Q: "I have the same type of pickups equipped on two of my guitars but they sound different. Why is that?" A: While pickups play a huge role in the sound of an electric guitar, they are not the only pieces that affect tone. In fact, a good deal of the entire guitar can play a role, be it big or small. One of the more prominent parts of a guitar that has a role in its sound aside from pickups is the body wood. Generally speaking, lighter woods tend to create a smoother sound while heavier woods might make pickups sound thicker and brighter. The type of neck-joint can also play a role. A set-neck for example is said to yield a warm tone and good sustain. Even certain aspects that you might have never considered such as the frets, type of bridge, pots, string gauge and even the type of material used in its finish may have an effect on the way a pickup will sound in a guitar, not to mention the entire weight of the completed instrument. Because of all of these variables, it’s not too surprising that you’re getting different tones with the same type of pickups.

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