FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

R

Rmaxxx

New member
I'm fairly new to this site and a little intimidated by all the stuff that is just over my head or skill level. Anyways i have a epiphone Les paul that i just had a cutom sh-5 put in the bridge. I'm happy with it and looking for a ggod neck pickup to pair it with any suggestions? I like to play classic rock all the way up to metal trying to have a versatile sound. I play through a peavey cabinet with a custom defender head and an old zoom for effects, as you can see money is an issue. Thanks for any suggestions.:onder:
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

1st choice - pearly gates

Other options: any low output neck humbucker on the site ('59, A2pro, Seth lover, Jazz)

The PATB 1 neck model is also really nice, the funky poles will help keep the tone clear under high gain too.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

Thanks guys i was thinking pearly gates or jazz from little stuff iv'e heard and to rumblebox what will the A5 or A8 magnet do for my sound and is it simple to switch out?
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

IMO the custom is too harsh and trebly with a ceramic magnet. The A5 will fatten up the tone a bit. I hvent used an A8 yet, but i hear lots of good things about them. Im currently using an A2 in mine for a lower output buttery/creamy sound, but it can still do metal with the right amp if need be.

To swap the magnet, you just unsolder the nickel cover if you have one, unscrew the bobbins from the metal plate, make sure you install the new magnet in the same direction as the old one.

Im using a jazz neck right now, but i also love the seth lover and pearly gates. I havent really tried any others recently.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

Thanks for the info yea that sounds good to fatten up the tone but i want it to be tight and not mushy.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

If you're going to go through the trouble of swapping the magnet out of a Custom, you might as well throw an A8 in there. I just turned my Custom 5 into a Custom 8 and I'm still floored at how great it sounds in my SG copy. It'd be perfect if you're looking to play classic rock to metal.

I can't speak from experience on choosing a Les Paul neck pickup, but forum users typically complain about the "boominess" of an A5 pickup like the 59. A2 pickups like Pearly Gates or Alnico II Pro make popular choices in there instead. If I were on a budget like you mentioned, I would go with the A2P, the cheapest non-A5 suggested.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

If you are happy with the custom bridge leave it alone and play. A lot of us spend too much time tweaking.

If you can stretch the extra $15 odd go for a PG neck. Buy second hand if you can and you will not lose money. Custom/PG will last you a long time.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

I could wade in with a question about the neck wood of your Epiphone but my suggestion is probably going to be the same - pre-owned Pearly Gates.

For a P-90 vibe, try either a Phat Cat, P-Rails or a DiMarzio Bluesbucker.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

I really like the jazz I have in the neck of a les paul-like guitar (PRS SE with mahogany/maple). I find I get a great classic les paul neck tone. The nice thing about the jazz is that it is so common, they are often dirt cheap used. Saw one on my local kijiji for $35.

I may be in a bit of a minority here, but I find if you put any good PAF-type pickup in an asian budget guitar, the thing will instantly be so much better, it doesn't really matter what pickup you replace the mediocre stock one with. Pickup swaps are probably the best bang for your buck when it comes to upgrading guitars.
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

Welcome to the forum!! Good choice with the custom! Custom 8 s are great too!

As far as neck pups, the PG is great for blues to metal.. A jazz is great too, and will give you a great clean. Or if you want a fat warm tone, the AIIpro is great also
 
Re: FNG (new guy) needs pick-ups

I dig the AIIPro in the neck. I felt the Jazz was kind of "boring" for the lack of a better term.
 
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