'59 Bridge Replacement

[Degradation Trip]

Update: So instead of ordering direct from the custom shop and waiting 6-8+ weeks I found a new set of custom shop PGs on reverb and ordered them. Already got them and installed them. I have to say they sound amazing!! This is exactly the sound I was after, the 59s sounded so generic whereas these have so much character and are much tighter and clearer than the 59s. That upper sizzle is there with more bite and pretty much every position and setting is useable now. The 59s were way too dark and muddy for rhythm playing in middle & neck positions.

They do have enough low end for me, however the only thing I'd say is they are almost too bright, like I'm using the tone knob at 5 or below, although I've only tried with a 1959 super lead reissue which is a very bright amp and also brand EB slinkys which are bright too. Not an issue though as they sound so much better, it's like a completely different guitar. Sounds like what a Les Paul is supposed to sound like, it even has some 'quack' at lower guitar volumes now which it didn't at all before. Would definitely recommend these pickups for anyone looking at swapping their 59s in a Les Paul (or similar). I would easily put this guitar up against any R9 or similar now.

Also I believe they are unpotted but I haven't noticed any difference regarding noise with them. Maybe they are potted to some extent I'm not sure.

 

[Mincer]

Congrats on the set of CS pickups! The CS Pearly set is one most people rave about (I have never directly compared them to non-CS PGs). I wonder if you can compensate for the brightness by amp EQ, or even types of strings.

 

[Degradation Trip]

They just sound like great PAFs to me. As for the brightness on a real amp I think it's probably easier to compensate with EQ, but I'm finding it a bit trickier with modellers. I feel like it may not be too bright, as a player it's just more noticeable but in the context of a band it might work fine.