Matching Neck And Bridge Pickups

[cdoasis]

Hi everyone,

I'm just curious, how important is it exactly to match the neck and bridge pickups in a guitar? Such as, using the neck and bridge pickup of the same model, or using the same brand? I understand that it will sound more uniform (I would think), while if you used very different pickups you'd have more of a variety of sounds.

What's everyone's opinion on this?

[CrazyManAndy]

A lot of people like to use different models or brands of pickups to get a variety of sounds. That isn't really an issue. I think the primary thing you want to watch out for is volume differences. You don't want to switch from one pickup to another and have to fiddle with the volume every time.

CMA

[GregP]

Sometimes people want the volume difference when they kick in a different pickup. Overdrives the amp differently as well as producing different levels (well, depending on how much the amp 'compresses' the sound as it distorts). I say it's not all that important to have them match, but it *IS* important to know what your goals are. CMA's right about the more common approach, though... If you WANT them to be the same level, more care should be taken, and that's why many companies offer calibrated sets.