Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

[JeffB]

Pearly Gates neck with a '59 bridge?


I've got a brand new zebra PGn layin around. I like it as a neck pup as it's not as woofy as a 59, and I can roll off the tone control to get that "woman" tone.

But output wise and tone full up, will it overpower/be a bad match tone-wise with a 59 in the bridge? (I don't care for the PG bridge, too icepicky for my tastes)

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

Not in a Les Paul but that's the configuration I use in one of my Strats.

Sounds great to me!

Lew

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

I could try a PG(b) and a Seth or an APH tonight on one of my Pauls, but I don't have a 59' bridge in standard spacing anylonger.

I think it sounds like a cool combo. I'm looking for a used nickle 59'(b) to try in one of my Pauls....I'd be interested to know how you like it if you do try.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

Thanx Lew & Jeff

As for 59b's in a Paul, they are awesome Jeff. I had a pair of 59's in my heritage, and I had a 59 in 2 of my previous Gibsons. I eventually switched over to Customs as they handled the low end under high gain better. Now that I'm old and hence more refined I've come to prefer less gain and the PAF type sound. The neck pup can get muddy/woofy though.

That said, I'm really torn about the BB pros..they are EXCELLENT pups. Not quite a PAF, but pretty close with better clarity and more pronounced mids. I'm amazed at how you can hear each string/note individually when playing doubles stops even on the neck pup. Can't say I've ever had a HB with that kind of clarity. If they were just a little lower in output ( I don't care what they "read"... they are HOT), and had less mids like a PAF, they'd be perfect (for me).

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

I agree with your assessment on the BB's Jeff. I was all set to hate them, and take them out right away, but they're not bad. The bridge is great for crunchy overdrive stuff, but a little thin and bright clean. Just the opposite with the neck....a little muddy and woofy dirty, but nice and warm, smooth yet with clarity clean. I'm still trying to dial them in.

I've read that some guys really like them with different mags. Perhaps an A3 in the neck and bridge would solve the problem?

 

[JeffB]

Re: Anyone tried this PUP config in a Les Paul?

I agree with your assessment on the BB's Jeff. I was all set to hate them, and take them out right away, but they're not bad. The bridge is great for crunchy overdrive stuff, but a little thin and bright clean. Just the opposite with the neck....a little muddy and woofy dirty, but nice and warm, smooth yet with clarity clean. I'm still trying to dial them in.

I've read that some guys really like them with different mags. Perhaps an A3 in the neck and bridge would solve the problem?

Jeff..I have the Pros in my Standard which are different from what you have in the R7. Alnico V mags for one. the BBP bridge is not as hot as the #3 according to most folks, it more like a #2 in output. The neck pickup is not as fat as a PAF or sings quite the same, but it's a GREAT neck pup...extreme clarity...not woofy at all like a PAF/59 but still has enough bass response and warmth...think of a warmer Duncan Jazz. Great for cleans and in the middle position both pups really compliment each other well...prolly the best "both pups on"sounds I've exprienced in a paul..through an overdriven Fender type amp (like my MESA's clean channel) it's instant blues lick heaven. Neck pup with the tone rolled completely off through my MESA on the clean channel is jes a wonderful early 60's Jazzbox sound.

And this is where my problem lies...the BBpros are so versatile and can create so many really really nice tones.. tones that I normally didn't use to use much cos they never were quite right....but now WANT to cos they ARE right. I'm afraid to lose those by just addressing my "high" gain needs.

Maybe I'll just need to buy another Paul

EDIT: Boy..I am ramblin' on somethin' fierce today.. :laugh2: