Passive option for a too bright guitar

Thrash it up

New member
Hello,
Here 's my problem:
I've got 2 similar guitars set with active p-u. Both have alder body, mapple neck and ebony fretboards. Both were sold with EMG p-u but after trying the AHB-1 blackouts in those 2, I decide to keep them instead of EMGs.
The problem is one of those 2 tends to be too bright (where the other one is a very dark sounding guitar). I am seriously thinking of swapping the blackouts for passives to get a warmer and a less "harsh sound" Something with high output, considering I play mostly old school metal and solos (2 humbuckers).

Thus I have to ask one more question about it: For some unknown reasons, the guitar has been built with a small place for p-u. So the bridge one, even set the lowest way possible, is still quite close to the strings (not to close, but it wouldn't work if set higher). Do trembuckers need a deeper gap in the guitar than a blackout?

thanks a lot
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

This one seems to have an extreme output. and I'm surprise to see this one has a ceramic magnet. Not sure It'll produce a warm too isn't it?
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

May seem like a dumb question but do you eq the guitars differently when playing through your amp?

Some times similar guitars need to a bit different eq. Might be the cheapest solution.
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

DMZ Breed. I had a really bright one and that was the only thing out of a bunch that worked.
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

May seem like a dumb question but do you eq the guitars differently when playing through your amp?

Some times similar guitars need to a bit different eq. Might be the cheapest solution.

Yes I do but I can't get the tone I want even with a different EQ. It lacks of mids and bass to make it sounds good for solos.

BTW :lmao: I never though people would recommand some DMZ on this forum :-p
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

The casings of active pickups tend to be deeper than passive ones. This is to house the built-in pre-amp gubbins.

For a warmer sound but still with the advantages of active circuitry, I suggest the Seymour Duncan Live Wire Classic II humbucker pair.

The OP omits to mention what sort(s) of bridge are fitted to ecah of the guitars.
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

The guitar has a floyd rose. When I ask the wisard, I got those answers: (for bridge p-u):
Custom custom or JB. But when I read the custom custom description, it doesn't seem to be made for metal...
 
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

*Super3
*Super D
Tone Zone
Breed
Invader
*JB A8
Alt 8
*C8
*COC
*El Diablo
*WCR Ironman
BK Warpig

Read up about each, one of these will do the job. Stars are next to my personal favorites, never owned a Warpig, yet.
 
Last edited:
Re: Passive option for a too bright guitar

I had a guitar that was SUPER bright. After 6 different pickup swaps, the Tone Zone fit it perfectly.
 
Back
Top