Hi,
As I'm beginning to explore my new XL, I couldn't help of wondering how do I know what pickup is best for a preset - is it a trial and error process or should it be specific somewhere ?
Thanks in advance for your help.
If it's any help to you at all as a sort of guideline [there are no rules] here's what I gravitate towards as regards Amp blocks. I am in the process of making a sound for each amp, not necessarily each channel, haven't done all of them yet.
Ibanez Jems and Universe equipped with [h-s-h config: Evos, Gravity Storms, Blazes, Breed neck in bridge].
Legato 100, Cali Leggy, AC-20 [with p.u. selector switch at positions 3 and 4] , DoubleVerb, Euro Red/Blue, 5153.
Not a large selection as I have far too much fun with the Carvin and Bogner Ecstasy models. THE sound. Will likely add at a future date, the PVH models, Euro Uber, Corncob, etc. Basically a hi-gainer is no-brainer with a Jem!
Fender Nocaster [single coil stock p.u.s]
6G4 Super, 59 Bassguy, Deluxe Tweed. Double Verb, MrZHwy66, NuclearTone, SuperVerb, Supertweed, 5F1 Tweed, Wrecker Rocket/Liverpool/Express, Div13CJ, CarRoamer, Div13FT37, 5F8 Tweed, 65 Bassguy, Dweezil's B-Man, 6G12 Concert, Gibtone Scout, JrBlues Fat, the 3 Princetones, Matchbox D-30 [chords that chime any time!].
Gibson Les Paul Custom [humbucker stock p.u.s]
Cameron CCV, Angle Severe, Blanknship, USA Clean, DoubleVerb, FASCrunch, Friedman BE, JTM45, AC30 TB, Plexi1970 [my fav with the Gibson], SpawnQRod, USA Clean, Vibra-King, VibroVerb, Corncob, Comet Concourse, SupremoTrem, Hipower Jumped, ODS-100 HRM.
If an amp isn't what you want precisely try modding it, I do this all the time with input trim, sometimes different tonestack and I love switching out preamp and poweramp tubes, nothing too deep.
Also changing cabinets is great: if the amp's traditional cab doesn't sound good to you, just use your ears and audition some until you're happy. Sometimes unusual choices sound good.
Hope this is of some assistance to you and enjoy the Axe.