A2P covered or uncovered

A

ACHIEVE PERFECTION

New member
Hi guys,

i intend to install a set of alnico 2 pro's in my les paul. The sound i am after is hard rock, say slash (with the right amps of course). Now, the a2p is not a high output pup, so in order to achieve this rockin sound it needs to sound as raw and edgy. Logic says that the uncovered version should suit me better. On the other hand, a cherry/sunburst lp doesn't seem right to me with open coil pups - i like it better with nickel covers. I can't test the difference myself where i live, so i ask for your advice. Considering it is a low output pup, would it become too tame and lose its edge and raw sound with covers as opposed to no covers?

Thanks!
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

I doubt you'll notice unless you A/B it. I personally love the uncovered look, partially inspired by Slash. This used to be an APH-1 in the neck, I've since switched it to a '59 but I'd like another Paul with the dual APH combo. I'd choose the look you like and go from there.

LesPaul1.jpg
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

Slashtone alert!!!!

url


http://www.seymourduncan.com/artists/interviews/slash/

Something people don't know about my introduction to Seymour Duncan pickups is that I worked in a music store in the early '80s, right before I started a band with the guys in Guns N' Roses, with the exception of Steven Adler. I learned about most of the popular brands of pickups at that time. Right around then, Seymour Duncan pickups came out--or at least I was exposed to them for the first time. From working in a music store and having them replace pickups all the time, I discovered that Seymour Duncan made the best pickups. So when I got the Les Paul with the Seymour Duncans in it, I knew that those pickups were going to be killer. It was just this particular model--the Alnico II Pro--that I wasn't familiar with. But they've been the main pickups in my Les Pauls ever since.
Click to expand...
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

Wow, that was fast!

Well, i really like the uncovered pups in a tobaccoburst and even deep cherry bursts like the one posted. But on lighter sunbursts the nickel looks better to me.

By the way, do you know what covers the guys at sd use? I read somewhere that brass covers affect the treble noticeably, while others like german silver made are much more transparent.
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

Gentlemen use covered PU's. They look so much better. Nothing says 'cheapskate' like uncovered PU's. Most guys buy their aftermarket HB's open coil as they don't want to spend a few more bucks for the covers. If you need a bit more treble, and you think that the covers have taken away a little, I bet you amp's treble & presence aren't set on '10.' Always room there.
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

ACHIEVE PERFECTION said:
Hi guys,

i intend to install a set of alnico 2 pro's in my les paul. The sound i am after is hard rock, say slash (with the right amps of course). Now, the a2p is not a high output pup, so in order to achieve this rockin sound it needs to sound as raw and edgy. Logic says that the uncovered version should suit me better. On the other hand, a cherry/sunburst lp doesn't seem right to me with open coil pups - i like it better with nickel covers.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd rather not be confused with being a "gentleman", and prefer the simplicity of an uncovered PU on an LP. I'm using a Distortion in the bridge and an A2P in the neck. If the A2P is low output..........I've been fooled, cause it's pretty hot in the neck position to where you get that "high-breaking" tone.......like holding high notes and hearing the tinge of distortion.

Mine's a honey burst, but the one thing that sets it off is the chrome PU rings around the open black PUs. About the only plastic left on the guitar is the binding, switch knob, control knobs, and cavity covers......I'm a firm believer in all metal and wood, where it counts.
 
Re: A2P covered or uncovered

I think that covered humbuckers have their place but personally I like uncovered humbuckers. They seem to have more bite and a better harmonic response. To me that extra bite isn't something you can get from adding more treble or presence. I also just really like the look which is probably because Slash is a large inspiration of mine but either way I think a Les Paul looks great with plain maple top, a lighy cherryburst, and some uncovered humbuckers (preferably zebras).

But on the other hand I have another Les Paul which I got on ebay. It's an older one and has a flamed maple top with a tobacco burst finish. Right away I liked the sound so I kept the electronics as is and it does look stunning with the covers on it. It's not my stage guitar so there's no point in messing with the electronics. I only do that to keep all my guitars sounding the same on stage. My older guitars I keep them the way they are unless there is something that is failing and needs to be modified for replaced. It's a really warm and smooth sounding guitar which is probably because of the older woods more than anything but like I said it has the covers on it. Not sure what the PU's are but it is very sweet and smooth sounding. I like busting it out for the blues jams and watching all the older guys aww at it. It's a beauty and sounds beautiful as well.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top