Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
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Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
I think that the 57/57+ set is one of the few sets from Gibson that I would actually recommend, but they are pricey. Unless you can afford the 57/57+, I'd say go with the Alnico II Pro because they are so similar to the 57s, but a lot cheaper. They both have the characteristic sounds of A2 pickups: rounded treble, prominent mids, and loose bass.
Also consider the Slash set. It's a rework of the Alnico II Pro set that was designed to sound like the A2Ps that were in a really bright LP. The Slash set is brighter and a slight bit aggressive sounding. It's a better set for a darker guitar or rig, but if you own equipment that's on the brighter side of things, go for the original A2P.
I think that the 57/57+ set is one of the few sets from Gibson that I would actually recommend, but they are pricey. Unless you can afford the 57/57+, I'd say go with the Alnico II Pro because they are so similar to the 57s, but a lot cheaper. They both have the characteristic sounds of A2 pickups: rounded treble, prominent mids, and loose bass.
Also consider the Slash set. It's a rework of the Alnico II Pro set that was designed to sound like the A2Ps that were in a really bright LP. The Slash set is brighter and a slight bit aggressive sounding. It's a better set for a darker guitar or rig, but if you own equipment that's on the brighter side of things, go for the original A2P.
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
Thanks, but I'm actually looking to replace the 57 set already in my Les Paul. I find (especially the 57+ in the bridge) to be too bright. How do the 57s compare to the Alnico 2 pros? Are they smoother sounding? thanks!
Thanks, but I'm actually looking to replace the 57 set already in my Les Paul. I find (especially the 57+ in the bridge) to be too bright. How do the 57s compare to the Alnico 2 pros? Are they smoother sounding? thanks!
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
The Alnico II Pros will be a tad bit smoother. An easier switch would be to lower the values on your potentiometers. Maybe a 300k for the bridge volume? Or a 450k for bridge volume and tone if you want a more subtle change.
The Alnico II Pros will be a tad bit smoother. An easier switch would be to lower the values on your potentiometers. Maybe a 300k for the bridge volume? Or a 450k for bridge volume and tone if you want a more subtle change.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
I think A2P's are one of Duncan's best PU's, along with Seth's and WLH's. They're warm, smooth, and articulate. Out of the many PAF's I've had over the years, '57 Classics are far and away the worst sounding of all of them. I've had two sets, both came with the guitars, and both were awful. In fact, one guy who put them in as aftermarket PU's actually apologized for how bad they sounded in the guitar he sold to me. He lost his shirt on the deal, but was relieved to unload that guitar. I tried the '57's, realized he was right, and sold them. They go for $350-400 new for a set, which is ridiculous. There are so many better sounding PAF's on the market in that price range, and even for less than that. If you can't find a better sounding PAF than '57's, you haven't looked around.
I think A2P's are one of Duncan's best PU's, along with Seth's and WLH's. They're warm, smooth, and articulate. Out of the many PAF's I've had over the years, '57 Classics are far and away the worst sounding of all of them. I've had two sets, both came with the guitars, and both were awful. In fact, one guy who put them in as aftermarket PU's actually apologized for how bad they sounded in the guitar he sold to me. He lost his shirt on the deal, but was relieved to unload that guitar. I tried the '57's, realized he was right, and sold them. They go for $350-400 new for a set, which is ridiculous. There are so many better sounding PAF's on the market in that price range, and even for less than that. If you can't find a better sounding PAF than '57's, you haven't looked around.
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
For the most part I agree with Blueman. There are so many other A2 pups that are better than the 57's and usually less than half the price.
I do have to say that I have a 57 (neck) in the neck of one of my guitars that actually sounds exactly what I was looking for.
For the most part I agree with Blueman. There are so many other A2 pups that are better than the 57's and usually less than half the price.
I do have to say that I have a 57 (neck) in the neck of one of my guitars that actually sounds exactly what I was looking for.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
I think Gibson has changed the 57 formula so many times over the past years. I think it was around 2012 that the actually settled on the one they use now, which I think is pretty good. But then again they may still change it.
I think Gibson has changed the 57 formula so many times over the past years. I think it was around 2012 that the actually settled on the one they use now, which I think is pretty good. But then again they may still change it.
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
The original formula was the most articulate.....their changes have cheapened the construction and the wind has gotten more generic and less lively over time. The 2012+ version is the one that has the most cheapened construction, and also the most haters by far.
In fact that pickup is responsible for many of the current crop of boutique winders getting their start.....Zhangbucker amongst them.
Not to say that some don't like it.....but a strong theme amongst the 'likers' is that they've not tried anything else.
The original formula was the most articulate.....their changes have cheapened the construction and the wind has gotten more generic and less lively over time. The 2012+ version is the one that has the most cheapened construction, and also the most haters by far.
In fact that pickup is responsible for many of the current crop of boutique winders getting their start.....Zhangbucker amongst them.
Not to say that some don't like it.....but a strong theme amongst the 'likers' is that they've not tried anything else.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
Well, they bought guitars with them and thought 'I can wind a pickup better than this surely'. So they did!!
Its like guitar building - I bought a LP Trad+, then an expensive kit that supposedly got closer to a late 50's construction. But looking at the build quality of either I thought I could do a better job.....so I started building guitars from scratch.
edit - the Trad+ also was a host to the 57/57+ set. And I was not impressed either. A pickup that is simultaneously bitey but muffled......quite an achievement really
Well, they bought guitars with them and thought 'I can wind a pickup better than this surely'. So they did!!
Its like guitar building - I bought a LP Trad+, then an expensive kit that supposedly got closer to a late 50's construction. But looking at the build quality of either I thought I could do a better job.....so I started building guitars from scratch.
edit - the Trad+ also was a host to the 57/57+ set. And I was not impressed either. A pickup that is simultaneously bitey but muffled......quite an achievement really
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Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
Are you sure it wasn't the massive influx of smaller guitar brands with inferior pickups or just a plain love of pickups? Because as far as pickups go, most of Gibson's offerings are decent, minus the cost. Not as good as SD or DMZ, but decent.
Are you sure it wasn't the massive influx of smaller guitar brands with inferior pickups or just a plain love of pickups? Because as far as pickups go, most of Gibson's offerings are decent, minus the cost. Not as good as SD or DMZ, but decent.
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
No - in the cases of both mentioned that was from the horses mouth.
edit - And of course opinions are individual, but I found GFS much better than the 57 classics for that sort of tone. So they didn't even beat the budget offerings.
No - in the cases of both mentioned that was from the horses mouth.
edit - And of course opinions are individual, but I found GFS much better than the 57 classics for that sort of tone. So they didn't even beat the budget offerings.
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smitty302
New member
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
My best friend and fellow guitarist has the Slash set in his SG. I have 3 SG's, they have 490s, 57 classic set and burstbuckers 1 and 3. We can't tell very much difference between his Slash set and mine with the 490r and 490t. I really can't decide which I like better. I guess its because they all have an alnico 2 and have somewhat of a similar sound.
My best friend and fellow guitarist has the Slash set in his SG. I have 3 SG's, they have 490s, 57 classic set and burstbuckers 1 and 3. We can't tell very much difference between his Slash set and mine with the 490r and 490t. I really can't decide which I like better. I guess its because they all have an alnico 2 and have somewhat of a similar sound.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
What happened with GFS pickups? It seems like overnight they went from being complete garbage to actually semi-decent. A friend of mine bought a Vintage Extra Hot (EVH type pickup) from them as a placeholder to hang on the wall of his bar and it actually sounded pretty respectable. Before then I had never heard a GFS pickup that I found even remotely enjoyable. Now I hear people giving recommendations to most of their pickups.
What happened with GFS pickups? It seems like overnight they went from being complete garbage to actually semi-decent. A friend of mine bought a Vintage Extra Hot (EVH type pickup) from them as a placeholder to hang on the wall of his bar and it actually sounded pretty respectable. Before then I had never heard a GFS pickup that I found even remotely enjoyable. Now I hear people giving recommendations to most of their pickups.
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
Mine was the more top-line alnico 2 PAF like pickup. I bought a couple of pickup sets as I had another guitar I wanted to sell and the GFS probably represented equal to the originals. The humbuckers ended up in the trad + as I was already thinking to sell it due to just starting the scratch building (and the 57's had been sold a few months back). Then once the GFS were in I was pleasantly surprised that they performed like the 57's but minus the stuffiness and annoying brightness in the bridge.
Of course the pickups I was buying from Zhangbucker blew the GFS out of the water......but you'd expect that.
Mine was the more top-line alnico 2 PAF like pickup. I bought a couple of pickup sets as I had another guitar I wanted to sell and the GFS probably represented equal to the originals. The humbuckers ended up in the trad + as I was already thinking to sell it due to just starting the scratch building (and the 57's had been sold a few months back). Then once the GFS were in I was pleasantly surprised that they performed like the 57's but minus the stuffiness and annoying brightness in the bridge.
Of course the pickups I was buying from Zhangbucker blew the GFS out of the water......but you'd expect that.
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Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
thanks for all the replies! So, I went ahead and ordered the Alnico Pros, will let you guys know how it goes.
As an aside, I have to respectfully disagree with some of the posts here: I think Gibson makes some good pickups (the 57 is just not my cup of tea). I quite like 490r/t set. And, I've played plenty of SD and DiMarzio humbuckers that I didn't care for (the Custom 5 and the Air Norton are good examples). All of these manufacturers make some many different models that you're bound to like some and dislike others. Also, the combination of the particular guitar you're trying them in and the pickup makes a huge difference. For example, I had a DiMarzio 36th Anniversary in a Gibson SG, which sounded God-awful. I then put it into a cheap Les Paul copy and it completely transformed the guitar into the best sounding LP I've ever played; forgot the SG experience and tried the 36th anniversary in another guitar, and again - no good. To me, that's the hardest part - matching the pickup to the guitar.
thanks for all the replies! So, I went ahead and ordered the Alnico Pros, will let you guys know how it goes.
As an aside, I have to respectfully disagree with some of the posts here: I think Gibson makes some good pickups (the 57 is just not my cup of tea). I quite like 490r/t set. And, I've played plenty of SD and DiMarzio humbuckers that I didn't care for (the Custom 5 and the Air Norton are good examples). All of these manufacturers make some many different models that you're bound to like some and dislike others. Also, the combination of the particular guitar you're trying them in and the pickup makes a huge difference. For example, I had a DiMarzio 36th Anniversary in a Gibson SG, which sounded God-awful. I then put it into a cheap Les Paul copy and it completely transformed the guitar into the best sounding LP I've ever played; forgot the SG experience and tried the 36th anniversary in another guitar, and again - no good. To me, that's the hardest part - matching the pickup to the guitar.
ExplorersRock
X-Files Duckbucker
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
My Gibson Les Paul Traditional came with the 57/57+ set and it lasted a few weeks. The next set I tried was the A2Ps and if I hadn't wanted a little more chutzpah in the bridge, I'd have kept that set. Very balanced and hit all the right sounds. The A2P is my favorite neck pickup. The bridge sounds fantastic and, is in my opinion, one of the best bridge pickups unless you want more output.
My Gibson Les Paul Traditional came with the 57/57+ set and it lasted a few weeks. The next set I tried was the A2Ps and if I hadn't wanted a little more chutzpah in the bridge, I'd have kept that set. Very balanced and hit all the right sounds. The A2P is my favorite neck pickup. The bridge sounds fantastic and, is in my opinion, one of the best bridge pickups unless you want more output.
Laughing Kookaburra
New member
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
Also my understanding that Zhangbucker was "inspired" by the Classic 57s. Whatever it was, I love his single coils, have yet to try the humbuckers.
FWIW, I don't mind the 57/57+ pups in my newer SG. While I haven't tried anything else in that particular guitar, I've used quite a few different humbuckers over the years, including in other SGs. However, I am not saying that changing them out is out of the question, it's just not an urgent issue at all.
Also my understanding that Zhangbucker was "inspired" by the Classic 57s. Whatever it was, I love his single coils, have yet to try the humbuckers.
FWIW, I don't mind the 57/57+ pups in my newer SG. While I haven't tried anything else in that particular guitar, I've used quite a few different humbuckers over the years, including in other SGs. However, I am not saying that changing them out is out of the question, it's just not an urgent issue at all.
ExplorersRock
X-Files Duckbucker
Re: Gibson 57/57+ vs Alnico II Pro
I realize I should have expanded more. The 57/57+ set in my Les Paul sounded too thin and like it had too much treble. The A2Ps sounded more well-rounded and balanced. I sold my 57/57+ set to a friend who put them in a darker sounding Epi LP. In THAT guitar, they sounded really good. It made the guitar much more resonant and tonally rich.
I kinda feel like it's a, "the right guitar will sound good with them," kind of thing. To me, I have yet to hear an A2P set sound bad in anything. The 57/57+ set to me will be much more particular to the guitar. Just the experience I have had. I hope it helps.
I realize I should have expanded more. The 57/57+ set in my Les Paul sounded too thin and like it had too much treble. The A2Ps sounded more well-rounded and balanced. I sold my 57/57+ set to a friend who put them in a darker sounding Epi LP. In THAT guitar, they sounded really good. It made the guitar much more resonant and tonally rich.
I kinda feel like it's a, "the right guitar will sound good with them," kind of thing. To me, I have yet to hear an A2P set sound bad in anything. The 57/57+ set to me will be much more particular to the guitar. Just the experience I have had. I hope it helps.
