replacing pickups in an electric guitar

[Kenazo]

I play a Godin SD. it's a really decent entry level guitar.

I notice that at Musiciansfriend and other places they sell a huge range of replacement pickups. What sort of a difference could I expect from replacing say one of my single coil pickups with something like Seymour Duncan SHR-1 Hot Rail ?

Just looking for ways to improve the tone from my guitar w/o spending a whack of money.

Improving my playing would probably help the most...

I'm playing into a Marshall MG100DFX.

 

[LeiZaK]

you'll be able to tell quite a bit of difference in the sound...

however, for your first pickup replacement, I would hihgly suggest replacing the humbucker first as that should make the most difference

 

[sourceninja]

If you dont already have a decent body/neck I dont think you will be as impressed. I would suggest just saving up and getting a nice vintage guitar.

 

[Gibson486]

I am not familiar with guitar company, but if teh pick ups were so-so, then you will hear a difference. Whether it owyld better or not is up to you.

 

[Platypus]

I've replaced pickups before and it always makes a huge difference, at least for me.

It really depends on the 'sound' you are looking for... what does your guitar not do now that you wish it did?

 

[Kenazo]

I have no complaints really. Just wondering what kind of a sound difference better pickups actually make. I notice my guitar doesn't have a lot of low end to it, regardless of how my amp is set, so if I had any complaints, that would be it. I do most of my playing through my humbucker, and really only use my single coil pickups if I'm playing clean.

 

[Jeff7181]

Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

If you really want more low end you might want this one instead... I have a friend who uses it in a Squire and it sounds surprisingly good.

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

 

[Fritzo]

I put some type II and III Gibson Burstbuckers on my Epiphone LP studio copy, and I can hardly tell the difference between it and my LP Black Beauty now. Pickups are the voice of your guitar, so if your pickups stink, your sound will stink too. You should be able to tell the difference in sustain, high and low end response, and overall tone. To save a headache though, check to see if you have two wire or four wire pickups before you purchase.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

I'm a "Why" kind of guy. Why does it sound the same in all guitars vs different like an active one?

Thanks

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

I'm a "Why" kind of guy. Why does it sound the same in all guitars vs different like an active one?

Thanks

Passive would pick up resonance from it's surroundings, so wood type, shape, etc would influence their sound. Active would indicate some kind of power source, so the power source would override any influence by it's surroundings.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

I'm a "Why" kind of guy. Why does it sound the same in all guitars vs different like an active one?

Thanks

Passive would pick up resonance from it's surroundings, so wood type, shape, etc would influence their sound. Active would indicate some kind of power source, so the power source would override any influence by it's surroundings.

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

 

[TrueBlueLS]

A lot of your tone comes from your fingers. Saying you need practice... that's where you'll start to really develop your tone. Your amp is solid state which probably sounds really generic. Try to see if you can find a place to trade it in for a Peavey Classic 30. Other than that, if you're looking to change your pickups in your Godin, change the humbucker. I think a DiMarzio Super Distortion would be well rounded enough for you.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

I'm a "Why" kind of guy. Why does it sound the same in all guitars vs different like an active one?

Thanks

Passive would pick up resonance from it's surroundings, so wood type, shape, etc would influence their sound. Active would indicate some kind of power source, so the power source would override any influence by it's surroundings.

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

 

[CptObvious]

Passive = not battery powered
Active = battery powered

Active pickups have higher output and sound more compressed. Passive pickups have lower output but have more headroom.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: CptObvious
Passive = not battery powered
Active = battery powered

Active pickups have higher output and sound more compressed. Passive pickups have lower output but have more headroom.

So I was right

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Since you have a low end guitar you'll definately want a passive pickup. A passive pickup sounds the same no matter what guitar you put it in. An active pickup will sound different in different guitars with different bodies and necks and strings. I'd suggest something like this. It's supposed to comparable to the popular EMG-81 which is a VERY popular active pickup.

That thing uses a USB header.


Keep in mind that this isn't a $150 crappy Squire or something. It is a low end, but around the $400-500 low end, not the $200 low end. What's the differences between an active and a passive pickup anyway?

I'm a "Why" kind of guy. Why does it sound the same in all guitars vs different like an active one?

Thanks

Passive would pick up resonance from it's surroundings, so wood type, shape, etc would influence their sound. Active would indicate some kind of power source, so the power source would override any influence by it's surroundings.

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Considering you don't have a cheap $200 guitar, an active pickup would probably get you closer to the sound you're looking for, and wouldn't sound like crap because the guitar is not low quality like a Squire.

 

[Rock Hydra]

I replaced the stock ESP pickups in my guitar with an EMG 81s at the bridge and the sound is so much better. I'll snap a few picteures and PM them to you. You'll have a little idea of what to expect.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Rock Hydra
I replaced the stock ESP pickups in my guitar with an EMG 81s at the bridge and the sound is so much better. I'll snap a few picteures and PM them to you. You'll have a little idea of what to expect.

I've thought of doing that with mine... instead I bought a $40 pedal that accomplishes almost the same thing for half the price and 1/100th of the work.

 

[Fritzo]

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties [/quote]

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Yes...this shows I was right. A passive pickup is going to be influenced by the construction and properties of the guitar, as stated in your link. An active pickup has it's own set of properties that would override the influences of the guitar it's mounted in, so it would pretty much sound the same no matter where it was used. See?

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Yes...this shows I was right. A passive pickup is going to be influenced by the construction and properties of the guitar, as stated in your link. An active pickup has it's own set of properties that would override the influences of the guitar it's mounted in, so it would pretty much sound the same no matter where it was used. See?

[/quote]

No... it doesn't... don't you see... ONLY AFFECTED BY THE VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLS

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Fritzo

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Yes...this shows I was right. A passive pickup is going to be influenced by the construction and properties of the guitar, as stated in your link. An active pickup has it's own set of properties that would override the influences of the guitar it's mounted in, so it would pretty much sound the same no matter where it was used. See?

No... it doesn't... don't you see... ONLY AFFECTED BY THE VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLS[/quote]


Volume and tone controls are properties of the guitar.

 

[Colt45]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Fritzo

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Yes...this shows I was right. A passive pickup is going to be influenced by the construction and properties of the guitar, as stated in your link. An active pickup has it's own set of properties that would override the influences of the guitar it's mounted in, so it would pretty much sound the same no matter where it was used. See?

No... it doesn't... don't you see... ONLY AFFECTED BY THE VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLS

Volume and tone controls are properties of the guitar.
[/quote]


holy ******.. :roll:

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Colt45

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Fritzo

You have that backwards. Passive isn't effected by the guitar it's installed in. Active is.

That wouldn't make sense then. In science, a passive set is a set that is influenced by it's surroundings. An active set is a set that influences it's surroundings with it's own properties

link

Passive pickups send a low output, raw signal to the amp that can only be affected by the volume and tone controls on the instrument itself. Passive pickups tend to lose the extremes of high and low frequencies, but still give a very even and punchy tone. This is because passive pickups tend to push out more midrange frequencies. While passive pickups might give players less dynamic control, their smooth sound is still very unique and desirable.

Active pickups have pre-amps that are built into the pickup housing, so they can drive the signal to the amp themselves. This pre-amp must be powered by a source other than the amp; so active pickups require a separate battery to operate. This allows the pickup to send a higher output signal, producing a more complete, full-range sound than most passive pickup systems and giving players more control of instrument dynamics, projection and tone.

Yes...this shows I was right. A passive pickup is going to be influenced by the construction and properties of the guitar, as stated in your link. An active pickup has it's own set of properties that would override the influences of the guitar it's mounted in, so it would pretty much sound the same no matter where it was used. See?

No... it doesn't... don't you see... ONLY AFFECTED BY THE VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLS

Volume and tone controls are properties of the guitar.

holy ******.. :roll:

I couldn't have said it better myself...