You shouldn't use pedals when demonstrating the tone of a pickup. A beginner might not even know you're using them and just think that's the natural sound of the pickup.
NoiseFeedMusic that use of autowah in the first example was super heavy in the mix and some kids that have barely touched a guitar might think a single coil gets that sound by itself. At the end of the day, they'll learn eventually so yeah
@@XLTBlarg I know, I'm just trying to put me shoes in his, although if it were me, I would the exact same thing to see how the difference take the music.
active pickups are good if you dont own an amp....lol. i have actives in my ltd ec330fm guitar and my ibanez sr300 bass...in the bass they are amazing. in the guitar i dont see much difference other than "shpuld i change the battery soon?" lol
P90s through my observational hearing have the most "throatiest" tone. Single coil: jangly rubber twang Humbucker: Generic jazz sounds and distortion P90: Hot woman throwing their soaked panties at your face
I just wanna add some more points about single coils because I've been so obsessed with them lately. The number of wraps, also known as the number of turns, around a pickup coil affects the EQ in the end by altering the output level and frequency response of the pickup. More wraps result in a higher output level and a stronger mid-range, which can make the pickup sound warmer and more powerful. On the other hand, fewer wraps result in a lower output level and a more open high-end, which can make the pickup sound brighter and more articulate. Common DC rating of pickups refers to the DC resistance of the coil, which is measured in ohms. The DC resistance of a pickup is an important characteristic as it directly affects the output level and tone of the pickup. Here are the characteristics of each common DC rating of pickups: Low DC Resistance Pickups (less than 6k ohms): These pickups typically have a bright, open sound with a clear high-end response. They are great for vintage tones and cleaner playing styles. However, they may lack the mid-range punch and sustain of higher DC resistance pickups. Medium DC Resistance Pickups (between 6k and 12k ohms): These pickups offer a balanced tone with a moderate amount of mid-range punch and sustain. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles and musical genres. High DC Resistance Pickups (more than 12k ohms): These pickups typically have a strong mid-range and high-end response, which can result in a more aggressive and focused tone. They are great for heavier playing styles and can help push the amplifier into overdrive. However, they may lack the clarity and openness of lower DC resistance pickups. It's important to note that the DC resistance rating is just one aspect of a pickup's tone, and that other factors such as magnet type and wire gauge also play a significant role in determining the overall sound of a pickup. The wire gauge of a single coil pickup affects the tone by altering the amount of wire used to make the coil, which can affect the resistance, inductance, and capacitance of the pickup. Thicker wire has a lower resistance but a higher inductance, which can result in a brighter, more focused tone with a strong midrange. This is because thicker wire creates a stronger magnetic field, which can increase the output level and provide more sustain. Thinner wire, on the other hand, has a higher resistance but a lower inductance, which can result in a warmer, more vintage tone with a softer attack. This is because thinner wire creates a weaker magnetic field, which can result in a more delicate and nuanced sound. The wire gauge also affects the capacitance of the pickup, which can influence the high-end response of the pickup. Higher capacitance can result in a smoother, warmer tone with less high-end sparkle, while lower capacitance can result in a brighter, more articulate tone with more high-end presence. It's important to note that the wire gauge is just one of many factors that contribute to the overall tone of a single coil pickup. Other factors, such as the type and strength of the magnets, the number of turns in the coil, and the type of insulation used, also play important roles in shaping the sound of a pickup. Ultimately, the choice of wire gauge depends on the desired tone and playing style. Thicker wire is generally better suited for heavier playing styles and brighter, more focused tones, while thinner wire is better suited for cleaner playing styles and warmer, more vintage tones. That being said, there are many boutique single coil builders that produce high-quality pickups, but here are five that are particularly noteworthy. Here are some to lookout for - Lollar Pickups - Based in Tacoma, Washington, Lollar Pickups offers a wide range of handmade single coil pickups for guitar and bass. Their pickups are known for their clarity, balance, and dynamic response, and they have been used by many notable guitarists. Lindy Fralin Pickups - Lindy Fralin is a well-known name in the world of boutique pickups, and his single coil pickups are particularly popular. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Fralin's pickups are known for their clarity, warmth, and vintage vibe. Porter Pickups - Based in Orange County, California, Porter Pickups offers a range of single coil pickups that are handmade using high-quality materials. Their pickups are known for their balance, clarity, and versatility, and they are particularly popular among blues and rock guitarists. Jason Lollar - In addition to his work with Lollar Pickups, Jason Lollar also produces handmade pickups under his own name. Based in Seattle, Washington, Lollar's pickups are known for their clarity, warmth, and vintage character. Klein Pickups - Based in Petaluma, California, Klein Pickups is a relatively new player in the world of boutique pickups, but they have quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality single coil pickups. Their pickups are known for their clarity, balance, and versatility, and they are particularly popular among jazz and fusion guitarists. All of these builders use high-quality materials and traditional winding techniques to produce pickups that are renowned for their tone and quality. While their pickups can be more expensive than mass-produced pickups, many players consider them to be a worthwhile investment in their tone.
Goes to a guitar center Colin : im looking to buy peckups for a project Employee : ok, so, how much peckups you want Colin : i want sex (six) Employee : ...
You should hear me speak English at the Guitar Center. I have overheard two employees making fun of me, near the restrooms, and one of them was saying that I sound like Schwarzenegger.
First of all I love all of your videos. I just want to say John Fogerty is known for using Gibson's with humbuckers in them. On a past tour it was within the past 5 years I saw a video about it, he was using an old Goldtop with P90s. He was rocking it sounded good with that thing. It just goes to show the type of pickup doesn't really make that much of a difference. It's what you do with the signal from the guitar after that. More recently in a live performance from Frank Hannon and his band he was using a single coil Strat to play some Van Halen songs and it sounded spot-on. My opinion is no matter what type of guitar you play you will always sound like yourself playing that instrument. I've noticed that in my playing.
Yeah, let him do a 5 hour video on the different types...there aren't that much around. Alone to compare them all you have to explain how every single type of them work/differ from the others. There are other sources on YT and the web who dedicate their whole time only on amps and finding the perfect NOS tubes from russia. Just turn to the specialist of a particular topic instead of waiting for everything from one source. To do your expected test he'd have to change the tubes several times, adjust the bias depending on the amp...a shitload of work.
Colin, you should try Filtertron pickups, especially in the bridge. Like a single coil with the power of a humbucker but with plenty of jangle and articulation.
Kirk Wahmmett Yes, you see them on the high end Gretsch guitars, boutique guitars and custom builds. I would put them on par with Lollar pickups. Brian Setzer has his own signature pickups through him.
I've got a cheap Ibanez laying around with two crap humbuckers installed, I wanted to do something different with it. You helped me decide to throw a couple P90's in. Thanks man! Cool videos
I actually prefer humbuckers for clean playing, and single coils for higher gain and rocking. I love the tones of Blackmore, Hendrix, Page (Most of his work in the studio was done on a Tele of all things).
A great detailed video, just one comment about you putting the pickups to certain genres, it should be mentioned that you can get any genre on all three pickups if you play them right. Gary Moore, BB King and Joe Bonamassa all have bluesy feely stuff on buckers, where the likes Andrew Groves from Arcane Roots and Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro have got really heavy sounds from strats!
Totally agree. Like for example, people usually recommend single coil pickups for fuzz, but guys like Robby Krieger and Josh Homme got along just fine with humbuckers.
Not at all saying that you can't play anything with any pickup. Just most common uses for the sake of keeping the video concise and under 7 minutes long.
Very informative, dude. I had a very limited understanding of the difference between the kinds of pickups but you've shed some light on it very well. Thanks! And I like your accent too.
Exactly. The mini-humbucker is the missing child in these comparisons. The mix of humbucker power, single coil brightness and zero hum make them my favorite.
Pretty Strat! By the way, thanks for being one of the few guitar-demo vids where the amp is mic'ed instead of hearing 75% of dry string noise and maybe 25% amplification like most other tapes.
I'm sure that you do know that regardless of its unique construction, the P-90 is a single-coil, not "technically" but actually. It's louder, thicker and punchier sounding than the Strat, and close to a good Tele bridge pickup which is usually a little brighter. The P-90 was NOT the "next logical evolution of guitar pickup technology" after the Strat. It came way before the Strat which was introduced in 1954. The P-90 was introduced by Gibson in 1946. Using any kind of effect, wah, distortion, etc., masks the sound of the pickup. Not a good idea in a shootout.
Collin, your videos are my favorite on TH-cam. I dig how much I've learned from you about the gear we know and love. Your stuff has really inspired me to pull apart my rig piece-by-piece to learn what's under the hood. Looking forward to the next video as always :)
Good to hear a Scottish accent for a change, plus I understood what you were saying, I liked the look of the 2nd guitar you were playing, can you tell me what it's called?
+B0rnles13 it's one of the guitars I built, I never have it a model name. You can find out more about it here: th-cam.com/video/K9ETE5JMfDo/w-d-xo.html
Worth mentioning that a strat pickup, mustang pickup, jaguar pickup, p-90, gretsch dynasonic and many more are all single coil pickups. What’s being demonstrated in this video is a strat type pickup for example of single coil but really any pickup with one (single) coil of wire is a single coil. Well done video though!
I really wanna put a single coil in something like a Jackson for leads. I love my super dark down tuned deathcore/metalcore, but the sound of a single coil on the neck for cleans and leads is just incredible.
My '91 Jackson Dinky XL has a H-S-S configuration, which is arguably one of the most versatile arrangements out there. Reverend Guitars are also exploring a lot of the possibilities with their available combinations of pickups (Railhammers, P90's, Single-coils, HB's, etc...).
Well, that's Gibson's name for them. Seymour Duncan calls them "Phat Cats," but other companies like Fralin and Lollar just call them humbucker-sized P-90's or P-90's in humbucker covers.
Thanks for this. I came wondering what the difference between the pickups was, I leave knowing which type I want on my next guitar as it suits the music I like. The surprising answer was p90. Thanks!
Nice video ! Singles and P90 are the best and have a more clear and bright tone. Humbucker have a thick tone but sounds too muddy specially the neck pickup that i hate...
What about advances like "noiseless" single coils? :O Always found those interesting. And a rather famous example of a guitarist using single-coils in metal is Yngwie. Definitely an interesting tone he has.
I am curious on why guitars don't normally use split coil pickups like many basses do. One coil for half of the strings and another for the other half. They sound similar to a single coil but without the hum.Maybe not enough space between strings?
Dani Lantinga at first I thought it was unholy confessions then he changes the end like he does with most the riffs, maybe to avoid copy right ? However could be wrong !
Love all the content! A question I've been wrestling with of late: Could you do a video on the difference between a preamp, a boost, and an overdrive? Thanks in advance!
Thanks bloke, recently bought a strat copy with a humbucker. Wasn't my choice, but by fuck I'm glad I got it. By the way, Scotland is the only place I've traveled in the world I'd love to visit again. Well done, from Aussie land.
Great job! I have a Fender bullet that I bought in a pawn shop for $70 the other day and it has just one pickup, humbucker, and one volume knob like the one you used in this video with the P90....love the guitar and it is my go to fun guitar for cranking the blues......I was going to put a P90 in it but it sounds so good I am just leaving it alone......so surprised with the sounds I get from it....thanks for the demo.
I don't really have an opinion on them. I've never tried them, mainly because they don't visually appeal to me. We play a guitar first with our eyes. They could be great, but I'd almost certainly pick up something else first.
Max Waters I was also put off by the looks of them at first, but I decided to try one at the store to see if it was any good. It was one of the lower end 7 strings and I found it played better than any guitar I had played in that same price range, and better than many guitars above it's price range. I recommend you try one out yourself and base your opinion on that
The low end Schecters are ok, but the slightly more expensive ones are very comfotable, good necks. I think ESP has the best necks for seven strings though. Find a store and jam on one, best way to find out
Great video! I never bothered to look up the difference between a P90 (as i've never played a guitar that has had one installed) and the others so this actually helps explain it.
Like most guitarists, I use all three pick up variations on various guitars and I think using effects, whether it be pedals for delay etc or amp distortion makes the comparison null and void. If you had a clean amp set the same for all the pick ups then it would show the true sound. Like the volume difference and the actual sound of the pick ups. Some days I may use a Strat with 3 single coils, other days I may use a Les Paul Junior with a single P90 to play the same songs as once the signal has gone through my pedal board and amps I can get the sound I want.
Thanks for putting up some text while you were talking. I couldn't figure out how you could pack 10,000 tonnes of copper wiring into such a little space.
first off, thanks for the tone comparison. I really dig the P90 tone and found your video pretty informative. Secondly, I love your retro sci-fi comic decor.
EMG pickups are no different than those listed in this video. Single coil, soap bar, or humbucker. The key difference is that they're fed straight into an impedance matched preamp before the signal ever leaves the guitar.
They all sound good, and they all have there own sonic vibe to them. But after playing guitar for 40 year's, I would say P 90s give me the gritty tone of classic rock and roll, the others are great, but you can get very articulate notes ,and a open natural acoustic sounds with the volume rolled back,then when you turn it up you get a nice aggressive breakup.
*I came here to be reminded of what the 3 different types of guitar pickup sound like. Now I've seen this, I know that my favourite pickup is DEFINITELY the humbucker 'cause they sound nice and thick and loud!! So now I'm definitely gonna replace the 2 single coils in my Telecaster with 2 of those mini humbuckers you said about at the end! XD*
I've read that humbuckers were first implemented by Les Paul (then in Gibsons) to avoid noise generated by single coils. Am I right? If yes, how guitars using single coils (e.g. like Fender) deal with the problem of noise? What is the factor making the noise and is it still the problem of single coils applied in contemporary guitars? Sorry for my poor English.
Great, simple and concrete video. With the appropiate technical stuff for the ones like me that are interested in the electronics, and greats demos. Thank you so much for sharing this :) Regards from Argentina.
"Here's what this pickup sounds like" - Turns on wah pedal. Lol
literally at that moment i stopped the video, what an stupid thing to do xde
As someone who plays with effects, I can appreciate it, but no you're right.
He does various tests for different kinds of players.
@@squirtmaster31 yeah, fuck his dumb voice right?
you couldn't wait 20 seconds?
"Peckups"
biaza "sex screw pieces" id be scared to know whats that
Kyle Eidrian Saberon a fun weekend is what that is
"Subscrabe"
"Nineteen Thairties"
defference...i love it.
single coil playing: 1:16
P-90 playing: 3:08
humbucker playing: 4:34
Thanks
Thanks!
whats he playing on 5:15, wanna learn it
@@theycallmealex454 ikr
Thanks
0:30 ‘Sex Magnetic Pole Pieces’ thanks for naming my new band.
2:40 "Sex Screw Pole Piecies" 😂
thought i was the only one who heard it =))))))
Pole Pisses*
Actually says: "Sex Magnetic Pool PC's"
4:13 also has potential
I had to turn down my volume because it sounded like i was watching vintage porn when he was playing with single coils
You must know your vintage porn well. What's your favourite movie? Asking for a friend...
Wait...does this mean I have to put the lotion away?
Hahahaha
@aesthetical eww dude that's sick you sick son of a haha jk man
All I think about when I hear that lick lmao
You shouldn't use pedals when demonstrating the tone of a pickup. A beginner might not even know you're using them and just think that's the natural sound of the pickup.
The beginner will soon learn.
NoiseFeedMusic that use of autowah in the first example was super heavy in the mix and some kids that have barely touched a guitar might think a single coil gets that sound by itself. At the end of the day, they'll learn eventually so yeah
@@SweetSoulBrother0 While what he did in the video was show some usages for them, not the sound itself, I would've liked to hear the clear sound.
I agree! So many people demo guitar tone without even showing the clean sound which I think is really important to hear.
Im confused. Because of pedals.
Would've also been nice if you played the same riff on each pickup with otherwise identical amp settings.
He's a guitarist and I think it's his 'instinct' to play certain pickup through certain style?
@@cpamiseso Defeats the purpose.
@@XLTBlarg I know, I'm just trying to put me shoes in his, although if it were me, I would the exact same thing to see how the difference take the music.
Hey uh, dont play different pickups with the same settings. A humbucker isnt going to sound good on an amp set to single coils.
Your explanations are always simple without being simplistic and detailed without being obfuscated. Good work.
obfuscated is such a good word.
make a video about difference between active and passive pickup....please...
Reggie SoundBox
Colin did that already. He is not a fan of the active pickups. I think active pickups shine better as bass pickups to guitar.
Gringo Green did he?i'll watch it later...thanks...
active basses have good control but passive bass pickups sound just amazing with the right overdrive. R.I.P. lemmy of motorhead.
Reggie SoundBox Yeah its a really old video though.
active pickups are good if you dont own an amp....lol. i have actives in my ltd ec330fm guitar and my ibanez sr300 bass...in the bass they are amazing. in the guitar i dont see much difference other than "shpuld i change the battery soon?" lol
Colin no homo but your hair looks beautiful
lol k?
I'd love to have hair that long😍half way there :)
That's Gay AF, his hair isn't even that Lush to deserve compliments. You're just Gay for him. Admit it
David O'Neill prove to us you're not gay.
This, but I'm a chick.
P90s through my observational hearing have the most "throatiest" tone.
Single coil: jangly rubber twang
Humbucker: Generic jazz sounds and distortion
P90: Hot woman throwing their soaked panties at your face
Wtf was that last one
Chill dude
@@erojerisiz1571 the p90
P90 bout to make me act up
His accent makes me want to watch Trainspotting.
Nice picture lmao, I use it on Facebook
*Treynshpottin
And kmac
@@TonyBaboney People actually fall for that?
@@starfighter2952 How about if we conquer you and sell you to North Korea instead.
He did a far better job than most people when explaining this. Well done!
Thank you
You're welcome 👍
I just wanna add some more points about single coils because I've been so obsessed with them lately.
The number of wraps, also known as the number of turns, around a pickup coil affects the EQ in the end by altering the output level and frequency response of the pickup.
More wraps result in a higher output level and a stronger mid-range, which can make the pickup sound warmer and more powerful. On the other hand, fewer wraps result in a lower output level and a more open high-end, which can make the pickup sound brighter and more articulate.
Common DC rating of pickups refers to the DC resistance of the coil, which is measured in ohms. The DC resistance of a pickup is an important characteristic as it directly affects the output level and tone of the pickup.
Here are the characteristics of each common DC rating of pickups:
Low DC Resistance Pickups (less than 6k ohms): These pickups typically have a bright, open sound with a clear high-end response. They are great for vintage tones and cleaner playing styles. However, they may lack the mid-range punch and sustain of higher DC resistance pickups.
Medium DC Resistance Pickups (between 6k and 12k ohms): These pickups offer a balanced tone with a moderate amount of mid-range punch and sustain. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.
High DC Resistance Pickups (more than 12k ohms): These pickups typically have a strong mid-range and high-end response, which can result in a more aggressive and focused tone. They are great for heavier playing styles and can help push the amplifier into overdrive. However, they may lack the clarity and openness of lower DC resistance pickups.
It's important to note that the DC resistance rating is just one aspect of a pickup's tone, and that other factors such as magnet type and wire gauge also play a significant role in determining the overall sound of a pickup.
The wire gauge of a single coil pickup affects the tone by altering the amount of wire used to make the coil, which can affect the resistance, inductance, and capacitance of the pickup.
Thicker wire has a lower resistance but a higher inductance, which can result in a brighter, more focused tone with a strong midrange. This is because thicker wire creates a stronger magnetic field, which can increase the output level and provide more sustain.
Thinner wire, on the other hand, has a higher resistance but a lower inductance, which can result in a warmer, more vintage tone with a softer attack. This is because thinner wire creates a weaker magnetic field, which can result in a more delicate and nuanced sound.
The wire gauge also affects the capacitance of the pickup, which can influence the high-end response of the pickup. Higher capacitance can result in a smoother, warmer tone with less high-end sparkle, while lower capacitance can result in a brighter, more articulate tone with more high-end presence.
It's important to note that the wire gauge is just one of many factors that contribute to the overall tone of a single coil pickup. Other factors, such as the type and strength of the magnets, the number of turns in the coil, and the type of insulation used, also play important roles in shaping the sound of a pickup.
Ultimately, the choice of wire gauge depends on the desired tone and playing style. Thicker wire is generally better suited for heavier playing styles and brighter, more focused tones, while thinner wire is better suited for cleaner playing styles and warmer, more vintage tones.
That being said, there are many boutique single coil builders that produce high-quality pickups, but here are five that are particularly noteworthy. Here are some to lookout for -
Lollar Pickups - Based in Tacoma, Washington, Lollar Pickups offers a wide range of handmade single coil pickups for guitar and bass. Their pickups are known for their clarity, balance, and dynamic response, and they have been used by many notable guitarists.
Lindy Fralin Pickups - Lindy Fralin is a well-known name in the world of boutique pickups, and his single coil pickups are particularly popular. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Fralin's pickups are known for their clarity, warmth, and vintage vibe.
Porter Pickups - Based in Orange County, California, Porter Pickups offers a range of single coil pickups that are handmade using high-quality materials. Their pickups are known for their balance, clarity, and versatility, and they are particularly popular among blues and rock guitarists.
Jason Lollar - In addition to his work with Lollar Pickups, Jason Lollar also produces handmade pickups under his own name. Based in Seattle, Washington, Lollar's pickups are known for their clarity, warmth, and vintage character.
Klein Pickups - Based in Petaluma, California, Klein Pickups is a relatively new player in the world of boutique pickups, but they have quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality single coil pickups. Their pickups are known for their clarity, balance, and versatility, and they are particularly popular among jazz and fusion guitarists.
All of these builders use high-quality materials and traditional winding techniques to produce pickups that are renowned for their tone and quality. While their pickups can be more expensive than mass-produced pickups, many players consider them to be a worthwhile investment in their tone.
I came here for the cool accent...
It's just a run of the mill Scottish accent! Nothing special.
we all do
an actually good video on pickups for once
Thank you
Single coils hum? Maybe that's because they don't know the lyrics? ;oP
I-
@@zeruh6 Idiot!
P-90s are and always will be my favourite
Single P-90 LP Jr. is literally the most punk rock guitar of all time.
90s are awesome. I have them in my telecaster and they're beautiful.
Me too. My strat even has strat sized p90s.
I put two P-90s in my cigar box guitar. SMOKIN!
Daniel Bell What kind? Creamery strat-90s are the only one I've heard of
Goes to a guitar center
Colin : im looking to buy peckups for a project
Employee : ok, so, how much peckups you want
Colin : i want sex (six)
Employee : ...
You should hear me speak English at the Guitar Center. I have overheard two employees making fun of me, near the restrooms, and one of them was saying that I sound like Schwarzenegger.
I not only went back, but I bought a good EVH amp from that specific store:-) L.O.L
Well he's Scottish so he'd speak to other Scottish people.
I absolutely love your S-type guitar- couldn't see if it was a real Strat or not, but whatever it is, it's gorgeous!
I came, I saw, I haired.
Now you can go join a big haird band!
@@michaelcraig9449 And wipe UP after him self! ;oP
Great video, I was looking a straight-forward explanation on the differences between types of pickups. This video was perfect, so thank you!
"ehrlest form of gittar peckups" thats the reason i watch this channel
Would love a P90 vs Jazzmaster pickup video, people often confuse the two but little information about their differences is available
Focus on the content folks, very well explained.
First of all I love all of your videos. I just want to say John Fogerty is known for using Gibson's with humbuckers in them. On a past tour it was within the past 5 years I saw a video about it, he was using an old Goldtop with P90s. He was rocking it sounded good with that thing. It just goes to show the type of pickup doesn't really make that much of a difference. It's what you do with the signal from the guitar after that. More recently in a live performance from Frank Hannon and his band he was using a single coil Strat to play some Van Halen songs and it sounded spot-on. My opinion is no matter what type of guitar you play you will always sound like yourself playing that instrument. I've noticed that in my playing.
Colin, could you make a video on changing valves / tubes? as I'm thinking about buying a valve head
Next time I'm changing my valves I'll do a video all about the whens, hows, and whys.
Nice. Thanks
CSGuitars If you could also compare tube types in that video (preferably with the same riff) that'd be awesome.
Yeah, let him do a 5 hour video on the different types...there aren't that much around.
Alone to compare them all you have to explain how every single type of them work/differ from the others.
There are other sources on YT and the web who dedicate their whole time only on amps and finding the perfect NOS tubes from russia. Just turn to the specialist of a particular topic instead of waiting for everything from one source.
To do your expected test he'd have to change the tubes several times, adjust the bias depending on the amp...a shitload of work.
onpsxmember Thats not what I said: how to change valves, not explaining every type. Think before you type :/
I never realized how great an electric guitar could sound until I bought my P90's Les Paul. Any tone possible!
Cool videos, too. Scotland ROCKS
Colin, you should try Filtertron pickups, especially in the bridge. Like a single coil with the power of a humbucker but with plenty of jangle and articulation.
Gringo Green are those the Gretsch pickups?
Kirk Wahmmett
Yes, you see them on the high end Gretsch guitars, boutique guitars and custom builds. I would put them on par with Lollar pickups. Brian Setzer has his own signature pickups through him.
Sorry, more clarity, I thought you were refering to TV Jones filtertrons from another recent post I just made on another video.
I've got a cheap Ibanez laying around with two crap humbuckers installed, I wanted to do something different with it. You helped me decide to throw a couple P90's in. Thanks man! Cool videos
learning learning learning stuff every day.....
I actually prefer humbuckers for clean playing, and single coils for higher gain and rocking. I love the tones of Blackmore, Hendrix, Page (Most of his work in the studio was done on a Tele of all things).
A great detailed video, just one comment about you putting the pickups to certain genres, it should be mentioned that you can get any genre on all three pickups if you play them right. Gary Moore, BB King and Joe Bonamassa all have bluesy feely stuff on buckers, where the likes Andrew Groves from Arcane Roots and Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro have got really heavy sounds from strats!
Totally agree. Like for example, people usually recommend single coil pickups for fuzz, but guys like Robby Krieger and Josh Homme got along just fine with humbuckers.
WRAITH don't forget Jack White and Billy Gibbons, both notorious fuzz users with their collection of humbuckers
Don't forget Ritchie Blackmore. Deep Purple were one of the proto metal bands and Blackmore always played a Strat.
Not at all saying that you can't play anything with any pickup. Just most common uses for the sake of keeping the video concise and under 7 minutes long.
John Maloney Uli Roth is also a good example. No one can tell me "Sails of Charon" isn't heavy and thick in any way, shape or form.
Very informative, dude. I had a very limited understanding of the difference between the kinds of pickups but you've shed some light on it very well. Thanks! And I like your accent too.
Hey colin, could you make a video on miniature humbuckers vs hot rails vs humbuckers and single coils?
Exactly. The mini-humbucker is the missing child in these comparisons. The mix of humbucker power, single coil brightness and zero hum make them my favorite.
Pretty Strat! By the way, thanks for being one of the few guitar-demo vids where the amp is mic'ed instead of hearing 75% of dry string noise and maybe 25% amplification like most other tapes.
I'm sure that you do know that regardless of its unique construction, the P-90 is a single-coil, not "technically" but actually. It's louder, thicker and punchier sounding than the Strat, and close to a good Tele bridge pickup which is usually a little brighter.
The P-90 was NOT the "next logical evolution of guitar pickup technology" after the Strat. It came way before the Strat which was introduced in 1954. The P-90 was introduced by Gibson in 1946.
Using any kind of effect, wah, distortion, etc., masks the sound of the pickup. Not a good idea in a shootout.
Collin, your videos are my favorite on TH-cam. I dig how much I've learned from you about the gear we know and love. Your stuff has really inspired me to pull apart my rig piece-by-piece to learn what's under the hood. Looking forward to the next video as always :)
Good to hear a Scottish accent for a change, plus I understood what you were saying, I liked the look of the 2nd guitar you were playing, can you tell me what it's called?
+B0rnles13 it's one of the guitars I built, I never have it a model name. You can find out more about it here: th-cam.com/video/K9ETE5JMfDo/w-d-xo.html
Looks great, savage and noble, possibly with Scottish origins, a bit like a wild stag! ;-)
Well-done, boy. Short, sweet, and a demo.
Fender Singles and P-90s have almost no hum. I personally like the sound of single coils better than Humbuckers, I love that spanky funky sound.
Spanky?
Thats just not true. Although maybe you live in a house with no RF interference or whatever so congratulation
Worth mentioning that a strat pickup, mustang pickup, jaguar pickup, p-90, gretsch dynasonic and many more are all single coil pickups. What’s being demonstrated in this video is a strat type pickup for example of single coil but really any pickup with one (single) coil of wire is a single coil.
Well done video though!
I really wanna put a single coil in something like a Jackson for leads. I love my super dark down tuned deathcore/metalcore, but the sound of a single coil on the neck for cleans and leads is just incredible.
My '91 Jackson Dinky XL has a H-S-S configuration, which is arguably one of the most versatile arrangements out there. Reverend Guitars are also exploring a lot of the possibilities with their available combinations of pickups (Railhammers, P90's, Single-coils, HB's, etc...).
I have that feature on several guitars. Works great.
That’s what I love about my Lado. Humbucker at bridge and neck and a single coil in the centre which gives me a nice range of tones
how do you feel about noiseless P-90s or Humbucker Sized P-90s?
I know that he likes/liked humbucker-sized P-90's, since he had one in his white Ibanez.
Humbucker sized P-90's are called P-94's
Well, that's Gibson's name for them. Seymour Duncan calls them "Phat Cats," but other companies like Fralin and Lollar just call them humbucker-sized P-90's or P-90's in humbucker covers.
no no. i mean the other way around. its a humbucker in the size of a soapbar
I think you are referring to a mini- humbucker. Like the pickup Gibson uses on a firebird? Those produce pretty unique sounds, I like them a lot.
Thank fuck here we finally have someone that demos pickups in a wide range of genres with an easy to understand guide. Thanks man
"You'd be hard pressed to find a hard rock/metal player who isn't using humbuckers"
Tony Iommi: *laughs in P90*
That's true, but Tony's still been using super hot humbuckers for over 40 years.
Thanks for this. I came wondering what the difference between the pickups was, I leave knowing which type I want on my next guitar as it suits the music I like. The surprising answer was p90. Thanks!
*S E X C O I L S*
Nice video ! Singles and P90 are the best and have a more clear and bright tone. Humbucker have a thick tone but sounds too muddy specially the neck pickup that i hate...
What about advances like "noiseless" single coils? :O Always found those interesting.
And a rather famous example of a guitarist using single-coils in metal is Yngwie. Definitely an interesting tone he has.
Noiseless single coils are really modified humbuckers whch are two single coils in series.
I am curious on why guitars don't normally use split coil pickups like many basses do. One coil for half of the strings and another for the other half. They sound similar to a single coil but without the hum.Maybe not enough space between strings?
Jesus, Colin, your brain is huge/amazing/art!
Oh man!!!!! made my day!!!!!!!!
what the heck is that thing behind the bridge on the last guitar ?
Anyone?
I doubt if I get an answer due to everyone talking about accent & hair
What song is that riff from at 5:17?
Dani Lantinga at first I thought it was unholy confessions then he changes the end like he does with most the riffs, maybe to avoid copy right ?
However could be wrong !
Dani Lantinga sounds like unholy confessions avenged sevenfold
Unholy Confessions?
More like Generic Riff #1
Sounds like a combination of Master of Puppets and something else
Man, that is one precise right hand. Cool to see your technique.
Love all the content! A question I've been wrestling with of late: Could you do a video on the difference between a preamp, a boost, and an overdrive? Thanks in advance!
Thanks bloke, recently bought a strat copy with a humbucker. Wasn't my choice, but by fuck I'm glad I got it. By the way, Scotland is the only place I've traveled in the world I'd love to visit again. Well done, from Aussie land.
I don't care about any of this shit. I just come here to hear him talk
oughta demonstrate the difference between fully shielded pickups too. Especially Lace Sensors, since they operate differently than normal singles.
Is everyone reading these comments with his accent or just me??
Great job! I have a Fender bullet that I bought in a pawn shop for $70 the other day and it has just one pickup, humbucker, and one volume knob like the one you used in this video with the P90....love the guitar and it is my go to fun guitar for cranking the blues......I was going to put a P90 in it but it sounds so good I am just leaving it alone......so surprised with the sounds I get from it....thanks for the demo.
To compare pickups you should just use nondistorted sound.
I can tell by his t-shirt that he was saying some great stuff. I just couldn't tell by the sounds of the things he said when it went in my ears.
Colin, opinions on Schecter guitars?
Max Waters They've got some thick necks... Other than that they're pretty nice even the lower end schecters.
Xavier Murphy he was asking Colin ...
I don't really have an opinion on them. I've never tried them, mainly because they don't visually appeal to me.
We play a guitar first with our eyes. They could be great, but I'd almost certainly pick up something else first.
Max Waters I was also put off by the looks of them at first, but I decided to try one at the store to see if it was any good. It was one of the lower end 7 strings and I found it played better than any guitar I had played in that same price range, and better than many guitars above it's price range. I recommend you try one out yourself and base your opinion on that
The low end Schecters are ok, but the slightly more expensive ones are very comfotable, good necks. I think ESP has the best necks for seven strings though. Find a store and jam on one, best way to find out
Yo. Seriously thank you for answering a question I’ve always been too embarrassed to ask.
1:16 to 1:33 was such a badass riff
Great video! I never bothered to look up the difference between a P90 (as i've never played a guitar that has had one installed) and the others so this actually helps explain it.
P90s; a " t h e c c " sound
5:17 What's that song?
Now do it without effects
Like most guitarists, I use all three pick up variations on various guitars and I think using effects, whether it be pedals for delay etc or amp distortion makes the comparison null and void. If you had a clean amp set the same for all the pick ups then it would show the true sound. Like the volume difference and the actual sound of the pick ups. Some days I may use a Strat with 3 single coils, other days I may use a Les Paul Junior with a single P90 to play the same songs as once the signal has gone through my pedal board and amps I can get the sound I want.
Next a Strat with Humbucker, P-90 and Single coil configuration...LOL
That sounds like a great idea
That was 6 min. and 40 sec. well spent. Thank you for the education without condensation.
But, you didn't answer the burning question on everyone's minds:
Will It Shred? ;-)
Doinstuffman38 How about "Will it Djent?" instead?
^
I just wanna see if the Hurricane will in fact shred.
Does it go to eleven?
it will....I'm sure it will
Doinstuffman38 Does it Djent? :)
Mini humbuckers are wild.... what about the noiseless single coils? Have those one of mine and they are really clear and bright.
Swear to golly, your accent cracks me up every time. "Sex" pole pieces?? How do you do _that_ ?!
ye stick em into the pickup holes toget the magnetic fluxing
I just have to say I love the ankylosaurus by the candle in the background!
they need youtube in hospitals.
You were adopted.
Yeah, if their WiFi didn't run on a fuckin toaster 99% of the time. No fun having to set the quality to the very lowest for that B.S..
Thanks for putting up some text while you were talking. I couldn't figure out how you could pack 10,000 tonnes of copper wiring into such a little space.
Whqt was the last song he played?
Excellent comparison and explaination!
I use a les paul with three humbuckers now thats a fat sound
Good video. Clear, to the point, without a lot of filler. Good job.
dude if u say "six" like "sex" , how do u say "sex"?
+rumbleish I'm more concerned about how all of you say "six"
5:26 name of the song please!!!!!!
"Sex magnetic pool pieces"
😂 😂 😂
first off, thanks for the tone comparison. I really dig the P90 tone and found your video pretty informative. Secondly, I love your retro sci-fi comic decor.
Humbucker all the way!!
He's way more comfortable with playing humbuckers than the 2 others, personally i think single coils are the most enjoyable to play
Fair enough. I love all the other pick ups for specific purposes but what I play, the hum buckers are the preferred choice.
do any of you know im kind of a beginner to looking in to pickups do you know if humbuckers will be good for playing metallica please and thank you
Metallica has pretty much only used humbuckers for atleast their classic stuff, they may have used teles and strats for their ballads and etc
Gard Høydahl thank you so much ive been using a single coil and have not been satisfied with the sound thx again
So much great info in less than 7 minutes.
Emg's??? Anyone???
Bare Knuckle for the win!
EMG pickups are no different than those listed in this video. Single coil, soap bar, or humbucker. The key difference is that they're fed straight into an impedance matched preamp before the signal ever leaves the guitar.
Showcasing some really cool guitars. Nice licks too, especially the metal riff at the end of the video.
Chad Channing???😏
Holy fucking shit he does look like chad
They all sound good, and they all have there own sonic vibe to them. But after playing guitar for 40 year's, I would say P 90s give me the gritty tone of classic rock and roll, the others are great, but you can get very articulate notes ,and a open natural acoustic sounds with the volume rolled back,then when you turn it up you get a nice aggressive breakup.
Are you on rogaine or something dude? Your hairline looks like it's growing back
I've been pulling less of it out recently. It's good to be chill.
Good response, Colin!
song at 5:17?
*I came here to be reminded of what the 3 different types of guitar pickup sound like. Now I've seen this, I know that my favourite pickup is DEFINITELY the humbucker 'cause they sound nice and thick and loud!! So now I'm definitely gonna replace the 2 single coils in my Telecaster with 2 of those mini humbuckers you said about at the end! XD*
I've read that humbuckers were first implemented by Les Paul (then in Gibsons) to avoid noise generated by single coils. Am I right? If yes, how guitars using single coils (e.g. like Fender) deal with the problem of noise? What is the factor making the noise and is it still the problem of single coils applied in contemporary guitars? Sorry for my poor English.
Thank you
Great, simple and concrete video. With the appropiate technical stuff for the ones like me that are interested in the electronics, and greats demos. Thank you so much for sharing this :)
Regards from Argentina.
I have two single coils one at neck and the middle and my bridge pick up is a humbucker pickup on my fender strat