Postby Tube_Tone » 21 Sep 2011, 10:11
I have an Emerald in the neck of a g&l legacy. I put a reverse wound Silver in the middle spot and a Dimarzio Tone Zone Strat in the bridge. The Dimarzio I like, the Emerald I really like, the silver dissapoints.
The Emerald although a low outpoint, sounds open and beautiful. The Silver, with more winds, isn't warmer, it sounds compressed and tiny (small).
I have Hot Golds in another Guitar, and I believe I am growing to like the Emerald more than the Hot Gold.
I don't currently have any vintage style alnico pups in a strat, so I can't offer that comparison, but for me, the Emerald sounds vintagy, with Lace qualities to it. I know that won't help if you haven't played any lace pickups before, but that's the best I can offer!
In the discussion about noiseless single coils remember that the lace isn't a humbucking pickup with any type of noise canceling second coil. That second coil and the way it is wired is what costs most noise canceling designs their authenticity. Some are more succesful than others, and more and more players are willing for the trade-off to get rid of the hum. The Lace design is quiet by design while still being a true single coil. That doesn't mean you'll like it, but it is something to keep in mind if you are intent on keeping the same harmonic signature of a true single coil.