string seperation

Chuck Thompson · From: Illinois, USA

ok
what most affects string separation? Is it technique? strings? eq? the guitar? fx? the amp? combination? other?

What can I do to increase apparent string separation?

Peter den Hartogh · From: Cape Town, South Africa

Hi Chuck, when I installed an Alumitone pickup on my Sho-Bud professional SD10 a noticed a substantial increase in string separation. I am sure that other factors can also contribute, but this pickup was a real ear-opener. I took it off to test a TruTone as well but there was too much hum. So the Alumitone is back on now.

This might not apply to your guitar.
_________________
1977 Sho~Bud D10 ProIII Custom; Sho~Bud SD10 The Professional ; ETS S10 5x5;
Fender 1000; 1993 Remington U12; 1978 Emmons S10 P/P; GeorgeB Weissenborn;
Fluger Cat-Can; Asher Electro Hawaiian; Gibson BR4; Fender FS52; Guyatone 8str;
Fender Resonator ; Epiphone Coronet 1937; Rickenbacher Ace; Rickenbacher NS;
Dynalap 8string; Harbor Lights 8string; Aiersi Tri-Cone; Fender Stringmaster

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Clarity or definition between strings is probably most affected by the pickup. That was the first thing I noticed when I switched from the original Bill Lawrence 705's that came on my Franklin to the Bill Lawrence 710's. There wasn't any change in characteristic guitar tone but there was more "string separation".

After the pickup, the amplifier is probably next.

Chuck Thompson · From: Illinois, USA

thanks guys

I am happy with my mullen w/stock p/u but i am not afraid to be happier Very Happy

I have a true tone and BL710

I may swap em out and compare.

Dan Beller-McKenna · From: Durham, New Hampshire, USA

Peter,

your avatar might drive me batty. Laughing

Dan

Peter den Hartogh · From: Cape Town, South Africa

That's the whole idea

David Mason · From: Cambridge, MD, USA

What is "string separation?" I've heard the term for years, and I can't possibly imagine that it's not a technique thing. Or if one pickup "helps" you hear two or more notes, it's because of a proportional difference in certain mids and highs in the pickup's output.

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

I think that string separation is all about getting enough high frequency content (overtones) in the lower notes on wound stings to give them good definition while at the same time not giving you too harsh and biting response from high notes on plain strings. Its always been a balancing act and ongoing compromise that is affected by the guitar,pickup,strings,amp,speaker, and hands. The end result is only as good as the weakest link in this case. Just my 2 cents.

Chuck Thompson · From: Illinois, USA

David
I hope my understanding of it is right. What I mean is clarity that makes all of the notes intelligable low end to high like Gary said w/o muddy lows and shrill or weak highs.

Something that stands out as clear as Peter's bugs Laughing

A clarity that makes the subtle moves on the steel stand out.

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

It's mainly a result of the guitar's design and construction. You can make some improvement with a pickup but that's not where it's mainly coming from.

Ray McCarthy · From: New Hampshire, USA

I think a perfect example of good string separation is on Tammy Wynette's "You and Me". I don't know who the steeler was, but you can easily hear each string seperately rather than just a blur.

Ken Byng · From: Southampton, England

Darrell Grigsby · From: Jonesburg, Missouri

When attending the St. Louis Convention--I heard
Tommy Dodd and noticed a distint difference in his
sound. I asked him, what was the difference. He said
it was several things, in his equipment. I asked
what. He said: the alumitone pickup, teloncs pedal, a
and of cource the Mullen G2.
Well, I had two of the items (telonics pedal and
Mullen G2) I asked about the Alumitone pickup. I
bought one and installed it. It made the difference,
for me. I quit using my Sarno Classic pre amp. and
still got the sound I wanted.

This is just me and my setup--you may have different
results.

Darrell

Carl Kilmer · From: East Central, Illinois

I have an Alumitone P/U on both of my Rittenberry's
and they are the cleanest sounding pickups I've had.
Gary put one on my new Ritt Tuesday and it sure made
a big difference in the sound & separation to my ears.
He played both of my Ritt's using my Walker Stereo
Steel amp, and I couldn't believe that sound he got,
but he can really play a lot better than I can.
Carl
_________________
aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal

Chuck Thompson · From: Illinois, USA

Darrell
Does the Alumitone fit the G2 without modification of the steel?

Darrell Grigsby · From: Jonesburg, Missouri

Chuck,

I bought the Alumitone pickup from Tommy Dodd.
He told me that the mounting plate was made
special. It came as a unit, from him.
It fit in the opening ok. The problem that I had
was getting it set to the proper height. I
believe I had to use washers, on the screws, for
the proper height. Now, the adjustment is all the
way down.

Hope this helps
Darrell

Bill Moran · From: Virginia, USA

Chuck, I put a 710 in my HWP Mullen thinking I would like it better. Well, I plan to put the Herby pickup's back in. The 710's sound good but the stock HWP's just have something the 710's can't produce.
If you have a Pre RP or a RP Mullen find you some 22,000 ohm single coil Mullen pickups or have some wound. You will be a happy camper and still have money in your pocket.
The 710's are fine pickups and work well in most guitars. I just like the Herby pickups in my Mullen and I have heard other Mullen owners say the same. Oh Well

_________________
Bill

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