My latest thoughts on pickups

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Author Message Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 6:20 pm:    I used to think that there was only one thing I wanted in a pickup. Now I'm beginning to notice that some of my favorite pickups have basic qualities that are often very different from each other. I'm starting to think that it is the more subtile qualities, rather than the obvious ones that make a good pickup; the intangible traits which you can't describe, but you know it sounds good. Maybe a magical combination of harmonic overtones, or how it reacts to your playing. There are a few PU types I have stayed away from, mostly the scooped super high gain types. But I've found pickups from nearly every camp that I like in a different way - or more importantly, which reacts with, and brings out certain qualities in my favorite guitars. Or fits one of my moods. I've become a pretty avid pickup changer, and one thing I've come to realize is that after all the pickups I've tried, I am no closer to finding the perfect pickup, or even knowing what qualities I like in a pickup. But it's great to find that perfect match Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 6:41 pm:    Sven - Interesting comments. I cannot contribute any insight to this topic except to say, I have found a couple pickup/guitar combinations that I really like amongst my own guitars. Can't wait to get my Steve Holst archtop with handwound Kent Armstrong PAF. I have high expectations for that setup. One question on a tangent. You have replaced many pickups. I've done a few, but probably no more than 5 or 6 times I guess. Have you noticed a difference between pickups installed by splicing the leads to existing wires vs. running leads from the p/u to the pots without utilizing any of the previous wiring? In other words, do you find it necessary or worthwhile to run unspliced wires from the p/u to the pots? I have tried splicing as well as unspliced installations and I have to say that my ears haven't heard the difference, but like I say, I've only done a few. I'm curious to know if it is worth the effort to completely re-wire each time you replace pickups. Darryl Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 8:25 pm:    Nahh your imagining it all. I just think your ears change as you get older In fact, they wear out. It's not just the pickups. Pots and capacitors make a hell of a difference too. For example, I have have a pair of 50's Sprague caps in one of my Les Paul's. When I swapped these out for a pair of 60's orange drops the tone changed to more of a toppy sound. Didn't like it so I changed back. Try recording the sounds before you swap and then after you have changed parts. Like changing speakers in your amp, it's hard to notice the difference after 20 minutes of soldering etc. Odd or differing types of cable may sound different to your ears.It all makes sense when you consider the Hi-Fi buffs angle on cables and connectors. six

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