Not digging the EVH Frankenstein pickup

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ledvedder

ledvedder

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I'm not feeling it. I had another band rehearsal tonight, and I'm just not feeling it. Playing through my DSL, it's almost to clean and bright. It doesn't drive the way I'm used to when digging into the strings. I really need to find the right pickup for this guitar, because I'm loving the guitar. Maybe I need higher output or a different magnet? Could you guys recommend something?
 
Yes, move it closer to the strings...I had the same issue, getting it closer fattened it up a lot and now I love it.
 
I am guessing you like a more vintage hottrodded sound ... if that pickup isn't doing it for you go the simple route, a JB with Alnico II mag in it. You will get crunch but also sponge and it will be fuller than a regular JB. Honestly, it is killer. Feels great. Aldrich would be my second recommendation. Higher output and tight but the high notes are fuller and not thin.
 
It's a Franky replica. Northern Ash, maple neck, Floyd rose. The high strings are almost piercing, and the lower strings don't have the clarity that I'm used to with my Wolfgang. When I dig in, I'm not getting the chunk that I'm used to. It seems too smooth on the bass strings.
 
Oh man...sorry to hear...that's my FAVORITE pickup in the world...
 
that pickup is amazing, you dont have it wired out of phase with another pickup do you??
 
I have used the EVH Frankenstein pickup extensively in a Northern Ash bodied Franky replica and to me it is the BEST pickup for EVH type tones - it's mid heavy, with a darker high end and high output. Dunno why the OP is experiencing what he is... What he's describing sounds way more like the Duncan '78, which I also have extensive experience with...

On another note, I have to wonder about whether EVH was really using low output pickups like he said. After all, he lied about almost everything early on in attempt to throw off his imitators. For sure in the Ibanez Destroyer he was using a 13K+ output Mighty Mite 1300 Distortion pickup in the bridge, which is hotter than a Dimarzio Super Distortion. He definitely experimented with the Super D as well in the Franky guitar and the Black/Yellow one. There are old pics of both guitars that prove this...

All my VH clips were recorded with 12K+ output pickups (mostly with the EVH Frankenstein pickup, which is a whopping 14.4K output!) and that allows you to get the legato stuff without getting mushy. While Ed's tone isn't modern thick, a big characteristic is how mid heavy it is, I really don't think it sounds that bright...

When I tried the Duncan '78, I liked it OK at first, but it is REALLY bright and it sounded weak to me because of the low output. An 8.7K output pickup just doesn't get it done IMO... Even Rockstah's best clips were using the Super D. To me the EVH Frankenstein pickup sounds way more like early VH to me than the low output Duncan '78, as well as the vintage Mighty Mite 1300 and the Super D. Personally, I would not recommend a low output pickup for early VH tone, I think the EVH Frankenstein is perfect for it, with the 1300 and Super D close seconds.

If the EVH Frankenstein sounds like the OP is saying in his guitar, there is either something wrong with it, it is positioned improperly in the guitar, wired wrong (which is pretty hard to do!) or he got a bum piece of Northern Ash... All IMO, of course...

Steve
 
sah5150":22hch609 said:
I have used the EVH Frankenstein pickup extensively in a Northern Ash bodied Franky replica and to me it is the BEST pickup for EVH type tones - it's mid heavy, with a darker high end and high output. Dunno why the OP is experiencing what he is... What he's describing sounds way more like the Duncan '78, which I also have extensive experience with...

On another note, I have to wonder about whether EVH was really using low output pickups like he said. After all, he lied about almost everything early on in attempt to throw off his imitators. For sure in the Ibanez Destroyer he was using a 13K+ output Mighty Mite 1300 Distortion pickup in the bridge, which is hotter than a Dimarzio Super Distortion. He definitely experimented with the Super D as well in the Franky guitar and the Black/Yellow one. There are old pics of both guitars that prove this...

All my VH clips were recorded with 12K+ output pickups (mostly with the EVH Frankenstein pickup, which is a whopping 14.4K output!) and that allows you to get the legato stuff without getting mushy. While Ed's tone isn't modern thick, a big characteristic is how mid heavy it is, I really don't think it sounds that bright...

When I tried the Duncan '78, I liked it OK at first, but it is REALLY bright and it sounded weak to me because of the low output. An 8.7K output pickup just doesn't get it done IMO... Even Rockstah's best clips were using the Super D. To me the EVH Frankenstein pickup sounds way more like early VH to me than the low output Duncan '78, as well as the vintage Mighty Mite 1300 and the Super D. Personally, I would not recommend a low output pickup for early VH tone, I think the EVH Frankenstein is perfect for it, with the 1300 and Super D close seconds.

If the EVH Frankenstein sounds like the OP is saying in his guitar, there is either something wrong with it, it is positioned improperly in the guitar, wired wrong (which is pretty hard to do!) or he got a bum piece of Northern Ash... All IMO, of course...

Steve
Click to expand...

Agree, besides maybe VH2, I hear a higher output humbucker. Maybe it isn't as high as 14k but it sure as hell is a hotter PAF of some sort and more than likely something into the JB and SD distortion realms. The super distortion is the gainiest pup I have tried but prefer the JB output level. Check your wiring and if it still isn't doing it for you, every piece of wood is different and maybe that pup just doesn't work for you in it.
 
messenger":1bdx85tv said:
What does it measure?
Click to expand...

I'll have to measure mine, but I thought they were 14.4k? Maybe I'm just not into the A2 magnet? I've had a tech confirm it's wired up correctly.

Maybe I'm describing it wrong. When we play some heavier songs (Man in the Box, for ex.), I can't get the e string chug like I can with my Wolfgang. And when I start a solo, the high notes on the e and b are very piercing. No warmth to them.
 
A2s are buttery - the high E and B shouldn't be piercing or shrill at all.
 
tone is in the hands :D

sorry couldn't resist. do you have any other guitars to compare it to...perhaps another issue going on besides the pickup/guitar.
 
I have one in a MIJ Charvel SC1. Sounds nice and fat with good output. Alder and Maple..but its really nice across the spectrum. :rock:
 
The Frankenstein sounds very much like a Duncan Custom Custom. Maybe you would like a Wolfgang better.

In an Ash guitar I would think the Franky or Custom Custom would sound great...
 
AS others have mentioned, no reason that an A2 magnet should be piercing. How about the settings on the amp? A lot of us are going deaf from loud playing or in situations where there are low ceiling and bass build up/reflections, they crank the trebles and presence... these things can all lead to piercing high end unless the amp's MV is way up fattening it up. But hey, these are your ears so if it doesn't work for you then move it along. Maybe a dimarzio At-1 or Air Zone are what would suit your ear better. Highs are rolled off.
 
Metroamp guys have nailed the franky tone with a Dimarzio Super Distortion... I hate that pup in a LP, but tried in an ash guitar and it sounded great. REally has that sustain and squeal that early VH has.. They also recomend duncan 78 or custom custom, even though the DSD is the closer option.
 
Obvious answer......peavey Wolfgang pickup. You can get one on eBay. You are missing that ceramic chug. Prs hfs bridge pickup is similar.
 
I've been playing mainly wolfgangs and axis guitars for over 15yrs. I recently got a strat and put a Duncan distortion in it and it's so badass I can't even tell you. It's my new favorite guitar to play. Big fat clean tone that when you dig in it just sings
 
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