Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

CesarM13

CesarM13

New member
Can someone please establish their differences for me?
I'm guessing the PG+ has more bite to it and is more vintage voiced, am I correct?
How do they compare to each other?
Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

This what I thought about both p'ups and doesn't reflect what others might think about them.

PG +
8.5k
sweet paf tone
strong low end
scooped mids but nothing too bad
bright top end that isn't harsh
best clean tone out of all the SD p'ups I've tried. It just kills in the neck slot but it did sound fizzy with dirt.

C5
14.4k
Very Bright p'up, IMO. I had to switch pots to "tame" it
Mids will be scooped to the point that some might be hate it
tighter low end than the PG+
Splits well and has a brighter clean tone when compared with the PG+
Paf tone with more balls

IMO, the C5 had more bite. The PG+ was more vintaged voiced of course. The C5 will have more compression due to the greater wind but nothing like a CC. :crazy:

HTH (hope that helps)
 
Last edited:
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

Got_tone? said:
This what I thought about both p'ups and doesn't reflect what others might think about them.

PG +
8.5k
sweet paf tone
strong low end
scooped mids but nothing too bad
bright top end that isn't harsh
best clean tone out of all the SD p'ups I've tried. It just kills in the neck slot but it did sound fizzy with dirt.

C5
14.4k
Very Bright p'up, IMO. I had to switch pots to "tame" it
Mids will be scooped to the point that some might be hate it
tighter low end than the PG+
Splits well and has a brighter clean tone when compared with the PG+
Paf tone with more balls

IMO, the C5 had more bite. The PG+ was more vintaged voiced of course. The C5 will have more compression due to the greater wind but nothing like a CC. :crazy:

HTH
Click to expand...

I have / had both of them. HTH hit the bulls eye!
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

I agree with what HTH said except...C5 has "PAF tone with more balls". Sounds castrated to me.

I am one of those that truly hates the C5. To me it is a totally useless, midscooped, flat, no guts, mediocre, blah sounding PU. The C8 is the only Custom that I like and didn't even like that in my LP, but I love it in the bridge of my SG. Go figure.

Love the PG (with the stock A2, but would love to hear it with A8. I think I might just have an embarassing accident after hearing it, though). Don't know how it compares to the PG+. Doesn't the PG+ have an A5? I think I would also like that in a LP.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

Wow, this has been REALLY helpful, thank you :)
Does anyone know where can I order a PG+? (not trembucker spaced), maybe custom floor or floor custom idk the term, sorry :P
Thanks.

EDIT:
how would it match with a stock '59n? thanks
 
Last edited:
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

I agree with what HTH said except...C5 has "PAF tone with more balls". Sounds castrated to me.
Click to expand...

Me, too. I find it sounds OK by itself; but disappears in the mix when not playing alone. PG+ sounds great in a LP, and in a mix if you like that snarly grit.

The PG+ will match very well with the 59n, that's the combo Fender used in their Big Apple strats for years. It's sold by Fender; you can usually find suppliers with them on the 'bay. Most of the PG+ are parchment, which is an off-white but not cream; occasionally a black one can be found.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

Thanks :) another question, is it suitable for metal? (heavy distortions) it doesn't get muddy under high gain circumstances right?
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

I guess I'm the odd guy here, but I think the C5 is great in the right application. I have one in the bridge of my strat, and it doesn't get lost in the mix even with two other guitars on stage. The C5 has a great low end and a throaty lead tone, almost makes my strat sound LP-ish with some dirt. But, my strat is strong in the mids and high end (alder body, maple/maple neck) and I don't scoop mids at the amp.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

CesarM13 said:
Thanks :) another question, is it suitable for metal? (heavy distortions) it doesn't get muddy under high gain circumstances right?
Click to expand...

I use my regular PG for hard rock/metal all the time.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

FretFire said:
I guess I'm the odd guy here, but I think the C5 is great in the right application... The C5 has a great low end and a throaty lead tone, almost makes my strat sound LP-ish with some dirt.
Click to expand...

+1. I think it's a great PU too. It excels in mahogany.
 
Re: Custom 5 vs. Pearly Gates +

FretFire said:
I guess I'm the odd guy here, but I think the C5 is great in the right application. I have one in the bridge of my strat, and it doesn't get lost in the mix even with two other guitars on stage. The C5 has a great low end and a throaty lead tone, almost makes my strat sound LP-ish with some dirt. But, my strat is strong in the mids and high end (alder body, maple/maple neck) and I don't scoop mids at the amp.
Click to expand...

+1...although, after you here what im about to say you may dis-own me...

in my ACRYLIC bodied LP, it truly sounded like AN LP!!! very throaty, and dare i say blistering in the right aplications? (*high gain) and under vintage gain...i loved it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top