'59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

[Skewtir]

I have a '59 LP Custom VOS and I'm looking to get some Seymour Duncan pickups to replace the pickups that came with my LP (BurstBucker 1 (rhythm) and BurstBucker 2 (treble) pickups).

Can someone tell me which Seymour Duncan pickup(s) closely resemble these that I have in my LP?

Also, I'm exploring the idea of a pickup that will give more sustain, better bottom end and good for drop D tuning.

I run through either Marshall Jackhammer (JH-1) or BOSS MT-2 (keeley Modded), Keeley Compressor, MXR 10 band EQ, Laney Pro Lead 50wt amp(clean channel). I use Ernie Ball RPS Hybrid 9-46 strings. For clean I run through BOSS CH-3, Maxon Phaser PT-999, Keeley Compressor, MXR 10 band EQ and Laney Pro Lead 50wt amp(clean channel).

Style of music ranges from Blues, Southern Rock, Rock, Metal.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[jeremy]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

welcome to the forum!!

what dont you like about the burstbucker neck? bridge?
do you use the neck for clean and the bridge for dirty or both pups for both sounds?

 

[pstarove]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

The closest Seymour Duncan pickups are the Pearly Gates pickups. What exactly you don't like about the Burstbuckers? I don't recommend changing Burstbuckers to PGs if you don't like their sound: you wouldn't like the PG sound either!

 

[Skewtir]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

Not quite enough bite and chunk on the low end, as well as the overall sustain I want to achieve.

I'm using both pups depending on the tone I'm working at in the music. Generally both pups for most 'rhythm' work and basic soloing, yet when wanting an edge I go for the bridge pup or when wanting a warmer, creamier tone, the neck pup.

 

[cheezemaster]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

How about the obvious choice for a '59 LP? - the Duncan 59!
It definitely has some "bite and chunk". I love the 59s in my Les Paul.

 

[pstarove]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

PG bridge has a little more low end than the BB2 from the examples that I've heard. PG neck is a little brighter than the BB1.
the '59s are a good choice if you like a slightly scooped sound. The '59 neck pickup, however, may get a little boomy in an LP. The PG doesn't.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

I almost hate to say this, but from your gear and the range of styles you play--you might actually be one of the few people who WOULD LOVE the Gibson 490R/498T pickups that Gibson uses on many of their guitars; like the LP Custom, SG Standard, LP Studio, and the ES-137 Classic.

The 490R is also used on the BB King Lucille guitar, so you KNOW it can sing the blues.

The 498T is pretty good for lowered tunings and the A5 magnet keeps it tight on the bottom strings. It has some bite and sizzle, too. You may have noticed that a lot of the Metal bands who use Les Pauls use LP Customs--the ebony board and this pickup set (not to mention all that very cool blackness!) make the Custom a winner for Hard Rock and Metal styles.

I have a LP Supreme with the 490R/498T pickups; and actually, wasn't fond of them though they are coming around. For me and my Mesa Mark IV amp and my low volume Classic Rock, Pop and Blues styles--they are a little too "Hard Rock". I have other guitars with Seth Lovers and Antiquitys, and they fit my style better.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

They make a '59 LP Custom Historic? Or did you mean '57?

 

[blueman335]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

Advice from a blues/rock player: Your Gibsons have A2 magnets, which have heavy mids with little treble, and a flabby low end. To me, that just ain't gonna work in a neck, which is a dark position to begin with. In most of my guitars, I have A5's in the neck PU's, which give some sparkle & bite, perfect for when I do solos, and has more bass than an A2.

If the bridge is too rounded on the high end, try an A4 or A5 to brighten it.

Before you dump pickups guys, try your other electonic variables: magnets, pots & caps. It is SO expensive to get into a cycle of buy, sell, buy, sell, and take forever to get a pair that work with your wood, for the tone you want. Gibsons are good quality PU's, but their love affair with A2's is questionable. That's easily fixed for several dollars. Read the old threads & get up to speed; swap the magnets; try different value pots. Learn where they can take you tone-wise. It's not just Gibson PU's that need tweaking... thousands of guys are doing it to SD's too. LEARN from this forum!

 

[Skewtir]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

Thanks to all of you for responding...I have to say I wasn't quite sure what kind of response I would get and this refreshing to have great input!

This will help in my decision making

Thanks again!!

 

[blueman335]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

Thanks to all of you for responding...I have to say I wasn't quite sure what kind of response I would get and this refreshing to have great input!

We're here to help. We don't always agree with each other (actually rarely), but you'll usually get some opinions & ideas that are bound to get you closer to that magic tone you're looking for (we're still looking for it too).

Great quote from this forum: "Tone is a journey, not a destination."

 

[DonP]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

I love my R0 with BB 1 & 2. I did upgrade to CTS Pots 550K and purchased real bumble bees (300V) on ebay. This gave me a little more umph I was looking for (they go to 11 LOL!).

 

[disturb]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

It'd be a mistake to change those pickups. They're really nice sounding. I recommend losing the pedals (except for a nice boost pedal) and crank the gain & volume up. You'll get some nice, unprocessed sounding, pure, tone. Just my opinion.

 

[Kac]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

What does VOS mean?

 

[Skewtir]

Re: '59 LP Custom VOS Pickup Question

Vintage Original Spec (VOS)