How to get the most out of a semi-hollow, high gain

[SonicPulverizer]

So I recently acquired an old cherry Epiphone dot, all stock. I am currently transitioning from a traditional backline to using FR solutions (Hd500>QSC K12's >FOH). I tested the guitar through the new rig and it handles higher gain incredibly well for what it is. That said, the sound is definitely lacking bite and presence (something to do with the higher freqs is just dull). Im still in the process of making patches specifically for this guitar, but I was curious if there any suggestions out there for how to get the most out of a cheap 335 body when it concerns high gain sounds. Pickup choice? swapping electronics completely? etc. Any input is appreciated.

 

[IntenseJim]

I put Dimarzio 36th Ann pups and RS pots/caps in my ES-333. Sounds much better and screams through my SLO.

I'd try new pots/caps first; for a few bucks they can open up the sound of a guitar.
New pups with crappy pots and caps is a recipe for poo.

 

[steve_k]

Was curious about these semi-hollow body guitars and high gain. Chris Cornell uses them quit a bit and I have trouble picking him out in the mix live. So, it either sits well or sounds near the same as the solid bodies. I would think there would be a complete range of frequencies that just reach out and smack the listener.

I'm listening.....

 

[IntenseJim]

You need one with a center block and low output pups, IMHO.

My older 70s 335 with trapeze tailpiece and smaller center block (sold it) and my ES135 are a lot more prone to feedback.
You can slightly compensate by holding the guitar against your body and muting the top with your foream against it.

 

[SonicPulverizer]

I put Dimarzio 36th Ann pups and RS pots/caps in my ES-333. Sounds much better and screams through my SLO.

I'd try new pots/caps first; for a few bucks they can open up the sound of a guitar.
New pups with crappy pots and caps is a recipe for poo.

Alright, I'll definitely try that first. Thanks.

 

[fishyfishfish]

New pups and electronics. Mine turned into a beast.
keep in mind you will have to wire the harness
Through the F hole with small body pots (and that sucked)
But it was a afternoon well spent.

 

[DGW]

You need one with a center block and low output pups, IMHO.

quote]

 

[SonicPulverizer]

Was curious about these semi-hollow body guitars and high gain. Chris Cornell uses them quit a bit and I have trouble picking him out in the mix live. So, it either sits well or sounds near the same as the solid bodies. I would think there would be a complete range of frequencies that just reach out and smack the listener.

I'm listening.....

Well here is my experience so far-- and mind you I haven't refined any patches specifically for this guitar yet:

The guitar sounded basically the same as a les paul or any other solidbody, HB equipped guitar when I used really high gain settings.
However, when I used a simple clean patch and used the tubescreamer sim, it started to show a lot more character. I was able to get some great useable prog rock/metal sounds by just using the tubescreamer patch at a higher level and adding a little delay on the end. It did sound fuller in the bottom then on other guitars I used, and it excelled with clean sounds. I'm actually pretty sold on this being my primary axe based solely on versatility.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

New pups and electronics. Mine turned into a beast.
keep in mind you will have to wire the harness
Through the F hole with small body pots (and that sucked)
But it was a afternoon well spent.

Next time you do this make a template of the hole pattern on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard.

Wire the entire harness . Then run zip ties along the length of the wire run as a spine and use multiple zip ties to secure the wire to the spine all along the length.

You'll wind up with a semi rigid form that is easy to fish in and then line up with the holes. Don't forget to solder the pickup wires to it before you drop it in.

Saves time and hair if you have any left. ( I don't lol)