Need Recomendation-String&pickups

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Author Message Gawler Username: Gawler Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Monday, October 24, 2005 - 10:10 am:    Hi friends, I'm calling for thoose of you who intrested in finding out how good are the pickups for the AM series artist guitar (early 80's). I read some threds that the pickup is not well deliver the tone to play jazz, blues, or rock. Some say thoose pickups are "crapy" Therefore, by any chance, is there someone out there who could give me/us some of their experiences and recomendation about the pickups? What pickups do you think that could fit into the AM guitar that can deliver the tone for jazz/blues/rock? Moreover, do you have any recomendation for the set of the strings, size, type, brand, etc? Do you think using the gibson burstbucker pro will improve the tone quality? Thx, appreciate it Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Monday, October 24, 2005 - 4:35 pm:    Hi Gawler, Where did you read that? The Super 58 pickups that came stock in most AM series are very highly regarded, and compliment these guitars well. They are part of the reason these guitars are sought after. You're not going to drastically change the sound of the guitar by switching pickups - but you may be able to bring out, or change existing characteristics of the guitar. You'll never make it sound like an L5. I say, if you like the way they sound, stick with them. But if there's something you're unhappy with, a change may help. In my opinion, the Super 58s (made by Maxon, then later DiMarzio) have a very nice smooth tone, but notes in big chords get lost sometimes, and they can get a tad muddy - very typical for this type of traditional PAF pickup - many people love 'em. With a change in pickups, you could get a more articulate, detailed sound, while still retaining the warmth of the guitar. I like DiMarzio PAF Classics - they sound similar to the 58s, but more articulate, clear and "3D". In the bridge, they have a very musical, bluesy overdrive sound. Bartolini and Bennedetto jazz pickups could be a good choice for the neck position. Lots of people like Duncan Seth Lovers - I have not tried them, and really don't want to use an unpotted pickup. Perhaps a slightly hotter, richer PU could be used in the bridge position for more versitaile rock and distorted tones. My top pics would be an Ibanez V2 for '70s rockin' tone, or a Duncan SH-11 for singing laid back overdrive. Don't forget to experiment with different pickup heights before changing them. Older Ibanez guitars have 3 hole pickup rings that will not work with the majority of the pickups out there. Please don't drill new holes in the 3 hole rings that come on the guitar, either use a 3 hole pickup, like DaMarzios, or replace the rings and store the originals in a safe place. I've seen way too many vintage 3 hole rings ruined because of this. As for strings, I'd stay away from any kind of flat wound strings, but you could try some heavier rounds if you want a fuller tone, more bass, as long as you don't do a lot of bending and vibrato. I like Elixir Nanowebs, and thomastik-infeld. This is one area where it's easy to experiment. -Sven

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