Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

[VanDerchuck]

Thinking about trying a Custom Custom in the bridge of my SG. But the last SD I tried came up a little to far from the strings. Does anyone know if they come with longer legs? I hate the pickup it came with, sounds like a dull thud. Hate to have to stick to Gibson pickups just because of the leg length.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

Longer screws? Or longer legs? I would think longer legs would put it even further from the strings. If you really want longer legs, you can replace the baseplate with a long-leg version. Longer screws, I can't say I've seen a variety of lengths for pickup mounting but I also don't see why you couldn't match the thread at a hardware store and look for any length of that type needed.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

You know that any Custom can become a Custom Custom by changing mags. So any long leg Custom will work for you.

Two other things:
- In batwing SG's you don't have slanted PU rings, so the PU is level and the strings are angled, and the bridge pole pieces can be a long ways from the strings. I use pliers to gently bend the 'feet' of the bridge PU, and make them same angle as the strings.

- SG's have a lot of midrange. The don't have the maple top that gives LP's the nice high end cut, nor do they have a thick body to bring out the low end. I wouldn't even consider putting a CC in an SG. Midrange overdose. But that PU works very well in SG's with an A8, UOA5, or RC A5.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

I second what Blueman said. The 59 neck humbucker works well in an SG because SG's naturally have a full midrange and lack some bass. The 59n is a perfect compliment. Put the 59n in a Les Paul, which emphasizes fat low end and clear highs while lacking mids, and the 59n becomes boomy and can be too scooped.

A CustomCustom in an SG is too much of a good thing. I like the 498T that comes in SG standards myself, but also like the Custom UOA5, and the 59B.

 

[VanDerchuck]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

Thanks guys. I never thought of bending the feet of the pickup. That's a good idea.

Here is my issue with the pickup currently. It's a BB3 I believe. I've changed out the volume pot to a CTS 500K. Which made it sound better. I've tried a Pearly Gates and a JB in that spot. I really like the sound of the sample of the Custom Custom on the SD website. I was hoping to get somewhere in that area. Any other off the shelf SD's you'd recommend for an SG?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

I really like the sound of the sample of the Custom Custom on the SD website. I was hoping to get somewhere in that area.

Ah, the sound clips. They get more people buying the wrong PU's. Odds are you're not using the same guitar design, woods, amp, tubes, speakers, and effects as the sound clip. And the type of mic and it's placement has a big impact on the recording. That's why experienced members don't go by sound clips. Way too misleading. Put the same PU in an LP with a Marshall and a Strat thru a Fender amp; they'll sound very different. You can't assume that PU in your guitar will sound like any clip you've heard. It may be close, or it may not. Don't buy a PU because of a sound clip.

Like Mr. B said, a lot of times a bright, scooped PU works well in SG's; then the EQ's more balanced. One of the most popular PU recommendations here for years for SG's was the Custom 5 (SH-14); bright and mid scooped, which are similar qualities to a 498T. A '59 set works well too. If you get a Custom Custom, it won't sound like the sound clip (they probably used a Strat), and odds are you'll return it, sell it, or put a different magnet in it.

The BB3 you have has an A2 magnet, which has a lot of midrange and a reduced high end, which may be what you don't like about it. Custom Customs go even further in that direction.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

- In batwing SG's you don't have slanted PU rings, so the PU is level and the strings are angled, and the bridge pole pieces can be a long ways from the strings. I use pliers to gently bend the 'feet' of the bridge PU, and make them same angle as the strings.

I just put flat pickup rings in to sort out the angle issue. Don't need to mount them - the tension of the pickup springs keeps them in place without issue IME.

 

[VanDerchuck]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

Thanks guys. I went looking for a SH-14 locally but couldn't find one. I'll give it a try. Thanks again.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

I have tried CCs in SGs a few times, though they are hit and miss. With good pieces of wood, they are great. With bad ones, they are so mid-heavy. So get a CC, but also get an A5 and a ceramic magnet. The A5 makes it a Custom 5 and scoops out the mids. The ceramic makes it a Custom and would probably be my choice for most SGs.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

get an A5 and a ceramic magnet. The A5 makes it a Custom 5 and scoops out the mids. The ceramic makes it a Custom and would probably be my choice for most SGs.

Depends on the genres he's playing. For hard rock and metal, a ceramic, for classic rock and blues, an A5.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

My point is that A2s don't always work in SGs, no matter what the genre.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom Custom in a batwing SG.

My point is that A2s don't always work in SGs, no matter what the genre.

True, mids plus mids can be too much.