VHPAF for basswood?

pedalinbob

New member
I apologize in advance if this haas been covered, but I have spent nearly an hour searching for the answer here and onanother site.

Has anyone tried a VHPAF (bridge) in a basswood Ibanez? I have an RG470 with an OFR and rosewood board (I think!). Does it sound good?
I am left a bit confused because I have read conflicting info on the characteristics of basswood. I was under the impression it is fairly neutral, but others have stated it is bright...others state is is dark.
Construction probably makes a difference.
Mine seems pretty neutral, and surprisingly, not thin at all.

Anyway, my pickup journey for this guitar is nearly complete.
I am definitely a low-to-mid-power-pickup guy, and ironically, my final two choices are the Breed neck in bridge (this was recommended last year by Dimarzio. Did I listen? No.) and VHPAF.

So far, the PAF Pro is a keeper. I am selling the Evolution, and likely the Evolution 2.

Bob
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

are you saying you're going to have the paf pro in the neck with a VHPAF in the bridge? If so, the paf pro is 305 mVolts, the VHPAF is 265 mVolts.

It won't balance in that case. If you want VHPAF in the bridge, you need something like a vpaf neck or bridge in the neck. or a '59, seth lover, dimarzio paf, 57 classic, etc.
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

Hotter PAFish humbuckers work great in basswood. My number one is HSS, basswood/ with maple top body, made by me, and it sounds really fat, big, and open. I use a rare Lawrence that is sorta like a more powerful, but clearer, PAF, for this guitar. For basswood you probably don't want something that is too compressed, but has a bit more kick than vintage. Something like a VHPAF should be a fine choice.

On edit: yes you will probably want a lower output in the neck with VHPAF in the bridge.
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

The VHPAF sounds pretty open to me, generous bass and mids and lot of highs too..in fact you might need to work on the tone control a little but that might just be my guitar...pretty aggressive sound, and it isnt overly smooth or fat..cleans sound great too.The split sounds arent weak at all, although as expected output drops by about half.
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

Wow, excellent.
Thanks for the replies!

Surprisingly, even my web searches came up empty on this topic.

I may be able to attenuate the PAF Pro...but, if not, I will get the Virtual PAF.

Just an FYI: I attempted to order the VHPAF on Ebay...had some oddball problems...yet, somehow the order went through...for a non-f-spaced pickup!
I will have to call the person tomorrow, hopefully before they ship the item.

Bob
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

I didn't think the PAF PRO sounded as hot as Dimarzio suggests. If the VHPAF is a fat and spanky as the SD "78" then it will balance with the PAF PRO.
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

Read Stratdeluxer's review of the VHPAF, he says its pretty hot, almost as much as a SuperD..should pair ok with the Paf Pro I guess..
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

nebucanazza said:
Read Stratdeluxer's review of the VHPAF, he says its pretty hot, almost as much as a SuperD..should pair ok with the Paf Pro I guess..

I had it in my wolfgang special and removed it and put it in my strat (only because I'm too cheap to buy another right now). I don't believe it's as hot as a Super D. The VHPAF is very open sounding, BIG, and articulate. It's not as hot as a Super D though.
 
Re: VHPAF for basswood?

Aah..sorry then..was just quoting something I read:)....it doesnt sound too hot to me also..infact my Bluesbucker in the neck overpowers it even though its set much lower than the VHPAF.Although it could just be due to the bolt-in neck construction of my guitar.
 
Back
Top