APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

DistilledSounds

DistilledSounds

New member
Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster. I have a 2004 Les Paul Standard that currently has the stock Burstbucker Pros in it. I know these pickups get a bad rap a lot but I actually really like the neck pick-up. It doesn't have the muddiness that a lot of neck pickups have. The bridge pickup is a different story - while I can get a passable sound from it, I find the highs to be of the ice pick variety and I just am not 100% happy with the tone there. So I want to keep the neck pick-up as is (for now) and replace the bridge with something else. From reading various posts and doing some research I've got it narrowed down to either the APH-2s Slash pick-up or the SH-11 Custom Custom. Both seem to get good reviews so I'm hoping to get some advice on which one to pick from you all. I play in a hard rock band that's style is a mix between 90's alt-rock and 70's arena rock. I would heavily compare our sound to the likes of Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Black Crowes. I play a mixture of rhythm and lead. I play through a Mesa Boogie Express 5:50+ if that helps. Thanks for your suggestions and help in advance.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

I think the Slash would work very well for you. I've had both pickups you mentioned in my Les Pauls and find the Slash model to be a more versatile pickup. It handles gain like a champ and cleans up very well. The Custom Custom, to me, doesn't sound that great for cleaner work in a Les Paul.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

Unless your LP is really bright go with the Slash. I had one in my 81 Custom (which is really bright) and it didn't really work out, so I but it into my 08 Studio which is darker/thicker sounding and it sounds awesome. Interestingly the Slash neck sounded much better in the brighter guitar.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

I liked the CC when it was in my Les Paul but it was too hot for me and I think you might have the same issue. The Slash should balance better with the BB pro.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

Rand-O-Monium said:
Didn't like the CC in my LP at all.
Click to expand...


There's been members over the years that have said CC's are too dark in LP's for them. Odds are an A2P/Slash would work better for the OP. Most of the positive posts I've seen about CC's involved them in brighter woods. Of course, occasionally there's a bright LP.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

Yeah,it was pretty "tubby". I like my br p/ups to have some sizzle/'tude.

.02

Haven't/didn't try in a Superstrat,tho...
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

Thanks for all the responses. I was leaning towards the APH-2S, but this just seals that decision. Thanks again.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

DistilledSounds said:
Thanks for all the responses. I was leaning towards the APH-2S, but this just seals that decision. Thanks again.
Click to expand...


Good choice, I think you'll like it. I just put an A2P in the bridge of an LP, great sound; full, rich, aggressive. Report back here once you've had a chance to play it.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

You made a great choice that is one formidable bridge pickup!
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

The CC really shines in a Super Strat, but I don't know anyone who uses them in an LP. You made the right choice. If for some reason it doesn't work for you, remember that we have a Real World 21-day Exchange Policy.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

So I received the Slash pickup earlier this week and got it all wired up the other night. Haven't had a ton of time to play through my rig with it but for the little bit that I have I would say color me impressed. Gone are the brittleness and ice pick highs that the BB Pro had - the only way I can describe it is that my Les Paul now sounds like what I've always thought a Les Paul should sound like. It's definitely mid-heavy, but it's not so much that it's obnoxious, you can just tell that it will be able to cut through a band mix. And it sounds great in the middle position with the BB Pro #1 that's in the neck. Can't wait to try it out with my band next week. Thanks again for all the advice on this, I would say that I definitely made the right choice.
 
Re: APH-II Slash vs. Custom Custom for Les Paul Bridge

DistilledSounds said:
So I received the Slash pickup earlier this week and got it all wired up the other night. Haven't had a ton of time to play through my rig with it but for the little bit that I have I would say color me impressed. Gone are the brittleness and ice pick highs that the BB Pro had - the only way I can describe it is that my Les Paul now sounds like what I've always thought a Les Paul should sound like. It's definitely mid-heavy, but it's not so much that it's obnoxious, you can just tell that it will be able to cut through a band mix. And it sounds great in the middle position with the BB Pro #1 that's in the neck. Can't wait to try it out with my band next week. Thanks again for all the advice on this, I would say that I definitely made the right choice.
Click to expand...

Awesome! I am happy we could be part of getting your sound where you want it to be!
 
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