A2 bridge in a Les Paul

TwofacePimp

TwofacePimp

New member
Wow it's been awhile... currently my LP standard has a PGn and 59/Custom hybrid and the bridge pickup seems thin and glassy sounding to my ears. I'm pretty happy with the neck pup at the moment, but I'd like to try a lower output bridge pup with an A2 magnet, maybe a PG, A2P, Slash, or Seth? I'd like a less harsh and "spongier" feel if that makes any sense, while still pushing the right frequencies to be heard at gigging levels. Stylistically I'd be using it for ska, reggae and rock (very clean to modern distortion), and I palm mute quite a bit when the distortion is kicked in. Any suggestions on where to start? Thanks in advance!
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

I have experience with the Seths. They fit the 'less harsh, spongier feel' requirement. Very Clapton/Bluesbreaker/'59-60 Paul. They are not wax potted, so with higher gain they will feedback more than other pickups will. But I found this is totally manageable. (E.g. you pretty much need to stand in front of the cab at the right angles to make it happen.) I would think for ska/reggae you'd want something brighter and thinner, however. Maybe a Seth you could coil split would do the trick?
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

unless u are opting for a very spongy palm mutes, i dont think A2 pickup would be in ur favor. if mag swaps :13: are ok, u can try UOA5 or A4 to get rid of the shrill frequencies that u dont like while retaining the punch required. If u need new pickups u sound like a WLH guy to me.
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

This is a good place to start:

http://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/the-tone-garage/choosing-the-best-bridge-pickup-a-for-a-les-paul/

In my Les Pauls I have in the bridge 59, PGb, Sreamin' Demon and now Duncan Distortion.

out of these I like the 59 best, but it is not spongy at all. nice balance of highs and lows though. The PGn is just the right amount of sponge and edge but may be too bright for you, since you are looking to go in a warmer direction. I would think the first pup to try would be A2P, like bluesman said.
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

How about mag swap your '59/Custom hybrid and PG? You'll get A2 in the bridge and A5 in the neck. Maybe you'll like it.
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

Hey 2FP; A couple of comments:

First, you want an A2P. It is exactly the prescription for you.

A Les Paul with a PGn/A2P is a supremely balanced instrument. The PG ads cut and high end to the neck in all the right ways. The A2P fattens up the bridge, and in the treble position the bass is nice and tight (or tighter than it would otherwise be. You'll get that 'sponge' factor from the A2.

The two together combine nicely. Since they both have the A2, there will be a sweetness/smoothness/silkiness on the highs in both positions. Not too much in the neck, just enough in the bridge.

My concern is this; How did you go with the 59/Custom hybrid? Seems like you didn't do your researches well enough if "spongy" was your target sound.

Also, might check the wiring. Thin and glassy? Perhaps your choice of words, but a 59 or custom doesn't seem that way at all to me…
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

I'm a big fan of A2 bridge pickups, especially in a Les Paul. I really like the BB3 in my traditional pros. As much as it is my nature to swap them out, I just love the way they sound. I also have an A2P in a melody maker that sounds fantastic.
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

Thanks everyone, I'm going to order an A2P bridge (then maybe try the WLH down the road if this fails). Magnet swapping isn't really an option at the moment because the pickups are covered and I'd probably make a bloody mess out of the whole thing.

Aceman - my 59/Custom has been installed for a long time and sounds fine, just maybe a little glassier than I would personally like. Then I had a sudden idea that using a A2 mag would improve the feel (after years and years of A5 bridge pickups...). Hopefully this will be the next successful step in the journey, much thanks for your input!
 
Re: A2 bridge in a Les Paul

TwofacePimp said:
my 59/Custom has been installed for a long time and sounds fine, just maybe a little glassier than I would personally like. Then I had a sudden idea that using a A2 mag would improve the feel (after years and years of A5 bridge pickups...). Hopefully this will be the next successful step in the journey, much thanks for your input!
Click to expand...

It took me a while to get used to A2's, but in the right PU, they have some great qualities. I prefer A2's and UOA5's in most bridge PU's, and even in the neck slot if the PU's underwound or has unmatched coils.
 
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