Do I need different pickups?

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RicUpNorth
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Do I need different pickups?

Post by RicUpNorth »

Hello all! Hoping your incredible knowledge can help me.

Started jamming with a group again which has me playing through all of my amps with my ’08 620. I’ve become frustrated feeling that the tone isn’t what I want it to be/expect from it.

I’d really like to hear more sparkle or high end, I also feel like it is much muddier than it should be. I’ve tried various strings and various amps. It’s currently set up with 12 gauge D’Addarrio strings and mostly play through an Ampeg GVT and Fender Ramparte with upgraded speaker.

Not sure where to go at this point. I’ve adjusted the pickups from here to Timbuktu and haven’t had it change the tone to my liking.

Do I need to adjust pickups different? Play with the pole pieces more? Would a line booster before amp help? Should I try different pickups? Would toasters help (I assume more high end, but even less output)? Would a Firebird style pickup or mini-humbuckers fit? I’m open to changing things, but not permanently modifying the guitar.
bowser2533
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by bowser2533 »

Try using a good compressor. Try a Janglebox. That will solve your problem. The
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aceonbass
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by aceonbass »

The 330k (actually around 275k) tone pots are probably to blame. Replace them with 500k pots, and you should get more clarity out of the tone.
RicUpNorth
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by RicUpNorth »

So knowing the JangleBox is a compressor, can somebody give me an accurate description of how it affects/changes the tone and sound?

If I change the pots, which ones will need changed and where are they available? What would it change in the tone or sound of the guitar?

I’m hoping to get something closer to mini-humbuckers I have in other guitars.
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aceonbass
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by aceonbass »

You need to replace the tone pots. They will make the tone a bit clearer/brighter. I stock the CTS pots with the correct specs for Rickenbacker instruments.
RicUpNorth
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by RicUpNorth »

Appreciate the advice Dane! Where could I order them/what would pricing be? Is it just the volume or tone pots as well?
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aceonbass
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by aceonbass »

Christopher....PM me for details... :D
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8mileshigher
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Do I need different pickups?

Post by 8mileshigher »

RicUpNorth wrote:So knowing the JangleBox is a compressor, can somebody give me an accurate description of how it affects/changes the tone and sound?

I’m hoping to get something closer to mini-humbuckers I have in other guitars.

If you go to the JangleBox webpage they have several sound clips, with various guitars and pickups to explain the spectrum of the tone shaping it creates. http://www.janglebox.com/clips.html
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iiipopes
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by iiipopes »

aceonbass wrote:You need to replace the tone pots. They will make the tone a bit clearer/brighter. I stock the CTS pots with the correct specs for Rickenbacker instruments.
This. I believe they are 500kohm linear taper. Dane - please correct me if I am wrong. The higher pot values decrease the loading to ground which raises the resonant frequency of the circuit, which our ears interpret as "more jangle."
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aceonbass
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by aceonbass »

iiipopes wrote:
aceonbass wrote:You need to replace the tone pots. They will make the tone a bit clearer/brighter. I stock the CTS pots with the correct specs for Rickenbacker instruments.
This. I believe they are 500kohm linear taper. Dane - please correct me if I am wrong. The higher pot values decrease the loading to ground which raises the resonant frequency of the circuit, which our ears interpret as "more jangle."
This is true.... :D
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crisp
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by crisp »

I am not sure what kind of guitar you have, but you may want to check and make sure you do not have the overwound toasters. I had a set of those once and they are DARK! Make sure you have the scatterwounds with 7.8K or less ohms.

All the best,
Steve
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lumgimfong
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by lumgimfong »

100k pots?
Brighter cap?
Tonestyler tone knob gets ultra brite.
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Rubsoul
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Re: Do I need different pickups?

Post by Rubsoul »

I agree with using a Janglebox. Sounds great with a Tele too!
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