DU guitarists: questions re: guitar pick-ups

[freethought]

Dear gentlepeoples,

A quick question about electric guitar pick-ups. What exactly is meant by 'active pick-ups'? I might have an idea but I want to confirm it.

What is the advantage over 'inactive' or 'unactive' pick-ups. Less buzz? Do they have more a heavy metal "crunch" when you hit that distortion pedal?

Thanx in advance!

[ProfessorGAC]

1. It Depends

Normally, one can consider active pick-ups to have a little more output, and most of them have a more balanced tone. But, since they cost more, i think the designers intend that to justify the extra price.

Presonally, i can't really hear enough difference to justify the difference in price as long as what's one my instruments are good pick-ups. I know bass players tend to like them, but i've got Fender Vintage noiseless on my bass, and i can't believe i would ever care enough about a "better" bass tone to bother. My friend has a Tobias and a Warwick with active pickups. And, they are a little louder and have a little more snap in the high end. But, i don't really want to have my bass sound like that. And, my amp is WAY powerful enough to not need that little extra oomph!

On guitars, i honestly can't hear enough difference for any application. But, that's gonna be a matter of taste.
The Professor

[BlueEyedSon]

2. Realizing your battery is dead 5 minutes before showtime is always

a joy....

[freethought]

3. So far all I have been able to find out

is that active pick-ups have a better sound when you playing under heavy distortion.
Not really what I am looking for right now. I have been scouring websites listening to their samples. Seymour Duncan has some pick-ups that sound pretty nice. I am looking for a nice bright bluesy sound. Some the twin-rail pickups lack the brightness I want. The "Duckbuckers" sounded nice
I did find a company called Kinman (I think)that had some products of interest. Only problem is that they are Australian and I can't find anyone over here who carries them.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Again, I Think That's A Matter Of Taste and Opinion

There are many, many, great sounded passive pickups for distortion. I've got Duncans on both of my humbucker-only guitars, (that are use for a saturated tone) and neither are active pick-ups. They are as sweet sounding as can be with almost no rough edges, but plenty of output. So, i think it's strictly a matter of what one's ear likes the best.

The Professor

[freethought]

5. Good Advice! Thanks. Still that leaves me with dilemna

I have been researching the web and articles and listening to sound clips.
I have, for the most part, narrowed down three makes of pickups. Two types from Seymour Duncan and a set from Kinman. Sorry, building three guitars for each set isn't an option. It makes it hard to decide.

Thanks Man!

[Angry Girl]

6. Seymour Duncans are outstanding and will never disappoint

Good luck!

[Jamastiene]

7. Active pickups are a pain. I can say that much.

I have an active pickup on my acoustic. None of my electric guitar have them. I will say one thing. I despise the active pickup on my acoustic. I mic it when I want it to be heard. It requires a 9 volt battery. The only purpose for that in this situation is for the 2 band EQ. I wonder why they bothered. I want it to sound better, so I use a condenser on it. Otherwise, I don't even use the pickup for it.

Generally, there is always extra wiring involved with active pickups and they do add some more features, but if you can get something that will work for you in the passive form, you will be happier in the long run, IMHO.

Seymour Duncan is great, btw. Also, it wouldn't hurt to check out Dimarzio pickups too. They also have some great ones.