Whether single coils are good for distortion depends on your personal preferences and the type of music you play.
Single coil pickups are generally known for their brighter, more articulate sound. This can make them a good choice for clean and slightly distorted sounds. However, single coils can be more prone to hum and noise, which can be a problem when using high-gain distortion.
Despite this, many guitarists do use single coils for distortion. Some players find that the brighter sound of single coils can help to cut through the mix and be heard more clearly. Others find that the added noise and hum can be used to create a unique and interesting sound.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if single coils are good for distortion for you is to try it out and see what you like. Here are some tips for getting a good distortion tone with single coils:
- Use a high-quality distortion pedal. There are many different distortion pedals on the market, so it is important to find one that suits your taste. Experiment with different pedals to see what sounds best to you.
- Use the right settings on your distortion pedal. There are many different settings on a distortion pedal, such as gain, tone, and level. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you like best.
- Use a clean amp. When using distortion, it is best to start with a clean amp channel. This will give you a better platform to build your distortion sound on.
- Experiment with different speaker cabinets. Different speaker cabinets can produce different sounds. Experiment with different cabinets to see what sounds best to you.
Here are some examples of guitarists who use single coils for distortion:
- John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Jimi Hendrix
- Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
- Eric Clapton
- Johnny Marr (The Smiths)
These players all have very different sounds, but they all use single coils to create their signature distortion tones.
If you are still not sure if single coils are right for you, it is a good idea to consult with an audio expert. They can help you choose the right pickup for your needs and budget.