Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

[SemperRhythm]

I'm set on getting the Seth neck for my LP Std. I'm just trying to decide on a low-output bridge pickup that would go well with the Seth.

I've had the JB, and though I liked it's thickness, it's upper mids were just a bit too much for me. Then the Custom, and though I liked it's EQ curve (PAF-ish) much better, it lacked some of that thickness I liked with the JB.

Since I have the Rectoverb, I really don't need a high output pickup. It has plenty of gain. I like the way the lower output '59 and Jazz neck on my other guitars push the amp less and let everything "breath" more.

So, I guess I'm looking for a lower output pickup that is thick, smooth, with a PAF EQ (relaxed mids). I'm not saying JB thick, but... you get the idea.

I'm guessing with less push, I can increase the gain to compensate and get the thickness I want. This guitar is primarily used for bluesy rock through hard rock.

So, what is the prescription? '59? matching Seth? APH II? PG?

Thanks for the advice and help.

Nathan

[Benjy_26]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

A SH-55 set would be sweet iin a LP. The bridge might not be as thick as a JB though it will get you that "breathy" sound you want.

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

That is probably my number one choice right now, unless someone comes along and says it just won't do what I want.

The way I read it, the Seth has the lowest resonant peak of the 4, which I read as being the thickest. The A2 should give it the smoothness.

Any other ideas / comments?

Nathan

[Robert S.]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

A Seth set will be very cool in that guitar but there are some things to think about. The thickness that you like is a result of a hotter wind. You won't find that in a 7-8k pickup. PAF type pickups are known for their open and airy tone. If you want thick but without the mid peak the Seth may be dissapointing in the bridge.

Mesa amps do have quite a bit of gain and you don't need a hot pickup to get distortion from most Mesa amps. The thing is though that the harder you hit the front end of Mesa amps the more they tighten up. While too much compression isn't desireable, I find that gained tones (not pushed but smokin) are often more desireable with a bit of compression. It helps keep the "edges" of your tone from getting too ragged sounding. A little focus goes a long way.

I have a Mesa amp and three LPs along with 30+ SD pickups here at the house. One LP has an Antiquity set, one has a JP set (think slightly hotter 59s) and the 3rd has a C-5/PGn combo. The PAF type pickup loaded guitar sound phenominal on the lower gained settings (clean/pushed and driven Mark I voices) but lack a little oomph sometimes to really drive the Recto and Mark III and IV voices to fullness.

So the question is which is more important, having stellar clean and pushed tones or having wickedness on tap when nessessary and a slightly more modern clean tone.

If you want strictly vintage tones go with the Seths.

If you want some thickness and no mid peak and a bit of juice in the bridge get the C-5 for the bridge. In a LP through Mesa gear the C-5 covers a heck of alot of ground.

[Seraphial]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

A friend has an Alnico II pro set in his LP (likes Slash) and gets a pretty good tone from his F50 (different from what youve got I know, but the closest amp comparison I can make). Really sweep and lots of mids/highs. Also gives him plenty of room to push being low output.

Have you thought about a Custom 5? I know its of a higher output, but lowering it might give you that sound you want, plus just a little more sizzle if you wanted it.

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Thanks guys,

I'm definitely going to consider the C5. For some reason I completely overlooked it

Now that I remember... someone on here said in their opinion, the C5 sounded (or had a very similar EQ) to the Seth, just hotter. If so, then that would be an awesome set.

Thanks Robert and Seraphial!

Other opinion are welcome...

Nathan

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

What about the Pearly Gates bridge? That would give a little more push than the Seth (correct?) and still keep that vintage vibe. On the sound clip page it sounds rather thick. Any opinions? Anyone using a PG bridge that can give me some input here?

Thanks,

Nathan

[flank]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

i think the C5 is what you want bro...... it has the 59 sound but with more thickness........and its medium -high output...... but the one i played seemed to still have some of the airy quality of PAFs

i say a C5/Seth combo would kick SO MUCH A S S

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Absolutely get a C-5 nickel (factory potted) and a nickel Seth Lover neck (unpotted, but OK) My favorite Les Paul has that combo, and I love it. The C-5 is somewhat of a high output pickup, but sounds like a more vintage vibe. Think 59 HOT and FAT.
Like Robert said, it'll tighten up the tone of a Mesa. You'll like it. It's one step closer to vintage from a JB. No midspike.

The Seth Lover should be renamed the Sustain Lover. It's a bit darker than a 59 to my ears, but really sings and has a great voice. I'm always amazed by it's sustain.

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Yeah, I should try the C5. If it doesn't work I'm sure there is someone here who would love to have it. The EQ curves I see all over the internet scare me away. 8-4-8 seems to be the common numbers. That seems to be ALOT of bass. But, the LP should fill in the mids somewhat.

Anyway, thanks guys. I do believe I'll try the C5. Other opinion are welcome, 'cause there is always something new to learn.

Nathan

[flank]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

i thought the C5 was pretty much balanced in all frequencies with not too much of anything or any peaks........ this was in a les paul i should mention

[Jeff_H]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

I'm going with the C5/Seth combo also for what you want. If you wanted to keep the vintage vibe the Seth bridge would be the ticket. Robert is the man when it comes to the tone of Mesa's, and with GJ on board with the C5 also I don't see how you can go wrong.

Also remember, if you get it and just don't like it, SD offers a 21 day exchange policy. Otherwise, I know someone here would buy it from you for a fair price.

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Thanks everyone. Nothing beats experienced advice with pickups.

Nathan

[dr.barlo]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Well I guess I would be the only one here who would put PG over C5. PG's rule, they are open, they are bright if needed, but still have the a2 growl. My first choice is actually a hot (8.70-75K) antiquity bridge with an a5 magnet, yet PG comes very close in terms of being ideal.

And it's wax potted, so if you wanna turn up the gain on your amp you would not get any sequaling. I am not saying seths sequeal or anything, in fact my ant a5 bridge does not. Yet it could have you know.

To sum up my opinion is that the PG is the best wax potted PAF clone ever built!

B

[SemperRhythm]

Re: Seth neck in LP through Mesa Rectoverb... which bridge pup?

Thanks Dr. Barlo,

I may end up buying both a C5 and PG and keeping the one I like most. I'm hoping the PG will have enough push to tighten up the front end (as Robert said) but have better cleans than the Custom and JB. Custom isn't bad really, just a tick sterile IMO.

As far as the Recto goes, I'm going to go play the new Stiletto soon. Looks interesting. Not that the Recto isn't good, it's awesome, but it may fit my style a bit better.

Thanks again everyone,

Nathan