Got the Antiquities today and installed them immediately, of course :biglaugh:
My existing set was a C5/PGN which doesn't suck - but I *needed* :laugh2: to try the Antiquities. In this LP, I've also had a JB bridge, Seth Lover bridge, Custom bridge, 59 bridge, Jazz bridge pickup in the neck position, 59 neck and a few more. All have their own individual attributes.
Here are my initial thoughts in contrast with a Marshall Studio Vintage amp and Greenback speaker:
I really like the the low midrange with crunchy chords. Not quite like the Seth Lover - a little thicker with less of that nasally midrange which I really like in the Seth Lover. The Antiquities make you work a little more for that snarl (for soloing), in the mids but that can also be considered as dynamics, I reckon. The 59 bridge is a lot of fun but I like the low mids and the smoother high notes with the Antiquities. The higher notes in the bridge are a little softer than the C5 and quite a bit softer than the 59. I am a big fan of the JB, especially in my Telecaster, but I wanted something with vintage mojo for this 1977 LP.
Regarding the neck pickup, I really like the 59s but they seem to get a bit boomy with my old school (reissue) Marshall amps. Otherwise, the 59 is great, in my opinion. Very musical. Great for clean and great for higher gain scream. The new Antiquity sounds similar to the PGN but it might be a bit smoother/rounder. I would have been fine with the Pearly Gates but I'm pretty sure the Antiquity is going to be fine and I like the idea of the matched pair.
I'm looking forward to hearing this guitar in a Fender Deluxe Reverb soon. I'm sure it's going to shine.
Lots of quality and quantity time with these pickups are needed, but, I can honestly say that I'm inspired. Thanks, Seymour Duncan and MJ, for creating such a great product.
:biglaugh::laugh2: Well, I didn't know that the Antiquity bridge has extra windings. Duh.
