I Think I Don't Like Humbuckers

Coot Boy · Post by **Coot Boy** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:24 pm

Mynameisfritz wrote:I think a humbucker requires a different kind of playing than a single coil - just two different worlds you can't compare.
That said, humbuckers CAN sound great and percussive in their own way too, but that depends on may other things. The clips of Udo are the best proof here. It's a science of it's own - Udo released a few brilliant articles on that. I'm pretty sure the wood plays a major role here. A humbucker must have the opportunity to breathe...
Here's another clip:
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=mgdsYWVFr1Y

That clip sounds great, and that's what I was saying about using a boost, this clip just re-enforces that. When you get a hummer going well it just makes you play differently than if you were playing a P-90 or a strat, it's all about getting the pickup to amp and everything in between doing something nice, then I think it will amost dictate how you play, IMHO.

jfhudak · Post by **jfhudak** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:53 pm

Coot Boy wrote:
jfhudak wrote: You do understand, of course, how frustrating the hunt can be when time and money are spent in great quantities.
I think the best thing to do is find a pickup maker/winded that you trust, tell them what you are looking for and see if they can wind you up a good set of hand wounds, High Order Jeff would be able to get you a lot happier than just stabbing in the dark so to speak.

Yeah, I hear you. Actually, after JD responded, I took a break and thought about it for a little bit. I have a quad of Electro Harmonix EL34s left over from another amp and I decided to install them and see if I could get more mids out of my rig. It definitely helped alot. I also raised the action on the SG a little bit. That helped as well. Turned down the volume on the guitar to like 7.5 and now it is much more usable than before. The Shuguang 6CA7s just weren't the right tube for this amp. Seems like the 34s are the ticket. They definitely have MUCH more midrange and that's what was lacking.

I think the Fralins will complete the circle.

Sorry for the ranting, Fellers. It just gets frustrating when you try and try and can't seem to make progress. Seems like it is coming together now.

Thanks to JD for the virtual 'bitch slap'!

Johnny

JD · Post by JD » Thu May 22, 2008 9:54 pm

I hope you realize my intent wasn't to insult you

jfhudak · Post by **jfhudak** » Thu May 22, 2008 10:16 pm

JD wrote:I hope you realize my intent wasn't to insult you

Oh hell no! I know that. Dude, you've been a frequent and mighty welcome responder to many of my posts both here and on the Les Paul Forum. I appreciate and look forward to your input.

You know how it goes man, making music is an emotional pursuit at the heart of it all, and when things don't go right you can get frustrated and a bit despondent. You jolted me back to reality.

I think I am dialing in some good stuff. At least my mids are back. Weaker output T-Top clones are the way to go. I almost got there tonight just messing with the guitar the way it is. I think it'll be good once the Fralins are done next week.

Thanks again!

JD · Post by JD » Thu May 22, 2008 10:23 pm

Well I appreciate the kind words. Hope it all works out for you. Finding your own tone can be challenging but when you get there it's a good thing

jfhudak · Post by **jfhudak** » Sat May 24, 2008 1:42 am

JD wrote:Well I appreciate the kind words. Hope it all works out for you. Finding your own tone can be challenging but when you get there it's a good thing

UPDATE: Okay, day two and I'm still liking what I'm hearing. The Burstbuckers still don't live up to the P-90, but that's another discussion.

The EH EL34s have definitely made a huge difference in tone. That, plus new strings and messing with the pickup height and pole pieces have all helped. That at least gives me hope that the Fralins will fix the rest.