SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

[No effects]

I’ve had a Gibson Les Paul Standard (Jazz/JB) as my #1 for a while and I just bought a brand new SG Special Faded, which came with 490r and 490t picks ups. The tonal contrast between the two axes is staggering (this is good, I want variery), and with some attentive A/B comparisons, I’m also realizing that the Duncans are superior in terms of clarity of the sound produced (I don’t know how else to put it). Don’t get me wrong, the SG sounds great and I would gig with it, but for now the LP will remain #1 until the SG gets some Duncans (and I said I would keep the guitar stock! Oh well, it ain’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last...). I definitely want vintage output that will get me as close as possible to what Angus would have played through in the mid-70s, so I was thinking about a 59 bridge and an Alcino II Pro neck - although I want to avoid mud in the neck, so a pair of 59's may be the answer.

[tiefightertk069]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

I’ve had a Gibson Les Paul Standard (Jazz/JB) as my #1 for a while and I just bought a brand new SG Special Faded, which came with 490r and 490t picks ups. The tonal contrast between the two axes is staggering (this is good, I want variery), and with some attentive A/B comparisons, I’m also realizing that the Duncans are superior in terms of clarity of the sound produced (I don’t know how else to put it). Don’t get me wrong, the SG sounds great and I would gig with it, but for now the LP will remain #1 until the SG gets some Duncans (and I said I would keep the guitar stock! Oh well, it ain’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last...). I definitely want vintage output that will get me as close as possible to what Angus would have played through in the mid-70s, so I was thinking about a 59 bridge and an Alcino II Pro neck - although I want to avoid mud in the neck, so a pair of 59's may be the answer.

59s were great in my SG, very Angus, very Clapton... PGs were nice too... But the set of PRS Dragons in there now are, although hotter than I usually prefer, killer!

With the volume rolled down they're like the 59s, but having the ability to roll the volume up and wail is very nice. And this may be the sweetest neck 'bucker I've ever heard.

[Caroway]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

I just put a Classic Cover JB in my SG Standard and it is amazing. I am running it through a Soldano Avenger with Marshall 1960BV cab.. It sounds a lot better than the EMG81 i was using.

[MattPete]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

I was thinking of going the other way with a set of Seth for my SG Special. The problem with the 490r and 490t is that they are so tonally different, that if you set the amp for a good bridge sound, you get a muddy neck sound, or a setup with a good neck sound gives you a thin bridge sound.

[italic zero]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

I think a set of PGs would do you good.

[Thames]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

'59!

[Dirtyking]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

The problem with the 490r and 490t is that they are so tonally different, that if you set the amp for a good bridge sound, you get a muddy neck sound, or a setup with a good neck sound gives you a thin bridge sound.

That is so true. when I set my amp for a fat bridge tone the '59 neck just turns to mud. i think I'm gonna try a PG neck with my Demon bridge instead.

[chcjunior]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

I hated the 490's that came stock in my SG. I went with the Custom/bridge & '59/neck configuration. Hated the Custom and replaced with the JB which I love.

I just ordered the Alnico Pro II for the neck. I use the neck pup primarily for clean tones....and I need a tad more warmth outta that position.

[Hellion]

Re: SG w/Gibson pups vs LP w/Duncans

My favorite SG pup combo is an Invader on the bridge and a '59 in front.