Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

[joyouswolf]

Can anyone give me a comparison of the 2-
Pearly Gates B / Burstbucker 3

Tone curve
output
grit, edge
so on...

Thanks & peace

[guitarzinc10]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

I'm interested in these pickups also. I've switched from medium output pups to lower output pups for a new band project.
I'm currently using a Burstbucker 1 in the bridge of a Les Paul and using a Mesa amp and I'm having good results but of course I can't leave well enough alone.

[SAVAGE DISTORTION]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

BB#3 is hotter has a better high end and to me just sounded better overall
I am one of the few that does not like the pearly gates at all

[Ace Flibble]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

I've got/had both in multiple guitars. Easily my favourite bridge pickups (along with the PG+).

The #3 usually has very, very slightly more measurable output, though in practise the Pearly Gates tends to actually sound louder because it has a more focused tone while the #3 is a very 'open' and wider tone. The bass and treble on the #3 aren't as well defined as with the PG; conversely, you could say that the PG is too tight and harsh compared to the #3, at least for the kind of blues and classic rock tones they are intended for. I find the #3 gets muddier quicker on the wound strings and/or lower tunings, while the PG gets incredibly harsh quickly with the plain strings and aggressive picking. When playing with lots of valve distortion, the PG is the more responsive and well-rounded pickup, while playing with a 100% clean, sparkly solid state tone the #3 has a lot more chime to it, almost like mixing a humbucker with a P-90.

If I had to pick just one bridge pickup to use for the rest of my life in all my guitars, I would choose the Burstbucker #3. However, the Pearly Gates is a really good alternative for guitars or playing styles where a little more definition is required. Really depends on the guitar, amp and player in question.

[Mpcoluv]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

To me they cover a lot of the same ground, but the BB3 seems less shrill in the high end.
Get the un potted aftermarket BB-3 if you get one.

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

I really like the Pearly Gates, but prefer the BB3. It's pretty much as bright, but smoother top end, thicker, and just overall more classy oomph. The Pearly Gates has nice high mids and can sometimes be spiky in the top end, but I wouldn't say it's ever "harsh." The BB3 is warmer in the midrange and has more overall mid/low mids. The Pearly Gates has an excellent low end and in some cases can be slightly boomy, but never too much. It has a great classic feel and good output. The BB3 seems to handle gain better, but it MIGHT be more widely considered that the Pearly Gates yields a bit better clean tone because of it's slightly scooped midrange and top end sparkle.

[werdna]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Can you get a BB3 in zebra, chaps?

[Ace Flibble]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Get the un potted aftermarket BB-3 if you get one.

The Burstbucker #3 is always unpotted. Only the Burstbucker Pro is potted.

Can you get a BB3 in zebra, chaps?

Yes. Zebra, black, nickel and gold.

[lemonman]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

The Burstbucker #3 is always unpotted. Only the Burstbucker Pro is potted.

The BBs installed by Gibson are potted, or are supposed to be; you hear occasional reports of someone buying a Historic with unpotted pups, but it's rare. Only the BB1/2/3 sold aftermarket are supposed to be unpotted. I have a BB3 out of a Trad Pro and it's potted.

[Ace Flibble]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Bizarre. I've had four production Gibsons, two Custom Shop Gibsons and one Epiphone that all came with Burstbucker #1/#2/#3 pickups and all of them have been unpotted, while I've had one Gibson - and my friend has another - with Burstbucker Pros and those were potted.

[lemonman]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Early BBs in the Historics were unpotted, but several years ago they got tired of feedback complaints & started potting all the installed versions. Perhaps the ones you had came from before they started this.

[Ace Flibble]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Doubt it, one is less than a year old.

[joyouswolf]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

Thanks for all the info PEPS.
Peace

[mariosyjp]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

how would you guys compare the BB3 to the classic 57 bridge?

[Aceman]

Re: Pearly Gates vs Burstbucker 3

I can never remember this stuff because I love the PG. But as I recall, it seems to me the BB2 is the most similar to a PG.

I do like the BB 1/2