I have a Jackson Dinky that came with Duncan Design pickups which were okay but I wanted something hotter. I am playing in a metal band so I looked around and listen and decided on some Pearly Gates Humbuckers. Well I purchased a Kramer Assault 220 (Mahogany body) recently and they have Alnico V Humbuckers install which sound good but it's hard to get dynamics out of them. I thought they had decent output but when I had the Kramer setup by a professional, he checked the output and it was 4.86. I couldn't believe that. Then when I got back I plugged the Kramer in and it sounds good to me but again not many dynamics. I plugged my Jackson in (basswood body by the way) and the Pearly Gates sound considerably thinner and have less output as well ! I can get more dynamics from them though. So my question is, is there something wrong with the pickups ? or do I need to get something with more output for the type of music I am playing ? I thought the SD's were great until I heard them next to the Kramer's. I know the wood types accounts for some of the differences.:33:
Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
- Thread starter ChzRxx
- Start date
Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
The pearly gates are a vintage output pickup good chance depending on the model that they are even less output than the Duncan designed's that were in there. Try raising the Pearly gates closer to the strings but like i said the bridge pearly isnt very hot and it is actually pretty bright. You might need something different for this particular guitar.
What is this 4.86 measurement you speak of... what is he measuring? if its the DC resistance thats not a good measurement of output.
The pearly gates are a vintage output pickup good chance depending on the model that they are even less output than the Duncan designed's that were in there. Try raising the Pearly gates closer to the strings but like i said the bridge pearly isnt very hot and it is actually pretty bright. You might need something different for this particular guitar.
What is this 4.86 measurement you speak of... what is he measuring? if its the DC resistance thats not a good measurement of output.
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Yes I believe that is what he was measuring. I was talking with someone and he said look at this output. I turned around and I couldn't believe it. I have been playing this morning and it sounds good really. But like I said no dynamics. I have to try hard to get any.
I will replace the bridge pickups in the Jackson and I have an Ibanez that has V2 pickups in it that I am going to replace the bridge pickups as well. Both guitars have basswood bodies. I am leaning toward some Super Distortions maybe ? or some Dimebuckers. I don't care for anything muddy sounding..What do you think based on wood and type of music I am playing ?
Yes I believe that is what he was measuring. I was talking with someone and he said look at this output. I turned around and I couldn't believe it. I have been playing this morning and it sounds good really. But like I said no dynamics. I have to try hard to get any.
I will replace the bridge pickups in the Jackson and I have an Ibanez that has V2 pickups in it that I am going to replace the bridge pickups as well. Both guitars have basswood bodies. I am leaning toward some Super Distortions maybe ? or some Dimebuckers. I don't care for anything muddy sounding..What do you think based on wood and type of music I am playing ?
Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
4.86 is an unbelievably low DC resistance reading. Something isnt correct there. Maybe he measured only 1 coil of the humbucker and its actually 9.7 that would seem a closer to normal reading. But that aside you can have some pickups that have low resistance and high output like the BK Blackhawk or conversely you can have pickups with tons of resistance and low output like the Dimarzio HS3. The reading is really only useful as a diagnostic not as an actual measurement of output.
Sorry I missed where you said what music genres you were playing. What is your amp set up? Do you like the brightness of the pearly gates or do you want something less bright and beefier?
4.86 is an unbelievably low DC resistance reading. Something isnt correct there. Maybe he measured only 1 coil of the humbucker and its actually 9.7 that would seem a closer to normal reading. But that aside you can have some pickups that have low resistance and high output like the BK Blackhawk or conversely you can have pickups with tons of resistance and low output like the Dimarzio HS3. The reading is really only useful as a diagnostic not as an actual measurement of output.
Sorry I missed where you said what music genres you were playing. What is your amp set up? Do you like the brightness of the pearly gates or do you want something less bright and beefier?
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
My amp setup is I am running a Line6 PODHD500-Rocktron Power Amp though a Randall cab with Celestions GH12 70's I believe they are. Using a Mesa Rectifier model. I like a fat sound but some clarity coming off the top.
After not playing that particular guitar for a while, and hearing it now, yes I would like something beefier maybe not quite as bright. Thanks by the way.
My amp setup is I am running a Line6 PODHD500-Rocktron Power Amp though a Randall cab with Celestions GH12 70's I believe they are. Using a Mesa Rectifier model. I like a fat sound but some clarity coming off the top.
After not playing that particular guitar for a while, and hearing it now, yes I would like something beefier maybe not quite as bright. Thanks by the way.
Frogman
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Try a Custom 5, Custom/'59 Hybrid, or Super Distortion.
Try a Custom 5, Custom/'59 Hybrid, or Super Distortion.
Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
With that set up you dont need super high output my first instinct would be either the SH4 JB or the PATB1 both of these pickups sing well and are versatile for many tones. The Dimebucker is hotter and screams more its not as versatile but does what it does very well. The super distortions are also a classic pickup. They have a raw grit to their distortion that I love all are great choices
If you want check out this video is a great comparison of many of SD's hotter humbuckers and shows you the difference between them. Check it out
With that set up you dont need super high output my first instinct would be either the SH4 JB or the PATB1 both of these pickups sing well and are versatile for many tones. The Dimebucker is hotter and screams more its not as versatile but does what it does very well. The super distortions are also a classic pickup. They have a raw grit to their distortion that I love all are great choices
If you want check out this video is a great comparison of many of SD's hotter humbuckers and shows you the difference between them. Check it out
Strauboids
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
From what I understand the Duncan Designed pickups are basically an import (ie. cheaper) version of the SH-2N/SH-4 pickup set. They aren't made by Seymour Duncan, but they also aren't "bad" pickups. They just don't quite do what the real thing does. This explains why the Pearly Gates would sound thinner than the stock pickups and probably wouldn't have as much output. I find that the Pearly Gates can be a very unforgiving pickup, but it does lend itself to nice articulation.
From what I understand the Duncan Designed pickups are basically an import (ie. cheaper) version of the SH-2N/SH-4 pickup set. They aren't made by Seymour Duncan, but they also aren't "bad" pickups. They just don't quite do what the real thing does. This explains why the Pearly Gates would sound thinner than the stock pickups and probably wouldn't have as much output. I find that the Pearly Gates can be a very unforgiving pickup, but it does lend itself to nice articulation.
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Great thanks !!...exactly what I needed...I have another Jackson and it has EMG's 81/85 that sounds great but wanted some passive pickups in my backup guitars. The band is about to start gigging heavy and wanted to get these other guitars in shape before doing so. Again, Thanks.
Great thanks !!...exactly what I needed...I have another Jackson and it has EMG's 81/85 that sounds great but wanted some passive pickups in my backup guitars. The band is about to start gigging heavy and wanted to get these other guitars in shape before doing so. Again, Thanks.
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
I agree completely. I purchased them (Pearly Gates)a long time ago for a different situation. I will hang onto them just need something different. Thanks for the input.
I agree completely. I purchased them (Pearly Gates)a long time ago for a different situation. I will hang onto them just need something different. Thanks for the input.
Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
a little under 5k Ohms for a humbucker is almost unheard of. Even for single coils. There is something wrong with that pickup. Yes the Pearly Gates is hot FOR A VINTAGE PICKUP. Of you're looking for something heavier but want the articulation and dynamics still check out the custom series or the 59/custom hybrid. The 59/c or the custom custom will cure your thinner sound. Hang on to that Pearly Gates neck pickup though, it's a very good one. JB is also a fine choice.
a little under 5k Ohms for a humbucker is almost unheard of. Even for single coils. There is something wrong with that pickup. Yes the Pearly Gates is hot FOR A VINTAGE PICKUP. Of you're looking for something heavier but want the articulation and dynamics still check out the custom series or the 59/custom hybrid. The 59/c or the custom custom will cure your thinner sound. Hang on to that Pearly Gates neck pickup though, it's a very good one. JB is also a fine choice.
Lake Placid Blues
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Is the pickup wired in parallel?
Is the pickup wired in parallel?
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
A few things leap to mind here:
First and foremost - your tech is an idiot. If that pickup is a Pearly Gates 1. It was only one coil 2. If it's in parallel it's actually a DiMarzio X2N in disguise 3. He can't use the meter. Any of these means get a new tech. The pup was broke or wired wrong, or he is.
Next - as output goes up, generally speaking, so does compression and dynamics go away. The thing is already dimed before the sound even leaves the amp. Lower output pups may not be as 'loud' but they don't automatically turn everything up to 10.
Next - That POD should have more gain than any human really needs. A low output pup should work just fine. In fact, I'd argue it would work better, since high output + high gain usually = high crap.
LAst - and most important - point: exactly what tone is it you want? Since we know you have basically a Jazz/JB, what is the real issue?
Why do you need more output?
Is the bass too loose or too tight?
Are the highs to strident or too fat?
Too much / not enough miss?
More thick and fizziness? Or more clear and articulate?
Talk to us
A few things leap to mind here:
First and foremost - your tech is an idiot. If that pickup is a Pearly Gates 1. It was only one coil 2. If it's in parallel it's actually a DiMarzio X2N in disguise 3. He can't use the meter. Any of these means get a new tech. The pup was broke or wired wrong, or he is.
Next - as output goes up, generally speaking, so does compression and dynamics go away. The thing is already dimed before the sound even leaves the amp. Lower output pups may not be as 'loud' but they don't automatically turn everything up to 10.
Next - That POD should have more gain than any human really needs. A low output pup should work just fine. In fact, I'd argue it would work better, since high output + high gain usually = high crap.
LAst - and most important - point: exactly what tone is it you want? Since we know you have basically a Jazz/JB, what is the real issue?
Why do you need more output?
Is the bass too loose or too tight?
Are the highs to strident or too fat?
Too much / not enough miss?
More thick and fizziness? Or more clear and articulate?
Talk to us
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Pearly Gates pickups can do pretty much anything. They're a good, versatile, classic humbucker. Good choice if you want an "all rounder" guitar to feed an amp/pedals that you change depending on the application. However, in the grand scheme, they're not loud pickups, and they're not inherently "metal" by today's common definitions.
Your guitar guy's measurment wasn't done right. He was probably only measuring one coil. But don't worry about it. DC resistance is only an indicator of how much wire is in the pickup anyhow. It doesn't directly tell you how much output the pickup has.
So I'd say go for PGs if you want a slightly hot, dynamic, do-it-all guitar. Go for something heavier if you want a thicker, louder sound with less dynamic response to your picking.
Pearly Gates pickups can do pretty much anything. They're a good, versatile, classic humbucker. Good choice if you want an "all rounder" guitar to feed an amp/pedals that you change depending on the application. However, in the grand scheme, they're not loud pickups, and they're not inherently "metal" by today's common definitions.
Your guitar guy's measurment wasn't done right. He was probably only measuring one coil. But don't worry about it. DC resistance is only an indicator of how much wire is in the pickup anyhow. It doesn't directly tell you how much output the pickup has.
So I'd say go for PGs if you want a slightly hot, dynamic, do-it-all guitar. Go for something heavier if you want a thicker, louder sound with less dynamic response to your picking.
Inder_Cine_Mann
New member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Exactly what tones are you going for?
Metal covers a lot of sounds
Also, dynamics have a lot to do with your amp and picking technique.
Im not saying you have a crap rig or bad technique, it's just something to think about
What tuning do you use?
I play a Super D in my basswood Iceman (I change it between D standard and E standard) and i ****ing love it. Very punchy and fat bridge pickup and clear
Its also a pretty hot pickup.
I also think you should keep the Pearly neck. Its amazing clean and gritty
I also have a 59/Custom hybrid (C# standard, D standard, rarely drop B) and its a fantastic moderate output pickup and does metal very well.
Good luck man!
Exactly what tones are you going for?
Metal covers a lot of sounds
Also, dynamics have a lot to do with your amp and picking technique.
Im not saying you have a crap rig or bad technique, it's just something to think about
What tuning do you use?
I play a Super D in my basswood Iceman (I change it between D standard and E standard) and i ****ing love it. Very punchy and fat bridge pickup and clear
Its also a pretty hot pickup.
I also think you should keep the Pearly neck. Its amazing clean and gritty
I also have a 59/Custom hybrid (C# standard, D standard, rarely drop B) and its a fantastic moderate output pickup and does metal very well.
Good luck man!
Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: Question About Pearly Gates Pickups
Might wanna tell that to Ola. You see him constantly running an SH6 or other high output humbucker into a OD808 into a Fortin Satan or some other super high gain beast.
The sound you get by using a high output pickup is not the same as you get from running a low output pickup and just turning up the gain. POD or no POD the way they react are different particularly in terms of compression that ADDs to your perceived dynamics no longer are your bass strings boomy and mushy with tinny lost high strings. The compression smooths them out. Particularly if you are playing high gain this is useful.
Might wanna tell that to Ola. You see him constantly running an SH6 or other high output humbucker into a OD808 into a Fortin Satan or some other super high gain beast.
The sound you get by using a high output pickup is not the same as you get from running a low output pickup and just turning up the gain. POD or no POD the way they react are different particularly in terms of compression that ADDs to your perceived dynamics no longer are your bass strings boomy and mushy with tinny lost high strings. The compression smooths them out. Particularly if you are playing high gain this is useful.
