Antiquity vs. 59 - how different do they sound?

[appar111]

I have an old, 80's MJ wound 59N in the bridge position of a single humbucker tele (alder with maple fretboard). I really love the sound-- just enough output, still clean & chimey, and handles distorted tones great for me (tweed Bassman Reissue, stock Boss DS-1 and SD-1).

I'm contemplating getting an Antiquity Bridge humbucker for this guitar because I've been curious for a long time about how the Antiquities sound.

How different are the 59 and the Antiquity? What are the main tonal differences between the two, and what can I expect if I swap the 59N out for an Antiquity bridge?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Antiquity vs. 59 - how different do they sound?

The 59 has firm lows, neutral mids, and clear articulate highs. The neutral mids allow the Bassman to dictate the tone of the mids.

The Antiquity has a softer squishier bottom, barking midrange with a bit of the unpotted ringiness, and the highs are more buttery but clear.

The Bassman is a pretty punchy and hard sounding amp, so the Antiquity will soften it up, moreso than the 59. The only drawback is you may feel the midrange is too strident.

The 59 has more of an Angus Young or VH vibe.
The Antiquity has more of an Allman Bros vibe.

 

[appar111]

Re: Antiquity vs. 59 - how different do they sound?

I wouldn't mind some softening up of the sound, as it is pretty hard hitting right now (but in a good way). I can always dial the mids back on the Bassman (right now I have them on about 9 out of 12 on the mid knob). I like the idea of a little of that unpotted sound, but still dig most of the qualities of the 59 with an A5.

I could always split the difference and try an A2 in the 59 first-- something that Blueman335 would most likely suggest. Alot cheaper than a $115-120 pickup.

Or I could try out a Seth Lover if the A2 59 experiment isn't to my liking. It's unpotted and A2, but the magnet is full strength, so it would be a little less squishy than the aged A2 in the Antiquity. It's still around $100 new, though..

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Antiquity vs. 59 - how different do they sound?

Def try A2 in the 59... i love my 59 with a2. I have a 59B in the neck with A2... I love love love it!