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Author Topic: The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?  (Read 3434 times)

Nadz1lla

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« on: March 15, 2007, 01:11:12 AM »
Hey all,

Although I am mega happy with my Nailbomb (at the bridge position) a certain harmonic seems to have been misplaced during the fitting to my Axe. Before, I had a DiMarzio Evolution at the bridge which has since been moved to the neck on my BC Rich Warlock (an experiment) and the Nailbomb put in it's place. Before the change, I used to get a lovely pinched harmonic on the 5th fret on the A string (pinching just below the neck pup), but now it seems to have disappeared. Not entirely, I mean I still get a sound, but it is very faint and doesn't ring for very long. I have since tried about 3 different sets of strings, all different gauges and makes, but can't seem to find the lost harmonic.

Can anyone suggest what it might be? Am I right in thinking that the strings can make this difference? I mean, I'm not really a tech kinda guy when it comes to Axes / Strings / Pups, I just know what sound I like and usually have to ask questions / explore different avenues to get there.

As I say, I am amazed at my Nailbomb, I can get most other harmonics with it and the riffing sounds awesome! SUCH TONE!!!! It's just that I miss that harmonic a lot, it has always been a firm favourite.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Cheers.

Nadz. :wink:
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hunter

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2007, 05:38:58 AM »
Not sure, but maybe the old pickup had more mids? Lotsa mids can help squeeze pinch harmonics out. Maybe you should have a pedal to boost mids for this purpose or change amp settings to accomodate the new harmonic range of the NB ...

Another guess to try out could be pickup height, and I mean both, bridge and neck, could have an influence, even if only playing through the bridge. The magnetic fields impact the string movement, which is why a too close pickup could kill it.
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Tol

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2007, 07:07:17 PM »
Definitely play around with the pickup height and where you hit the string.    My nailbomb is pretty close to the strings.   I play a little below the neck pickup too, and I can hit harmonics anywhere on the fretboard.


Good choice with the nailbomb!
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Nadz1lla

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2007, 07:48:56 PM »
Great, thanks for the tips guys! I'm glad you brought up the height thing, I was hoping it would be something I can do at home and not have to take it back to the shop!

I'll have a fiddle sometime this week and let you know how I get on, hehe.

I may be back with more n00b questions! :lol:  :roll:

As for the mids and the pedal idea, any suggestions which pedal might be best to boost it?
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aliwilson27

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2007, 05:29:13 PM »
Get an EQ pedal to boost your mids. I reckon everyone should have an EQ pedal in their chain.
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Nadz1lla

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The lost harmonic: Pup or Strings?
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2007, 01:43:24 PM »
Well, tried messing around with pup heights, no joy. Might remove the Evo entirely and see if that helps, but if not then I'm at a loss...I love that harmonic....  :cry:  Have an EQ pedal floating around somewhere, will give it a try when I'm not living out of boxes, lol. :lol:
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