Morse Signature Bridge Pickup Suggestions?

[dmorris]

I just got a MM Morse signature... I am really excited about this guitar; everything about it is not-like-any-other-guitar, and the switching system is a geek's dream come true.

Here's the one thing I _don't_ like about it so far... I play a mix of clean or light-gain stuff (for which this guitar feels great), and higher-gain classic/hard rock, and find that the bridge humbucker - where I'd normally go for a nice hard riffing sound - is just too super-high-midrange-y for my ears. With a lot of gain (probably more than Morse uses) (though it's not like I'm playing death metal), I find this just isn't the right pickup. Rolling off the tone helps a little, but it's not just too bright, it really lacks bass for me.

Not surprising here: it's a light poplar body and a ceramic magnet, so no big surprise that I get a really bright sound from the bridge pup.

So I'm thinking of replacing it with something that is warmer, something with more of a rock tone. I'm a fan of Duncans, and was wondering if anyone had tried a JB or an Alnico II Pro in the bridge of this guitar? I'm not as familiar with the DiMarzio line, can anyone recommend a rough equivalent that I might look at?

Thanks!

-Dan

 

[emanon]

Cue - "Those pickups were specifically chosen for that guitar and I love them wouldn't mess with them"

 

[Colin]

Dan, welcome to the best forum on the planet. If you want to sell your Morse pickups just let me know.... and don't forget to post pics of your guitar

 

[fbecir]

Hello Dan

The Morse is a wonderful guitar. The choice made by Steve Morse regarding the pickups are a bit unusual at first. It takes some time for really "mastering" the beast.
You can try to change the pickup height, but I would suggest first to try to tune your effects or amp in order to find the setting really adapted to your guitar. Personally, it took me quite some time to achieve exactly what I want. But now, I understand the logic.
I play also quite a lot of high gain stuff and my Morse is really perfect.

 

[beej]

I personally like the Morse bridge bucker, a lot. I don't play a lot of high gain stuff, it's mostly crunch, and I find it suits it perfectly. There is a lot of midrange, but that's what cuts through in a band situation. (What sounds great at home doesn't always work in a band context).

There are a zillion pickups out there, so I'm sure you can find something that suits your sound. But I'd encourage you to stick with it a while, play with your amps EQ etc and see if you bond with it first.