Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

[blueman335]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

I haven't played an SD pickup that sounds like '57 Classics. AII Pros should get you in the neighborhood in which '57's are trying to live...but the Duncans are more "refined" sounding, you might say.

+1. To me A2P's are much better sounding, they've got a nice cutting high-end.

If you think about it, Gibson is a guitar builder that saves money by making their own PU's. To survive in the market, Duncan has to improve on the tone of stock PU's. Duncan has a lot more motivation when it comes to making PU's.

 

[sumitagarwal]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

So just received the guitar and haven't even gotten a fresh set of strings on it yet, but sounding pretty decent so far. However... I'm finding that the pickups seem surprisingly feedback prone. Pickups, solder joints, etc etc are all original and the guitar itself is almost in new condition.

Anyone ever have feedback issues with 57 Classics?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

So just received the guitar and haven't even gotten a fresh set of strings on it yet, but sounding pretty decent so far. However... I'm finding that the pickups seem surprisingly feedback prone. Pickups, solder joints, etc etc are all original and the guitar itself is almost in new condition.

Anyone ever have feedback issues with 57 Classics?

You shouldn't. Covers, coils, and magnets have wax to hold everything snug.

 

[LLL]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

So just received the guitar and haven't even gotten a fresh set of strings on it yet, but sounding pretty decent so far. However... I'm finding that the pickups seem surprisingly feedback prone. Pickups, solder joints, etc etc are all original and the guitar itself is almost in new condition.

Anyone ever have feedback issues with 57 Classics?

I've had 3 guitars (all Gibson) that had '57 Classics in them, and not a single one had feedback issues; and they are potted.

Where did you get the guitar from?

The guitar could be "used but like new" stock that someone returned because of aforementioned feedback issue.

You might just wind up swapping out pickups then.

 

[sumitagarwal]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

I've had 3 guitars (all Gibson) that had '57 Classics in them, and not a single one had feedback issues; and they are potted.

Where did you get the guitar from?

The guitar could be "used but like new" stock that someone returned because of aforementioned feedback issue.

You might just wind up swapping out pickups then.

Bought the guitar from a Japanese auction. Pretty sure it's just sat in its case most or the past 20 years. Still has the clear film on the plastics and included was the original sales receipt from 1993.

I'm surprised both pickups seem to be feedbacking, though at different frequencies. One pickup and maybe I'd say it was potted or covered badly, but both is strange. Think it could be any of the other electronics?

 

[LLL]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

Think it could be any of the other electronics?

Doubt it. If you're getting crazy squealing the pickups are the culprit.

Of course the only way to figure that is via process of elimination; swap a different pickup in there and see what you get.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

If the pickups are from 93 you'll probably have the original Tom Holmes 57's........now these are actually decent pickups. Gibson decided to mess with things at some point to make them cheaper to produce and changed the tone the the current 'meh'. Mr Holmes then left to wind his own.

 

[LLL]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

RE: AlexR's statement - if that's the case, the possibility exists that the "original" Tom Holmes 57s did not have wax potting.

This is just a theory.

I'm guessing you're trying metal-level distortion based on your previous comments... which would definitely make an unpotted pickup squeal like pig.

 

[dkal24]

Re: Gibson 57 Classics similar to which SD pickup?

Duncan has nothing like '57's which is good, as I think it's the worst-sounding PU Gibson makes. I've had 2 sets and sold them both. The high end is dull, not much clarity; I think the wind isn't a good match for the magnet. Every other PAF I've had sounds better. If you want a PAF that blows away '57's, get a pair of Seth's. Seymour knows how to wind a PU for A2's.

I thought the same but a mag swap to A5 was even worse. I can only use the 57 in the neck position. I also agree with the Seth's as a great choice.