H575 my very first electric, have question

[Thomphoto]

I have been playing accoustic flattop for over 60 years, and this new H575 is my first electric, and I have a question concerning the two pickups. Generally, which pickup is used for lead, and which for just rhythm? Or does it make any difference? Thanks much.

[peterbright]

In general, bridge pickup for lead and neck pickup for rhythym

[Vanschoyck]

Mix, match, season to taste. I have a similar guitar (es 175) and I never use the bridge pickup ever.

[Thomphoto]

Thanks

In general, bridge pickup for lead and neck pickup for rhythym

Thanks.

[drfie]

Mix, match, season to taste. I have a similar guitar (es 175) and I never use the bridge pickup ever.

 

+1. I have an Eagle with just a neck pickup and I get everything I need with it. But the important thing is to do what sounds right to YOU. If you want to play lead on the neck, go for it. The bridge is more trebly by the very nature of things so it cuts through everything else better, but there are no rules for what is the right thing to do.

[dbetts41]

I guess it depends on which setting you think sounds best... I rarely use the bridge pickup on any guitar... the neck sounds warmer to me.

[Gitfiddler]

Most jazz players use the neck pickup for leads on an archtop such as your 575.

 

To bring a bit more treble into the mix, flip the toggle switch to the middle position to engage both pickups. Then roll back the treble pots until you have the tone you prefer. Since you came from a flat top background, you might prefer more note clarity. The middle position is your best friend!

 

The fun is the search for your desired tone. You have a very versatile instrument. Enjoy the knob twisting.

[skydog]

There; does that clear things up?

[rockabilly69]

There are no rules to what pickup sounds best for lead or rhythm. It's all a matter of what's more musical for the song.

[TalismanRich]

I generally use my neck pickup or a blend, but last year at the PSP jam, I kicked it on to the bridge with a bit of tube screamer and it sounded good and raunchy. Its not the type of thing you want for playing Misty, but if you're rocking out on some Allman Bros, it works!

[Stringman]

I'll add an agreement that "it is a matter of taste, song and what sound appropriate". I'm not a big fan of the bridge pickup on any guitar. Perhaps if I performed more distortion heavy stuff I'd use the bridge pickup more than I do now, but I'm more into the mellow tones in the neck pickup.

 

So, the first poster was right: "Rule O thumb: neck for rhythm and bridge for lead", but they threw away the rule book years ago and it's really a matter of what sounds best TO YOU. The good part is, there are no wrong answers.

 

Best of luck.

[ToneZone]

The other factor would be your amplifier settings. As a general rule, set your tone settings at "5" and make your adjustments from there.

[yuominae]

As said above I usually prefer the bridge for chords with distortion as it doesn't sound as muddy as the neck. But the neck packs more punch and sounds creamier for solos. Never really use both pickups together.

 

There are so many ways there are to use two pickups

[Thomphoto]

Thanks to all responders. I play mostly old classic country, and some old standards like "Five Foot Two" and "Up The Lazy River". I'm finding that I like the neck pu for rythmn and bridge for lead as a few of you suggested. I really appreciate the help here on the forum, and am really enjoying the H575.

[peterbright]

 

it's a great guitar...enjoy her.

[Vanschoyck]

Did you decide to sell this guitar? I saw one on Ebay and I wonder if it's yours.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191243827993?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[jrfreed]

 

 

 

Most jazz players use the neck pickup for leads on an archtop such as your 575.

 

To bring a bit more treble into the mix, flip the toggle switch to the middle position to engage both pickups. Then roll back the treble pots until you have the tone you prefer. Since you came from a flat top background, you might prefer more note clarity. The middle position is your best friend!

 

The fun is the search for your desired tone. You have a very versatile instrument. Enjoy the knob twisting.

 

Great advice...Neck and middle positions only for me

[barrymclark]

Neck almost entirely for me. Sometimes middle. I will rarely do bridge with the tone and volume rolled back.

[Steiner]

Hey ThomPhoto - I got out about 2/3 of your time with only acoustics. The 575 was my first electric too! Have I complimented you on your fine taste? If you want a smooth, louder guitar, I found the Fender Twin gets you in that territory. What I really enjoy about the 575 is that it's a hoot to play through high gain amps too. Enjoy!