What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

[cokekolev]

Everyone has their own descriptions of sound. But what does that mean? What's a "tight" pickup vs one with a "flabby" low end? I still have no idea.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

To me, those terms are ways to describe note definition, especially when playing multiple notes together. In a tight pickup, I can hear each note well defined. In a loose pickup, they blend together more. One is a fruit cocktail, and the other is a smoothie.

 

[CTN]

Re: What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

for me tightness is about the attack and decay of the note.

A tight pickup has fast and clear attack, with a very linear sounding note decay, whereas loose pickups are softer and not as immediate on the attack, and have a bit of bloom after the note.

 

[dazco]

Re: What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

Do you know what "chugging" refers to? Like when you're chugging on the low E string. Well, try that with a vintage fender amp and you will be thoroughly familiar with what is meant by loose. After that you'll understand tight.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

for me tightness is about the attack and decay of the note.

A tight pickup has fast and clear attack, with a very linear sounding note decay, whereas loose pickups are softer and not as immediate on the attack, and have a bit of bloom after the note.

This is a brilliant and perfect description of the way I think of it as well.

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Re: What does "tight" and "loose" mean?

This is a brilliant and perfect description of the way I think of it as well.

Yep. He nailed it, IMO.