1 Topic by macg1 (edited by macg1 2013-01-08 12:43:35)

  • macg1
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Topic: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

So I am on a total Dickey Betts kick as of late.  His GT into a Marshall is just a fantastic sonic characteristic specially the '91 show at Ohne Filter (see youtube).  I just don't know he manages such a nice trebly, yet pleasant sound (with some hair on it if he digs in) using the middle and  neck position pickup mostly.  I know he plugs his prized GT, into a Marshall and a cab loaded with JBL's.  I know also that people like WCR, Sheptone, Bareknuckle, wind pickups to emulate his tone.  Currently, my LP has a 57 classic, and a 57 classic plus.  How different do you all think these 57's are from the other brands?  I am guessing Dickey's GT is a 57 as well so hopefully gibson replicated those parameters?  Anyhow, I have found that some old LP/GT have a nice to endy sound to them, even on the neck PUP.  Wondering if i should try one of those Betts-specific PUP's.

edited to remove word "tone" to avoid all of the "tone is in the fingers" comments.  I shall now refer to tone using the formula:

Tone = (Sound + Style)

-sound or sonic characteristic, incorporates the element of gear.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Detroit
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Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

'57 classic and pluses are awesome pickups.
the other boutique pickups will get you a different sound, but they might not give you the tone you want. Some Lesters are brighter or darker than others. Find out what yours sounds like acoustically and go from there.

The more trebly, the lower the resistance. You might want to stick with an A5 magnet (instead of A2, which is in sheik) and go for an underwound humbucker (even though overwounds are in sheik) 7.0-7.5k is what I'd get a nice chimey humbucker you're looking for.

Forget about fingers, nobody sells those. cool

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • macg1
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Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

ha, i am sure i can get some fingers in Asia :-P  Nic, that is interesting about your view on the A5.  I would think for sure the A2 magnets would give a more hollow sound with less mids (like the Bareknuckle Stormy Monday set).  Indeed underwound is the way to go, but the 57's aren't hot...  maybe not as low as 7 but i thought between 7.4-7.8.  I had thought that the A2, with a more mid-scooped sound along with a british amp (which are mid heavy, or can be compared to Fender) would get close to the Betts thing.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
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Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

A2's are weaker. A5's are stronger.
A2's are arguably duller than A5's which are more brighter.
I've been winding pickups for two years, and can barely tell the difference... but when it's "right", it's "right"

Even so, most of Gibsons receipts show that the majority of magnets ordered back in the day were A4's. I would vouch for those too, as I've like all the pickups I've played with A4's.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Prince George, Va.
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 237

Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

Interesting I ran into this as I was on my own Allman Bros kick earlier this evening and after playing found this on the Gibson site, an interview with Dickey on the SG made by Gibson and he talks about his sound a little bit on both the SG and Goldie. Might interest you.

http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/F … -2011.aspx

Got a new 72 SG years ago because of the Brothers and to me Joe reminds me of the guitar playing I heard from them. Can't quite put my finger on what it is but it's there to me anyway. Good luck in your quest. Not doing bad with my SG and Marshall of getting the tone.

  • macg1
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Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

Yeah a Marshall with JBL speaker cab would certainly get closer the sonic properties.  I did a bit of digging and discovered that the DB LP made in the early 2000's had 57 classic pickups, so I got that covered.  Pretty sure that with a good EQ pedal, I can achieve a closer match.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • macg1
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Re: Dickey Betts sonic characteristicc, PUP content. Gibson vs. Boutique.

and it's all in the EQ.  Nailed it with my rig!  Needs to be loud but it's there.  EQ really is the skeleton key to just about any signature tone.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint