Need a good bridge

[robert81]

Hey all, first post here. I'm looking for suggestions on a good bridge pickup for hard rock/metal territory. There sure are a lot of choices. I swapped out the 490R/498T with a set of Alnico Pro 2s and, while the neck is stellar, I found the bridge pickup was just too mellow. After that I swapped the A2 mag from the 490 into the 498 and it's alright, but I think I'm looking for something a little hotter. I'm playing an 03 Gibson Les Paul Custom, mahogany with ebony fretboard, through a Blackstar HT-5R and a Keeley mod SD-1 when needed. I like a tight and mid-rangy sound, if that makes sense. Hard rock with a little more hair.

Browsing the net it seems popular choices would be the Custom (and variations), JB, or Distortion. Some have suggested the Dimarzio Super Distortion or D-Activators. I have an Epi with EMGs and they sound nice but was hoping to keep it passive. Not looking for much versatility for my bridge so maybe that will help narrow it down. I'm looking for a bridge first and foremost; I can find a neck later to pair with the bridge later.

[theycallmegio]

Re: Need a good bridge

Les Paul?

I have a duncan distortion in mine. It rocks my socks. I had a custom before but didn't like it. the DD is killer though.

[Inder_Cine_Mann]

Re: Need a good bridge

What tuning are u using? Super D in an LP rules

And so does a Distorion and Custom

Since you are into mag swapping def research a Custom 8.

[robert81]

Re: Need a good bridge

E-flat tuning. I rarely down tune save for a few select songs in D. Not really into the palm muting low end rhythm stuff if that makes sense. More 80's metals or hard rock with a bit more gain.

Looking hard at the DD. A lot of people love the JB too but I've never gotten to play around with it, and I'm wary of things like Youtube to get a sense of tone since they're usually running different amps, equipment, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Seems like I was at least on the right track.

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Need a good bridge

Are you looking for a tight low end or something a little looser? If you want tight and compressed, get the DD. It's what I use for what my band calls progressive thrash metalcore.

If you want a pickup that's hot, but loose, then the SH-5 Custom all the way. It's got a ceramic magnet in it (like the DD) but is voiced a little more like a PAF. Or if you just want a mid gain pickup, then the 59/ Custom Hybrid is the way to go.

[robert81]

Re: Need a good bridge

Are you looking for a tight low end or something a little looser? If you want tight and compressed, get the DD. It's what I use for what my band calls progressive thrash metalcore.

If you want a pickup that's hot, but loose, then the SH-5 Custom all the way. It's got a ceramic magnet in it (like the DD) but is voiced a little more like a PAF. Or if you just want a mid gain pickup, then the 59/ Custom Hybrid is the way to go.

Definitely tighter lows. I think I may go ahead with the DD, although the music you play is a bit of a stretch from what I'm into. If I don't like it I can move it to another guitar or sell.

[Luke Duke]

Re: Need a good bridge

Welcome to the forum! There are lovers and detractors of each pickup, the best guide is trying to describe the sound you want or what your pickup doesn't do that you want your next pickup to do and tell us some of your "benchmark" tones.

I'm not a huge fan of the Custom or even C5, I like the CC though...all that said for your application the DD would be a great pickup, and believe it or not it CAN be subtle and has decent cleans for the guy that can operate a volume knob. I use one in my CU24 for 70s/80s cover tunes.

Luke

[Aceman]

Re: Need a good bridge

Greatings!

I'll say Distortion is what you really want, based on everything you said.

Since "tight " is a big deal, my second choice would be Custom, but it may not have the mids you want. But a ton of thump in the booty department - and still tight.

The JB would be my last choice. Love hate kind of pickup, especially in the bedroom, with a LEs PAul (assuming Bedroom player from little amp - could be wrong)

[Reload in 5]

Re: Need a good bridge

E-flat tuning. I rarely down tune save for a few select songs in D. Not really into the palm muting low end rhythm stuff if that makes sense. More 80's metals or hard rock with a bit more gain.

Looking hard at the DD. A lot of people love the JB too but I've never gotten to play around with it, and I'm wary of things like Youtube to get a sense of tone since they're usually running different amps, equipment, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Seems like I was at least on the right track.

80s metal or hard rock with more gain? Isn't that THE definition of the custom?
Dude, PAF on steroids=custom
I run a custom custom now for its classic rock flavor, but the custom i had was 80s metal heaven! LOTS of low mids, which is what i think you want from the description.

Additionally, there is a tb-5 in the trading post for $50 (not mine)

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[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Need a good bridge

Definitely tighter lows. I think I may go ahead with the DD, although the music you play is a bit of a stretch from what I'm into. If I don't like it I can move it to another guitar or sell.

Yeah, I play some super crazy stuff (not really it's like Metallica Meets Dream Theater Meets Trivium (favorite bands)). But it's so well voiced that it can do a lot of things. I use it to play anything from classic rock to Coheed and Cambria to what my band plays. If you want something that can do palm muting really well and still have a little bit of tone to spare for more melodic things get the DD you won't be disappointed. Also SD has a 30 day return policy, so put it into your guitar and if you don't like it bring it back and put something else in. Or someone on here will trade for it.

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Need a good bridge

I'm uhhhhh gonna go out on a limb here.... Full Shred? Tight and midrangey but still clear and articulate with gain. Gets an 80s tone really well.

[darthphineas]

Re: Need a good bridge

Go with the DiMarzios


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