EdA, another PAF question

[Mark Kane]

I know, I know, enough all ready. But, I have a question that has been bugging me since all this pup comparison soundfile thing began. I understand that in the interest of fairness and all, volumes and tone controls should be set the same but in the real world no two pieces of equipment are going to sound the same anyway. So, when doing the comparisons did you adjust volume or tone at all to compensate? Were you trying to get them to sound the same or comparing them at exact settings? The reason for the question is that in many instances it sounded like a little tweak of treble, mid or presence could have gotten them about equal.

 

[Ed A]

I dont know. Its my own opinion that you cant put something there that doesnt exist. Sure if one pickup is more middy than other, less bassy, whatever, you can try to make up for it with the amp. But certain characteristics of pickups like a harmonic at the end of the note to me cant be added. Another example is the comparison between a '57 classic and a PAF. I find that Classics have thicker muddier and more distorted bottom end, yet the top end doesnt sustain as much. So if you increase the drive of the amp to get you more top end sustain, the bottom is going to be even more distorted. Its all just subtle differences, more important to some than others. I played historics for years with the '57s and I liked them. Sometimes you find something else though and its tough to go back.

 

[Mark Kane]

Ed, that's pretty much what I figured. In my experience the feel of different pickups when your playing is at least as significant as the sound as well. I really liked the sound of that Rolph and the old PAF. Rolph, here I come!!