Re exploring the Custom 5

[Ascension]

I have always loved the open BIG tones but felt it lacked cut in a large band situation.
Well I am now doing a new project. It's more rootsie rock and I am the lone electric guitarist most of the time. I have really come to love this pickup in this type enviorment.
I pulled the A-8's out of the Customs in both my Washburn WM-4 with the 59 in the neck and my 95 MG 120 with the SSL-1's and replaced them with A-5's.
I needed big warm open vintage with additude tones and it had been a home run in those guitars.
Both are Mahogany body Quilt Maple top Rosewood Board guitars. The WM-4 a set neck 24.57 tunamatic bridge. The MG a maple bolt on neck and a Wilkerson.
Im getting great middle position tones on the WM-4 and also great tapped with the SSL-1 tones with the MG. The balance between the bridge and neck pickups on both is dead on for me with just enough of a jump to have my solos jump out when I hit the full on bridge position.
Here is the WM-4 with the Custom 5 from one of our practice sessions.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=970781&songID=7804039

 

[Sanford]

Re: Re exploring the Custom 5

Sounds good to me. Have you played the same song with the A-8 to get a comparison?

 

[uOpt]

Re: Re exploring the Custom 5

It doesn't lack "cut" in a band situation. It lacks compression. It is too dynamic which in a band setting means that much of your playing sinks into the noise, unless you are willing to blast the whole place to hell on those parts that do cut through.

 

[Ascension]

Re: Re exploring the Custom 5

It doesn't lack "cut" in a band situation. It lacks compression. It is too dynamic which in a band setting means that much of your playing sinks into the noise, unless you are willing to blast the whole place to hell on those parts that do cut through.

Yep that is about the size of it in a situation where there is a lot going on. My Church band situation is a prime example 2 keyboards 2 acoustic guitars and 2 electrics + horns bass and b drums. It that situation solos just won't come through unless you are SLAMMING.
However in a 3 or 4 piece situation it's a different story. Without all the other stuff muddying up the overall mix the big organic open tones of the C5 are perfect!
Here is a live clip from last night with Rob on keys me on guitar (the WM-4) and Chad on drums
Keep in mind this is RAW as our bass player couldn't make it so Rob swapped to keys and we have never even practiced that way!!
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=970781&songID=7944592

 

[Ascension]

Re: Re exploring the Custom 5

Sounds good to me. Have you played the same song with the A-8 to get a comparison?

Yep the A-8 was too harsh and abrasive + the balance was an issue with the other pickups.
In a situation like my Church band or for hair metal the A-8 worked out well but not in the new band.
I have 3 guitars set up now for this band. The WM-4 and the MG 120 with the Custom 5's and the MG 100 with the JB-2.