Good middle pickup?

[Matza]

Hey everyone,
I've got an LP custom with 3 hums and I'm planning on getting some new pups for it. I've got some that I'm narrowing down for the bridge and neck, but I'm unsure of what to do for the middle. I'd like for the middle to be good for cleans so any ideas?
Thanks.

[blueman335]

Re: Good middle pickup?

My first choice would be an A5 P-90, like a Mean 90. If I had to choose a middle HB, I'd go with a bridge PAF or bridge medium output (in other words, not a neck PU). The middle location is a weak spot for string nodes/energy and needs all the output and warmth it can get.

[Matza]

Re: Good middle pickup?

My first choice would be an A5 P-90, like a Mean 90. If I had to choose a middle HB, I'd go with a bridge PAF or bridge medium output (in other words, not a neck PU). The middle location is a weak spot for string nodes/energy and needs all the output and warmth it can get.

Huh. Never knew that. Thanks for the info and the input; at least have something to go off of now.

[Aceman]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Hard to argue a P-90 in the middle. cool sound, different sound, cutting and fat. Try a Phat Cat.

I have a THEORY - never trued this….

You need a hot, but not too hot pup, and one with an eq that compliments the other pickups, and still world in that position;

PG neck
Distortion neck in the middle
Custom in the bridge.

The Distortion neck adds killer mids to the custom, and blends with the ceramic highs of the custom
It adds tight bass to the pearly gates, and some serious power in that position, while the PG which smooths the distortion's top end.

It can be split for authentic single coil tones at 6k-ish, or clean up much better than the bridge version while at 12k hum bucking mode.


Again - all just theory….

[beaubrummels]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Depends on how it's wired. If it's standard Gibson where the middle PU is tied to the bridge on the mid switch position, then you need a weaker/neck pickup. If you've got it wired to use the middle PU by itself and possibly on it's own volume control, you have more latitude.

[Matza]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Depends on how it's wired. If it's standard Gibson where the middle PU is tied to the bridge on the mid switch position, then you need a weaker/neck pickup. If you've got it wired to use the middle PU by itself and possibly on it's own volume control, you have more latitude.

It is a standard set up... probably should have mentioned that (whoops).

[Matza]

Re: Good middle pickup?

I should also mention that I am primarily a metal player, and I'm looking into higher output pickups (think to the likes of Black Winters). The middle position is shared between the bridge and middle pups (thanks to beaubrummels for reminding me to mention so). Also I usually use the middle position for cleans.

Thanks to all who read or reply - all input is appreciated.

[darthphineas]

Re: Good middle pickup?

I like to use a bridge position in the middle slot. But if you're going for cleans, I'd suggest a neck/middle voicing. It will really depend on what your idea of 'clean' is and what you are using to get your clean tones.


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[DreX]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Also I usually use the middle position for cleans.

What do you consider an ideal clean sound?

[Matza]

Re: Good middle pickup?

What do you consider an ideal clean sound?

To try and put it into words, I like my cleans to be round and full sounding. I like them warm but also have enough brightness to round it out and make it more clear without over doing anything.
I hope this makes sense. It's a bit tough to describe what I hear in my head.

[DreX]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Full, round, a little bright and clear... is a Pearly Gates or a '59 out of the question? Seems cliche, I know, but these fit that description, IMO.

[Letus]

Re: Good middle pickup?

SH-16 59'/Custom Hybrid!

[audiocheck]

Re: Good middle pickup?

Hey everyone,
I've got an LP custom with 3 hums and I'm planning on getting some new pups for it. I've got some that I'm narrowing down for the bridge and neck, but I'm unsure of what to do for the middle. I'd like for the middle to be good for cleans so any ideas?
Thanks.

I just did a 3 pickup LP, very untraditional:

Duncan Distortion and 2 StagMags take a look:

maybe a little more switching option then you want?

[Rockstar216]

Re: Good middle pickup?

I suggest either a P-rails or Stag mag.