I got a 2006 explorer. A week in I really hate the thuddy bottom end, typical hot Gibson HB sound, great single note sound thru a cranked plexi....but chords muddy and clean tone are lifeless. a UK blues rock tone fan so looking for suggestion in that range. Normally with a guitar I'd grab antiquities but with this massive slab of Mahogany not sure what the right pup is. Also the guitar is mint so antiquities will look out of place
Explorer Pup suggestions
- Thread starter 74jmp
- Start date
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Can't go wrong with a pair of 59s. If those are a bit bright for you, I'd even recommend the Gibson 490 set. If you like the 59s but would like more power in the bridge, Custom/59. The 500T/496R combo that comes in those is good for heavy stuff, imho, and not much else, though I do think the 496 pairs up well with something very hot and a bit warmer in the bridge, like (really) a 498T.
There are lots of guys that will recommend Pearly Gates, Seths, etc., but I don't know because I've never used them.
In before the guys who'll tell you to go out and buy a pup and immediately swap magnets.
Or, you could just go for the LTK Vintage Whisperer set. I still haven't quite figured out how he put the 'tm' up next to the name, but then, I don't have that kind of ego driving me, either.
Can't go wrong with a pair of 59s. If those are a bit bright for you, I'd even recommend the Gibson 490 set. If you like the 59s but would like more power in the bridge, Custom/59. The 500T/496R combo that comes in those is good for heavy stuff, imho, and not much else, though I do think the 496 pairs up well with something very hot and a bit warmer in the bridge, like (really) a 498T.
There are lots of guys that will recommend Pearly Gates, Seths, etc., but I don't know because I've never used them.
In before the guys who'll tell you to go out and buy a pup and immediately swap magnets.
Or, you could just go for the LTK Vintage Whisperer set. I still haven't quite figured out how he put the 'tm' up next to the name, but then, I don't have that kind of ego driving me, either.
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
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Alt + 0153
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Alt + 0153
Inder_Cine_Mann
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Screamin demon bridge?
Screamin demon bridge?
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
yes formula the are very good playing with a cranked plexi, that said I think a more compresed high gain amp they would be perfect, the plexi bottom end with these and the mahogany is TOOmuch. Was thinking of seth or 57 but the 57 with gold are very expensive. never thought of the 59's not real familiar with them.
yes formula the are very good playing with a cranked plexi, that said I think a more compresed high gain amp they would be perfect, the plexi bottom end with these and the mahogany is TOOmuch. Was thinking of seth or 57 but the 57 with gold are very expensive. never thought of the 59's not real familiar with them.
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
First of all, welcome to the forum!
I would look to go for something with a little different EQ than the 59s since you don't care for the low end you already have.
If you'd like more of a warmer yet glassy high end and a firm but bouncy low end I'd go with a set of Jazzes. Great tones to be had in those pickups.
If you'd like a little more midrange push with a more round high and low end I'd go with the Alnico 2 Pros.
If you'd like a snottier sound with an aggressive midrange I'd go with the Pearly Gates.
All that said.......if you don't mind paying for a custom shop bridge pickup I'd go with a PG neck and a 78 bridge. That would truly sound awesome in your guitar I believe. I've got an R8 with a Seth/78 combo and it's fantastic.
Luke
First of all, welcome to the forum!
I would look to go for something with a little different EQ than the 59s since you don't care for the low end you already have.
If you'd like more of a warmer yet glassy high end and a firm but bouncy low end I'd go with a set of Jazzes. Great tones to be had in those pickups.
If you'd like a little more midrange push with a more round high and low end I'd go with the Alnico 2 Pros.
If you'd like a snottier sound with an aggressive midrange I'd go with the Pearly Gates.
All that said.......if you don't mind paying for a custom shop bridge pickup I'd go with a PG neck and a 78 bridge. That would truly sound awesome in your guitar I believe. I've got an R8 with a Seth/78 combo and it's fantastic.
Luke
ToddStaples
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
WLH. Boom. Done.
WLH. Boom. Done.
ExplorersRock
X-Files Duckbucker
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
This is EXACTLY what I had in mind when reading your original post. For the sound you want, I think these will be what you're looking for! :fing2:
BTW... Welcome to the forum, and you've chosen wisely axe-wise. Sure, I'm biased but Explorers are AWESOME!!!:yourock:
This is EXACTLY what I had in mind when reading your original post. For the sound you want, I think these will be what you're looking for! :fing2:
BTW... Welcome to the forum, and you've chosen wisely axe-wise. Sure, I'm biased but Explorers are AWESOME!!!:yourock:
CountFeedback
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
I tried most of Duncan’s Alnico V pups in my explorer and found a 59 set worked the best for me for my clean/med-gain style.
I tried the Jazz neck: I liked the clarity but missed the woody mojo of the 59n.
There are elements of the Demon I like but ultimately IMO it's too modern/not enough vintage mojo.
The SH-5 Custom is great for rock and taking the dull thud out of explorer lows, but the ceramic cleans are a bit cold if you’re use to alnico.
The Whole Lotta Humbucker set looks very promising and I’m planning on giving the bridge model a try. I wish it had been available stock in the USA a few years ago when I was on my humbucker for explorer quest.
Seth Lovers & Slash A2s also might deserve some consideration.
I tried most of Duncan’s Alnico V pups in my explorer and found a 59 set worked the best for me for my clean/med-gain style.
I tried the Jazz neck: I liked the clarity but missed the woody mojo of the 59n.
There are elements of the Demon I like but ultimately IMO it's too modern/not enough vintage mojo.
The SH-5 Custom is great for rock and taking the dull thud out of explorer lows, but the ceramic cleans are a bit cold if you’re use to alnico.
The Whole Lotta Humbucker set looks very promising and I’m planning on giving the bridge model a try. I wish it had been available stock in the USA a few years ago when I was on my humbucker for explorer quest.
Seth Lovers & Slash A2s also might deserve some consideration.
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agentzero12
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
I felt my explorer was hard to get the pup right. I know everyone's tastes are different, but I still haven't settled on a neck pup for it. I like hot pups so i ended up with a jb with alnico 9 mag in it. For lower gain stuff, of say probably 59 or maybe full shred. The stock set is their "hot ceramic". The distortion set will be close but with more life to it. That may be a good option too.
I felt my explorer was hard to get the pup right. I know everyone's tastes are different, but I still haven't settled on a neck pup for it. I like hot pups so i ended up with a jb with alnico 9 mag in it. For lower gain stuff, of say probably 59 or maybe full shred. The stock set is their "hot ceramic". The distortion set will be close but with more life to it. That may be a good option too.
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Curious about the Seth, I have always liked the antiquity line and have replaced hot pups in a Firebird and LP and weak ones in a MIJ Tele. So I wonder if sticking close to a classic PAF clone is my best bet, and not going hot. If I had a set of gold T-tops with stickers... that would be it.
WLH, big page fan but always leary of icon based gear. Sounds interesting but was not wild about with O2 tone, except the LPC ri. So I wonder what pups was he using there.
Curious about the Seth, I have always liked the antiquity line and have replaced hot pups in a Firebird and LP and weak ones in a MIJ Tele. So I wonder if sticking close to a classic PAF clone is my best bet, and not going hot. If I had a set of gold T-tops with stickers... that would be it.
WLH, big page fan but always leary of icon based gear. Sounds interesting but was not wild about with O2 tone, except the LPC ri. So I wonder what pups was he using there.
GilmourD
Burritotoneologist
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Pretty sure that Pagey isn't actually using the WLH set in any of his touring guitars. In fact, he's probably using Gibsons of some sort. The WLH set isn't actually an endorse signature set but rather what Seymour made for him years ago that he used to use. He used to also use different amps.
As far as T-Tops... Get a 490R and 490T and swap roughcast A5s into them.
Pretty sure that Pagey isn't actually using the WLH set in any of his touring guitars. In fact, he's probably using Gibsons of some sort. The WLH set isn't actually an endorse signature set but rather what Seymour made for him years ago that he used to use. He used to also use different amps.
As far as T-Tops... Get a 490R and 490T and swap roughcast A5s into them.
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
First, welcome to the forum! Second.. In reading your first post, based on what you are describing, Id say try the WLH set. Ill disclaimer by saying I am recommending ONLY based on what Ive heard of the pup and what you are looking for. I Have not used them, but definately will SOON!
I will say that if you want a ripping, toneful and versitile sound, I run a Custom 8/59b model in my 2002 Explorer. The C5 was good but had too much bottom. The C8 rounds off some bottom and highs and makes it sound fuller, is very expressive. The 59b works great in the neck, as its alil more "smokey" for blues than a reg 59. But, I recently discovered that a Duncan JB is and awesome neck pickup and will be my go to going forward
First, welcome to the forum! Second.. In reading your first post, based on what you are describing, Id say try the WLH set. Ill disclaimer by saying I am recommending ONLY based on what Ive heard of the pup and what you are looking for. I Have not used them, but definately will SOON!
I will say that if you want a ripping, toneful and versitile sound, I run a Custom 8/59b model in my 2002 Explorer. The C5 was good but had too much bottom. The C8 rounds off some bottom and highs and makes it sound fuller, is very expressive. The 59b works great in the neck, as its alil more "smokey" for blues than a reg 59. But, I recently discovered that a Duncan JB is and awesome neck pickup and will be my go to going forward
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Orrr......crazy thought....just buy a set of Jazzes and you have the SD T-Top version already.
Orrr......crazy thought....just buy a set of Jazzes and you have the SD T-Top version already.
blues
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
Im new here also. I joined a few years ago. Ive only had a few SD pickups. These guys here know alot about SD pickups and what works best. I like the cranked plexi sound my self. I dont really use pedals alot. If I do I use one. So the right pick up is important to me.
I like what Luke Duke said. Seth/78. Ive never heard the Seth but I have the 78 wound onto a p-90 base plate and it kills in my LP Jr. clone with korina wood. When I bought the guitar I planed on just putting a normal p-90 in and taking the 78 out. I like the UK blues rock tone myself. I think you will like the 78.I thought 78 would be like VH at first. But when I thought about it you would need the same set up and his fingers as VH to get close. When I plugged direct the 78 has everything I ever wanted. I think it would work great in your explorer. It breaks up great,no mud your can hear chords clearly. Sounds good with the tone rolled off,and cleans up well when you turn the volume down.
I had a Les Paul that I swapped pickups in. I know your explorer wont sound like a Paul but with the mahogany wood I think what I did may sound good with your explorer. When I got it used it had a JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. I was plugging direct into a Marshall Vintage Modern. You could get a good plexi like tone from the amp if you set it right. I thought the JB had to much gain. I like the UK blues and rock tone like the op likes.My favorite neck pickup tone I was going for was a Tim Shaw Gibson pickup. I have not really liked any of Gibsons newer pickups. I could not get the 59 to sound quite the way I wanted. I ask a question here and got some good advice. I was told to try a different value volume pot and It worked great.
What worked great for me in the end was I put a Gibson T-top in the neck. I was not going to pay for what a used Shaw pickup was selling for.Not that i think about it I should have tried the Slash pickup in the neck. I took the 59 neck modal and put it in the bridge position with the different value volume pot. I heard the Garry Rossington used a SD 59 neck pickup in the bridge position. Thats my very limited experience with SD pick ups.
I hoping to stick around and learn more. These guys here can help you more than I can but I wanted to say what my limited experience is so far.
The Slash neck and 78 bridge might sound cool in your explorer.
Im new here also. I joined a few years ago. Ive only had a few SD pickups. These guys here know alot about SD pickups and what works best. I like the cranked plexi sound my self. I dont really use pedals alot. If I do I use one. So the right pick up is important to me.
I like what Luke Duke said. Seth/78. Ive never heard the Seth but I have the 78 wound onto a p-90 base plate and it kills in my LP Jr. clone with korina wood. When I bought the guitar I planed on just putting a normal p-90 in and taking the 78 out. I like the UK blues rock tone myself. I think you will like the 78.I thought 78 would be like VH at first. But when I thought about it you would need the same set up and his fingers as VH to get close. When I plugged direct the 78 has everything I ever wanted. I think it would work great in your explorer. It breaks up great,no mud your can hear chords clearly. Sounds good with the tone rolled off,and cleans up well when you turn the volume down.
I had a Les Paul that I swapped pickups in. I know your explorer wont sound like a Paul but with the mahogany wood I think what I did may sound good with your explorer. When I got it used it had a JB in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. I was plugging direct into a Marshall Vintage Modern. You could get a good plexi like tone from the amp if you set it right. I thought the JB had to much gain. I like the UK blues and rock tone like the op likes.My favorite neck pickup tone I was going for was a Tim Shaw Gibson pickup. I have not really liked any of Gibsons newer pickups. I could not get the 59 to sound quite the way I wanted. I ask a question here and got some good advice. I was told to try a different value volume pot and It worked great.
What worked great for me in the end was I put a Gibson T-top in the neck. I was not going to pay for what a used Shaw pickup was selling for.Not that i think about it I should have tried the Slash pickup in the neck. I took the 59 neck modal and put it in the bridge position with the different value volume pot. I heard the Garry Rossington used a SD 59 neck pickup in the bridge position. Thats my very limited experience with SD pick ups.
I hoping to stick around and learn more. These guys here can help you more than I can but I wanted to say what my limited experience is so far.
The Slash neck and 78 bridge might sound cool in your explorer.
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blues
New member
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
After you settle on your pickups.You may also want to try converting to an abr-1 bridge and aluminum locking tail piece.I did this with a faber kit. You will get better sustain your notes will sound more defined. Your cords will sound better. You will have a tone machine. You will notice more if you plug straight in or use minimal dirt boxes. I did this with a Les Paul with good results.
Some love it others dont and say that there is not a difference and a waste of money. Im not a faber rep, Please dont flame me just trying to help.
After you settle on your pickups.You may also want to try converting to an abr-1 bridge and aluminum locking tail piece.I did this with a faber kit. You will get better sustain your notes will sound more defined. Your cords will sound better. You will have a tone machine. You will notice more if you plug straight in or use minimal dirt boxes. I did this with a Les Paul with good results.
Some love it others dont and say that there is not a difference and a waste of money. Im not a faber rep, Please dont flame me just trying to help.
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Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: Explorer Pup suggestions
I've got tone pros on my r8 and I thought going to an aluminum TP (my r8 came with zinc TP from Gibson) made a luckier guitar. More high end presence without the steeliness of the zinc.
The biggest issue I have with nashvilles is the stud/socket situation which makes or less vibrational transfer.
So yeah, I'm with you.
Luke
I've got tone pros on my r8 and I thought going to an aluminum TP (my r8 came with zinc TP from Gibson) made a luckier guitar. More high end presence without the steeliness of the zinc.
The biggest issue I have with nashvilles is the stud/socket situation which makes or less vibrational transfer.
So yeah, I'm with you.
Luke