After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

[Burk]

I play Les Pauls through higher gain (rock band) Marshall & Soldano stuff. I've had EMG's in my ax's for over 15 years. I like my "sound" but want to improve my "tone"....

I really like the crazy sound of John Syke's tone on the popular Whitesnake album. I read he used the Gibson "Dirty Fingers" pickups in his guitar. I know DiMarzio made a lot of pickups for Gibson in the 70's & 80's, but they claim they didn't make that one. As far as Seymour Duncan's go, I seem to be liking the Duncan Distortion & the Custom 5. I'm scared that I'll end up with something too weak in output compared to the emgs. I'll even get me some bobbin toppers if I have to....I am wanting the reverse zebra look on my guitar.

Any ideas or advice?
Thanks!
-Burk

 

[jmh151]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

Dimarzio never made pickups for Gibson. Many players may have retrofitted Dimarzios in their Gibson guitars, but Dimarzio never made any for Gibson. On occaison Gibson has, like on the Ace Frehley model Les Paul, used Dimarzios.

Here's the dirty fingers pickup you can buy.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Dirty-Fingers-Humbucker-Pickup?sku=304667

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

Custom works well for Sykes sounds, I think you should go Custom/'59 or PGn route, I've got Custom/PGn set in LP, and it plain rocks for everything, except maybe those sounds that are clean but on the edge of drive, the Custom feels a bit bright on those sounds. Otherwise it's perfect combo for blues/rock/hard rock/metal. Custom is kinda like a mix of EMG 81 and Gibson PAF, only better

 

[Captain Tightpants]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

If you're an EMG guy, I think you'll like the Distortion just fine, and I wouldn't worry one bit about it being weak. I kind of think of it as an 81 with more character.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

I'd go pPGn. 59 might be a little boomy in the neck for an LP, but many use it. Just my own preference.

 

[phil_104]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

My combo of choice for heavey stuff s still a CC/PGn. Love that CC for solo work.

 

[Burk]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

I called DiMarzio and they said that they DID make some for Gibson, surely they didn't lie?

-B

 

[Burk]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

Keep in mind that my band plays everything from Foghat, and Zeppelin, to Pantera, Ozzy, Disturbed and Drowning Pool. I was wanting a pick up that had plenty of Low end (custom 5?), but would sound even across the sound spectrum. I've read that the Alnico magnets sound a little "browner and darker" than the ceramics....is this true, or can the "windings" compensate for the tone....?

 

[phil_104]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

Keep in mind that my band plays everything from Foghat, and Zeppelin, to Pantera, Ozzy, Disturbed and Drowning Pool. I was wanting a pick up that had plenty of Low end (custom 5?), but would sound even across the sound spectrum. I've read that the Alnico magnets sound a little "browner and darker" than the ceramics....is this true, or can the "windings" compensate for the tone....?

Like I wrote earlier man, check out the custom-custom. It's one amazing pup imo.

 

[theodie]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

You dont need bobbin toppers for reverse zebra. They can be ordered.

 

[Sirion]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

I play Les Pauls through higher gain (rock band) Marshall & Soldano stuff. I've had EMG's in my ax's for over 15 years. I like my "sound" but want to improve my "tone"....

I really like the crazy sound of John Syke's tone on the popular Whitesnake album. I read he used the Gibson "Dirty Fingers" pickups in his guitar. I know DiMarzio made a lot of pickups for Gibson in the 70's & 80's, but they claim they didn't make that one. As far as Seymour Duncan's go, I seem to be liking the Duncan Distortion & the Custom 5. I'm scared that I'll end up with something too weak in output compared to the emgs. I'll even get me some bobbin toppers if I have to....I am wanting the reverse zebra look on my guitar.

Any ideas or advice?
Thanks!
-Burk

http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/ZH-coldsweat.html

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: After 15+ years of EMG, I'm going passive...which ones?

You can always see if the SD active line does a better job for you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RG-2vrIpJM

But seriously - PM Axl H about it... he uses the Dirty Fingers to get the Sykes tone... and check the Custom pickup might be right for your needs... (can't believe I recommend ceramic pickups to someone - I'm not a fan).