Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

[SweetClyde99]

I’ve got a 2013 Gibson LPJ (basically an ugly Les Paul with a set maple neck), and I’ve been thinking about swapping out the pickups on it. I’ve got a couple of guitars around with a Custom 8, and I know I really like the pickup, but I’ve read some conflicting reports of how it sounds in a Les Paul. Would the Alternative 8 be a better choice given the guitar? What are the general difference between the two? I’ve read some conflicting reports on that as well.

I play hard rock but not quite metal. I like thick distorted tones that work well for palm muted riffs. I tend to play through high gain Marshall-esqe amps and pedals, but a decent clean sound is important too.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

The Alternative 8 might be a great choice- it gives you a thick sound that also cuts through the mix. This however, depends on the natural EQ of your guitar, and what you feel the current pickups lack.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

C8's a good choice with the full mids & firm low end. With a maple neck on yours, it won't sound quite like a typical LP. Probably be a little brighter and have a little faster response.

For the Custom series, I've migrated from C8's to UOA5 Customs for the richer & more complex tones.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I love the alt8 in a LP. The custom series never fared that well with me, so for me it's an easy choice.

 

[STLMTLHD79]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I have an Alt8 in an Edwards John Sykes MIJ les paul and it sounds HUGE! I highly recommend one.

 

[donaldr]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

With a maple neck on yours, it won't sound quite like a typical LP. Probably be a little brighter and have a little faster response.

I have a 2014 Gibson LPJ and I totally agree: brighter and faster (acoustically) than a typical LP. I like the Gibson '61 pickups in mine but would have liked better notes separation.

 

[SweetClyde99]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

The 2013s came stock with a Gibson 498 bridge, 490 neck. I put an A8 in the bridge and an A5 in the neck, which helped get the EQ more where I want it, but they still have a sort of grating, grainy quality to them that’s not bad, but tends to make me reach for something with Duncan’s in it.

 

[Ascension]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I have run the Custom 8 and Alt 8 both in the same guitar. The Alt is the bigger rounder and warmer of the 2. Think of the Alt 8 as a bigger meaner and tighter JB.

 

[SweetClyde99]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I just pulled the trigger on a used Alt 8. I figured if it sounds too thick and dark in this guitar, I can pull it out and swap it for a Custom 8 I’ve got in the bridge of a Tele. It sounds a bit thinner in the Tele than I want it to—still good though—so the Alt 8 would probably be a good match for the Tele if it doesn’t work in the LP.

All of that will likely be easier said than done, since the LP has the Gibson quick connect nonsense I’ll have to work around, but what can you do?

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I have run the Custom 8 and Alt 8 both in the same guitar. The Alt is the bigger rounder and warmer of the 2. Think of the Alt 8 as a bigger meaner and tighter JB.

Does it still have that upper mids thing or does the A8 warm that up?

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I just pulled the trigger on a used Alt 8. I figured if it sounds too thick and dark in this guitar, I can pull it out and swap it for a Custom 8 I’ve got in the bridge of a Tele. It sounds a bit thinner in the Tele than I want it to—still good though—so the Alt 8 would probably be a good match for the Tele if it doesn’t work in the LP.

All of that will likely be easier said than done, since the LP has the Gibson quick connect nonsense I’ll have to work around, but what can you do?

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it. I’ve been contemplating something different for my LP too.
I recently swapped in an A8 mag (Fokin pickup) and I like it a lot. It’s def thicker and has a ton of sustain.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

Does it still have that upper mids thing or does the A8 warm that up?

the alt8 absolutely does not have that upper mid spike the JB has.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

the alt8 absolutely does not have that upper mid spike the JB has.

Great...thanks

 

[Ascension]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

Does it still have that upper mids thing or does the A8 warm that up?

It has that sing of the JB on solo tone but not that honk. It's bigger tighter and smoother over all than the JB.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

The 2013s came stock with a Gibson 498 bridge, 490 neck. I put an A8 in the bridge and an A5 in the neck, which helped get the EQ more where I want it, but they still have a sort of grating, grainy quality to them that’s not bad, but tends to make me reach for something with Duncan’s in it.

I've done the same mag swap, and it makes a world of difference. Big improvement. I think most players would prefer them in this form. Why in god's name has Gibson not changed this pairing, either with different magnets or different pickups?

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

The custom is the bridge pickup I prefer the most. I have tried it with all available magnets (with the exception of A6). At the moment the C8 is the best fit for my Les Paul (the guitar in my avatar) and the custom custom the best fit for my fat strat. If you want my opinion I prefer the C8 over the Alt8. I find the Alt8 too way compressed to my ears. It's me, but all the pickups I've tried with a DC over 15 become lifeless

 

[SweetClyde99]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

USPS says the Alt 8 was delivered today. I should have some time tonight to do some soldering.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

USPS says the Alt 8 was delivered today. I should have some time tonight to do some soldering.

Can't wait to hear the results!

 

[ColeJustesen]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I put a Custom 8 in my Yamaha SG1000 and it sounded pretty good. I ultimately went back the stock pickups, because I liked the tone better than anything I put in the guitar. I think I would like to try an Alt 8 at some point, based upon the description here.

Did you get a chance to install and check out the pickup yet?

Cole

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Custom 8 or Alternative 8 in a Les Paul

I've got a heavy mahogany/maple body, mahogany/rosewood neck LP that sounds absolutely amazing with the Alt8 in the bridge