Sentient 8-string vs. 6-string volume

[jjm_8-string]

Hello all,

I have a Sentient 8-string pickup on a Les-Paul-type guitar, and a 6-string Sentient on my 6-string Les Paul. I notice that while both pickups sound good, the 6-string version is considerably louder and punchier than the 8. I also know of someone who has had a similar experience with the 6-string vs. the 7-string versions of the same pickups. Any ideas why this might be? Is it to be expected based on the specs of the pickups? FWIW, I realize that different guitars respond differently, but this is a fairly significant difference such that I don't think it would be caused entirely by the wood of the instrument.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Mincer]

Re: Sentient 8-string vs. 6-string volume

They should sound essentially the same. Is the pickup height the same? Same gauge of strings? The scale length the same? What 2 models of guitars do you have? And what are they made out of?

 

[jjm_8-string]

Re: Sentient 8-string vs. 6-string volume

They should sound essentially the same. Is the pickup height the same? Same gauge of strings? The scale length the same? What 2 models of guitars do you have? And what are they made out of?

Pickup height is essentially the same. If anything, the pickup on the 8-string is closer to the strings than the 6-string. Same gauge strings: 10's. Same scale length: 24.75". Both Les Paul clones. One difference: the 6-string is solid, with a mahogany body and maple top; the 8 is the same wood combination, but chambered with an F-hole. In my experience, hollow guitars tend to sound punchier, with a stronger attack. Thus, I would expect the 8-string to be MORE present in the mid-range than the 6. Yet the opposite is true.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Sentient 8-string vs. 6-string volume

Unless there is a wiring issue (the pickups are wired in parallel, etc) I am not sure what can cause a difference in volume other than one guitar being a lot more resonant than another. F-hole aside, some wood just vibrates better. You may be able to balance out the output on both guitars by adjusting the pickup height, providing that they are installed correctly. You 6 sounds like it is working correctly- it should be very punchy! Make sure both coils of the 8 are working by tapping on the poles of the pickup with a screwdriver. Then go over the wiring and see if there are any issues there.