Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

Edlennon

Edlennon

New member
Hey guys!

I have a Gibson Explorer with a SD SH14 C5 at bridge position and a PG at the neck.
The C5 was nice sounding but the last time I think it is too muddy for high gain and not cutting enough, just too smooth.

I play several styles, from Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Allman Brothers til Death Metal and Black Metal ****.

I'm looking for SH4, SH5 or maybe some more vintage pickup like a 59 or a 2nd PG. I also looked for the A8, but it will be much too hot for ZZ Top & Co...?!

I also have push/pull-pots for coilsplit.

What would you say?


Greetings, Edlennon
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

I'd try a ceramic magnet in your C5, making it a Custom SH-5. Should cut thru any mix.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

So you are tending to the Custom, the same as I did.

I would buy a new pickup and put the C5 to eBay, because I don't know how to swap magnets, a friend would install the new one, as he did install the C5, too.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

swapping magnets is a piece of cake - you really should look into it. Saves time and money.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

If you want to eliminate mud and want for cutting edge for an Alnico 5 then replace it with a Full Shred. It sounds amazing in my Explorer!
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

do you have a spare ceramic mag? i'd definitely convert the C5 to a custom and see how that works for you before doing anything else.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

if you liked PGn in the neck you could try it in the bridge - PGb
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

Venometal said:
If you want to eliminate mud and want for cutting edge for an Alnico 5 then replace it with a Full Shred. It sounds amazing in my Explorer!
Click to expand...

+1 for Full Shred in mahog short scale axes.

Also, try the Gibson 498T.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

Several styles to me = regular PAF-esque pups and a versatile amp/fx.

Get another PG.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

Wouldn't be the Pearly Gates too fizzy in the bridge position of the Explorer? How are the lows?
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

With the A2 PG in the neck a swap to an A-2 or A-8 mag in that custom would get you in the ballpark. I have the same issue with the C-5 in mahogany it won't cut and is muddy. Both the A-2 or A-8 mag would solve that issue.
Mag swaps are super easy and much quicker than swapping pickups I can do one in less than 10 minutes including a restring on the guitar if it is a fixed bride with locking tuners:naughty:.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

Edlennon said:
I also looked for the A8, but it will be much too hot for ZZ Top & Co...?!
Click to expand...

I don't think it is. I wouldn't say the C8 is much hotter than the C5. Maybe a little bit more aggressive, but mostly just a different (and to my ears, better) EQ.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

SH-5 Custom all the way, for the music you listed and the guitar you have its a no-brainer. You will like :)
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

+1 for the Custom. A ceramic humbucker is perfect for an Explorer.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

You have the PU you need. The manufacturer just didn't put in the right magnet for your needs. Takes 10 minutes to swap a magnet & most of that is loosening strings & retuning when you're done. As low tech as you can get.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

+1 It's so easy, even I can do it. The hardest part is dealing with the tape.
 
Re: Gibson Explorer: Replacement for SH14

I have an Explorer and have tried C5, C4,Custom,CC (with alnico 2) and now it is a Custom 8.

The C5 was great for a long time, but one day seemed to be just alittle flubby on the lows.
The C4 keeps almost the exact same sound and tonal curve of the the 5, but shaves the end off the EQ points. Takes the flub off the lows and the highest highs off.

The Custom gives sounds awesome for rock, metal etc, but is the hardest edged of all of them. (even tho the custom is one of the sweetest ceramic mag pups Ive ever played)

My fave is the Custom 8. No Flub, big chunky lows, full round highs and a singing mid. Its a full sounding pup, agressive enough to rock and to cut thru but sweet enough to sing.. To me this is close to the perfect pup. But will cover alot of ground!

Magnet swapping isnt hard at all,give it a try.
 
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