Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

SoundAt11

New member
What's the one pickup that, no matter the guitar or amp, always sounds and feels just right?

After probably a dozen bridge pickup swaps and magnet swaps in my #1 guitar, I've determined that a Custom/JB Hybrid with a Ceramic magnet is the one for me. Nothing else comes close to this combination for my rig, my playing, and my desired tone.

How about you guys, what's that one pickup that you can hit a chord and instantly be reminded "this is what electric guitar is supposed to sound like"?
 
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Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

As long as it's my hands. Anything sounds like me

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Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

I don't think its that wise to be catagorised so narrowly. My playing style comes through all the different guitars I play.......and I choose them precisely to be quite different to one another.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

If I had to pick just one, (or just one set), I'd say the PATB series. It's the axe I always seem to pick up first.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

Broadcaster/Nocaster/Telecaster bridge position.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

Fast Track 2's in Strats

SD Custom or DiM SD for HBs
(edit: Honorable Mention EMG 85)

Br Pos
 
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Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

I honestly say the JB, gets the sounds I have in my head.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

Hmm, I don't think I can really name one...I would say the majority of my pickups have A5 and Ceramic Magnets BUT I recently have fallen in love with the Pearly Gates-b + Phat Cat-n combo and those use A2 mags...
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

The APH-1 bridge I'd say.

Obviously it doesn't quite work in all guitars but it comes closest. The clarify of a low chord through it is remarkable.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

I don't know if I could pick one pickup. I love the Distortion and it was my first pickup, but I also think the EMG 66/57 set sounds amazing. I've also played stock Epiphone pickups that sound good. It all depends on the person. Anyone can make a pickup sound godly or ****ty.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

I don't have one either.

As mentioned by others, they all sound like me, for better or worse.

With my last few bands though, the guitar that sounds best in each of them has been the same one.
A PRS CU22 with WB Firewaters wired with a three-way LP style switch and a push-pull tone pot to split the coils.

I have tried a few other guitars, and none sit as well, in the mix.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

Generally, any lower output neck pickup will do it. From the Alnico II Pro to the Classic Strat Stack, it sounds like 'me'. If it is too hot or compressed, I will have issues with it.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

JB

My first aftermarket pickup and the one I've had with me for 16 years. As long as it's in the right guitar, it'll sound like me.

Everything else is a toss-up.
 
Re: Your pickup, the one that always "sounds like you"

I always have a good time playing a jb, custom 8, a rio grande bbq, and an A2 59/custom hybrid.
 
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