Difference b/w 6-string and 7-string versions

[jjensson]

Howdy  :)

I always wondered how a pickup translates into a 7-string version. ATM i like the Holydiver the most, but i'm considering bying a 7 String Guitar (Ibanez w- alder body) and i'm wondering how close the 7-string version is to the 6-string one.

When i look at DiMarzio, they always switch to ceramic magnets for the 7-string versions and in the past i thought that alnico is not an option because of the added tonal range.

In fact, the reason i never fulfilled my 7-string dream was because of the poor choice of pickups (i'm not a big fan of ceramics).

I would like to hear some opinions from the veterans here - very much appreciated!

[EffigyForgotten]

What styles do you play? That's pretty much what it comes down to... If you like shreddy stuff or prog metal the HD will work fine.

[jjensson]

I would like to hear general opinions on the differences, if any. If there are compromises to be made - i read somewhere that by making the 7th string mud-free you get thin sounding high strings - is this true? Oh, and my direction is anything from clean to Vai/Satriani-gain, with the weight on lead guitar playing, fusion style.

[EffigyForgotten]

I would like to hear general opinions on the differences, if any. If there are compromises to be made - i read somewhere that by making the 7th string mud-free you get thin sounding high strings - is this true? Oh, and my direction is anything from clean to Vai/Satriani-gain, with the weight on lead guitar playing, fusion style.

I don't see why it wouldn't work. I've tuned down to G# with big strings on my PRS and it still sounded tight.

[jjensson]

Sorry, i'm not asking about a particular pickup, just the difference between 6-string and 7-string versions in general. Can the 7-string version retain the Alnico magnet, without sounding different than the 6-string? Are there compromises that we have to put up with?? I'm interested in some theoretical and practical backgrounds. Because i'm super picky about pickups and will not go the 7-string route if it's not possible to build a 7-string pickup that sounds as good as a 6-string version on all strings, for lead and rhythm. My current PUs are Dimarzio Breeds and they are almost perfect (no 7-string version available).

[jjensson]

Nobody here played the same pickup both as 6 and 7-string version?

I just read on the SD forum that the JB humbucker sounds a bit different in the 7-string version, albeit (supposedly) using the same magnet (A5).

[Dr.Pain]

Naturally there's more bass on a 7 string so you have to take the into account.  I don't have the same pick ups in my 7 string to the other guitars I own but they are all active pick ups.  I had a ceramic warpig in my 7 and it sounded great for the first 6 strings but the 7th did not.  Now I have blackouts in it I get much better response on the 7th string and still keep some good tone on the other strings albeit not as good as the warpig.  At first you are trying to find that balance but once you do it's nice although you will use different settings on amp's, pedals ect... compared to a 6 string.

I don't know if any of that is useful to you but there will be a difference and it's just a matter of adjusting to it.

[jjensson]

Interesting. Sounds like Bare Knuckle took the Warpig formula, and applied it to a 7-string bobbin, without adjusting for the lower frequencies coming with a 7th string.

The question is: can a pickup maker just attenuate the bass frequencies of a 6-string PU without touching the mids and highs, so it does retain it's character? I'm still skeptical, afraid that in the process the overall sound of the PU thins out and the higher registers don't sound as good as the 6-string version (when playing lead).

[Dr.Pain]

I'm not 100% but I think they can get close.  I was recommended to get an Aftermath for my 7 string but stupid me jumped in too soon and got a Warpig.  An Aftermath would have given me better bass response, but how the mid and high range would have been? I don't know.  I guess the best way to answer it would be to contact the guys at BKP about it.  They are great with responses to any emails.

[Toe-Knee]

Every pickup that i have played both the 6/7 string versions from any manufacturer has less output and less low end.

I have spoken with a few winders about this. They said it's essential in order to keep the low strings tight and clean and retain the core sound of the pickup.