Getting closer to that AC/DC tone

Re: Getting closer to that AC/DC tone

As my username implies, for the sake of "clean" tone and simplicity in live situations, I don't use any effects. I use the volume pot on my guitar to go from rhythm to lead, or I’ll switch between pick-ups. Angus and Malcolm Young inspired not only this approach but also guided me in recent gear choices. I have a Les Paul Standard equipped with a set of Duncan 59’s and a Marshall 1987x (50w plexi re-issue), which I attenuate and run around 3 into a homemade 4x10 cabinet. Note that 3 on this amp is full volume and offers all the power tube distortion you need for an AC/DC sound.

The results: I recently gigged with this set-up and really enjoyed “the power” of Marshall. The bridge 59 was awesome for rhythm but not for leads, as it lacked the punch and sustain I wanted (the neck 59 actually cut through better). On the flip side, the neck 59 is very bassy, which I think is due to the LP and the cranked Marshall under attenuation, and it’s hard to use for 6-string barre chords (the big E string is all bass).

What do you guys think of this as a solution? I’m going to put a JB in the bridge in hopes that it will give me articulate/clean rhythm tones with the guitar volume rolled back and Angus type leads with full pick-up volume. As for the neck, I am seriously considering a Jazz SH-2 to get some highs back, which of course can be rolled off as needed. Any help is appreciated.

The '59 N is very bassy in some rock and roll guitars....that's why the Jazz neck was invented. Very similar to the 59N but the highs are more extended and a tad less bass.

However, the Duncan pickups closest to what Angus used for all of the classic AC/DC recordings are what you already have: a set of alnico 5 Duncan 59's...tho his Gibson alnico 5 HB's in his early 60's SG would sound thinner and not as bassy and lower midrangey as in your thicker and heavier single cutaway Les Paul.

However, switching your bridge 59 for a JB might let you turn down the volume and bass on your amp a little for a clearer tone. That might help your neck 59 sound clearer and less bassy to you.

Getting a Les Paul to sound like a SG is not really easy: the Les Paul has alot thicker and deeper tone.

I'd think a set of Jazz N and Jazz B pickups might do it...Jolly gets a great rock tone with that set in his Les Paul.

Lew

[No effects]

As my username implies, for the sake of "clean" tone and simplicity in live situations, I don't use any effects. I use the volume pot on my guitar to go from rhythm to lead, or I’ll switch between pick-ups. Angus and Malcolm Young inspired not only this approach but also guided me in recent gear choices. I have a Les Paul Standard equipped with a set of Duncan 59’s and a Marshall 1987x (50w plexi re-issue), which I attenuate and run around 3 into a homemade 4x10 cabinet (soon to be a Marshall 1960 AV 4x12). Note that 3 on this amp is full volume and offers all the power tube distortion you need for an AC/DC sound.

The results: I recently gigged with this set-up and really enjoyed “the power” of Marshall. The bridge 59 was awesome for rhythm but not for leads, as it lacked the punch and sustain I wanted (the neck 59 actually cut through better). On the flip side, the neck 59 is very bassy, which I think is due to the LP and the cranked Marshall under attenuation, and it’s hard to use for 6-string barre chords (the big E string is all bass).

What do you guys think of this as a solution? I’m going to put a JB in the bridge in hopes that it will give me articulate/clean rhythm tones with the guitar volume rolled back and Angus type leads with full pick-up volume. As for the neck, I am seriously considering a Jazz SH-2 to get some highs back, which of course can be rolled off as needed. Any help is appreciated.