'80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

[Porker]

Hello everyone!

First post here, so hi! I have an Epi LP Custom Pro, and am getting sick of it's super muddy tone honestly. I own a 2014 Gibson LP Studio, and it's pretty pathetic in comparison, at least when played back to back. Anyways, what I'm thinking is I want a pickup swap. I've been looking at the hot rodded set, but I'm not completely sold on it. To start with, I began playing listening to '80s rock, but slowly migrated to heavier stuff, like "Modern" hard rock, such as Slash's new band and stuff like Black Stone Cherry and Shinedown (the heavier stuff from them). So in this respect, I want to be able to get good cleans, but also have some REALLY nice crunch without fuzz sounds. Suggestions are much appreciated! I would like to keep my overall budget of both pickups together below $180.

Thanks guys!

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I've not tried the set but the Whole Lotta Humbuckers Set may be just the thing. Also, Bill Lawrence L500's (XL in the bridge) may be a great option and well within that budget–great for cleans but always awesome with gain and get incredible harmonics.

 

[chadd]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

No matter what you do, swap out the pots for good ones as part of the process. I would look into a slash set or some flavor of custom/jazz combo.

 

[blueman335]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

No matter what you do, swap out the pots for good ones as part of the process.

Epi uses 500K pots. Changing to another brand of 500K's isn't going to change the tone.

 

[chadd]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

Epi uses 500K pots. Changing to another brand of 500K's isn't going to change the tone.

I've seen quite a few that were nowhere near 500k, very little quality control on their pots in my experience. I still suggest that he check them and replace if they are out of spec.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I think upgrading the electronics on an Epi is a good idea, just like upgrading them on a MIM Fender–nice improvement for little $ IMO

 

[TRex]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

As a man who is currently rocking and upgradeing a Epi LP standard, I say change the pots, wire, and caps. It was an absolute mudfest until I replaced the electronics for CTS pots, stranded 24ga wire, and an orange drop cap.

Still muddy, but is quite use able in its current form. Hopefully I can have some Duncans coming to put in her too.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[Porker]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I was definitely interested in the Slash set, but the price gets me. I was interested in the Hot Rodded set for awhile, but I wasn't sure the Jazz was what I was going for and wasn't sure if the SH-4 had too much bite. And as for other electronics swaps, I was planning on getting a set of Orange Drop caps (with respective specs per pickup) and 3 CTS pots, as I found the one pot that isn't push-pull and normal wired is actually CTS. Not to mention I broke two of the push-pull pots when swapping knobs. Oops. Also, if it matters, the total price of my original choice + parts (caps and pots) of SH-4 I think and '59 neck was around 170 total.

 

[chadd]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

With your budget concerns, I would consider used pickups and replacing them one at a time. Doing that would allow you to wait for deals to come along and get the pickups that you want at a price you can afford.

 

[Porker]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

With your budget concerns, I would consider used pickups and replacing them one at a time. Doing that would allow you to wait for deals to come along and get the pickups that you want at a price you can afford.

That's definitely a consideration, I've been looking around on eBay for awhile now checking stuff out, but my core problem is I don't know which model(s) I want. Money can be allotted and figured out, but if I don't know what I want specifically I'm still stuck in a rut. Not trying to be rude here at all, but the point of this thread was to point to a set or combo of pickups that would best suit my needs for a reasonable price.

 

[Drunken Bowling]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

If a tight budget is limiting you, you might want to try Toneriders. You can get a set for about $90.00. I used to have a JB when I had my Epiphone and it was a hair too thin in my opinion. It drove the amp hard, though.

 

[blueman335]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I've seen quite a few that were nowhere near 500k, very little quality control on their pots in my experience. I still suggest that he check them and replace if they are out of spec.

There's variances in resistance with every brand of pots. His issue is the PU's, not the pots. He needs something hotter than PAF's.

 

[Securb]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

There's variances in resistance with every brand of pots. His issue is the PU's, not the pots. He needs something hotter than PAF's.

Everyone gets your point. However, the guitar would benefit from getting new electronics while the new pickups are going in. I don't think that anyone would deny new pots, wiring and caps can go a long way in cleaning up a muddy tone. If he just slaps new pickup on subpar electronics it could be like putting lipstick on a pig. If the OP is going to do it he may as well do it right.

I would also suggest looking at some used pickups. You will find some nice deals in the Trading section of this forum. Good luck.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

No matter what you do, swap out the pots for good ones as part of the process. I would look into a slash set or some flavor of custom/jazz combo.

This will increase his cost with essentially no tonal benefit. He stated that he has a budget...let's honor that request.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

Everyone gets your point. However, the guitar would benefit from getting new electronics while the new pickups are going in. I don't think that anyone would deny new pots, wiring and caps can go a long way in cleaning up a muddy tone. If he just slaps new pickup on subpar electronics it could be like putting lipstick on a pig. If the OP is going to do it he may as well do it right.

I would also suggest looking at some used pickups. You will find some nice deals in the Trading section of this forum. Good luck.

The effect of putting in new pots of the same resistance but a different brand on the overall tone (since you like analogies) would be like getting a pedicure and putting on toenail polish then wearing socks and shoes. It will make you feel better, but won't aaffect your looks at all.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

Used is definitely an option to save money. But like you say, you need some idea of what to look for.

My two cents for what you're trying to achieve...

Bridge pup: Alt 8, 59/Custom hybrid. Each of these will give you clarity with some extra oomph. The Alt 8 will give you a bit more body and a softer high end than the 59/C.

Neck pup: you can't go wrong with a Screamin Demon, or a Pearly Gates for great neck tones. My personal preference is the Demon...I think it has a more balanced tone and a smoother response.

 

[Davii]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

If the Slash set is too much, APH-1s could be a cheaper alternative. Others with far better experience than me will likely have more focused ideas on options though, especially as I'm not too familiar with a couple of artist references.

I'd also change pots, but only because I make use of them, and I find a lot of cheap stock ones have poor/pointless tapers. Something for later on etc.

For giggles, I guess you could also try a cap in series with the hot output from the muddy pup; Not tried it myself, but could be interesting trying it out for the cost of a capacitor(?)

 

[blueman335]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I don't think that anyone would deny new pots, wiring and caps can go a long way in cleaning up a muddy tone.

I'll be the first one to deny it (well second, after GuitarDoc, who I believe has a luthier background). Higher quality pots will last longer, but even stock Epi pots can last many years, even decades. Both sound the same.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

Sounds like you don't like Les Pauls to me!

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: '80's Hard rock/ Modern hard rock pickup selection

I'll be the first one to deny it (well second, after GuitarDoc, who I believe has a luthier background). Higher quality pots will last longer, but even stock Epi pots can last many years, even decades. Both sound the same.

Agree to disagree...too many cheap pots that were noisy that were replaced with higher quality and no more crackling when the volume knob is turned or the switch is moved...