Choosing the right PJ Pickups...

[Meg Learmonth]

Hi all,

Realise there are probably a million posts about this, apologies to add to the pile but none of the posts I've found have been all that helpful for the sound I want;

I'm looking for a warm, rich, thick tone that also has great versatility.

So far I've looked into the Aguilar AG 4 P/J HC and they seem great, but I've also heard great things about Bartolini. If you have any suggestions that can help my decision that'd be appreciated.

I only really want passive pickups as I don't have much experience with active.

(Also bear in mind I'm based in the UK so I'd prefer to not have to import anything!)

Thanks!

 

[JRA]

I'm looking for a warm, rich, thick tone that also has great versatility.

who isn't? also: it's confusing for me to read "warm, rich, thick" coupled with "great versatility" as it seems to me that having one of those may compromise some aspect of the other.

all but one of my axes are PJs, and three of them are passive: what i've learned having three passive PJs = if the preamps/controls are the same then all the various pickup choices will sound different. if the pickup choices are the same then the various preamp/control choices will sound different. but the relationship between pickup and preamp choices is where the rubber meets the road. (also, as variables: include your technique, EQ, amp, etc.)

so: you might give some thought to passive preamps which tout the qualities you want...in addition to any particular pickup which touts the same. in any case = you won't know if it's what you want until you try it. good luck on your quest!