that before swapping pups or magnets

I agree with Jeremy. Also, if you put alnico-5's in the Seth, it's definitley make the bridge too bright. It might help with teh muddy neck pup.
Another option is to try a CC in the bridge and a Jazz or Pearly Gates in the neck, if you're still not happy with the Seths.

Jeff

P.S. Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: I want some pickup advice

The Seth neck is warm...I don't hear it as being as bright as a Jazz, 59N, or PG.

The Seth bridge is the same pickup just wound with a little more wire and to vintage alnico 2 paf specs.

Maybe try a Custom Custom as the bridge pickup. I use a CC with my neck Seth in my Hamer Monoco and like it alot!

Going for a CC might allow you to add a little treble to your amp which might give you what you want from the Seth neck too.

Lew

Lew, I didn;t see your post. We were thinking alike
:laugh2: