Gibson 57 vs Pearly Gates

[Aceman]

So, based on specs, I might argue that the 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus are Gibsons sort of -maybe - perhaps take on the PG/9k PG I'm putting in my new Les Paul

Anyone with reasonable knowledge;edge of these who can compete EQ etc? I've played 57 Classics a few times, but never oooh-ahhh'd them. Not bad, but not ear candy to me either. I could easily live with them I suppose, but as we know, the PG speaks to me.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Haven't played the 57+, personally. I'd be interested to see how this turns out.

To my understanding, the PG's are more in line with the Burstbuckers with the added bite, no?

But I've never compared directly. I'd love to read what others have to say.

 

[Aceman]

Haven't played the 57+, personally. I'd be interested to see how this turns out.

To my understanding, the PG's are more in line with the Burstbuckers with the added bite, no?

But I've never compared directly. I'd love to read what others have to say.

Yes - and I do like Burstbuckers.

 

[chadd]

I'd say the 57 and 57+ are more like APH 1 neck and bridge. As for Burstbuckers, depends on the version, there are so many at this point.

 

[Aceman]

I'd say the 57 and 57+ are more like APH 1 neck and bridge. As for Burstbuckers, depends on the version, there are so many at this point.

That was kind of my feeling/memory of them. But not exactly as I recall.

Haven't played them lately. Well, I guess I'm gonna. I have a Cadillac with A2P's to compare, and a set of PG/9k PG in another Caddy. Easy to check.

 

[Oldmanmetalhead]

57s are so uninspiring, I replaced mine with Antiquities and never looked back

 

[Inflames626]

I have a 57+/498t in my Hamer Scarab and they compliment each other well.

Only downside is the 57+ is two conductor only.

The 57+ has more output and an upper mid spike that lets it cut through in the neck.

Some PAFs I find alternately muddy and sometimes hollow and mid spikey in the neck. I'd say A2PB is a close approximation to the 57+.

That said I consider the 57+ one of my very favorite neck pickups.

I briefly had it configured 57/57+, but I don't like A2s in the bridge.

 

[Inflames626]

I'd appreciate an A2PB vs. PGN/B comparison. I have PGs but not installed in anything.

I assume they will have sharper treble and break up more than an A2PB.

 

[Mincer]

57s are so uninspiring, I replaced mine with Antiquities and never looked back

Antiquities are really like a few generations higher than the 57 series. They are really special.

 

[beaubrummels]

I haven't done a personal shoot-out with 57s and Pearlys, but what I can say is that in every case where I compared Gibson vs Duncan that were near similar specs, the Duncans were clearer. Gibsons would have the same tone profile, e.g. a similar EQ profile, but the Duncans would be clearer and better defined from string to string when playing chords and lead runs across the strings.

 

[Securb]

The PGn splits very Stratty. You might consider a push-pull.

 

[skelt101]

I haven't done a personal shoot-out with 57s and Pearlys, but what I can say is that in every case where I compared Gibson vs Duncan that were near similar specs, the Duncans were clearer. Gibsons would have the same tone profile, e.g. a similar EQ profile, but the Duncans would be clearer and better defined from string to string when playing chords and lead runs across the strings.

Completely agree. With Gibsons, I usually end up lowering the pickups and raising the polepieces to get more clarity out of them.

 

[Aceman]

The PGn splits very Stratty. You might consider a push-pull.

I happen to have a PGN split in my Cherry Caddy. I do agree.

I ordered the Custom Shop 4 conductor for that very reason.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I haven't done a personal shoot-out with 57s and Pearlys, but what I can say is that in every case where I compared Gibson vs Duncan that were near similar specs, the Duncans were clearer. Gibsons would have the same tone profile, e.g. a similar EQ profile, but the Duncans would be clearer and better defined from string to string when playing chords and lead runs across the strings.

Ditto

 

[GuitarDoc]

I really only like the 57 bridge in the neck, and I really like it there. Same thing with the Pearly, the APH-1, and the Jazz bridge (in the neck). They don't sound the same to me, but pretty close.

 

[ErikH]

Both fit right in the same A2, 42awg wire, PAF category. The PGs have more sizzle and definition compared to the '57 Classics. The '57 Classics are smoother. I like both sets. The '57 Classics in a Strat are down right amazing. My Les Paul has a '57 in the neck with a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge. Really nice combo.

 

[Aceman]

in every case where I compared Gibson vs Duncan that were near similar specs, the Duncans were clearer.

You know, this describes (with a few exceptions), sort of, my general disposition towards Gibson pickups.

Whatever a Gibson Pickup does, there is a Duncan that does it better, often much better:

T-Top < Jazz
498 < C5
500T < Distortion
BB2 < PG
And I guess 57 < A2P maybe? sort of?

I wouldn't swap a BB2 or a 500t....but if given a choice I'd switch to Duncan almost every time.

 

[gsammo79]

I'd say the 57 and 57+ are more like APH 1 neck and bridge. As for Burstbuckers, depends on the version, there are so many at this point.

This what i hear with the 57's. The PG isnt comparable with any other pickups ive played. It's got a lot of personality

 

[Aceman]

So, I finally had a little playtime. Overall assessment: Good pickups. I could leave them and be just fine for this guitar and its all around purpose (Generic classic Les Paul everything from pop to metal)

But, I did a direct comparison between this guitar and my two Caddy's with A2P's and PG's

This overall first impression: 57's were brighter than I remembered. Then again, A2P's are brighter than I think too! I like the sound.

57 vs A2p
- Bridge; Not as smooth as the A2P, brighter than the A2p. (this is the 57+ at 9k)
- Neck; Not nearly as defined as the A2p, like Beau said - less clear, less butter than the A2P

57 vs PG
- Bridge; Very similar, but not quite as, I don't know, bright or sweet? Almost like a generic branded PG. Maybe thicker than a standard PG, but not A2P thick/fat. (My PG is 9k also). Definitely could rock either pickup.
- Neck; Again, PG more definitive and sweeter at the same time and more punch.

All in all, I'd say the neck is actually closer to the A2P than the PG. But definitely prefer either to the 57.
The Bridge seems more PG like. It might straddle an interesting middle ground between the two. A2P definitely fuller/thicker.

To me, it's almost like an A2p/9k PG set. Which is a kind of cool wide range PAF style, IMO. That said, I LOVE a PG in the neck (Actually prefer for Sweet Child to a real A2P), and love my 9k bridge.

Still changing the pickups. So if anyone is in of some 57's, let me know. Might work out a deal.

 

[esandes]

Gibson make great pickups but SD just outshines them. I was looking to replace my LP BB1/2 with 57s but then I heard a Slash/57 shootout in the same guitar and it was clear who's boss.