Gibson 339, hotter bridge pickup

wynn

New member
Hi what would people recommend to replace the bridge pickup only 339 for a smoother fatter fusion tone. Currently has a Gibson Classic 57+ in there.


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Re: Gibson 339, hotter bridge pickup

Hi what would people recommend to replace the bridge pickup only 339 for a smoother fatter fusion tone. Currently has a Gibson Classic 57+ in

If you asked me for fat fusion sound i would have said look for a 57+. There is nothing wrong with that pup for your desired sound.

So i think its more an adjusting matter on your guitar and rig.
First rise the height adjustment screw of the bridge humbucker at the bass side a tad (the strings should remain clear of the pole screws when hit), lower it at the treble side. Go to 7 on the tone pot. Now adjust your rig until you get the desired sound.

If you switch to the neck pup and it is now too wooly and/or too loud, than lower the bass side adjustment screw of the neck.

This should work.

BTW welcome to this forum.
 
Re: Gibson 339, hotter bridge pickup

Welcome to the forum. I would Recommend either a Alnico2pro or a PATB-3 blues model. You could also use a Custom Custom which will definitely give you a bit more output.
 
Re: Gibson 339, hotter bridge pickup

For a fuller tone, with more drive, whilst not departing from the ES Thinline ballpark, I suggest the Brobucker.
 
Re: Gibson 339, hotter bridge pickup

How smooth/fat do you want? I use my bridge pickup for fusion styled stuff mostly, and I really love the Whole Lotta Humbucker for it, though it wouldn't be much hotter than the 57+. It's still fat and smooth, and you can add more gain with a pedal or the amp.

It might be worth looking into the Custom range, perhaps the Custom Custom SH-11, it's maybe 20% hotter than a vintage pickup (give or take), but it still has Alnico 2 for warmth and smoothness. I think, in theory, it would be too warm or muddy for a semihollow, but I've heard two guys play with that setup in ES-335's and they sound great.

You could also try the classic fusion pickup, the Duncan JB. I've only heard this once in a hollowbody but I really liked the sound, though it did really further highlight the nasal quality of the pickup, and of a semihollow in general.
 
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