Got a Parker PM20, proceed to pickup swap recommendations

[Natman]

Hey all, I am enjoying a NGD as I bought a used PM20.
Mainly what's cool about it is the long 25.5" scale and ebony fingerboard. I have no idea what that does to my tone compared to a Gibson? Guessing tighter? Brighter maybe? Otherwise it feels alot like an SG (all mahogany body)...

The stock pickups are surprisingly decent, but not what I consider awesome.
I have a set of unpotted Pearly Gates which I bought years ago for a project that never materialized. So I'm planning to try them with covers and then magnet swaps are the obvious choice since I have most grades at home. What are your favorite combinations?

(I know this is a somewhat dumb post since everyone has about as many opinions as there are registered SDUG members. But what the heck?) As a reference my favorite Duncans so far have been Seths (especially neck) and an A2 unpotted hybrid (especially bridge -duh).

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Got a Parker PM20, proceed to pickup swap recommendations

What amp do you play through and music genres do you play?

Specifically, how are the pickups that you have deficient? Too weak, too bassy? What do you wish they had more of?

 

[Natman]

Re: Got a Parker PM20, proceed to pickup swap recommendations

Fair enough: I use mostly a Mesa Blue Angel and a Heartbreaker.
The stock pickups to me sound a lot like a Gibson 490/498 set -nothing really wrong per se and fine for rock, but not refined/deliciuous tone either.
I usually find it's a lot harder to get great clean tones from humbuckers, but Seths pull that off to my ear (and many boutique pickups). I prefer lower output humbuckers but the Seth bridge is a bit too weak for my liking!

I just want tasty, rich 3D Les Paul tones with excellent cleans and the ability to get some firm, beefy tones for heavier music wouldn't hurt on occasion.
I play mainly blues rock and jazz. Doesn't have to be "vintage" or period correct though I love me some Cream Crossroads (live electric version).

 

[Mincer]

Re: Got a Parker PM20, proceed to pickup swap recommendations

Oh cool, I use a Blue Angel. too!

I say, use what you have, first. Try those Pearlies (A2 or A4 even?). I agree that the Seths will sound awesome in that Blue Angel, though.

 

[Natman]

Re: Got a Parker PM20, proceed to pickup swap recommendations

Oh cool, I use a Blue Angel. too!

I say, use what you have, first. Try those Pearlies (A2 or A4 even?). I agree that the Seths will sound awesome in that Blue Angel, though.

Ya that's the plan -I hope the brightness I read about with PGs translates to clarity & articulation even with covers on. I'm interested to hear what the "bite" sounds like. I checked my stash of magnets yesterday and there's a bunch: UOA5, rough cast A4, A2, A3, polished A4, A5, A8 I haven't even tried half of them!

The Seth are permanently welded in another guitar however, won't get to try them in this one!