Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

[girlafraid]

I'm pretty new to modding guitars, but I really want to change the pickups in my Epiphone Les Paul, I actually managed to get one of the good ones, all mahogany, grovers etc, but I still find the p/u's muddy and lacking.
Can anyone suggest a nice pair of humbuckers that will cover all bases at an okay cost please? Thanks!

 

[Thames]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

You could start with the popular JB/'59 combo (or JB/Jazz).

You can find them easily, there's a lot of these used, cheap. You'll have a good start with those finding your tone.

Dont forget to replace the pots while you're there.

 

[girlafraid]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

Thankyou! cant wait to get started.

 

[Marcel]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

+1 for JB/Jazz

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

Replace the pots with 500k pots first before the pickups. Replace all four of them.... it will help clear out the mud, and you'll end up doing it anyway.

 

[girlafraid]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

I took the back plate off, and the pots have 500k printed on them, do you still think I should replace them regardless? thanks

 

[NathanCahill]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

They are linear taper rather than audio taper but until they go out I would leave them. Unless you have a preferance.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

Yes, go with CTS pots and orange drop caps. Your local shop should have both of these components on hand. Dimarzio repacks CTS pots as their own, so you can find them pretty easily. While you're in there, it might be a good idea to also change out the switch for a Switchcraft unit. As far as the pickups go, the 59/JB is a popular place to start, but I much preffer the APH/C5 combo in a LP.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

It all depends on what type of music you play, and what kind of amp. Everyone so far has suggested great pickup combo's, but not if you're playing Country or Air Supply covers all day.

Give us a little more info, and we'll hook a sister up right.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Epi Les Paul Pickup Replacement - What do I get?

I took the back plate off, and the pots have 500k printed on them, do you still think I should replace them regardless? thanks

The only thing that will tell for sure is measuring their resistance.