Tone Shootout: Big Singles for Jazz, Rock and Metal

Would we really recommend this model of pickup for such diverse styles of music? Absolutely! Let’s look at these one at a time, though. 

Why on earth would anyone choose Big Singles for jazz? There are many reasons, actually. As has been stated many times, these are one of our most expressive models and they have remarkable dynamic response. So whether you are tackling the straight ahead material of Dexter Gordon and Chet Baker or getting into the ‘take no prisoners’ sensibility of Miles Davis’ electric period, Big Singles bring a lot to the table. Roll back your passive tone and favor your neck pickup, playing with the meat of your fingers closer to the fingerboard and you will get warm full notes that are great for walking lines or sustained tones beneath the ensemble. Open the tone again with both pickups wide and you will have incredible detail and articulation for harmonics, slap, chordal playing or upper register work. And no matter what you will have more than enough muscle to keep your swing authoritative!

But what about rock? Do giant single coils really make sense in a traditional rock setting? Yes indeed!! Remember that the Big Singles is Carey Nordstrand’s idea of the ultimate jazz pickup, something that has been a part of rock ’n’ roll almost since its inception. Whether you need the power to anchor and drive a band, the warmth and texture of the groups from the 60s and 70’s, or you want to stand out from the mix with some growl and edge, few things will deliver them like the Big Singles. You will find these pickups in the hands of soloists and the most dedicated foundation players equally!

If those things are true, how will the Big Singles work in the context of metal? The answer is incredibly! The fast response and openness of the burly single coils makes them perfect for doubling guitar lines while the stout wind also mean you’ll have no problem supporting the group without ever getting buried in the mix. As if that isn’t enough, they will push pedals absolutely beautifully!

So do we recommend Big Singles for jazz, rock and metal? Without hesitation. And you will find plenty of our artists who use them for all the reasons mentioned above!