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Well we all know how tube amps sound best cranked, which is how I use them. So I'm wondering, with respect to high output/distortion pickups versus lower output: would a higher output pickup actually drive the tubes harder, or is it just a perceived volume increase? On another note, do you think a lower output pickup may work better comparatively because to get at the same volume as a high output pickup, you'd need to turn the amp up louder, thus driving the tubes harder?


Originally Posted by DankerellaWell we all know how tube amps sound best cranked, which is how I use them. So I'm wondering, with respect to high output/distortion pickups versus lower output: would a higher output pickup actually drive the tubes harder, or is it just a perceived volume increase? On another note, do you think a lower output pickup may work better comparatively because to get at the same volume as a high output pickup, you'd need to turn the amp up louder, thus driving the tubes harder?

what happens is if you play with say a medium gain amp like a JCM 800
and use no overdrive pedal a high output pup will hit the preamp stage of the amp with more millivolts and in turn this creates more distortion
NO pup itself is DISTORTED(this is a myth)
lower output pups will not hit the preamp stage of the amp with as many millivolts and in turn
do not create as much overdrive.
I love a pup like the EMG 81 or duncan distortion through high or meduim gain amps due to the fact that both have power but keep a clean type tone.
'this is because both of these pups have real good clarity.
i dont care for lower output pups,they have the clarity but not the balls

Hmm.. I personnaly prefer low output HBs for their exceptionnal clarity and definition, and dynamics.

Power tubes will distort when cranked AND driven hard. If you apply a weak signal, you wont get overdrive.