PAF vs. FRED - ...as long as there's been a lotta pickup tal

[kennydoe]

I was reading on the DiMarzio site, checking something for Guitarlos's 7dbk thread and I stumbled on the description of the Fred p'up.

I would consider replacing the PAF in my BFP with a Fred since it boasts some hotter gain...

It would be cohabitating with an Evo Bridge and a Virtual 2 middle.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience w/ Freds?

~Kenny

[Jay Satriani]

I have a FRED installed in my Strat, and it works great. Initially i wasnt so very happy with it, because i think the pickup i had before that had even more output, so at first i thougt it was a bit lame, and had a lack of flow/sustain.. *But after getting used to it, i like it... The harmonics jumps out of this baby instantly when you call for it.. And the sound (when heavily distorted) is really a modern very nice lead. I guess it takes some time before you get used to a new pickupp...

(Edited by Jay Satriani at 11:23 pm on Dec. 6, 2001)

[trouble311]

I think they both sound great.....the FRED is just as smooth as the PAF, but it just has the potential to sound better overdriven....for bridge position, I say FRED....it would work in the neck, too, but it would be kind of an overkill....for neck, PAF....or Air Norton, even better....all the Airbuckers sound great

[ripl3y]

If you do Kenny can you post a sound sample if poss.

I too am putting a FRED in the neck (with TZ bridge) but won't be for a couple of months yet.

Cheers
Steve

[kennydoe]

It was just a thought - I don't know if i'm actually going to do it - not sure if i can return a special order pickup if i don't like it (it would have to be light blue).

I just saw 'hotter gain than a PAF' and the wheels started turning. *So Steve, can YOU please buy one and record it for ME? *

Unless somebody says to me "The FRED kicks ass over the pAF in every aspect and is the ideal pickup for the neck position', i'll probably just stay put. *I don't like to mess wtih success.

I'm still waiting
~kenny

[ripl3y]

If you can hang on the yeah sure.

I've always been a FRED fan (only tasted it in the bridge though) and looking at outputs and qualitites I think it'd make a good balance to a TZ bridge.

Stay tuned.

Steve

[Jay Satriani]

Take a listen to some Satch tunes. Like good old "echo" one extra time.. *But if you where to put it in the neck.. humm...

[Scott 74]

I love the FRED but I've only had it in the bridge position. I say go for it. If it doesn't work rip the bridge pup out of something else and throw it in, or save it for a new project. Of course you have to let us all know how it sounds!