Favorite bridge SD PAF

[misterwhizzy]

I think I want to go low-output in my LP, but I can't decide which one would be best to try. I still like at least GnR levels of gain (preferably able to do RIP-era Megadeth), but I think I want a little less harsh and immediate pick attack than I seem to get with anything as hot as the Custom. I also really didn't like the A2Pro/Jazz wind in this guitar. The A2 Demon in there now is really close, but still not quite right. If your choices were limited to the 59b, the PGb, and the WLH, which would you pick knowing any magnet is fair game and why?

Also, if you have a used one in black you're willing to part with, I might be willing to buy.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

PG Bridge

Upper mid spike, sweet tippy top on the highs.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

For what you described, I'd go 59' bridge first. Good lows still which I think the PG lacks, and it has good highs. The natural mids of your LP should fill in the void for any missing mids from the 59'. It's a proven rock/hard rock pickup and was SD's first PAF formula pickup.

I'd go WLH next. I haven't played it, but it's described as thicker, meatier and warmer than something like a 59', but it's still not hot like a Custom.

If your LP is a darker sounding guitar or has plenty of natural low end, then I would suggest the PG. I love the PG neck, but the bridge can be a tad cutting and lacking in low end, to my ears.

You might consider the Seth Lover bridge too. I love it in a LP. It has a decent/good low end, sweet mids and highs. Plenty of punch and crunch in the bridge and handles gain well. I don't have any feedback issues with it through my DSL40 and I dime the gain at times on OD1. It's my newest favorite stock SD Humbucker.

Let us know what you decide Wizz.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

The 59 to me is the one you are looking for. It works well for many styles, and has a more percussive attack than an Alnico II Pro. I think a 59 sounds great with a polished or roughcast magnet.

 

[majewsky]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

Brobucker either stock or with A3

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

As long as you have a suitable rig to add the gain you need, you have more options available to yourself with a low output pickup. You can stack tremendous gain, in as many stages and varieties as you like, on top of a low output pickup, no problem. But try cleaning up a high output pickup, and prepare to be frustrated - especially if you have anything less than a very high-headroom amp.

You can't go wrong with Seths or AII Pros IMO. With the right rig, they can go anywhere from totally clean and piercing to modern distortion levels. The AIIP is considered the poor man's Seth by many, since Seths were introduced. It's pretty darned close IMO, and significantly cheaper. The AIIPs are a bit stronger and more bottom heavy, but not by much. Not sure why you're not liking it in that guitar.

To answer your thread title question more directly, my favorite Duncan humbucker for the bridge spot is the Seth Neck model. Has all the Seth tonal goodness, but with more bite and less output (better for driving a low-headroom amp like the ones I usually use).

 

[Discharged]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

For all-round, if combined with a '59n, nothing beats the '59/Custom Hybrid. It sounds great with any Alnico grade.

The most tried-and-true mag combos are the following, lowest to highest output.

A3/A2,
A3/UOA5
A3/A6
A2/A6
A4/A8

/Peter

 

[JWR]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

I ended up with a PG bridge in my Les Paul. I did try JB, 59, Gibson 57+. The PG is not perfect for me though, sometimes you just have to roll off the high tone pot but it's nice to have more available. I like the A2 magnets in a Les Paul. I am afraid you are going to get many varied responses, but I do think a paf type A2 in the mid 8's is a good fit.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

my favorite non-cs duncan paf is the antiquity with a full strength a2 for a little extra push and cut. although im really enjoying the stock aged magnet in my hamer monaco elite recently. i have the wlh, and i like it, but i usually prefer a2 buckers. ive been a big pg fan for a while, have a few seths, an aph bridge, and a few others. lots of a2 bucker love from me. if you really like the a2 demon, id try an a2 59b. the pgb has an upper mid spike that i love but just like the jb, its not for everyone. the a2 59b will be a little smoother in the upper mids

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Favorite bridge SD PAF

I think I'll go with the 59 bridge and use the 21-day return policy if necessary. I was leaning towards the 59 anyway, but I wanted some people whose opinions I trust to arrive at that conclusion for me without leading the witness, so to speak. Thanks for your advice.