Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2007 18:16:43 GMT -7
Ok, so I finally got the guitar back with the pickup installed! This pickup replaced a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickup. Got home, plugged it into the Maz, and off we go. Ok, first thing I noticed right away.......this pickup plays very nicely with the Maz. Usually I need to mess with the settings on the Maz to find a humbucker sound I like, but as soon as I plugged in the guitar I was pleased, and it took very little fine tuning to dial in the optimal sound I was looking for (early EVH). With my Ultimate Attenuator, I ran the Maz flat out so I could get the most gain out of the amp.......Volume was max, master volume around 4 o'clock. At these settings, this pickup was VERY clear and defined. There was no mudiness at all, and power chords sounded incredible. You could hear each and every note ring loud and clear. This already makes it a step above the Pearly Gates in that respect. I then proceeded to run through some VH tunes.......First one I played was Unchained, followed by Panama, and then Jamie's Cryin'.......the EVH vibe was definitely present. I am by no means as skilled as Eddie, but I have been playing Van Halen tunes for the last 10 years of my life, and I think I am pretty decent at playing his stuff. I can honestly say that "his tone" is definitely there. It is a very "alive" pickup. I would say that its predominant characteristic is that its very smooth in the midrange. Also, it cleans up VERY well when you turn down the volume. I don't really write gear reviews, nor am I the kind of guy to gush about something on a regular basis. This pickup, however, deserves my praise. Does it make you sound EXACTLY like Eddie? Of course not! Does it get you the VH vibe and feel? Absolutely. I think this pickup is a great match for the Maz Jr. If anyone else has questions, just ask!