Alternative to Pearly Gates

jimlp

Member
I just bought a Czech made Dean Caddy and the previous owner had swapped out the original pickups with a Pearly Gates set, I don't know if I like the bridge pickup enough to keep it in there. The neck PG is awesome but the bridge lacks oomph and to my ears low end. I play 70's stuff and the PG can cover that but when I get into the early 80's stuff it is kind of flat, I am not a real high output pickup guy but I think need more output from the bridge. Is there anything in the 10K - 12K output range that would match the classic rock sound of the PG but hit the front of the amp a little harder? What about the Screamin Demon? I have never played this pickup but I know some guys swear by it. The guitar has a mahogany body and neck with an ebony board and a maple top and is a hardtail. Thanks for your help. JimC
 
Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

Well the Custom is about 14k. It's got a pretty classic rock tone. One of the dudes from the Darkness is using one, I use one, I think it nails classic rock. Like the description says- PAF on steroids! (and they're not kidding either).
 
Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

I like the Custom too. Blues to metal and everything in between with great tone.
 
Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

jimlp said:
I just bought a Czech made Dean Caddy and the previous owner had swapped out the original pickups with a Pearly Gates set, I don't know if I like the bridge pickup enough to keep it in there. The neck PG is awesome but the bridge lacks oomph and to my ears low end. I play 70's stuff and the PG can cover that but when I get into the early 80's stuff it is kind of flat, I am not a real high output pickup guy but I think need more output from the bridge. Is there anything in the 10K - 12K output range that would match the classic rock sound of the PG but hit the front of the amp a little harder? What about the Screamin Demon? I have never played this pickup but I know some guys swear by it. The guitar has a mahogany body and neck with an ebony board and a maple top and is a hardtail. Thanks for your help. JimC

I have two Dean Caddys too. Absolutely great guitars, especially the Czech version like you have. Before you abandon this truly oustanding pickup I have to ask you: (1) have you really tweaked your amp settings as best you can? (2) have you tried using an EQ? (3) How about a pickup booster like the SD one? I have several Pearly Gates pickups in various guitars and they rock and rock HARD.

If all that has failed, then I would recommend the Seymour Duncan JB or the DiMarzio PAF Pro, FRED, or Norton. If you need more crunch, then the Seymour Duncan Distortion, or the DiMarzio Tone Zone, Evolution, or Super Distortion.

Rock on!!!!

(PS: You be proud of that Czech Caddy. Every bit as good or better than those overpriced Gibsons.)
 
Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

I have a PGn and a Screamin Demon bridge in my Epi LP and think it's awesome for 70's and 80's rock stuff :)
 
Re: Alternative to Pearly Gates

I love the pearly gates plus pickup I have cuz its a a5 mag instead of standerd a2 mag on normal pearly gates-ime guessing you want more base punch? go with an a5 mag sound. on my floyd rose trem guitar I use screamon demon. its got big rock sound without being scooped sounding like jb pup. its resistance is around 10 and its an a5 mag. check out sound clips and compare I like mine with celestion 30 speakers. nice crunchy tone :beerchug:
 
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