Options for a semi-hollow

[N00se]

I have a Yamaha SA500 Semi-Hollow guitar.
It has a mahogany body with maple top and a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard.

I want to replace the bridge humbucker because the stock one is on the cheapo side and doesn't really sound like I want it to. It's also not waxpotted so it feedbacks a bit too much. It's an alnico one, but don't know wether it's a II or a V.

I'm looking for a balanced tone, tight bass, plenty of mids and clear trebble (but no sharp ice pick trebble or cutting edge). It has to be a trembucker model too.

The guitar sustains beautifully because of the set neck, but could have a bit more attack. The stock pickup sounds a bit too fuzzy with distortion, I want it to be more crunchy, more crisp sounding. I use a moderate amount of distortion and really dislike high-gain.

What can you advise me ??? There are so many different models and types out there that I don't see the trees in the forest anymore.

My gear:
I use a Fender HR Deville 4x10" (modded for a lot tighter bass response) with a Boss DS-2. I play foot stomping rock with blues and classic r&r influences.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

I'd say a Custom would be what you're looking for.

 

[N00se]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

Isn't a Custom a bit too hot to put in a semi hollow ? And won't the ceramic bar produce a bit too much highs ?

What about a PATB-1 or 2 ?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

seths for semi-hollows is my rule of thumb

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

Custom-Custom has an A2 and should be perfect.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

i was thinking CC too ...

i'd say seths, but he talked about the guitar being already prone to feedback so i rethought that

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

Isn't a Custom a bit too hot to put in a semi hollow ? And won't the ceramic bar produce a bit too much highs ?

What about a PATB-1 or 2 ?

I have a Custom 5 in a full hollow body and have no issues with its output. The Custom is similar to the C5 but has a more balanced EQ. It has more mids and treble, which makes it sound fuller than the C5. The CC is a very cool pickup, but I don't think its as tight as the C5 or Custom, especially in a chambered or hollow guitar.

If you're wary of the Custom's output and treble, check out the C5 or even a Screamin Demon.

If you want to stay with traditional output, look into a Pearly Gates or a 59. The Seth is one of my faves in a semi, but it is'nt exactly tight to my ears.

 

[ParaGuitarMedic]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

It is my understanding that, Seths are the way to go!

 

[Tony_H]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

I got a delicious sound from a custom semi fitted with Alnico 2 Pros: juicy, balanced and firm.
Tony

 

[Lu_B]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

+1 for seths

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

If a guitar is prone to feedback, I do not think the Seths are going to make it more prone. My seths never fed back that much unless I wanted them to and then it was delicious.

Someone tell Ted Nugent to sell all those damn feed-backin' Byrdlands!

 

[Bludave]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

I'd go with Seths, Ants., or Alnico II's. I have had experience with all of the above ina variety of guitars. IMO for a nice warm tone the AlnicoII's are hard to beat. The Seths have a little more bottom espicially in the neck. The Antiquities are very well balanced as well. For a semi I like the Alnicos or the Seths. Either would be a great choice.

 

[babybatter]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

i put a jazz/jb combo in my godin flat 5.

its an intrinsically dark, thin bodied semi hollow, and i have more bite than i need now.

i use an eq in my loop to bring up the bass a little and to drop the volume level so i can turn my master on my amp up a little.

I also use a light fuzz for compression.

With the amp up for a bit of power tube breakup, a bit of bass assistance, and a little compression, i can back off the volume and tone knobs on my guitar to overcome the midrange spike inherent in the jb.

ive started tweaking my midrange on my amp moreso than anything else to find the sounds i want.....a nice searing sing lead, still retaining some of that jazz box 'thud'.

the harmonics are dreamy. :13:

 

[Amateur]

Re: Options for a semi-hollow

I also have the Jazz/JB combo in my semi hollow body with a Push/Pull pot to split, and I use light gage strings. It can be smooth, biting, crunchy or full shredding whenever I want it to. Some people think the JB is too bright but I think the semi hollow body darkens it somewhat and evens it out.