335 w/ Open Coil Jazz & PG

[EddyCurr]

I own an Epi ES-335 IG Figured that came with what I later discovered was an open coil SD SH-2N Jazz at the neck and an open coil SD SH-PG1B Pearly Gates at the bridge.

Are these two pickups considered a natural pairing? Does a center-block semi hollow provide an ideal platform for the pickups to shine?

Searches of the forum turn up several threads discussing favorite pickups for 335's, but none where members sing the praises of THESE pickups hosted together in THIS body.

What genre do members feel such a combination seem best suited for? Do a few examples of artists and their music come to mind?

Thank you,
EddyCurr

 

[Mincer]

Both of those should sound great in a 335. They are both vintage output, very dynamic pickups. They are on the brighter side, but that's what tone controls are for (and some people really like that).

 

[Chistopher]

The most authentic PAF experience you can get is just chucking two random PAF-types together, so you've got that box checked.

I've never heard of anyone else doing that pairing, but it definitely sounds like it could work really well.

 

[jeremy]

that sounds like a great set of pups for a 335. the real question is, are you happy with the tones you are getting?

 

[Teleplayer]

Do you find the neck pickup over-powers the bridge? Otherwise no problems.

 

[EddyCurr]

Thank you to everyone for your responses.

The brightness was unexpected. On reflection, this is probably the foundation of my doubt.

Favorable comments about the CONCEPT of pairing a Jazz with a Pearly Gates in a 335 are encouraging (noting that no one has mentioned firsthand experience.)

Before posting, a thought was that a mistake had been made by the PO and that a swap was in order for me. Now I'll explore what can be achieved with THIS instrument and look for a companion instrument whose tone is more in alignment with my original expectation. (Think Dave Keary, Van Morrison's collaborator on recent albums.)

About relative output. As currently configured, the neck underperforms the bridge. Treble E is quiet. I briefly dabbled with pole height, but paused to await an opportunity to proceed unhurried and without distraction.

I intend to review basics. Measure pickup & pole piece heights. Verify leads go to correct terminals. Gather pot & cap specs.

Unplugged, the IG Figured version of this Epi 335 pleases hands, ears, eyes and nose. Somebody spent some money acquiring the instrument and upgrading it. Then they abandoned it, taking a sizable $$ loss without creating any wear or inflicting so much as a nick in the finish.

 

[Sam SG]

Are these two pickups considered a natural pairing? Does a center-block semi hollow provide an ideal platform for the pickups to shine?

If you like the way they sound. They are good.
If you dont they are not.
If you do but you wish they had more of this or less of that. Or dont like the balance or tone shift between them. Then there is sonething out there better for YOU.

 

[jeremy]

there is no reason the high e on the neck pup shouldnt be singing as proudly as the other strings, and if the neck is giving you less output than the bridge, a quick turn of the screw to bring it closer to the strings should sort that out

 

[Teleplayer]

I thought the pearly gates may have lower output due to the Alnico 2 magnet. Anyway you should take time to adjust the pickup heights before making any conclusions.

 

[Explorer84]

Now that’s an interesting combination of pickups in a 335! I would’ve never seen that one coming. Nice!

 

[GuitarDoc]

Those are 2 really good pups and I wouldn't think about changing them until you've had time to get used to them and play around with a few adjustments (pup height, pole piece adjustments, pot and cap values, even magnet swaps).

Even though the PG has an A2 magnet, it sounds like an A5...bright and punchy. It's really a very versatile pup as is the Jazz (which is one of my most favorite neck pups). I personally prefer the Jazz bridge pup in the neck position for a stronger fuller tone and response, but if it sounds too bright or too weak for your taste a magnet swap can do wonders.

The main thing is...get used to what's there and even make some adjustments to your amp settings. You may soon discover that you've got the perfect setup for what you intend to use it for.