Recent Posts

1

Pickups / Re: Does Humbucker Parallel Mode Still Matter in an H-S-H Setup?

« Last post by motis on Today at 02:46:01 PM »

In my opinion, the sound produced by three or more coils in parallel tends to be too weak, with a noticeable volume drop even compared to a two-coil parallel mode.It doesn’t seem capable of sounding good alongside a full humbucker mode within the same tonal setting.

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Pickups / Does Humbucker Parallel Mode Still Matter in an H-S-H Setup?

« Last post by motis on Today at 02:32:11 PM »

I recently picked up a Black Hawk set along with a Cobra middle for an H-S-H setup. I’ve heard quite a few players mention that the Black Hawk’s parallel tones are surprisingly good, which got me wondering about something:

When a humbucker set is in an H-S-H configuration (rather than H-H), does the humbucker parallel mode still have tonal merit(or in parallel mode working with middle pickup) , given that the traditional 2 and 4 positions already exist?

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Tech / Does Humbucker Parallel Mode Still Matter in an H-S-H Setup?

« Last post by motis on Today at 02:12:10 PM »

I recently picked up a Black Hawk set along with a Cobra middle for an H-S-H setup. I’ve heard quite a few players mention that the Black Hawk’s parallel tones are surprisingly good, which got me wondering about something:

When a humbucker set is in an H-S-H configuration (rather than H-H), does the humbucker parallel mode still have tonal merit(or in parallel mode working with middle pickup) , given that the traditional 2 and 4 positions already exist?

4

Pickups / Re: Tele suggestions?

« Last post by Iced Dragon on October 10, 2025, 08:57:04 PM »

How does the '52 bridge compare to 'standard' tele bridges? How bright is is? Still more or less nocaster? Is there twang?

I don't really know how what to think about a 'more strat-like' neck pickup. Does it differ a lot from 'standard' tele neck pups? How does it compare to the '50 neck?

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Pickups / Looking for Pickup recommendations for a Baritone scale Ibanez RG2027XL

« Last post by trickae on October 09, 2025, 01:16:10 PM »

Hey everyone,
I’m currently looking to swap out the pickups in my Ibanez RG2027XL — it’s a basswood body with a maple/wenge neck and Macassar ebony fretboard. Currently it has the stock Dimarzio fusions which I find lacks punch like other Dimarzio's I've played.

I'm after something more articulate, tight low end and have an ice pick like attack, much like John Browne's (Monuments) tone. I know he uses a Ceramic NB bridge and CS neck, and

I’ve actually owned that combo before in a Mayones Qatsi—so this time, I’d like to try something different that may be a bit more modern for a fresher sound.

I’m considering whether to go for something more modern and versatile, perhaps Halcyons, Silos or Ragnoroks, but I’m open to suggestions. If the consensus is to to go with the NB/CS combo then that's fine, I'll get that.

Keen to hear your suggestions.

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Pickups / Where too after Polymath set?

« Last post by andrewt on October 09, 2025, 01:16:27 AM »

I put a Polymath set in my T style guitar - 25.5" scale alder body, maple neck, pau ferro fingerboard. It only has one volume, one tone control and I am using BKP 550K pots and a 0.022uF PIO cap. It is a naturally bright guitar.

For the neck the Polymath is very broad and powerful. I would like something cleaner and clearer, but not too bright.

The Polymath bridge I really like except for some of the treble response on the unwound strings. I seem to want trebles that are more muted and sweeter as you find on a 24 3/4" scale. I have a mahogany thinline T guitar with BKP Holy Divers in it, and I like the treble response more from that guitar, but I think it has a lot to do with the scale length.

I liked the idea of the unoriented A5 magnets that are in between A2 and A5 in their response. I think I like the softer more compressed treble from A2 magnets, but you often get a soft and spongy low response on the wound strings with that magnet type. So I was hoping the UOA5 would be the Goldilock's zone for me. But it seems the UOA5 still has a fairly strong treble response.

I find I want the tone control on about 8 for the neck and not above 5 on the bridge. Since I only have one tone on this guitar finding a set where I could leave it in one spot would be great if possible.

I am open to keeping the bridge and trying a different neck pickup, or trying a whole new set altogether. So far I was thinking maybe the PolyPaf neck and keep the Polymath bridge and try a 0.015uF cap? Or perhaps the Silo set would be worth a look with its bright neck but more low mid focused bridge?

Any other suggestions?

7

Pickups / Humbucker Comparable to Stockholm HSP90

« Last post by bryan.hannah on October 05, 2025, 06:56:35 AM »

Hi All,

As the title says, I’m looking to see if anyone has experience with bare knuckle humbuckers and/or the Stockholm HSP90.  The Stockholm p90 is my favorite pickup of all time, but I’m building a second guitar and would like to explore something with no hum since I do generally play at late 90s hardcore level gain (think snapcase or unbroken).  Any advice is welcome- aftermath and nailbomb look promising!  Thanks!

8

Pickups / DiMarzio Fantom P90 (humbucker sized)

« Last post by themetallicat86 on October 03, 2025, 03:44:38 PM »

Rarely do I hear folks talk about this pickup.  I don't remember if I've mentioned it here before, but I put it back in my Ibanez (ebony board, ash body, evertune bridge) in the bridge position this time (tried it in the neck last time, was very satisfied) and I'm quite impressed with the results!  First, I paired it with a 36th anniversary neck model (obviously, in the neck position) and sweet gouda and ritz do they work well together! 

Second, with the Fantom P90 satisfy most purists?  I don't believe so.  It has that beefy single coil feel on the low strings but lacks the 'sparkle' on the top end that I hear most p90 fans crave.  What that dichotomy does do, very well, is provide excellent clarity for the nastiest riffage you can dream up (I'm tuned to D standard) and keeps leads a little fatter/sweeter.  I previously tried a Fralin hum cancelling p90 that had similar traits but was a bit less refined to my ears (here come the pitchforks).

Third, the Fantom definitely doesn't like all guitars.  For maybe a week I kept it in the bridge of my alder bodied, all maple necked parts caster and it just sounded so meh I couldn't take it.

Overall, obviously, I greatly enjoy this pickup and wish it was getting more press than it has been (there are a few videos out in the wild now).  It sounds bigger than it is and fits into a neat little sonic pocket that may surprise you.  I hope the day finds you well.

9

Pickups / Re: Tele suggestions?

« Last post by b.gandt on October 03, 2025, 01:13:32 PM »

I’ve used the Boss bridge and the Flat 52 set.  I have not used the Flat 50.

The Boss is great, but it leans to a rock voicing, not that it doesn’t sound Tele, just a bit more of a rock Tele. 

The Flat 52, IME, is pretty mild.  Sounds great, but pretty low output.  As described by BKP, there is a bit of a Strat character to the neck pickup, which I really liked.

My understanding is that the brightness, twangiest Tele bridge pickups came out in the 60s, which I believe is reflected in a BKP Tele set that reflects that era.

10

Pickups / Tele suggestions?

« Last post by Iced Dragon on October 01, 2025, 07:19:01 AM »

Hi all,

I recently got a Squier Classic Vibe 50's. Pine body, maple neck. 
Overall, I'm quite happy with it for its price, stays in tune very well, and I managed to intonate it quite good. Nevertheless, I intend to upgrade it, including Gotoh In-Tune bridge/cutaway ashtray, pots, ... Machine heads can stay for now. Frets are a bit too small for my liking, but I can live with them.
It's my first ever telecaster, and never had played one before. So pickup-wise, I have no experience. The present ones are not too bad, but the neck is a bit dark and muddy (typical tele, as I understood?), and the bridge is ok, maybe a bit too bright, but could use some more edge to it.
I wanted a tele to extend the collection/sounds, and venture somewhat into country and funk (mainly to gain/expand my skills, not that I'm that much into country or funk) and have some nice cleans. I like the middle position!

So I'm looking for a set/mix that gives nice warm cleans in the neck, with good note separation, and a typical tele bridge (I'd say rather vintage than modern), but nothing harsh and not too hot (I think, I don't have a really defined idea yet since I lack experience), but it can have some edge to it/push the preamp somewhat if needed. Some twang is ok, still should sound like a tele, but mainly has to be versatile.

So, the guitar is intended for jazz, 80's pop/rock/funk (the latter maybe somewhat Prince-like?), and country. Mainly cleans, but being able to handle high gain is a benefit.

So I think I'd rather go nocaster/broadcaster type than 60's (too bright?), especially given the maple/pine combination

I originally thought of going for the Flat 50, but maybe the bridge is too hot and less suited for clean styles?
Is the Flat 52 still somewhat overwound compared to later era pickups? Or is the bridge too twangy? Are the 50 and 52 related, or entirely different beasts? Can you consider the Flat 52 still nocaster type of voicing?
What about the Yardbird set? Too much rock oriented?

Other (brands)?

I intend to mainly play them through a home-built blackface Vibro Champ/tweed amp.

Thanks.