The old Custom story...

[uOpt]

Re: The old Custom story...

The pot really doesn't change that much.

And there are those who say that there are two kinds of SD Custom coils: some with a grounded copper foil core and some without.

I've never seen confirmation of this but if so it might explain why others think the c5 is too bright and the CC is good while I think the C5 is great and the CC is dead. If I had different coils that could cause this.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: The old Custom story...

Time for an update:

So, I'm back from my vacation. I immediately went to a band rehearsal and was also curious to hear my new C5 (in the SG Standard) in action. Since I arrived a little late, the band was already about to play, and I didn't get any "alone time" with my PU. I used my usual settings on the amp (6505 head through a 5150 cab).

First thing I noticed was that I had to pump up the volume on the clean channel. The C5 really has a very crystal-sounding clean with a bright top end, but doesn't sound harsh (which was my worst fear). Playing with overdrive I noticed the pickup's tightness and focus. Overall, the sound did not cut through the mix well, and I dialled in some more mids on the amp itself.

So far I'm not happy with the sound.

String to string definition is good, but I didn't perceive the sound of the C5 (in either clean or distorted) as being full. It is true that now the annoying mids I was previously hearing on my clean notes is gone. However, now the clean sound has a hi-fi like pristine quality, which I yet have to appreciate. I'm a fan of full, round and warm clean sounds. The distorted sound surely brought out the mighty low-end this pickup has. But all in all, it lacked the meat. It seems that I prefer more mid grind (without honking) in my distortion.

All in all, I liked the PU's tightness. I think it works well in SG models, since it takes away the nasality of the instrument. On the other hand, I find the overall sound too thin now and am wishing for more beef (which I was not able to dial in with the amp itself). Perhaps this PU is too vintage-sounding for me, or I had other expectations.

I'm thinking about swapping it. I have a concert in mid-August, and of course I always want the ideal sound, and so far I am just not happy with the C5, even though I think it is a good PU.

I'm considering going the Alnico 8 way now to get some mid grind back, to make the cleans fuller and to render the top end less bright and more creamy.

Or maybe I should give the PU more time?