Fixed (Set) vs. Floating Pickups in Jazz Archtop Guitars

Jazz archtop guitar pickups comparison floating versus fixed. There are two options available while choosing the correct pickup in an arch top guitar - a set pick up, also known as fixed or a floating pickup. It is important to know which one suits your style before you purchase a jazz archtop guitar. In this video we explore the differences between them and let you listen to samples of each. If you are in the market for an archtop guitar, call the experts at Sound Pure and they will give you the best help and advice in picking out the perfect guitar to suit your needs. Call or email today!

[thomasswietlik]

This is as clear, informative, and professional as it gets on youtube or anywhere I've seen. I went through this exact decision when getting my first (since solved by getting one of each, of course ;-) but the playing is spot-on what's needed. Hope this earns you a lot of business - you deserve it.

[Gkm]

Great vid. I see I’m late to the party, but glad I came nonetheless. I have a floating pickup Eastman that I love. Sounds very much like the one in this vid. The set pickup Pisano in the vid also sounds amazing.

[soundpurestudios]

@SIRONEDRAGON It's our pleasure, lots more archtop vids are coming soon!

[soundpurestudios]

@Gigo312 You can install a pickup on just about any guitar! electric or acoustic. There are some factors involved, such as what kind of pickup, which position you install in (bass mid or treble) and if you would prefer a pickup as apposed to simply sticking a good microphone in front of your acoustic. Many choices! glad the video helped you consider this project

[soundpurestudios]

@samship8 yes, there can be a little more noise with the floating pickup, but it really depends on the brand. Many people replace the pickup in an eastman archtop the minute they get it. There are some great choices out there that will improve the overall tone. Thanks for the kind words about our videos! We'll keep 'em comin!

[soundpurestudios]

Thank you very much! We believe the best way to learn is to create an open forum were information can be shared.

[soundpurestudios]

@ButchBolesGuitar Thanks so much for saying so. Please let us know if we can help, anytime!

[soundpurestudios]

@GrumpyMJK Thanks a lot for the very nice comment!

[soundpurestudios]

@bhstephe Thanks for the very nice comment, have a great weekend!

[BlackCatFriday]

This video was very helpful for me. I have a Esp LTD arc 6. It had a preamp and piezo pickup on it which isn’t working anymore. I am planning to install a fixed pickup on it. Maybe neck and bridge both.

[soundpurestudios]

@jamestdawson It's our pleasure- thanks for the very nice comment, and look out for some more videos coming soon on Archtop guitars

[soundpurestudios]

@danielorp Thanks for the nice comment!

[soundpurestudios]

@natedog642 All Eastman archtops come with Kent Armstrong pickups. Nice warm jazz tone! If you have any other questions, let us know! Thanks

[soundpurestudios]

@metalcore929 Thanks! It's true though, and when the instruments are of a high level of quality (as it is in this case), it really just boils down to your personal preference. We hope our videos are helpful to people who might not be able to make these sort of comparisons themselves!

[soundpurestudios]

@cvgbbc Did you check out the recording technique video just posted? As far as amps are concerened, we sell all but the JazzKat. The little Henriksen is incredible for accurate reproduction, in a less expensive pacakge, the AI and AER amps have a great clean tone with lots of features in a nice package, and of course the Evans has that great warmth and coloration control to dial in a different kind of exceptional tone. A cross-sectional video could be useful, but there are so many models!

[natedog]

What are the pickups in the Fixed Pickup guitar? The sound is amazing!

[soundpurestudios]

@pickinstone Thanks for your input on the acoustic qualities of the archtop! It's true, they achieve much more than just a great plugged in tone. The 605 and 905 are great choices for purely acoustic archtop tone.

[garymcaleer]

Good post. The archtop of choice deserves the finest rosewood and spruce used in the great classical guitars. Coupled with the great "Rhythm Chief" by Dearmond the acoustic and amped resonance will surpass every other arrangement. Few sounds caress the acoustic nerve without a trace of listening fatigue. And those woods in both classical & jazz meet the superlative standard.

[ButchBolesGuitar]

@soundpurestudios; You guys are one of my favorite youtube destinations, I only wish I lived near by so I cold visit. You always have great reviews and cool stuff to present. I refer others to your store often. Always very professional and I am shocked that you read my response! LOL. Best wishes to you all and continued success.

[soundpurestudios]

@ButchBolesGuitar Sorry if it wasn't 100% clear that we were speaking in generalities. We completely agree with you. We are in the business of splitting hairs here, but really this video was designed to put it out there so that people comparing two identical guitars with two completely different pickup decisions might get some idea of differences that they could anticipate- obviously, the comparison between two different guitars is one entirely based on tone- absolutely. Thanks for clarifying