Author Topic: PodXT and pickups (Read 3328 times)

maxingwell · « **on:** December 23, 2006, 10:51:45 PM »

I've just bought a podXT and an Ibanex RG1527 (thank god for xmas bonus's!). I've had custom warpig and cold sweat 7 string pups which are still waiting to go into the ibanez. I need to find time to fit the new pups in the ibanez (I'll post some clips as soon as I can).

My question is: Do pickups make much of a difference when playing through a podXT seeing as its fully digital and has amp simulators etc....?

gingataff · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2006, 03:23:11 AM »

There is a difference but I think you notice it more through a valve amp than a modeler. That said, if you listen to clips made on this forum by modeler users they are a lot more organic sounding than using factory pups. Check out the line6 forum for some good patch bundles

38thBeatle · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2006, 05:43:13 AM »

I have never used an xt but I did notice a vast improvement when using an original pod through headphones after swapping out stock and replacing them with BK pickups. I did no before and after clips for myself using the pod ( alas I cannot get them back) and there was a difference. I tend to think that "less is more" when it comes to affecting the tone but I think the point you are making is fair enough in that if you drench the guitar tone by modelling f/x you obliterate much of the original signal, however better that may be from the original.

maxingwell · « **Reply #3 on:** December 24, 2006, 10:28:12 AM »

Thanks guys - thats more or less what I thought, its good to get other peoples opinions.
I have recorded some stuff with the stock pickups in the Ibanez so when I fit the new BKPs I'll do some comparisons and post them somewhere.
I use a valve preamp in a live situation so I know I'll notice a big difference with the new pups its just a bit easier to record ideas using the pod.

Peter Antal · « **Reply #4 on:** December 24, 2006, 01:00:38 PM »

There is a significant difference between my Nailbomb (Strat) and Mules (LP) when using the same settings on the Toneport but I can make them behave in a quite similar way by playing with the settings on the OD pedal models. The sound will be different yet both will act as a high-gainer. :)

zigmund · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2006, 10:42:33 AM »

With the Pod, certainly one can discern the difference between pickups, regardless of whether they're bareknuckles or others... it's nore noticeable with the Pod than lesser-quality gear like a V-Amp, yet today's modellers seem able to retain "transparency" of things like p/ups and the inherent "tone" of an individual guitar.
I've also found that the better the pickup, the better the sound that comes out the other end...amp or modeller!
True, the nuances of guitar volume/swells are not done very well by modellers, and for a true reflection of anything that uses sound, one needs to have the sound go through real air as opposed to the virtual stuff: so, yes, better pickups do make a bigger and very noticeable difference with better modellers like a Pod...and an even bigger difference through a real amp.

jt · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2006, 12:08:29 PM »

:D I gig every week & i play through a PodXt. You will notice a difference. The sounds will be a lot cleaner, even on high gain settings. Its actually a good combo BK & Pod !

:D 8)

sambo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2006, 09:25:58 PM »

ive got the XTLive and the difference is noticable but not as much so as through real amps, just as the other guys have said.

also, +1 JT BK and Pod sounds good! lol.

having said that, i know someone who has committed a blasphemous crime modeller-wise; he's just bought an AC-30... pure valve tone in all its glory... and what does he want it for? just a tool to play his POD through.... shocking isnt it.

AND he's not even getting BK pups; DiMarzios!....

AND he's just bought a red strat and added a chrome scratchplate to it...

hmmm i wonder who it is... :roll:

anyway got carried away. sorry.

jt · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2006, 11:38:38 PM »

:D That`s not as mad as it sounds ! A mate of mine who has the best ears of anybody i no, use`s a PodXt through a Fender Blues Deluxe. He swears by it ! Says it helps give a very even sound because of the valves & that he`s using the Pod as a Pre- amp, interesting idea :idea:

:D 8)

gingataff · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2006, 03:29:44 AM »

if I was going the POD->clean amp set-up I'd get an Atomic amp, but I suppose the advantage of running it into a Fender/Vox/etc is that if you ever decide not to use the pod you've still got a good amp to work with. I think the marriage of Atomic and POD (and other modellers) is better though.

sambo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2006, 03:09:33 PM »

Quote from: jt

:D That`s not as mad as it sounds ! A mate of mine who has the best ears of anybody i no, use`s a PodXt through a Fender Blues Deluxe. He swears by it ! Says it helps give a very even sound because of the valves & that he`s using the Pod as a Pre- amp, interesting idea :idea:

:D 8)

interesting indeed!... that is a surprise. hmmmm. i might consider trying that when i get a half decent amp then.

cause i would usually tend to agree with ginga in as much i would probably choose an Atomic if i was going to buy an amp just for a modeller. intriguing stuff.

lepersmeesa · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2006, 04:50:20 PM »

I use my moddler alot ( also use valves amps ) and I have noticed a vast improvement in my tone, before and after.

sgmypod · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2006, 06:11:41 PM »

I have best of both have a xt through an atomic amp...and yes can hear big differences between my bkp's