Pearly gates questions

[daniel80]

Hi guys,
I have a JB / Jazz combo which I like, but I think the Jazz is just a little too trebly for me.
Remember I said “just a little” too trebly, so please don’t suggest an a2p or a 59.

I was thinking about a PG neck which seems to be a little smoother from the samples, and this is confirmed by the resonant peaks values.
Now my questions are:

Will be the volume of the pearly gates lower than the Jazz (because of Alnico 2 instead 5)? And would it be a problem to balance it with the JB?

Will be the clean sound to middy (muddy)? To me seems better than the jazz from the samples, but also it’s true that I don’t like the JB samples but I really like it in real life.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Pearly gates questions

Magnet swap time!!!!!

Addiction FX on ebay sells magnets, you should look for a rough Alnico 4 or an unoriented 5. The Jazz has a polished Alnico 5 in it which can be bitey or scooped depending on the Guitar. I have a Parker PM20 which I had almost the same issue - the rough 4 cured it

 

[blueman335]

Re: Pearly gates questions

Magnet swap time!!!!!

+1. After adjusting your set up, a mag swap or two is the next step. Buying a new PU is a last resort measure. You don't know what a PU has to offer if you only use the stock magnet. An A2 totally changes an 'ice pick' JB, an A8 totally changes a scooped C5.

Too many guys buy PU after PU to solve their tone problems, and just have a new set of issues to deal with. They're out a lot of cash (even selling the old ones, as they're sold for less than you pay for them) and either 1) eventually get lucky, 2) give up and stick with the last PU they bought, or...3) swap mags and often get what they want and only spend a few dollars.

 

[daniel80]

Re: Pearly gates questions

Uh, ok.. I think I will consider to swap magnets.
Anyway, what about my questions on the PG?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Pearly gates questions

I was recommended a PGn for an SG, by many different people. The SG is thin and has no issue with top-end. I think in a thicker guitar (tonally too) the PG may be a little dull. If the Jazz is 'only a little' treble-y then the PG may be a step too far.

See if its the midrange thats missing, or the treble being over the over the top - this will give an indication as to what mag to swap

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Pearly gates questions

to me, a2 pickups are actually a bit louder than a5 because of the mids. i think a PG would be a great match for the JB. i've always seen the JB paired up with either the jazz or '59, which is all well and good but i don't think they're voiced quite closely enough to the JB to really match up. with all the midrange punch the PG has, it should be a great match.

however, i would also reccomend trying an a2 magnet in your jazzN first, since a new magnet is somewhere in the price range of $5 and a new PG is somewhere around $90.