Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

[Open lane]

I'm in the process of designing my dream guitar. It's a sss strat but with the color and pickguard selection, it is looking very "metal." My question is, 9 out of 10 times, i prefer the smoother tones of lower output pickups more than high output. But then again, i'm not always reaching for a metal machine. Do you think i should go traditionally high output "heavy" with this axe or do you think the right lower output pickup selection could deliver the goods for both camps?

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

If you like clean but powerful, get some Bill Lawrence L-250's.
If you clean and articulate - get some Lace Sensors.

 

[thebingopete]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

DMZ yjm are not a high output. Think maybe the sd yjm fury likewise. Yngwie makes them sound good.

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[PicoRiveraTele]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

I'm in the process of designing my dream guitar. It's a sss strat but with the color and pickguard selection, it is looking very "metal." My question is, 9 out of 10 times, i prefer the smoother tones of lower output pickups more than high output. But then again, i'm not always reaching for a metal machine. Do you think i should go traditionally high output "heavy" with this axe or do you think the right lower output pickup selection could deliver the goods for both camps?

Low output pickups can essentially do both, but a high output pickup is really only good for high gain. Lower output pickups have more high end response, which is good for cleans, but when you mix a lot of treble with a lot of gain, you get a muddier tone, so you're forced to work with the tone controls more, where as a darker, high output pickup would "just work". The various "hot rod" PAF's on the market try to sit in between, but you might notice that the cleans aren't quite as bell-like as a '59 or a PAF Pro, while a good gain tone isn't as effortlessly achieved as with a JB or Super Distortion, but it does both well enough that you're happy with it.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

I like classic PAFs in my Pauls, and I have them with A2 BB 1&2, '57 Classics, Seth Lovers and Antiquitys. My 335s use factory '57 Classics and IBZ Super '58s in my Artstar.

Now, I'll admit that I don't do metal, and I don't use really heavy distortion; a lot of my material requires pristine cleans.

My secret weapon though, has been a clean boost pedal. I've uses a DOD FX10 preamp on my pedalboard for many years. And I use a very moderate amount of boost. With my Mesa amps, I only need to run the lead channel gains at 6-7. I'm cutting quite a bit of noise by doing this, and I retain the character of the pickups.

I don"t leave the preamp on all the time, mostly using it with my G&L Legacys to match output with my 2HB guitars, but...I can switch it on with the 2HBs and get that little "extra".

Using the preamp won't change the tone of your pickups, so don't expect it to sound like a JB, Super Distortion or Invader.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

^^ +1

I picked up a Source Audio Programmable EQ a few months back in order to help me do pretty much exactly the same thing. It's no fun to use an otherwise great-sounding guitar that just happens to have lower output pickups and then find that it just sounds wimpy through your rig unless you make a whole bunch of setting changes. Who wants to do that… Especially in the middle of a gig?

I use the Programmable EQ at the beginning of my chain to compensate for the various output levels of pickups on my guitars (5 settings if you count "off"), and it works great. Like Bill said, it won't change the tone of your pickups, but it WILL allow your lower output pickups to do some higher output tricks.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

My question is, 9 out of 10 times, i prefer the smoother tones of lower output pickups more than high output.

If that is the case, I would go with lower output pickups, no doubt about it. Like the other guys mentioned, it's not impossible at all to do some heavier work with lower output pickups. Stick with what you like best mate, you won't regret it!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

I'm not one for sticking with tradition. Build what you are going to use, and build what inspires you to play.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

As I recall, Mark Morton of LOG originally used a 59 set. He seemed to have no problem getting a decent high gain sound with them.

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[gregory]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Cool. What's the rest of his rig?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

As I recall, Mark Morton of LOG originally used a 59 set. He seemed to have no problem getting a decent high gain sound with them.

So does Bill Steer. Bill Steer's tone I feel is a lot more desirable. JMO. Mark's tone is a bit trebly and undergained. Each to his own.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

^^
That's why there's dials on the amp.

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[gregory]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Some amps can do it better than others, which is why I asked the question.

What is the rest of Mark Morton's signal chain?

 

[Detroitblues]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Slash uses lower output pickups and his got some great tones....

Kirk Hammit uses Gary Moore's "Greeny" Les Paul with stock pickups when he is rocking out...

Low output does not mean you can't get high gain. Just need more gain on tap in an amp/pedal.

Last night, I plugged my Tex-Mex loaded telecaster into a Quilter MicroPro Mach II with the boost engaged set to Crush mode. I was sonically close to STP's Dead and Bloated tone. While its not a metal tune, its still a midcut tone with lots of dirt.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Some amps can do it better than others, which is why I asked the question.

What is the rest of Mark Morton's signal chain?

Mesa Mark IV, Royal Atlantic, and Mark V, AFAIK. I think he may use a TS-type boost for leads only.

 

[gregory]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Bingo.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

Open Lane, are you planning on keeping this guitar SSS? I think I missed that in your original posts.

If you're keeping it SSS and want some vintage, yet powerful tones, can easily recommend the Antiquity Texas Hot set, with the Custom Power bridge pickup. I have a couple of these sets in G&L Legacys, and use the RW/RP middle pickup. A very good and versatile set.

There's a host of Strat pickup options, from vintage to rails to SC-sized 'buckers. There's even the "everything" set. The more we know about your rig and the music you play, the better suggestions we can make.

Bill

 

[gregory]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

I feel bad for engaging in the debate over low output pickups for "high gain" without saying that I really liked the Fury set recommendation, especially if the OP's amp is that in his avatar. A nice aggressively voiced OD will help the set get nasty, but I would avoid driving the amp's diode clipping stage at the same time, assuming it has one.

I've heard ZZ Top Eliminator mentioned in a thread about "High Gain," and while I'm pretty sure the OP isn't interested in covering Lamb of God, I have no idea what in this community constitutes high gain, so to me it's all good.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

I feel bad for engaging in the debate over low output pickups for "high gain" without saying that I really liked the Fury set recommendation, especially if the OP's amp is that in his avatar. A nice aggressively voiced OD will help the set get nasty, but I would avoid driving the amp's diode clipping stage at the same time, assuming it has one.

I've heard ZZ Top Eliminator mentioned in a thread about "High Gain," and while I'm pretty sure he isn't interested in covering Lamb of God, I have no idea what in this community constitutes high gain, so to me it's all good.

I am pretty sure this forum's 'high gain' is different than mine. That's ok, its all good. To the OP, there are several ways to boost the signal after the pickups should you need it. But I love the 'attack' and sensitivity of lower output pickups, too, so I get what you are after.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Low output pickups in a "metal" looking guitar

This is all about the amp....


If that is your amp in there pic, you are fine.