HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Gearjunkie52

Gearjunkie52

New member
Hello all,

Regretfully bought new last year a Memphis built Gibson ES335 Block inlay, didn't care much for Pro buckers 1/2 and replaced them with Seth Lovers, and the guitar remains dark and muddy.. After finally sorting through different tuning, fret and playability issues that shouldn't have been with a close to $4000 guitar , I'm still plagued with tone or lack there of..

I recently contacted Gibson, and they informed me since the 339 introduction they've been using 500K Linear volume and 500K audio tone with .022 ceramic disc tone cap, in All their HB guitars..

I had thought about getting the 550K RS Superpots, but ended up deciding on CTS 500K for all 4.. and going to do the pot swap this week coming..but in all honesty I'm not expecting a big difference in waking this thing up from pot swap.. after pulling Gibson pots from guitar, all were within spec except one which measured low at 435K.. All CTS replacements I purchased measure correct.. Billy at RS guitar works seem to think their tone caps are the ones to buy, and mentioned to keep the orange drops I had thought of using, to leave them in the drawer.. I have a stash of Jensen PIO. 022, but have never really bought into all the hype that a $.50 Mallory 150 sounds any worse than a $25 PIO from all the experimenting I've done with amp builds and mods..

As good as the SL pups are, I'm wondering what you guys might suggest to get this semi holla barkin' as the vintage 335's did.. I'm a classic rock, honky tonk country/blues sort of :) lead player, and want honkin bark and Not a jazz box as it currently is.. primarily playing it through vintage 68' Blackface Princeton reverb with CN10NS Jensen and all NOS tubes

I've thought about a set of non covered red plate Ants to go with the vintage cherry red guitar, thinking no covers will help brighten tone but knowing covers add a certain touch of class.. but feel the Ant HB and SL are so very close in tone, I hate throwing more money at this guitar I currently have No desire to play..

Help me out, pleeeeaase..
 
Last edited:
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

You definitely don't want the Ants if you didn't like the Seths.

If your looking for brighter maybe try the Pearly Gates set or the Whole Lotta Humbucker set.

My second recommendation would be either the Vintage blues set (two 59s) or the Hot Rodded set (JB/Jazz)

The JB will do classic rock/blues and will go great with any of the other buckers mentioned in the neck.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Rockstar216 said:
You definitely don't want the Ants if you didn't like the Seths.

If your looking for brighter maybe try the Pearly Gates set or the Whole Lotta Humbucker set.

My second recommendation would be either the Vintage blues set (two 59s) or the Hot Rodded set (JB/Jazz)

The JB will do classic rock/blues and will go great with any of the other buckers mentioned in the neck.
Click to expand...

I've toyed with the idea of a set of Pearly Gates, but don't need replica of searing highs like the Pro buckers..not my cup of tea
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

if you want more clarity from a set of pickups: jazz neck, 59 bridge.
the 500k pots and spragues wont hurt either. Ive got PIO in one axe and spragues in the other. I'm quite happy with both so i dont think it matters too much in the big picture.
if you dont want to spring the cash for a new set of pickups just yet, you can always swap out your magnets for a5's and see if that gives you what you want.
 
Last edited:
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Gearjunkie52 said:
Hello all,

Regretfully bought new last year a Memphis built Gibson ES335 Block inlay, didn't care much for Pro buckers 1/2 and replaced them with Seth Lovers, and the guitar remains dark and muddy.. After finally sorting through different tuning, fret and playability issues that shouldn't have been with a close to $4000 guitar , I'm still plagued with tone or lack there of..

I recently contacted Gibson, and they informed me since the 339 introduction they've been using 500K Linear volume and 500K audio tone with .022 ceramic disc tone cap, in All their HB guitars..

I had thought about getting the 550K RS Superpots, but ended up deciding on CTS 500K for all 4.. and going to do the pot swap this week coming..but in all honesty I'm not expecting a big difference in waking this thing up from pot swap.. after pulling Gibson pots from guitar, all were within spec except one which measured low at 435K.. All CTS replacements I purchased measure correct.. Billy at RS guitar works seem to think their tone caps are the ones to buy, and mentioned to keep the orange drops I had thought of using, to leave them in the drawer.. I have a stash of Jensen PIO. 022, but have never really bought into all the hype that a $.50 Mallory 150 sounds any worse than a $25 PIO from all the experimenting I've done with amp builds and mods..

As good as the SL pups are, I'm wondering what you guys might suggest to get this semi holla barkin' as the vintage 335's did.. I'm a classic rock, honky tonk country/blues sort of :) lead player, and want honkin bark and Not a jazz box as it currently is.. primarily playing it through vintage 68' Blackface Princeton reverb with CN10NS Jensen and all NOS tubes

I've thought about a set of non covered red plate Ants to go with the vintage cherry red guitar, thinking no covers will help brighten tone but knowing covers add a certain touch of class.. but feel the Ant HB and SL are so very close in tone, I hate throwing more money at this guitar I currently have No desire to play..

Help me out, pleeeeaase..
Click to expand...


For dark Gibson's the PGb is the answer for the bridge. Vintage vibe with more top end sizzle.
For the Neck get the SH-2n Jazz. Best clearest neck pickup ever!

Good luck.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Gearjunkie52 said:
Hello all,

Regretfully bought new last year a Memphis built Gibson ES335 Block inlay, didn't care much for Pro buckers 1/2 and replaced them with Seth Lovers, and the guitar remains dark and muddy.. After finally sorting through different tuning, fret and playability issues that shouldn't have been with a close to $4000 guitar , I'm still plagued with tone or lack there of..

I recently contacted Gibson, and they informed me since the 339 introduction they've been using 500K Linear volume and 500K audio tone with .022 ceramic disc tone cap, in All their HB guitars..

I had thought about getting the 550K RS Superpots, but ended up deciding on CTS 500K for all 4.. and going to do the pot swap this week coming..but in all honesty I'm not expecting a big difference in waking this thing up from pot swap.. after pulling Gibson pots from guitar, all were within spec except one which measured low at 435K.. All CTS replacements I purchased measure correct.. Billy at RS guitar works seem to think their tone caps are the ones to buy, and mentioned to keep the orange drops I had thought of using, to leave them in the drawer.. I have a stash of Jensen PIO. 022, but have never really bought into all the hype that a $.50 Mallory 150 sounds any worse than a $25 PIO from all the experimenting I've done with amp builds and mods..

As good as the SL pups are, I'm wondering what you guys might suggest to get this semi holla barkin' as the vintage 335's did.. I'm a classic rock, honky tonk country/blues sort of :) lead player, and want honkin bark and Not a jazz box as it currently is.. primarily playing it through vintage 68' Blackface Princeton reverb with CN10NS Jensen and all NOS tubes

I've thought about a set of non covered red plate Ants to go with the vintage cherry red guitar, thinking no covers will help brighten tone but knowing covers add a certain touch of class.. but feel the Ant HB and SL are so very close in tone, I hate throwing more money at this guitar I currently have No desire to play..

Help me out, pleeeeaase..
Click to expand...


For dark Gibson's the PGb is the answer for the bridge. Vintage vibe with more top end sizzle.
For the Neck get the SH-2n Jazz. Best clearest neck pickup ever!

Second choice a pair of Pearly Gates. These will get you in that Warren Haynes zone. Can't think of a better tone in your genre.

The PG will revitalize your dull axe.

Good luck.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

wow, thanks guys for the great replies.. I'll maybe order up a PGb, but not sure of this "Jazz" neck.. I'm certainly not a bright clean clean tone seeker, but prefer a smooth creamier neck with a slight touch of hair but with pronounced note definition with still enough snot to play leads while up front on neck
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Since you have your guitar taken apart, try the 50's Mod.

Each of your tone capacitors are probably attached to the #1 terminal of the volume pots, which is the input of the volume pot - the terminal each of your pickups is soldered to.

Move each tone cap to the middle terminal of each volume control instead. The middle terminal is the output of the volume control.

That'll brighten things up and add some clarity when you turn down the volume controls.

Here's a shot of a early 50's Gibson Les Paul.

Connect your tone capacitors like this:



This is how my own ES-335 is wired. It's a big help and gives me a clearer, less muddy tone.
 
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Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

audiocheck said:
For dark Gibson's the PGb is the answer for the bridge. Vintage vibe with more top end sizzle.
For the Neck get the SH-2n Jazz. Best clearest neck pickup ever!

Second choice a pair of Pearly Gates. These will get you in that Warren Haynes zone. Can't think of a better tone in your genre.

The PG will revitalize your dull axe.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Warren haynes playing his 335... only dream mine would cry and breathe life like his Especially on neck http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=744WsO9iw5E
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Lewguitar said:
Since you have your guitar taken apart, try the 50's Mod.

Each of your tone capacitors are probably attached to the #1 terminal of the volume pots, which is the input of the volume pot - the terminal each of your pickups is soldered to.

Move each tone cap to the middle terminal of each volume control instead. The middle terminal is the output of the volume control.

That'll brighten things up and add some clarity when you turn down the volume controls.

Here's a shot of a early 50's Gibson Les Paul.

Connect your tone capacitors like this:



This is how my own ES-335 is wired. It's a big help and gives me a clearer, less muddy tone.
Click to expand...

Right on LG, thanks and certainly prefer my SC strats and teles wired to 50's..

this is the best ray of sunshine I've had shining down since I'm been feeling gloomy over the sad state with this guitar..

Wondering how the SLn might gel with a PGb?? or just go ahead and get new pup combo altogether..Jazz neck....hmmm.. sorry, but just the very thought of anything "jazz",, well yuck..haha
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

The Jazz neck is FARRRRRRR from the typical jazz tone. It's bright and articulate and clear. Now that may or may not be your cup of tea.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

It's long been established that 'Jazz' may not be the best name for it. It's a very clear sounding and articulate pickup, with no mud to it. It performs very well either clean or into a drive channel. I've got one in a couple of guitars, neither of which are what you'd call jazz instruments. Given your description of the problem with your 335, I'd say they'd be a good choice for getting some clarity back.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

Gearjunkie52 said:
This is the one ?? Antiquity JB/Jazz: $168 each, $324 for a set
Click to expand...

Gearjunkie,

I would advise not to go with a JB. Short scale, dark Gibson, NO NO.

Read other's post who consider JB muddy in some Les Pauls. Those LP are dark LP. In the right Gibson the JB will be fine, but for your situation, I think you will be disappointed.

I had a very dark Les Paul Custom and the Answer was the PGb. It transformed this guitar into a vintage monster. The PG will give you that PAF vibe, but will overcome for the short comings of your muddy 335. Realize that the PGb was not the first bridge pickup I tried in that guitar.

The JB will also not feel as dynamic compared to a vintage output PAF type.

hope this helps

If you would like to stay Alnico 5, a Jazz in the bridge is an option too. I have not tried, but it is supposed to be brighter.
 
Re: HB Suggestions for Muddy 335

audiocheck said:
Gearjunkie,

I would advise not to go with a JB. Short scale, dark Gibson, NO NO.

Read other's post who consider JB muddy in some Les Pauls. Those LP are dark LP. In the right Gibson the JB will be fine, but for your situation, I think you will be disappointed.

I had a very dark Les Paul Custom and the Answer was the PGb. It transformed this guitar into a vintage monster. The PG will give you that PAF vibe, but will overcome for the short comings of your muddy 335. Realize that the PGb was not the first bridge pickup I tried in that guitar.

The JB will also not feel as dynamic compared to a vintage output PAF type.

hope this helps
Click to expand...

A Solid body LP behaves differently from a Semi Hollow body and a JB is still pretty dynamic.
 
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