phat cats with an invader in an sg?

[jake_xms3_punk]

i got an epiphone sg 3 pickup model with an invader in the bridge, i was just wondering what i could put in the middle and neck, was thinkin phat cats. anyone got this setup? would the invader just overpower the cats? i want as much versitility as i can, any one with any thoughts?

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

I would put something with less power in the bridge if its versatility you're after. But the Phat Cat is a great idea for middle and perhaps neck. I'd get a '59 set and put a phat cat in the middle, as the P-90's don't sound dramatically different in neck and middle positions.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

phat cats actually don't sound quite like p-90s, they've got some humbucker characteristics(though still hum) with single coil clarity. i think they'd be a great match for your invader, though personally i'd swap the stock a2/a2 magnet set in them for something with more clarity.

 

[blueman335]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

I think a HB/PC/PC set up is very good. I have an Epi SG Custom with a PCN in the middle & it sounds better than a HB in that position (bad position harmonic node-wise for HB's). If I ever do another HHH, I'd use a Phat Cat in the neck too. BTW, I have an SG Std with a 498T (A8) bridge & PCN neck (A5/A4), which is an excellent combination too. Phat Cats have lots of applications and tremendous flexibility with all the potential magnet swaps.

Keep in mind that a HB has 1/2 magnet per coil; a Phat Cat/P-90 PU has two magnets per coil, so there's some definite output there, especially in the neck position. Like Super Rad Ska said, they sound much better when you swap out the stock magnets, which gives improved tones & higher output (I have a bunch of PC's and have replaced all of the A2's). I don't think an Invader would drown out Phat Cats.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

If the Invader does in fact tend to overpower the PC's, why not wire it in parallel? I used to have mine like that and it cleared up a little and didn't have quite as much drive. Might be just the ticket.

 

[alex1fly]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

If the Invader does in fact tend to overpower the PC's, why not wire it in parallel? I used to have mine like that and it cleared up a little and didn't have quite as much drive. Might be just the ticket.

I was going to suggest this - add a push/pull for series to parallel. Phat Cats do have a good amount of volume and sound great even with the stock magnets... definitely not a typical A2 response or sound.

Though I wonder if an Invader and two Phat Cats would dampen the sustain on your guitar due to the amount of magnetic pull!

 

[alex1fly]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

phat cats actually don't sound quite like p-90s, they've got some humbucker characteristics(though still hum) with single coil clarity. i think they'd be a great match for your invader, though personally i'd swap the stock a2/a2 magnet set in them for something with more clarity.

Phat Cats do sound like P 90s, because they are P 90s. Single coil clarity with humbucker oomph, output, and "roundness of tone" is what makes a P 90 special IMO. They are good at getting a variety of tones by changing your volume and tone knobs as well as amp EQ. Compared to my soapbars, the Phat Cats hum a little less, have a little softer attack (due to the A2s I guess, but its a miniscule difference), and have more complex overtones in the upper register. It's a great pickup.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

I think it would work very well. If the Invader was too loud, just lower it and raise the Phat Cats.
I think it'd be pretty cool.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

I own a phat cat in a Tele and it's the ballsiest Tele I've ever heard. Sounds more like a bright LP Jr. than a Tele to be honest. And not sure about the rest of you, but my Phat Cat (stock purchased at a music shop) has an A5 mag.

I could see a Phat Cat keeping up with an Invader. I wouldn't want to have those 2 pickups on together though. Maybe a Jazz(b) in the neck so you can still get cleaner tones.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: phat cats with an invader in an sg?

I could see a Phat Cat keeping up with an Invader. I wouldn't want to have those 2 pickups on together though. Maybe a Jazz(b) in the neck so you can still get cleaner tones.

Yeah, that sounds a great idea, I agree with this. :1: