Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

[Albert F]

Hi guys,

I had my tech set up my Gibson LP with a new set of APHs just before Christmas and was just wondering something about the height of the bridge pickup. WHile I know the the pups surround on the bridge is higher the pup actually protrudes out of the cavity by about 5-7 mm. Is this standard??

Thanks in advance

Al

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

That amount doesn't sound excessive, as long as your strings are still clearing the pickup. The modern pickup rings Gibson uses are shorter than the original "historic" ones, and it is normal for the pickup to be raised above these modern rings. The historic-spec bridge pickup ring is half an inch tall and better encloses the pickup.

My LP Standard has the modern short rings, but my 91 Classic came with tall rings, though the bridge one is cracked. I have just bought two sets of Gibson historic rings and intend to install them in both guitars. From reading at the Les Paul Forum it looks like a reasonably straightforward procedure. We'll see! :nervous:

Historic Pickup Rings

 

[Albert F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the reply. I never knew that about the Historic rings. I'm very slowly getting into the whole Historic scene thing with plenty of reading to keep me going.

BTW I also posted the question over on the LPF so please ignore the other post.

All the best

Albert

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Albert,

Thanks.

By the way, how do you like the APH-1s in your LP? I have a set sitting at home waiting to go in the Classic. fftopic:

Simon

 

[Albert F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Hi Simon,

While I liked the stock Burstbucker Alnico Vs in the LP I had heard great things about the APHs. I have to say that while they have a lower output, I think they have better tonal characteristics being more responsive to the tone controls on the guitar itself especially. I thought the Burstbuckers were great but that I couldn't get the variety of moods as I can with the APHs, besides the APHs are zebras and look the business (!). The cleans are great really sparkling and with the gain turned up a little I can get a good classic rock sound. I hope that makes sense.

I'd say go for the pups swap just for a change. If you liek them all well and good and if you don't well I might just take them off your hands. :laugh2:

What do you have in the Classic at the moment are they the stock ceramics?

Albert

Albert F
Dublin, Ireland

 

[Albert F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

BTW I just saw your Classic on your link. That's a beautiful finish you have!

 

[Albert F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Simon

One quick thing - I saw you have the pointer washers under your 4 knobs on the Classic. How can you take the knobs off to put on the washers? I have a set and would like to stick them on my LP.

Thanks

Albert

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Albert,

Thanks for the info on the APH-1s - I'm looking forward to trying them. :32: A previous owner of my Classic swapped the ceramics for a pair of Gibson '57 Classics, which are OK, but having played various Duncans I know I can do better! I put a spare set of '59s in there as an interim measure, but can't resist the APH-1s as I have heard so many good things about them, and I love the A2 vibe of the Seths in my Standard.

Getting the knobs off without damaging either the knobs or the guitar can be tricky. I've only done this once (on my Standard) and I used a folded up T-shirt to cushion the top of the guitar while I gently levered the knobs from either side with a couple of spoons. Even so, I broke one of the knobs. :smack: Fortunately I was replacing them anyway. Another suggestion I saw at the Les Paul Forum is to use one of those plastic boxes that jewellers supply rings in. You put it over the knob and pull. I guess it gives you more to hold onto. Haven't tried that one myself.

Simon

 

[Albert F]

Re: Height of Bridge pickups in an LP

Thanks Simon

I hope you like the APHs when you get them installed.

As for the washers I'll give it a go with the jewellery box trick.

All the best

Albert