59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
In theory, the Pro's are like the 59's. The BB 123 A2 sets are more like Seths.
In sound, you're better off trying all of them out, because they're all in the same family, but will be slightly different. Duncans are normally more clean and refined than the edgier Gibsons, but so much is determined by your guitar, hands, strings, pick, etc.
You're best off finding the basic specs of pickups you like, then use real world experience by trying several.
For the record, I like Gibson BB's and 57 Classics. They don't sound exactly like any of my favorite Duncans, but they're equally toneful.
Here's some good info on Burstbuckers.
http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/...-5-and-paf-pickups-history-facts-suggestions/
In theory, the Pro's are like the 59's. The BB 123 A2 sets are more like Seths.
In sound, you're better off trying all of them out, because they're all in the same family, but will be slightly different. Duncans are normally more clean and refined than the edgier Gibsons, but so much is determined by your guitar, hands, strings, pick, etc.
You're best off finding the basic specs of pickups you like, then use real world experience by trying several.
For the record, I like Gibson BB's and 57 Classics. They don't sound exactly like any of my favorite Duncans, but they're equally toneful.
Here's some good info on Burstbuckers.
http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/...-5-and-paf-pickups-history-facts-suggestions/
JeffB
Let it B
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
BB pros are actually quite different than 59s.
The BB pros have a bit more balanced EQ, but are uneven winds, and thus are not as tight/stiff as 59s. They have a ratty sort of high end to them, which works great on the A2 version because of the overall warmth and roundness, but on the A5 pros it just sounds hard/harsh.
Having had 3 Les Pauls with them, I'm not a fan of the BB pro bridge at all, and like the neck pickup. I'm the opposite with the 59s, where I like the bridge, but am at odds with the neck version in most guitars.
Now talking BB 1/2, I'd take those anyday without question over 59s- they are my fave current Gibson branded "PAF"
BB pros are actually quite different than 59s.
The BB pros have a bit more balanced EQ, but are uneven winds, and thus are not as tight/stiff as 59s. They have a ratty sort of high end to them, which works great on the A2 version because of the overall warmth and roundness, but on the A5 pros it just sounds hard/harsh.
Having had 3 Les Pauls with them, I'm not a fan of the BB pro bridge at all, and like the neck pickup. I'm the opposite with the 59s, where I like the bridge, but am at odds with the neck version in most guitars.
Now talking BB 1/2, I'd take those anyday without question over 59s- they are my fave current Gibson branded "PAF"
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
My experience with the BB Pro(b) is a few years back now but I replaced it with the '59b. The BB's all sound far too thin in the bridge position for my tastes. They may be edgier sounding for me they don't work in a band situation, they are just not full enough in the mids. I don't like any of the A2 mag BB's, I replaced the BB3 in my SG with a PG and what a difference.
In the neck position though I have had pretty good luck with all the BB's.
My experience with the BB Pro(b) is a few years back now but I replaced it with the '59b. The BB's all sound far too thin in the bridge position for my tastes. They may be edgier sounding for me they don't work in a band situation, they are just not full enough in the mids. I don't like any of the A2 mag BB's, I replaced the BB3 in my SG with a PG and what a difference.
In the neck position though I have had pretty good luck with all the BB's.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
+1. And why aren't they in a lot more Gibson models, instead of '57's and 498T/490R's?
+1. And why aren't they in a lot more Gibson models, instead of '57's and 498T/490R's?
freefrog
Well-known member
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
Here is an example of measurements that I've kept about a SH1 and a BB Pro, neck pos. (I don't know where I've put the same data regarding their bridge counterpart, sorry):
SH1: DCR = 7.5k, Inductance = 4.27H, peak output voltage = 373mv.
BB Pro: DCR = 7.72k, Inductance = 4.16H, peak output voltage = 440mv.
Sonically... with the models tested above, I've found the BB more rough, with a mushy low end and a tendency to squeal under high gain. The SH1 was cleaner, tighter and more controlled, with no squeal.
Now, BB Pro's might sound differently according to their year or production (their PE wire has been replaced with dyed poly wire since 2006, if memory serves me).
FWIW, YMMV, and so on.
Here is an example of measurements that I've kept about a SH1 and a BB Pro, neck pos. (I don't know where I've put the same data regarding their bridge counterpart, sorry):
SH1: DCR = 7.5k, Inductance = 4.27H, peak output voltage = 373mv.
BB Pro: DCR = 7.72k, Inductance = 4.16H, peak output voltage = 440mv.
Sonically... with the models tested above, I've found the BB more rough, with a mushy low end and a tendency to squeal under high gain. The SH1 was cleaner, tighter and more controlled, with no squeal.
Now, BB Pro's might sound differently according to their year or production (their PE wire has been replaced with dyed poly wire since 2006, if memory serves me).
FWIW, YMMV, and so on.
papersoul
New member
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
Depends on the guitar. The BB Pro in the bridge of my LP Studio Deluxe is thick, fat and warm.
Depends on the guitar. The BB Pro in the bridge of my LP Studio Deluxe is thick, fat and warm.
jones
New member
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
I would hazard a guess it's because the 57 and 498/490 are more "versatile". Gibson is selling guitars, they are going to sell a lot more of them if they have pickups in them that blues players and metal players alike can get familiar tones out of. I was really digging the 57's in my 339, until I lived with them for a over a year. Then I started to notice things I didn't care for, or had overlooked, harshness and boominess. They are actually quite remarkable pickups though, they can get a convincing blues and jazz tone, and have enough edge to take quite a bit of gain.
I would hazard a guess it's because the 57 and 498/490 are more "versatile". Gibson is selling guitars, they are going to sell a lot more of them if they have pickups in them that blues players and metal players alike can get familiar tones out of. I was really digging the 57's in my 339, until I lived with them for a over a year. Then I started to notice things I didn't care for, or had overlooked, harshness and boominess. They are actually quite remarkable pickups though, they can get a convincing blues and jazz tone, and have enough edge to take quite a bit of gain.
dvanburen
New member
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
i think the bb1 and 2 are excellent pickups. very clear open and warm sounding. I would take BB1 over 59n any day and i like the 59 in some guitars. It is no match for my jazz/59n i have now though. but i prefer a hotter bridge pickup so i swapped the BB's in my LP for a custom but not because i thought it was a bad sounding pickup, it just didnt suit my needs. I would recomend both BB's to anyone. I do however, feel like they are waayy over priced. Not unlike most gibson products..
i think the bb1 and 2 are excellent pickups. very clear open and warm sounding. I would take BB1 over 59n any day and i like the 59 in some guitars. It is no match for my jazz/59n i have now though. but i prefer a hotter bridge pickup so i swapped the BB's in my LP for a custom but not because i thought it was a bad sounding pickup, it just didnt suit my needs. I would recomend both BB's to anyone. I do however, feel like they are waayy over priced. Not unlike most gibson products..
EmiAba
Active member
Re: 59b vs Burstbucker Pro?
I have BB pros in one of my les paul ( a 2004 with 60 style neck and 300k linear volume pots). Really don't know if I like them. Sometimes the neck pickup seems to be very muddy and dark (not in the way of 490R, that seems to me better than pros), while the bridge one is not too hot. It depends on which amp I'm using or amplitude set-up. Seriously thinking to swap them with new volume potentiometers (mandatory) and duncans (59n and SH-5 or SH-15 in the bridge). I'm still trying to find out a reason to let them on. firstly I will have a go with the new pots..
I have BB pros in one of my les paul ( a 2004 with 60 style neck and 300k linear volume pots). Really don't know if I like them. Sometimes the neck pickup seems to be very muddy and dark (not in the way of 490R, that seems to me better than pros), while the bridge one is not too hot. It depends on which amp I'm using or amplitude set-up. Seriously thinking to swap them with new volume potentiometers (mandatory) and duncans (59n and SH-5 or SH-15 in the bridge). I'm still trying to find out a reason to let them on. firstly I will have a go with the new pots..
