Pickups for Hard Rock, Shoegaze & Ambient

[Mincer]

If you are using a ton of effects, you might want a series/parallel option on the Hot Rails. In parallel, it will be less mid-heavy, more open, yet still be hum-cancelling, which should be important when using lots of reverb and delay.

 

[Clint 55]

Rails on the outside and a stack on the inside is a solid combo. Hot Rails bridge, stack, Cool Rails neck will get you there. I've really been liking this dude's playing and rig.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcaWN3ZJnhs

 

[TVFV]

OP, if you haven't pulled the trigger yet, I feel like you would be happier with a Classic Stack plus in the neck and middle. I would also go with a JB Jr. in the bridge.

 

[Mincer]

I've recorded a ton of ambient tunes (with sounds that don't even sound like a guitar), and as long as the output of the pickups isn't too much, you will be fine. Darker pickups *can* work, if that's the EQ you are going for. I've used Classic Stacks, along with Alnico II Pro humbuckers.

 

[sboivin]

I've recorded a ton of ambient tunes (with sounds that don't even sound like a guitar), and as long as the output of the pickups isn't too much, you will be fine. Darker pickups *can* work, if that's the EQ you are going for. I've used Classic Stacks, along with Alnico II Pro humbuckers.

So my Hot Rails/Vintage Rails/Cool Rails would have too much outputs? Or would it be just the Hot Rails?

 

[Clint 55]

He's saying it will be suitable.

 

[Mincer]

So my Hot Rails/Vintage Rails/Cool Rails would have too much outputs? Or would it be just the Hot Rails?

I think your set would be great. You might think about a series/parallel switch for the Hot Rails, though.

 

[elelpe]

So my Hot Rails/Vintage Rails/Cool Rails would have too much outputs? Or would it be just the Hot Rails?

Combined with the rest of your rigs, I'd assume Cool Rails in the bridge is enough for hard rock and not over the top for ambient/shoegaze. And STK-S4 in the middle and the neck.
Personally I'd choose clarity over output for your application.

 

[Mincer]

Yes, output could always be boosted after the fact.

 

[sboivin]

Just a quick update!
I went for the Bridge (Hot Rail), Middle (Vintage Rail) and Neck (Cool Rail). It is everything I ever wanted, great versatility, amazing sounds
I got what I was expecting from the Hot and Cool Rail. The Vintage Rail is so amazing, I don't think there is any youtube videos that do them any justice. I never really played in parallel mode, but now it's my go-to Vintage & Hot or Cool & Vintage.
Thanks everyone for your comments, it was useful

 

[Mincer]

Just a quick update!
I went for the Bridge (Hot Rail), Middle (Vintage Rail) and Neck (Cool Rail). It is everything I ever wanted, great versatility, amazing sounds
I got what I was expecting from the Hot and Cool Rail. The Vintage Rail is so amazing, I don't think there is any youtube videos that do them any justice. I never really played in parallel mode, but now it's my go-to Vintage & Hot or Cool & Vintage.
Thanks everyone for your comments, it was useful

Thanks for the update! If there aren't any good Vintage Rails videos....then make one! It looks like we could use a good video.

 

[LLL]

Google is no one's friend.

Got that right.

I intentionally tell people to "do an internet search" instead of "google this/that". F Google.

 

[ShoeGazer64]

Google is no one's friend.
And I was wondering where the hell the term originated....

It was originally meant as an insult, coined by the British music press, to describe bands like Ride, Slowdive, etc. that had massive pedal boards and the guitarists were constantly looking at their pedals boards. From the audience it looked like they were staring at their feet, hence "shoegaze".

 

[Ascension]

From guitarists gazing at their shoes ie looking at the pedalboard because they used effects so much.

You mean like modern WORSHIP players?