Re: Gibson 57 Classic Plus vs Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates
1960 Historic LP, BB 1&2 set, s/b
Elegant LP, Classic '57s, chambered
LP Classic Antique, GOTW, '57/'57+, chambered
G&L ASAT Deluxe, maple/hog, '59n/TB-4, s/b
Boogie amps, I play clean, a lot, many genres, no metal, no chug.
The Historic is great for when I'm doing more hard rock/hard blues to a younger audience. I don't have a Pearly set at the moment, but they are brighter, but in a sweeter way. Both cut really well. The BB 2 can twang like a Tele on steroids, if I need it to.
The Elegant LP is the one I take (or a 335) for the wedding/nursing home/coffeehouse gigs, LOL! The '57s are just sweeter, mellower, and never strident. Doesn't seem to mess up the hearing aids as much, I guess.
The ASAT Deluxe is NOT A LES PAUL, not even with the maple cap. This one has 250K pots. No booming neck tones. No shrillness from the TB-4, just a really good rocking, rounded, lead guitar tone. Guitar has a split switch--doesn't sound like a Tele, either. I'm more of a Legacy/Comanche guy, but this guitar has done some gigs for me where it's just been perfect.
The Classic Antiques are interesting. Very lightweight for a Paul. Again, very sweet and smooth. Uncovered pickups, so a little edge to complement the chambering perhaps? I love the woman-tone neck through the Boogies for Santana leads. The Plus in the bridge sounds very similar to the TB-4 in the ASAT, to my ear. Rounded, mid-heavy PAF rock tone, yet responds well when the bright switch is pulled. Crazy sustain for a chambered body with lots of resonance. Pickups are potted, but I can drive it into controlled feedback if I want it. Bridge is way warmer, sweeter (muddier) than the BB2. Good all around guitar, but so light that if feels fragile.
I also have Seths in a 1960 Classic, and Antiquitys in another, and Seths in a chambered LP Supreme. I would prefer these over '57 Classics for their versatility and added clarity. And FWIW, the Ibanez Super '58 is another good sounding vintage style pickup.
Bill