Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

[emb3232]

Hi.

I had a tech recently install a Antiquity 2 Surf in the neck and middle position and a SD Hot Rails in the bridge.

My problem is when I switch from the humbucker to the single coils. There is a big treble boost on the single coils for about 10-15 seconds before making the pickup sound fuller and bassy; perhaps even muddy.

The problem is that I also prefer this trebly tone. It has the perfect chime that I associate with a 60’s start pickup.

The humbucker always sounds good and consistent. But not the singe coils after switching from the hot rails. The tone is also consistent when switching between the single coils only...

I use an Orange Tiny Terror. This problem happens with any types of tubes I put in there. So it doest seem to be a tube problem. I have not tried other amplifiers, and don’t have access to other ones right now.

My guitar is a 96 USA Roland Ready Strat.

Is it possible that the humbucker overloads the tubes so much that when switching to the low output single coils takes time for the tubes to readjust to the drastic change in EQ?

Does this pickup combination just not mix?


Please help.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

It's not the amp. It's your ears adjusting to the drastic EQ change.

Personally, I dislike HSS setups because of that.

I'd recommend using a Surfer Custom bridge and using Eric Johnson wiring so your second tone control only affects the bridge.

 

[emb3232]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

So its my hearing? lol

Has the same thing happened to you w/ HSS setups? Can you describe the similarities?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

Yeah, and I also own a Tiny Terror, which would never fluctuate from pickup output.

Hot Rails and Surfers are tonal opposites, so that's why they play tricks with your hearing.

After everything, I've realized I don't like mixing vintage singles with humbuckers.
I only like dedicated humbucking guitars and Fenders, or other matching sets.
A lot of players get to that point because mismatched pickups always come with comprimises.

 

[emb3232]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

You know, that makes a lot of sense. And you seem to know what you're talking about...

I remember I had this Hot Rails bridge paired with my stock USA single coils, and while the Hot Rails sounded great, the single coils never sounded as good as when they were all just SSS stock...

I guess this is what happens when the pickups are mismatched... Why is that though?

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

...because they're mismatched...

If the three pickups have three different output levels, then you stay with one until you get accustomed to the unique sound qualities. Then when you switch to another one, your hearing has to adjust to that. Then you switch again and your hearing has to adjust yet again.

Unless you jump immediately on the EQ and Gain/Volume controls every time you switch, and by the time you've re-dialed the amp, your hearing has adapted to and accepted the different sound.

Basically it's all in your head, you just have to give your head time to adapt.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

This is actually a good topic which hasn't been discussed much on this forum.

Guitar companies started out putting virtually the same pickups in their guitars, then started installing calibrated sets as players requested it over time.

As soon as aftermarket pickups came out, players started mismatching everything, and the companies realized they had to guide people toward matched sets that work well together.

It got to the point where pickups like single sized humbuckers had to be available, thanks to all the superstrat lovers.

Overall, I think I prefer calibrated sets where the bridge is just a little bit hotter, but they have to be basically the same or compliment each other.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Tiny Terror + Antiquity Surf + Hot Rails... Issues

a friend of mine put some Fender Vintage Noiseless singles and a Dimarzio PAF Pro in the bridge

those matched up rather well
the Dimarzio sounds creamy and rich next to the Fenders