Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

[ciid]

I recently bought a Phat Cat pickup, and it's a bridge pickup. I was wondering about putting it in my neck.. what would that sound like? I'm playing an epiphone les paul studio. I have a burstbucker 3 in the bridge, so that's hot as it is and I don't want it overpowering the single coiled phat cat.
I'm mainly asking whether or not it's okay to put this bridge designated pickup in my neck or should I return it and just get a neck pickup?
Also, if anyone knows the main difference between n and b phat cats that would be appreciated. (Or if there's any simple way to modify the pickup so it better suits the neck position). Thanks.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

The main difference, if I remember correctly, is that the bridge is just wound a bit hotter. If you put it in the neck and it sounds great, then you're gold.

The BB 3 is kinda hot anyway, so the bridge version of the PC in the neck of your guitar might be the perfect match. I'd try it if you have time.

Welcome to the board!

 

[ciid]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

Aye, thanks for the welcome. That's exactly what I was thinking, but if it doesn't work out I'll be pretty pissed off at myself. Pickup mistakes can become atrocious. However, if I solder it in and it's too bright I can't really return the pickup, can I? I wish there was a way I could fix my little dilema.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

You have 21 days to exchange it if you live in the US. (that's a seymour duncan policy, so if the store messes with you, just call Duncan Tech Support)

Other than that, I've seen pickups that people ordered from Musician's Friend or ones they've gotten from big local chains and you can see the ends have been soldered before sometimes. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

Hopefully, you didn't cut the wire when you originally installed it in the bridge. Or have you installed it at all? Hmm... If you've never installed it and you are not living in the US or gone beyond your 21 days, .... I digress....

you can always sell it as used on ebay or here if it doesn't work out for you. might take a small loss, but not too bad.

 

[ciid]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

Aye, I live in Canada and I bought the pickup away from home.
I'll wait for more feedback before I come up with a decision on what to do.

It has not yet been installed, the pickup hasn't been modified in any way. I still have a stock pickup in my neck and the bb3 in the bridge, and I've limited myself, I think.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

You could always try it both ways, BB3 in the neck/PC in the bridge and vice versus. Hopefully, you're BB3 still has some length left on the lead.

 

[Woodcutter]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

In my Squire Strat I have I Cool Rails Bridge in the neck postition and It sounds great, But the CR isn't a high output pickup. I would think you could just lower the BB3 If it sounds to hot.

 

[rinse_master]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

I would say try it, as Scott explained it could turn out to be a great match.

If you can't exchange it you could always do a trade at the Trading Post, I have bought a few things and all the people I have dealt with have been great, so that's a good option (and you won't lose money by selling on Ebay then buying a new one)

 

[ciid]

Re: Phat Cats (neck and bridge issues)

We'll have to see - if they don't have the neck version in stock when I trade it in I'll just have to put the phat cat b in my neck.. I could always keep that nice and low, too..