Versatile H-H setup

[PFDarkside]

So basically what I’m hearing is that my guitars with:

C5/PG - splits
Custom/59 - JP wiring

Already are the most versatile and I should cancel this order for the Warmoth body...

So what I’m thinking is my options are:
-Go JB/Jazz with splits for an equally versatile yet complimentary setup to what I have.
-Swap the Custom based pickups into this and change one fo the others to a specialist setup.
-Make this guitar a specialist

 

[JB_From_Hell]

You really, really need to try the Fluences. My Falbo guitar with the Abasis will do all that stuff you’re talking about.

H-H, 5 way blade, push-pull MV, MT does neck series (2 voicings), neck split, neck/bridge parallel (2 voicings), bridge/neck split parallel, bridge series (2 voicings).

Thats 8 total options, all of which sound good, with completely intuitive switching. The 5 way does what you’d think, and the push/pull volume gives the second voice option in 1/3/5.

 

[jeremy]

patb1 set with parallel on the p/p pots. different than what you have but not too far off the beaten path

 

[Top-L]

Is that all in the Dimarzio description of the D-Sonic?

Any thoughts on Crunchlab/Liquifire? Can they do anything remotely close to classic Humbucker sounds?

I have a Crunchlab/Liquifire pickup combo in my parts box but I haven't tried them. I bought them to replace the EMG 57/66 combo that came in my new LTD guitar, but I like the EMGs and don't think I will swap them.

I wish I could report how different the CL/LF combination is, but I suspect they are very similar to the DS/PAFP. JP used the DS for a time, then he launched into a long stream of signature pickups.

I used to love the Evolution, but since getting the DS, they sound thin in comparison.

 

[PFDarkside]

A DiMarzio X2N in the bridge wired for series/parallel/split
- Uber-hot thick molten metal in series
- Clean crisp rhythms in Parallel, or those in between clean / gritty sounds on the dirt channel
- Awesome Texas hot single sounds split, or less with volume down

A DiMarzio Super3 in series/Split in the neck
- Adds spank and cut to the X2N when split, or is a nice smooth chimney single sound on it's own
- Great for thick but not muddy rhythm when series or hot scorching leads
- Cleans up with volume better than you'd think.

This seems like a very versatile set that’s different from what I already have. I don’t think I’ve played anything remotely close to the X2N, is it completely over the top? Who are some players that use it?
(I was also debating SD/Super2 or maybe Air Zone/Air Norton)

 

[Aceman]

Air Zone Air Norton is a way cool all over set. Or Tone ZOme Norton if you play a lot of only rocking stuff - but all over the map.

I don't know who uses them any more. I think Vai did early on. Viv Cambell has a sig guitar with them. It is completely over the top in series. But parallel and split make it awesome for all sorts of stuff. Might not be the pup to use if you have a mega gain amp. easily the pup to use to take an amp from mild breakup to death metal, or a fender Amp into the Marshall zone.

 

[PFDarkside]

You really, really need to try the Fluences. My Falbo guitar with the Abasis will do all that stuff you’re talking about.

H-H, 5 way blade, push-pull MV, MT does neck series (2 voicings), neck split, neck/bridge parallel (2 voicings), bridge/neck split parallel, bridge series (2 voicings).

Thats 8 total options, all of which sound good, with completely intuitive switching. The 5 way does what you’d think, and the push/pull volume gives the second voice option in 1/3/5.

The Classic has Voice 1, Voice 2 and Split as well. If this ends up being a “high tech” build (as high tech as I can get with Warmoth, definitely no Falbo Abasi prototype) I might do the Fluence. Roasted Maple, Stainless frets, Sophia tremolo, maybe a high tech output Jack, who knows...

 

[JB_From_Hell]

The Classic has Voice 1, Voice 2 and Split as well. If this ends up being a “high tech” build (as high tech as I can get with Warmoth, definitely no Falbo Abasi prototype) I might do the Fluence. Roasted Maple, Stainless frets, Sophia tremolo, maybe a high tech output Jack, who knows...

You’ll be surprised at how not high tech the pickups seem. They have dynamics like passive, but can do the crazy aggressive like EMGs.

 

[BigFeet25]

Hi JB that 5-way setup sounds very interesting. Do you have a diagram?
Thanks

 

[alex1fly]

If it were me I'd look towards lower output pickups. After 15ish years of modding I've settled back on vintage style pickups as my favorite for versatility. The versatility comes their ability to highlight my techniques, notsomuch for # of tones. Heck my Player Tele's stock bridge single screams more easily and chugs tighter than an EMG 81, for whatever that's worth.

In my experience, it's simply difficult to get an amazing blues-style response from hotter pickups. So I build my tone based on what's good for blues, and then pile on the gain as needed. YMMV and heck, my preferences may change as well.

PAF/PAF or P90/PAF would be pretty darn versatile I think. Wire it up with coil split, or fancy 5-way wiring, and you've got a bunch of sounds on tap.

On paper, two P-Rails with the Triple Shot rings would also give you lots of options.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Hi JB that 5-way setup sounds very interesting. Do you have a diagram?
Thanks

I do not, the guy who built the guitar (Frank Falbo) wired it. I recently posted some pics of the guitar's wiring, though, and if you Google "Tosin Abasi Fluence wiring" you can probably find it pretty easily.

 

[BigFeet25]

Thanks JB I'll take a look