Gibson classic '57s spec??

d1dsj

Cornographer
Does anyone know the spec on Gibson classic '57 pup? What is the closest S.D PUP to this one? Thanks for any info.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

8.1K-8.4K (though some measure a little more), AWG42 plain enamel wire, Alnico2 magnet, wax potted.
The closest SD pickup by specs is the Seth Lover bridge model, but by sound the SH-1 '59 bridge model is closer.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Hi, cool... thanks for that. I really like these PUP's in my B.Beauty but couldn't find that info. Mine is an all mahogany and with these PUP's sounds very sweet... very bluesy. Thanks again.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Yea the 59's are closest, however they are a little more rock sounding than bluesy. Do have a nice grit to them though.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

yes, 57 Classics are something in between Seth Lover bridge and 59 bridge. Not as smooth and mellow as the Seth, but less agressive and trebly than the 59.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

a little lower, I've seen them measure between 8.5K and 9.5K.

FYI, both of my 57 Classics (not Plus) measure 8.4K
However, in the neck it turns out to be too much, the clean sound is too jazzy for my taste (little treble). In the bridge the output is just right, I never feel the need to change it for a Plus. I believe it would add output at the expense of detail and liveliness.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Thanks guys. I no this is not really related but I've gone through fralins/498T/SH-5 since buy a new 58 reissue LP and I fear I am quickly going to go broke trying to find the right pickup. I really like a smooth well balanced Pup with the ability to get pinched harmonics. I guess you could think of a sort of EVH with a bit more bottom. I have the sh-5 in there now but sort of seems too much for me. How much of pinched harmonics is the guitar or pUp? Can you get some squeeling out of a 57 classic?
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Sounds more like technique. Work on your pinch harmonic technique and then worry about the pickup. Just slap one in there that you're happy with. With good pinch technique, the output of the pickup doesn't matter.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

That's a good point. It's just wierd because I've always considered I had good technique in that regard. I've been playing for 20 years, but have never swapped pickups out before and didn't have this issue until I played the stock pups on this guitar. Which is why I was wondering if perhaps it was the guitar. I guess I assumed it was the pups. Maybe I've been spoiled with high output pups. Thanks for the thoughts.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Sounds more like technique. Work on your pinch harmonic technique and then worry about the pickup. Just slap one in there that you're happy with. With good pinch technique, the output of the pickup doesn't matter.

+1 to that, I'd analyze your technique a bit and see if there was anything you could do with that. Pickups shouldn't make that big of a difference.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

I know what you mean. I was in the same boat for a while, been playing as long as you have. Then I started using low output pickups and noticed a big difference. Not only could I hear individual notes better, and play more diverse styles with one guitar, but pinches weren't as easy anymore. It took some practice but once it came around, it's not so bad anymore. Now I can pinch on an acoustic if I want to. ;)

Amp EQ settings can affect it some too. More mids and presence make them jump out more.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Yeah I think this makes more sense than what I've been doing. I now have pickups where I can get pinched harmonics very easy but am not happy with the sound at all. I'm always looking for an excuse to play more any way. Glad to know someone else knows what I am referring to, Thanks.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Hey guys, I'll just share this as I love my B.Beauty with '57's in even more now. I also have maple capped std L.P that I've put a Brobucker and a PGn in... I have to say, though it's my personal choice of course, I still prefer the '57 R.I with the classic '57's in!! It's MUCH louder too than the STD with the BRO!!!! The STD DOES sound fantastic now too... the BRO/PGn combo recommended by Gearjonser is a great pairing... probably a more versatile guitar tone wise.
 
Re: Gibson classic '57s spec??

Billy Gibbons is a master at getting pinch harmonics. The Duncan Pearly Gates would be a good choice since it's designed for Billy Gibbons and is a replica of the bridge pickup in his original 50's Les Paul. Alnico 2 magnet like the 57 Classic too. The three Duncans that come to mind for me as alternatives to the 57 Classics would be:

1. Pearly Gates B
2. Seth Lover B
3. 59B

The 59B will get that Eric Clapton with Bluesbreakers and Cream tone. It's a favorite of mine.

My Les Paul 59 RI Historic came with 57 Classics...at the time I thought they were the best humbuckers I'd heard from Gibson in thirty years. But I eventually replaced them with a custom wound set from Tom Holmes....double creams.

Lew
 
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