Guitar Pickups and Amp Simulation

[LegatoVibrato]

is it possible that amp simulation processes the guitar signal so much that it masks the tonal qualities of different pickups? If so, then amp simulation is more limiting than I previously thought. What do you guyz think?

I use a POD XT Live, and my kid uses a Digitech RP50. Both provide amp simulation.

My guitar is an Ibanez S470DXQM-NF. I have replaced all three pickups, two Duncan humuckers and a Fender Lace for the middle.

It did not make a noticible difference in tone. But even switching betwen the pickups, I find they all sound very similar. Same on my kids guitar, a low end Ibanez. I replaced his bridge pickup with a Duncan Screamin Demon, and it sounds very close to the stock pickup in the neck position (obviously the tone is slightly different because of the pickup position).

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Legato

[Rythameen]

Are you using a lot of high gain settings?. I have an LP, a Strat, and a Tele, and find they all retain their character, unless I go to really high gain settings.

[LegatoVibrato]

Originally Posted by Rythameen

Are you using a lot of high gain settings?. I have an LP, a Strat, and a Tele, and find they all retain their character, unless I go to really high gain settings.

Yes, I am mostly using high gain settings. Is there a factory patch you could suggest that would let me explore the tonal qualities of each pickup?

Thanks,

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Legato

[axym]

I use a POD 2.0 and it is generally quite sensitive to different pickup selections and guitar volume/tone settings. There tends to be less difference at higher compression levels.

[formulaet]

Originally Posted by Rythameen

Are you using a lot of high gain settings?. I have an LP, a Strat, and a Tele, and find they all retain their character, unless I go to really high gain settings.

I agree with this.....if I split-coil or parallel the pup, it makes a difference. I think humbuckers have subtleties even under high-gain situations. Say a vintage output compared to a high output or even a medium or moderate output will have a different 'feel'.

Then you're comparing it with simulators....put these pups through a nice all-tube amp and you're dealing with a whole different set of attributes....the pup's character will, IMO, be apparent. Though at high gain everything will sound similar......but tubes 'cause a whole different ball of wax.

ET..........Danica To Formula One!!!

[stingx]

I have several guitars, some with duncan humbuckers, others with single coils. Some of the duncans are coil tapped. My main guitar, Lonestar Strat, has a Duncan pearly gates and 2 Dimarzio singles in it. EVERY one of my guitars sound different through amps or the sims like the PodXT. They all have unique characteristics, even the ones that have the same pups (2 have exactly the same Duncan JB and '59s). Admittedly, through the high gain models, like the Ball, or Criminal, all the guitars with humbuckers sound kinda similar. There is no mistaking any of the guitars when playing blues or crytal clean though.

[LegatoVibrato]

So it sounds like, in general, I should be able to hear the difference between pups using amp simulation. Thanks boyz. That's what I needed to know.

peace,

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Legato