First Post! - Need advice over pups!

[EpiphoneCustomDude]

Hi guys, first post and thread here, just need some advice on what pickup to get! Been playing for about 9 years, currently (19). The Guitar in question is my 2015 Epiphone Les Paul Custom Blackback Pro, always loved these and managed to buy one new when they went back on sale a few years ago before they all got snatched up again after missing out the first time - Now the pickups in them, I must say are fairly impressive for stock Epiphone pickups but the time has come to change them, (even though I love the filtertron-esque covers)

I'm in debate whether to get the SH-4 (JB) or the SH-5 Custom for the bridge position. I've heard the JB has a 'spike' in the higher frequencies and just wanted to know what you all thought. I'm going after a tone similar to Jerry Cantrell's mixed with a bit of Billie Joe Armstrong's, that really sort of sludgy but clear tone, where you can tell the notes apart and it just sings, even with a fair amount of gain. I'll be matching it with the Gibson '57 I currently have in the bridge of my Ibanez AF75 but it will be going in the neck of the Les Paul.
What's my best bet with pots too, as the push/pull stock ones will be going too...

Thankyou,

Matt

 

[Clint 55]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

I recommend the JB, 500k volume pot, 250k no load tone pot, and triple shots. I love the sound of the JB. Has extremely unique character to it. The Customs are more neutral and I like them too.

 

[Liko]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

I recommend the JB, 500k volume pot, 250k no load tone pot, and triple shots. I love the sound of the JB. Has extremely unique character to it. The Customs are more neutral and I like them too.

I disagree, and would avoid the JB if this guitar is all-mahogany (which it seems to be) and the OP wants good cleans or light drive. I have an Epiphone LP Studio that's all-mahogany, with an HRH set recently added, and the JB further accentuates the darker, low-mid character of the tonewood. In overdriven/distorted lead (which to it's credit is what it was designed for), it sounds really good, but clean it's just way too thick and nasal. The Custom is more scooped and PAF-y while giving the output needed for harder styles, and not totally losing the mids like the Custom 5. Personally, I'm looking to the Becker Perpetual Burn to replace my JB; it seems to split the difference between older overwinds and newer "more PAF" voicings.

[/$.02]

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

Welcome!

I'm going recommend the Custom. Great in a Les Paul style. (May have a few in an assortment - including an epiphone). I'm not quite able to channel this Cantrell/Armstrong combo tone you are describing. That said said - the Custom is hot, it will push anything you push it into, the ceramic makes it tight and clear. The winding is such that it has serious booty/thunk, and can scream/sing on the top end.

I concur with avoid the JB (although that set up from Clint would work if anything does). The JB can be hit or miss in an Epiphone as they are often made out of mystery wood (regardless of what the specs say).

In either case if the Custom is not quite thick/sludgy enough and/or needs a little more sing and ;less scream, swap the magnet for an A8. That may also be a good idea if you decide to go the JB route and there is too much mid spike/shrill.

 

[EpiphoneCustomDude]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

Cheers guys appreciate the help! Looking like I'll most probably go with the Custom. Yeah I must admit it's not the easiest of tones to blend and trying to describe it is hard as hell, but I can somehow hear it in my head But I'll most probably go with the Custom!

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

I disagree, and would avoid the JB if this guitar is all-mahogany (which it seems to be) and the OP wants good cleans or light drive.

That Epi is not mahogany they call it mahogany but its not its actually toona which is sometimes called asian mahogany. OP needs to match the pickup to the sound of HIS guitar not some preconceived supposition of what the would SHOULD sound like.

 

[Diego]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

If anything, both Cantrell and BJA are/were longtime JB users.

I'd give a JB a try first, just because they're so easy to find used for cheap.

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

If anything, both Cantrell and BJA are/were longtime JB users.

I'd give a JB a try first, just because they're so easy to find used for cheap.

Did not know that..,..

 

[darthphineas]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

If anything, both Cantrell and BJA are/were longtime JB users.

I'd give a JB a try first, just because they're so easy to find used for cheap.

This.


If you're new to playing and start with a JB, you're fine. Tailor your rig around what you have, so to speak. The concern about any spike in the JB has evolved over time due to a few things...some think it difference in amps since the 80s and more people think it's about the change in the magnet.

The bands you like are using it, so go for it. Especially if you can find an 80s JBJ.

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Post! - Need advice over pups!

It's really hard to tell without hearing the Epiphone in question. Always a lot of variability in them.