Need advice on pups based on wood types.

[charper66]

So this is my first post and I have been doing a lot of reading trying to answer my own question. The only answer I have come up with is "try it for yourself and see how it sounds". Unfortunately we know buying and replacing pups "just to test" is not realistic. So here is my question/situation...

I am looking at the 7 string JB / Jazz set for a guitar I am looking to get. Would these be to "hot" or "pingy/crisp"? I am shooting for a sound like Adam Jones I know his amps have a lot to do with his sound but.... I also like a lot of ambient style music and post rock stuff..

I am looking to get a custom built Carvin Aries 7 String w/ direct mount passive pups with the following woods:
Body: Alder
Top Wood: Flamed Spalted Maple
Neck: was thinking 5-Piece Black Limba Neck w/ 2 White Limba Stripes, but this is subject to change
Fretboard: Ebony

Input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

Welcome to the forum.

It is difficult to make worthwhile suggestions without experiencing the natural acoustic sound produced by an individual instrument.

What amplification and/or pedals do you use?

 

[charper66]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

Pretty basic right now, looking to stock up on pedals after Christmas but currently:

Orange CR120 solid state through a 4x12 Crate cab
only pedal is a dd5

At the moment, off the top of my head I am looking to get these after the holidays: 535q wah, volume pedal, Flux Liquid Ambiance, POG Nano, MXR Micro Amp, some type of fuzz, some type of flange (probably Strymon)

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

Pretty basic right now, looking to stock up on pedals after Christmas but currently:

Orange CR120 solid state through a 4x12 Crate cab
only pedal is a dd5

At the moment, off the top of my head I am looking to get these after the holidays: 535q wah, volume pedal, Flux Liquid Ambiance, POG Nano, MXR Micro Amp, some type of fuzz, some type of flange (probably Strymon)

I'd upgrade the amp more than the pedals myself...

 

[charper66]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

I'd upgrade the amp more than the pedals myself...

Yea, I want to get a used Mesa Dual Rec... so much gear, so little dollars..

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

For the cost of those pedals... it is not outside of the realm of possibility. I find that if i go for the big thing I want first, I often end up happier and spending less.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

And unfortunately your only response here too will be 'you need to try them out for yourself'. In theory the JB in that guitar should be ok, but we have neither your rig, nor your tastes and ears.

And a big +1 on the 'better amp first'.

 

[charper66]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

And unfortunately your only response here too will be 'you need to try them out for yourself'. In theory the JB in that guitar should be ok, but we have neither your rig, nor your tastes and ears.

And a big +1 on the 'better amp first'.

All will be upgraded in due time. I am waiting for the holidays, asking for gift certificates for GC.. maybe I can afford a used Mesa with the credit and trading in my Orange..

But as for the guitar, I want clarity and pronunciation, but I am afraid with all the "bright" wood it will sound too poingy.. I don't a guitar that sounds like a banjo or a sitar.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

From my experience tone wood claims are generalizations but not absolutes...no two pieces of wood will be identical.

I would say go with the build as planned (I personally LOVE the JB in Alder) and see how the guitar responds. I personally prefer Rosewood with a JB but Ebony is my favorite feeling fretboard out there. If you want the black look then you can stain Rosewood Black (helps to have dark Rosewood.)

Best of luck!

EDIT: And welcome to the forum! Please keep us posted with the guitar!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need advice on pups based on wood types.

The Jazz will sound bright and open. Great for clean chimey stuff and really articulate leads. The JB is pretty hot pickup with this upper mid thing going on. You'd have to decide if you need that kind of articulation- I would think it would work fine, especially if you intend to add lots of effects eventually. But I think you'd cover a lot of ground with that setup.