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volume pick ups


youngie
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This may be a silly question, but on my ibanez, i have two volume controls, now im assuming that one is for the bridge p up and one is for the neck p up. Is there a reason for this, arent they technically near enought the same sound?

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[quote name='youngie' post='536379' date='Jul 9 2009, 12:49 PM']This may be a silly question, but on my ibanez, i have two volume controls, now im assuming that one is for the bridge p up and one is for the neck p up. Is there a reason for this, arent they technically near enought the same sound?[/quote]

If they were near enough the same sound then why would you have two pickups when one would do? Bridge pckup gives a brighter sound, neck pickup gives a bassier sound. Having two volumes (or a master and blend) allows you to blend them together and get different range of sounds. Which ibby do you have?

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[quote name='Spartacus' post='536388' date='Jul 9 2009, 12:57 PM']If they were near enough the same sound then why would you have two pickups when one would do?[/quote]

thats what im asking, just always wondered to be honest

gsr 180. absolutely stunning bass for the money,

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Why don't you turn one off, then the other, then you will see how different they sound.

In general terms ..

The neck (Yanks call it the "front") pickup should be lovely and warm, deep and rich with not much treble, best pup for Reggae.

The bridge (guess what, Yanks call it the "back") pickup should be more trebly, quacky or barky with not as much bass. Best pup for metal and rock.

Then dick around with the volume levels both on until you get a balance you like.

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[quote name='silddx' post='536413' date='Jul 9 2009, 01:21 PM']Why don't you turn one off, then the other, then you will see how different they sound.

In general terms ..

The neck (Yanks call it the "front") pickup should be lovely and warm, deep and rich with not much treble, best pup for Reggae.

The bridge (guess what, Yanks call it the "back") pickup should be more trebly, quacky or barky with not as much bass. Best pup for metal and rock.

Then dick around with the volume levels both on until you get a balance you like.[/quote]

aye ive had a look, just didnt realise there was a difference like you explained.

Ta for the info

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[quote name='youngie' post='536422' date='Jul 9 2009, 01:26 PM']aye ive had a look, just didnt realise there was a difference like you explained.

Ta for the info[/quote]

The difference in sound is because the amplitude of the vibrating string is smallest at the ends and widest in the middle. Therefore the pickup nearer the middle will have a fatter sound. That's the simple explanation.

With your bass unamplified, get a pick or your fingernail and pluck the string right near the bridge saddle, then pluck the string near the neck/body join. You'll hear a very pronounced difference in tone. From a plink at the bridge to a boom near the neck.

Edited by silddx
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