Best SG Replacement pickups??

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

A good p90 set is also great in the SG, like the SG classic. Just ask sosomething.

I really think P90s are quite heavenly in an SG. My Classic thinks so too. :14:

I've also had good luck with a 500T/Mean 90, C5/59, and PG/59.

I never understood the Page mod though. I ended up doing it to an Epi SG at one point and splitting was good but the rest of the options were kinda crappy. I would never use them on stage.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

How would an Inavder fit into the equation compared to the Custom 8?

Yuck. :thumbsdow

 

[Hagbard Celine]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Definitely. It's becoming my stock answer. In a world of "too many" choices, I think most people would be pretty happy with a '59 set. There is also then, the option of magnet-swapping, which can make your '59's impart all kinds of various "PAF tones". Neck too boomy? Put in an A3 or A4. Bridge too weak? Put in an A8. Like the output of the bridge but want more mids? UOA5. Etc, etc.

Amen. Though my A8 experiment in the bridge of my SG lasted less than a half hour.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Amen. Though my A8 experiment in the bridge of my SG lasted less than a half hour.

Then you'd probably like an UOA5 in the bridge. You get warmth with A2 character and dynamics, with better output and a tighter low end than an A2, without the high output of an A8. I've switched most of my A8 HB's over to UOA5's.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Amen. Though my A8 experiment in the bridge of my SG lasted less than a half hour.

In my Strat, the A8 hybrid is great, but a maple/alder bolt-on is gonna be bright enough to balance the darker magnet. I can see that it's not for everybody. The lead tones, frankly, can be a little bit "middy" at times, but the rhythm tones are KILLER. I'm definitely considering the UOA5 though.

 

[CountFunkula]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

The lead tones, frankly, can be a little bit "middy" at times

As they should! Although, I would understand if you don't like the in-your-face aspect.

 

[manoverboard_21]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Lol, well I'm not educated enough to swap magnets out of a pickup. I think I'll stick with a stock one.

 

[CountFunkula]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Lol, well I'm not educated enough to swap magnets out of a pickup. I think I'll stick with a stock one.

Don't say that. I swap magnets like a pro, but I still have trouble swapping pickups. Changing strings are harder than mag swaps...

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

As they should! Although, I would understand if you don't like the in-your-face aspect.

Oh, I definitely do! I'm content and broke so I'm gonna rock what I've got and make it sound as good as I can.

Honestly, I'd love to try the A8 hybrid in an SG.

 

[manoverboard_21]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Now what exactly is the Custom 8? Why cant I find that model anywhere??

 

[MattPete]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

The most popular pair here...

Weasel words: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weasel_word

 

[manoverboard_21]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Now what exactly is the Custom 8? Why cant I find that model anywhere??

 

[zakk_speed]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

The custom 8 is any 'custom' named pickup with an A8 magnet - you need to source that yourself and fit it. All 'custom' pickups are the same wind with different magnets.

Custom SH5 = ceramic magnet
Custom Custom SH11 = A2 magnet
Custom 5 SH14 = A5 magnet

Its a straighforward mod that is pretty well explained elsewhere in this forum. You can buy magnets from AddictionFX on the 'bay.

The reason its so popular is that the custom, 59 and JB winds lend themselves tonally to a change in magnet i.e. you can tune your sound without buying a new pickup. SD dont glue the magnets in so its an easy mod to try.

The custom designation in this case has nothing to do with the custom shop : confusing I know...grab a beer, search on magnet swap in the forum and spend a few hours..its worth the reading effort


HTH

 

[AlexR]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

A pair of '59's will give you the closest to Page tone (especially with an SG, some of the Telecaster tone isn't that far removed). I would suggest Parallel wiring as opposed to split. Its a bit more solid than split but still retains a single-coil vibe.

The custom is much more punchy and modern than a '59. If you want to do Zep and heavier then this would stretch between the two. Just back the volume off a notch or two for vintage tone. I would be torn between the custom custom and the C5. The latter will be a bit thin in an SG, but the first might be too thick toned

 

[manoverboard_21]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Okay so, 59 for the neck and ?? for the bridge. Should both pickups get A8 magnets for the Page tone??

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

Custom8 in the bridge of an SG is almost a no-brainer. Great rock tone and splits well.

AniML suggested a Sreamin Demon for the neck. I hardily concur. The Demon is a very underrated pup and dosen't get the attention that it deserves. It works great in the neck of an SG...very full rich sound and very clear and articulate. High enough output to split and goes well with the C8.

As has also been mentioned, a P-90 set is made for an SG. They aren't splitable 'cause they're singles, but MAN what a great sound. Forget about Page and do the P-90s if you want to be happy.

 

[lemonman]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

If you want a Pagey tone, leave the 59s stock.

 

[manoverboard_21]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

So for the bridge pickup, what pickup will work best with the neck 59?? Custom 8 or not to Custom 8, that's the ultimate question.

 

[Kam]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

So for the bridge pickup, what pickup will work best with the neck 59?? Custom 8 or not to Custom 8, that's the ultimate question.

See, I absolutely LOVE the Custom 8 in the bridge of an SG. It's thick, full and raunchy. I think it sounds incredible for all the genres I play (of which classic rock is a small part).

However, I think if your ultimate goal is Zep tone with the ability to do more, then the '59 will get you closer.

It just depends on whether you want a really great bridge tone that can get close to Zep or whether you want to get really close to Zep and do some other stuff on the side.

Another thing to consider is that if you're dead set on splitting the pickups then you might find the '59 a little weak and thin in single coil mode. Generally higher output pups will sound better split than the more PAF type pups because there's still a decent amount of power there when you split it.

It's a tough call. It really depends how vintage you want to go. A Custom 8 can go vintage but it's not it's strong suit. The '59 was designed to be vintage (though it can sound great for more modern styles as well, depending on your rig) but it will sound weak when split.

A good halfway house could be the Custom 5. It's like the '59 but has a bit more beef in the bass and low mids, plus it really suits the SG body. Plus, if you don't like it then it's a ten minute mag-swap from being a Custom 8.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Best SG Replacement pickups??

How would an Inavder fit into the equation compared to the Custom 8?

I personally LOVE an Invader in an SG, but I think it depends in part on the rest of the rig. I don't believe they sound quite as good going into a high gain amp, but with the one that I've got in my white SG just roars. I paired it with a Dirty Fingers in front and it seems to be a nice contrast. I know that the conventional belief is that Dirty Fingers pups are also kinda savage, but the one that I'm using is incredibly anemic. If I were to replace that pickup with anything, it'd be with a '59.