Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

[Big Blue]

I want to put an Alnico II Pro in the neck of my Gibson LP, but I have not made up my mind what to use in the bridge? I want a smooth, fat tone. Definitely warm, not too aggressive. I've been considering another APH-1, Pearly Gates, or Custom Custom. The 10K has sparked my interest, although I have no idea what it will sound like.

Any thoughts on the best match?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

I have a 59' paired with an APH in my Les Paul. I also have a Dean Hardtail with an APH set. To my ears, the CC is TOO warm and fat in a Lester, but YMMV.

I really like the crunch of the 59's at the bridge. Not too bright, just enough crunch and bite, but still smooth and nice clean.

 

[Big Blue]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Jeff, which do you like better, the APH-1 or '59?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

In the bridge of my Lester, the 59', no comparison. The APH was just a little too smooth and not enough bite, and I am one of those who HATES icepicky highs. In the neck, the APH is my pickup of choice. I currently have on in the neck of EVERY dual humbucker guitar I own.

In the bridge of my Dean Hardtail (similar to a PRS McCarty) with an ebony fingerboard, the APH sounds great....even though it hasn't been getting as much playing time. I would like to try the 59' in the bridge of the HT, just to see if it's too much.

Also, don't be afraid to try a 59' NECK in the bridge position. That's what I have in my LP. They are not quite as hot as the bridge model, and seem slightly softer to me.

Food for thought.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Personally, I liked the C5 paired with the APH when I had it in my Hamer.

 

[Travis]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

One of my Charvel 750xl's has the CC/APH-1 combo in it. The construction is similar to a Les Paul, only with a maple set neck. I also have an APH-1 in the bridge of my Hamer Special FM (think Les Paul DC). If you want warm but not too aggressive in the bridge, then I definitely think another APH-1 is the ticket. I really like this pickup in the bridge. It is very warm and smooth. It lets the amp handle all the aggression you want, as much or little as you may need. I think of the APH-1 as a smoother, warmer 59. It can do anything with the right amp behind it.

 

[madguitar26]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Alnico II Pro in the neck of my LP sounds thin under heavy gain with very little mids but very dark tone .
smooth sounding
one of the best sounds for jazz clean.

 

[theodie]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

As far as smooth, fat, warm and not aggressive, the Seth Lover, the Custom Custom, or the Alnico II pro bridge will be a great choice!

I find the Custom 5, Pearly gates, and the 59 bright and not very smooth! Well, the 59 could be smooth but, I dont think it is what you are looking for in tone. All in all, the Custom Custom will be the best bet!

 

[Big Blue]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Thanks for the awesome advice so far! I've been leaning towards a APH set for some time now, but all of the recent talk about the 10K pup on the forum has caused me to reconsider. Any thoughts on the 10K? What would it most resemble? '59 maybe? Even though it may not be the best pup for me, it is so tempting since this will be the only chance to get one.

Sorry for all the questions, but this is my first pup swap, and I don't want to go through a multitude of pup changes to get it right. I know SD has a 21 day no suck policy, I just don't want to go through the hassle if I can keep from it.

 

[Travis]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

I'm intrigued enough by the 10k that I'm going to get one. People have hyped it up so much that my curiosity got the better of me. However, my impressions of it from the descriptions I've read are that it would be somewhere between the 59 and the Custom 5. Not quite as smooth as the APH, but not quite as aggressive as the Custom series, a perfect middle of the road. In my experience, if you want smooth, go with an A2 mag. The APH-1 is a great pickup in the bridge. Smoother than a 59 but every bit as versatile. The Seth Lover is a little more vintage, but is also a great pickup for a Les Paul (granted I only have experience with a Seth Lover in the neck). If you want something a little more aggressive but still smooth, the Custom/Custom is for you (think early VH).

 

[captain cavman]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Try the Seth bridge , it's a real wonder !

I also like an A2 '59 in the bridge position.

 

[Big Blue]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Thanks again for the advice! I think I'll go with the APH set. Sounds like it would be perfect for my needs. And if I don't like it, you guys have given me plenty of options to try next! Much appreciated!

 

[fusion101]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Custom Custom all the way best ****in combo there is

 

[Big Blue]

Re: Best Match for an APH-1 Neck?

Changed my mind! I just ordered an Alnico Pro II neck and '59 bridge in zebra earlier today. After researching the '59 and listening to the sound clips again, I think putting it in the bridge will give me a more versatile guitar, plus give me a little more growl when I need it. Thanks for the help!