It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:57 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Pickups? (I Don't know what to do!)
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 10:04 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:41 pm
Posts: 5
I recently posted, wondering what would be the best strat (new/ used with upgrades) for under $750. I got loads of replies (thanks a lot) and at one point was decided on a used American Standard.

However I also got a suggestion to buy a used "Classic series" and with the extra money upgrade the pickups (and maybe electronics or fretwork with leftover.)
At first I didn't like the idea of upgrading (didn't know much about it and it seemed kind of sketchy or risky.) but i have grown fond of this idea (it would be like "my strat", unique and made around my preferences and ideas.)

I know nothing about pickups and need help!

A few I've heard good things about;
Custom shop 69
Custom shop fat 50's
Original 57/62
Also I have no idea what "noiseless" pickups are?

The reason I've been having trouble is I cant really find any information on them; in reviews they seem to only use one tone throughout, (and isn't that mainly the amp)

I am looking for a great blues rock (Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton..) tone, along with a great classic "crunchy" rock tone (Led Zeppelin, Stones...) and a clean tone (Beatles, Indie/pop and also Stones)

Any suggestions?


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Pickups? (I Don't know what to do!)
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 10:31 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 6:18 pm
Posts: 17
If you don't know a whole lot about pickups, chances are you won't hear much difference between any of those sets until your ears become more developed.

Noiseless pickups are just that - noiseless. Traditional single coils produce a hum that can get pretty annoying. Noiseless pickups usually are created with two coils stacked on top of each other. This not only cancels the noise, but also produces a thicker sound. Some think noiseless pickups lack character, but I think they make up for it with their silence.

I would recommend just getting a used American Standard. It will fill all your needs quite well, not to mention you won't have to mess with the hassle of choosing a pickup set and getting it installed.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Pickups? (I Don't know what to do!)
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 10:32 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
I would say leave the stock pickups until you get to know them. Play them for at least 6 months or so until you become intimately familiar with every fine nuance of expression the pups are capable of and it becomes a part of what and how you play. After that if you're still looking for something different you can go looking. Stock American Standard pups aren't terrible by any stretch.

Get the best amp you can afford and don't just buy the first one that seems to be OK. You want to try your amp both clean and cranked up full of crunch. If it only sounds good one way or the other chances are it's not the amp for you. Even if you play one style predominantly there will always be times when you need a different tone. Try a lot of amps and a lot of different kinds and styles of amps before you pull the trigger. There is a school of thought which I firmly subscribe to which roughly states:
A $3,000 guitar played through a $300 amp won't sound nearly as good as a $300 guitar played through a $3,000 amp.

My advise is that you think on that for a spell before you decide on a course of action.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: omar59 and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: