Low v high output pups for down tuning?

[Frank1985]

What is everyone's thoughts on tuning down low (i.e c standard) with low output A2 PAFs Vs high output A5s? I've always used alnico ii's (dr.vintage) in standard tuning - I love that sound (I can only describe it as fat and smokey). I found all the other grades, especially A5, lacking. That being said, i've read conflicting information over what works best for down tuned guitars. For example I've read that both alnico ii's and Vs better preserve the high frequencies..? That would obviously be advantageous but which would give the best results in this regard? Should I get another set of Dr vintage or try out the hotter Marshallheads?

I'm using a Les Paul and play hard bluesy, doomy rock.

 

[ARandall]

Low output pickups tend to have a fairly loose bass response, irrespective of magnet. I'm really talking 'PAF type' here.
If you go something designed say by Bill Lawrence and low output then you'd probably find a tighter low end and a fairly even frequency response which would probably be tight enough for super low tuning. Also there are fairly aggressive mid output pickups that will deal with the low end too.

 

[Cinegoat]

I always prefer low output pickups over high. I think this day and age it's relatively easy to add gain, harder to take away. That being said, Your mileage may vary. No two PAF's are the same, low output can be looser feeling and might not get you where you want with your rig.

For Doom / Sludge stuff, it also depends on what sound you want. Conan? Elder? Pallbearer? All Them Witches?

For me versatility is key, a sound I like clean is key, a good amount of compression and woodiness and quack is key.

 

[filtersweep]

Doom? My opinion: less is more. I never run my vol pot at full with a fuzz on. The best tone hits before full max. I also lower the pickups a bit.

But I usually run full tone control. Some doom likes to filter out highs— not me.

 

[Shelkonnery]

In my experience Alnico II does work well for downtuning (C Standard/ Drop A#), but the sweet spot is a bright Alnico V pickup, as you get all the punch and tight low end you might miss with Alnico II in this setup.

There’s a bunch of great Ceramic pickups that do the job as well, but those are usually one trick ponies.

You might want to check out which pickups and amps are used by bands you like the tone of as a starting point.

 

[Frank1985]

I always prefer low output pickups over high. I think this day and age it's relatively easy to add gain, harder to take away. That being said, Your mileage may vary. No two PAF's are the same, low output can be looser feeling and might not get you where you want with your rig.

For Doom / Sludge stuff, it also depends on what sound you want. Conan? Elder? Pallbearer? All Them Witches?

For me versatility is key, a sound I like clean is key, a good amount of compression and woodiness and quack is key.

I guess I'm leaning more towards a looser feel - more weight and less tightness. More Conan I guess than ATW, as much as I love the latter. Like you say versatility is key and perhaps going the route of a low output paf which can give a nice clean platform for pedals is the best way to go. Maybe another set of Dr vintage...or some boutique 57s from a local UK builder....

 

[Frank1985]

Low output pickups tend to have a fairly loose bass response, irrespective of magnet. I'm really talking 'PAF type' here.
If you go something designed say by Bill Lawrence and low output then you'd probably find a tighter low end and a fairly even frequency response which would probably be tight enough for super low tuning. Also there are fairly aggressive mid output pickups that will deal with the low end too.

Any specific BL pups you recommend checking out?

 

[ARandall]

No, I'm unfortunately not much of a connoisseur of his pickups....save for having some original Tarbacks in an 80's SG.