Tribute Fallout humbucker swap

[ilbelva]

Hi guys,
I'm an happy owner of a Tribute Fallout, I already modded the circuit about an year ago to best suit my "needs":

1. New alpha log pots (harder to move, no push/pull and a variable treble bleed)
2. "Bright" switch on P90 (high pass filter, I love to use it with overdrive, it really demuds the pu)
3. Series/parallel switch on the Humbucker (I don't like push/pull and I slightly prefer the parallel position than the single one)
4. Black pot covers (I simply prefer this colour on this guitar)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/OpvfXf3ynOMNpQ1J2

I'm pretty happy with the mods, they really work great and now I'm planning some others: first I want to swap the humbucker with a slightly brighter one, the problem is that I'm not a grat expert and I need your help. The tribute Fallout has got an G&L AW4470B humbucker in the bridge position, but I couldn't find many info on it:

• http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?p=37
• http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic ... 13&t=13821

G&L Humbucker AW4470B = 17.05k ohms
G&L P-90 AP4285B = 7.53k ohms

As you can see the impedance are very umbalanced (in the middle switch position the P90 is more prominent) while volume-wise they sound quite balanced to me (no measurements).
I've also seen that older US models of the Fallout mounted the Seymour Duncan JB Model TB-4 humbucker https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/jb-trembucker.
Here's my problem: I would like to put a lower output humbucker (something like Gibson '57, SD Pearly Gates e.g. https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/pe ... d2277d5088), but I fear that the volumes would get umbalanced.

What do you think about this operation? Will it work as intended? Have I got to look for another P90 to couple with the vintage Humbucker or it's better to simply drop the SD TB-4?
My final goal is to have classic sounding rock/blues guitar with just a couple of modern feats and good versatility.

Sorry for the long post!

bye,

[mikemjr12]

Those are some cool mods you added! I can't speak for how the pickup swap will sound. My guess is that by putting a lower output PU like a 57 classic in the bridge, that there may be some volume imbalance between the stock neck and bridge pups. Also not sure how a P90 with an Alnico 5 mag will sound with a softer Alnico 2 humbucker. I guess just stick the humbucker in the bridge and then see how it sounds and go from there.

[WitSok]

Sorry I don't have any experience to suggest what would pair well with the P90. As you noted, originally the USA Fallouts had a SD JB in the bridge position, later changes to a G&L designed alnico humbucker. Both are pretty hot. You may want to reach out to the pickup supplier for there suggestions. I know SD has an online tool to help narrow down the field. Once you have it whittled down to a few perhaps their customer service or tech service could provide some recommendations.

[Danley]

Remember that it is not useful to compare DC resistance between pickups of different types especially; DC resistance alone tells you nothing about how hot a pickup is.

[ilbelva]

Hi Danley,
I know that the resistance and volume relationship, that's exactly the reason I'm asking for advice here! I can't find any place on the net to check pickups volumes (only on the DiMarzio site).
I would also like to keep a similar impedance ratio between the pickups to preserve the balance of the sound of the pickups in parallel.

bye,