Need a pup for a bright axe.

BloodRose

Professional Scapegoat
Ive asked this before but really need help. Got a Carvin x220. Maple set neck, maple body, ebony board and brass nut. Even the Tone Zone in it now sounds thin.. Should I use a CC? Blues trembucker? Does the 78 fill out a sound?? What about a Rio BBQ?
Thanks!
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

umm...Jazz, and APH-1 are both pretty warm pickups. If you want it a little warmer, try switching to 250k pots. And get rid of the brass nut.
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

I have a Dimarzio Super Distortion in my V220 and it is not thin sounding to my ears, but you maythink otherwise. You could try the Dimarzio Super3, very high output withgood low end and very rolled back highs. I had the CC in an alder strat with a floyd and that did a good job of taming the brightness but maple may be a totally different deal. The only guitarsI have played the BBQ in were mahogany so I cannot help you there.
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

That's a though one. CC might do it tho. Try it, and if CC does not deliver, well Mr. you've got a problem.

Why did you get an all maple guitar in the first place? Ebony maaan! What were you thinking? :D

B
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

Can't say it better, Dr.Barlo! Why did i know that you also recommed the CC? It's also my suggestion, which i wanted to write here
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

I'm in the same boat- my Carvin is very bright, and I need to switch out the JB for something warmer. Someone told me that a 59 is the way to go, and it would be a good match with my Jazz neck. Is a CC warmer than a 59? If it is, would it be a good match for a Jazz?
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

CC is much warmer than a '59. I've never thought of the '59 or Jazz as being warm pickups. I know that's a relative term, and what one person finds warm another will find bright. I consider the Alnico II Pro and CC to be warm pickups, and the Rio Grande BBQ and Blues Trembucker to be warm for Alnico 5 pickups, but not as warm as the A2P or CC. I agree that changing the brass nut would be a good start, I recommend the Earvana nut for better intonation and a warmer sound. I would suggest the Alnico II Pro over the CC, as it has a much better low end, and won't choke your sound with too much midrange.

Ryan
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

I too have an all maple Carvin (DC127). I put a CC/APH combo that works really well in it.
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

jimlp said:
I have a Dimarzio Super Distortion in my V220 and it is not thin sounding to my ears, but you maythink otherwise. You could try the Dimarzio Super3, very high output withgood low end and very rolled back highs. I had the CC in an alder strat with a floyd and that did a good job of taming the brightness but maple may be a totally different deal. The only guitarsI have played the BBQ in were mahogany so I cannot help you there.


Right on...excellent advice. People may hate some of the Dimarzios but some of their models work EXCELLENT in bright guitars.
 
Re: Need a pup for a bright axe.

I'll try a super distortion in it. It has an Air norton in the neck that is fantastic there. I bought it with a Steve's Special in the bridge.. Didnt work for me an so I put in a Tone Zone which will really thicken a thin sounding axe. But still sounds boingy in this axe.
By the way, I bought it cuz of the look and playability. I didnt pick the woods and brass nut.. ; )
 
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