Pick_Ups

Pickups

Pickup's are simply a matter of personal taste. I have seen people order a different brand of guitar and insist on changing pickups before they have even played the guitar. Granted, there are some basic characteristics that each pickup offers, but just because you get a set of pickups that your favorite player uses, doesn't mean you’re going to sound like him. Single coil pick ups have certain tonal qualities, but if you’re going to record in the studio, you will soon learn that noise, particularly hum, can become a real problem. Thus, these players will usually opt for a double coil pick up. Some players will use one model / brand of pickup on the E9th neck, and a different model/brand on the C6th. This is because they are adjusting the guitar to a pickup that might, for example, be too bright on the C6th neck for their taste or style, but just right for the E9th. The major manufactures, usually have a brand they recommend, as they feel it provides the best sound for their particular instrument. We use George L E66 on our guitars.

Understand, we are not saying that changing pickups in a guitar is a bad thing, we are simply stating that you can get into a situation where you can really go a little over board with it.

In our opinion, to properly test a pickup, remove ANY devices in the loop, and go from your guitar, and STRAIGHT into the amp. After you’re convinced of the sound quality, then connect your volume pedal that you’re using, then continue your test. Remember you’re testing, not performing. You would be amazed at how many players have multiple devices, sound processors, endless amounts of cables in the sound loop, when they’re testing pickups. Also, give the pickup a chance, and play it out for several days. I have played in the same room, on back to back nights, with the same equipment, and sometimes the sound just isn't there for one reason or another that night.

Other factors come into play with this that are important to understand when evaluating a particular pickup. Old strings will not help your cause, so start your test with new strings that you’re used to using. Nickel strings tend to be a little warmer when compared to Stainless. Certain volume pedals can affect the sound too. Mica verses wood cabinets will also affect the sound of the pick up. Aluminum necks compared to wooden necks will also be a factor.

The bottom line, do your test based on YOUR requirements, using YOUR equipment, and what YOUR ears tell you sound the best. Then add your processors and effects when you know that the guitar, pickup, and amp are working well together...

We recommend as our Factory installed Pickups.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that any modifications or repairs may void your warranty with the manufacturer of your instrument and that we can not be held liable for these procedures performed. The intent of these topics is to serve as a guideline in obtaining answers to your questions. For specific questions about your Warranty with Performance Steel Guitar LLC please contact our corporate offices. Only Authorized Dealers for Performance Steel Guitar LLC are qualified to service and repair your Performance Product.

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