Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

[Tj_saxon]

Long, long, story short I have an Epiphone Les Paul Plus Top with a tune-o-matic bridge. I want to put a pick up combo in my guitar that was in a Jackson guitar I played when I was way younger and fell in love with. The Jackson HAD TB4 and SH2N in it. When I went to my local music store they tried to sell me the hot rodded set which has SH4 and SH2N. I told him that wasn't what I wanted and he said the sh and the tb where the same thing...I don't know if this is true. THEN another employee asked what guitar I had and after telling him he said that I needed the tb4 due to the spacing on the bridge on the Epiphone...Any help from any who knows or maybe even has this set up would be AMAZING cuz I really wanna buy these pickups get em in and start playing.:banghead:

BTW sorry if this is a newb question and if it has been answered 100 times before but I am just ready to get to the bottom of things ya know.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Not so long story even shorter: get the Hot Rodded set (SH2/SH4). That's the right fit for the Epi.

A word of caution: the same set won't sound the same due to the physical mass difference between guitars, specially due to scale differences, being the Jackson 25.5" and the Epi 24.75". The same set will sound darker on the Epi.

Also most people will chance the pots, switches and caps on Epis with good quality, US-made components while making the p'up swap. IME, it's a "sound" investment. (pun intended)

HTH,

 

[Tj_saxon]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Thank you so much, I guess I should have just bought the Jackson when I was younger because when I played it man it was like the search was over ya know? I had found that sound...I have never been able to find it since then. I went into a different era band and at a young age once I had saved up enough to buy pickups for my now stolen Ibanez RG 350dx I bought emgs 81/sa/85. Which don't get me wrong sounded AMAZING. But I still to this day wonder what it would have sounded like with the Seymour Duncans. I guess I should youtube them in the Les Paul before making the purchase. Should I just buy gibson components?

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Should I just buy gibson components?

Before doing anything, what kind of music are you planning to play with the Epi?

Duncan has a very wide range of p'ups that may be a better fit than any Gibson p'up ever will.

Well?

 

[Tj_saxon]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Hm, more of a metal such as born of osiris. I just want something that is hot and clear at the same time lol.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Hm, more of a metal such as born of osiris. I just want something that is hot and clear at the same time lol.

Well, IMO, the best set is an A4 '59n / A8 Custom.

Powerful, commanding, cutting through-the-mix but at the same time organic sounding.

I don't play metal at all, but I've had this same combo in one of my 335s, and I liked to tease some brootalz customers of mine playing some huge, massive metal riffs with this guitar and looking the surprise in their faces.

HTH,

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Once I find a pickup that I like, especially a NECK pickup that I like, I tend to use it in all of my guitars.

I have Duncan Antiquitys in both of my Strats for example.

If you really loved the SH2N I'd use it again in that Les Paul.

If you really loved the TB4, I'd use that wind in that Les Paul.

But I wouldn't use a Trembucker - that's for guitars with wider Fender spacing and was designed to keep the polepieces more or less centered under the strings.

I'd use the Gibson spaced version which is the SH4.

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Tj_saxon, welcome to the forum!!!

Once I find a pickup that I like, especially a NECK pickup that I like, I tend to use it in all of my guitars.

I have Duncan Antiquitys in both of my Strats for example.

If you really loved the SH2N I'd use it again in that Les Paul.

If you really loved the TB4, I'd use that wind in that Les Paul.

But I wouldn't use a Trembucker - that's for guitars with wider Fender spacing and was designed to keep the polepieces more or less centered under the strings.

I'd use the Gibson spaced version which is the SH4.

I'm not disagreeing, but I have an Epi LP like the OP and I but an sh5 in it. I can tell you that in the newer Epiphones, a Trembucker is actually more properly spaced. The sh5 is slightly narrow. HOWEVER... the sh5 works just fine. If the OP had a floyd I would say that trembucker is mandatory. Either sh5 or tb5 should work fine.

As for choices, I think going with the sh/tb4 (JB) is a great choice for metal, and the sh2n (Jazz) is a prefect match. Dave Mustaine used this for years and his signature Live Wires have their winds based on them.

I don't doubt Lt. Kojak on his suggestion though would give it consideration. Keep in mind that you will need to buy the Alnico 4 and Alnico 8 magnets aftermarket and swap them into the pickups once you buy 'em. It's not too hard to do, just be aware of that. Plus buying a Duncan Custom and 59n combo could be good on their own if you like it. If you take his suggestion, try the stock ones first before mag swapping. Can't hurt.

Other pickups I would suggest for metal
Sets: Blackouts, Blackouts - Metal, Gus. G's set, and Dave Mustaine's Live wires.
Bridge: JB, Custom, Custom 8, Custom Custom, Distortion, Invader
Neck: 59, Jazz, Distortion

I recommend checking out this comparison of bridge pickups first:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzie8mham8

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Tj_saxon, welcome to the forum!!!



I'm not disagreeing, but I have an Epi LP like the OP and I but an sh5 in it. I can tell you that in the newer Epiphones, a Trembucker is actually more properly spaced. The sh5 is slightly narrow. HOWEVER... the sh5 works just fine. If the OP had a floyd I would say that trembucker is mandatory. Either sh5 or tb5 should work fine.

As for choices, I think going with the sh/tb4 (JB) is a great choice for metal, and the sh2n (Jazz) is a prefect match. Dave Mustaine used this for years and his signature Live Wires have their winds based on them.

I don't doubt Lt. Kojak on his suggestion though would give it consideration. Keep in mind that you will need to buy the Alnico 4 and Alnico 8 magnets aftermarket and swap them into the pickups once you buy 'em. It's not too hard to do, just be aware of that. Plus buying a Duncan Custom and 59n combo could be good on their own if you like it. If you take his suggestion, try the stock ones first before mag swapping. Can't hurt.

Other pickups I would suggest for metal
Sets: Blackouts, Blackouts - Metal, Gus. G's set, and Dave Mustaine's Live wires.
Bridge: JB, Custom, Custom 8, Custom Custom, Distortion, Invader
Neck: 59, Jazz, Distortion

I recommend checking out this comparison of bridge pickups first:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzie8mham8

Another issue with the Trembucker in a Gibson is that it won't fit easily into a standard humbucking pickup ring, and the ring provided by Duncan has a different finish to it. Or at least it used to. Kind of a dull matte finish that doesn't match the shiny smooth plastic Gibson uses.

As for the SH-5, that's a pickup I like too, and prefer to the JB. But Tj said he likes the JB.

 

[tonello]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

The Sh-4 and the Tb-4 are the same. I don't know what Sh stands for but TB means trembucker. It spaced for guitars with floyd roses. If your Epiphone is a TOM bridge, then you want the Sh-4, because the spacing is going to be too wide for you.

Good luck.

 

[tonello]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Other pickups I would suggest for metal
Sets: Blackouts, Blackouts - Metal, Gus. G's set, and Dave Mustaine's Live wires.
Bridge: JB, Custom, Custom 8, Custom Custom, Distortion, Invader
Neck: 59, Jazz, Distortion

I recommend checking out this comparison of bridge pickups first:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzie8mham8

If you're going to suggest sets, then I would like to add the Distortion Mayhem set to the list as well. You already have the Distortion neck and bridge, just buy the set and be done.

 

[jacksontrader]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Get the Hotrodded set put them in and go to Guitar Denter and get their Allparts branded 500k pots unless you want to run splits or anything like that, that will require push/pull pots. The set you want will sound great in the Epi. Good luck.

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

If you're going to suggest sets, then I would like to add the Distortion Mayhem set to the list as well. You already have the Distortion neck and bridge, just buy the set and be done.

Crap! I forgot that came in a set too. Great suggestion!

To Lewguitar, I was only bringing up the sh5 because it is a standard sized humbucker that I used in an Epi LP, so I figured it was a good example compared to the op's situation.

Tonello, I think SH = Standard Humbucker. Not 100% on that, but it was what I've heard.

I'm actually in agreement with Lewguitar. If you know you like the JB & Jazz, start there. It will sound different in a LP than in a Jackson, but it is a good starting point and it's familiar

 

[Tj_saxon]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

HOLY COW! You guys are super helpful! I didn't expect this many responses that quick! Lol. I want to thank all of you for you words of wisdom and all your advice. I have decided to order the hot rodded set as I am also buying another lp ( always wanted a white custom) and I will try out some of the sets you guys recommended in it =) once the hot rodded set comes in and is installed I will let you guys know what I think. As for changing pots I need more info on that. This is something I have never really looked into due to emgs coming with the correct pots.

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

HOLY COW! You guys are super helpful! I didn't expect this many responses that quick! Lol. I want to thank all of you for you words of wisdom and all your advice. I have decided to order the hot rodded set as I am also buying another lp ( always wanted a white custom) and I will try out some of the sets you guys recommended in it =) once the hot rodded set comes in and is installed I will let you guys know what I think. As for changing pots I need more info on that. This is something I have never really looked into due to emgs coming with the correct pots.

Pots see a good thing to swap while you're at it. I like CTS & Bourns. For you're tones get some good caps. Most are decent. I like orange drops, but that is preferential. Have fun with it, that's what's most important! Check for wiring diagrams on Seymour's website.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Before making your purchase, do this: measure from the middle of your high-E to the middle of your low-E directly over the bridge pickup. If it's less than 2" (or 50mm) get the Hot Rodded humbucker set. If it's more than 2" (or around 52.5mm) get a TB-4 for the bridge and an SH-2n for the neck. Unfortunately, the TB version doesn't come in a set. You'll have to buy the two pickups separately.

The old rule of thumb was "Fender = Trembucker, Gibson = humbucker." But in the last two decades, the string spacing at the bridge has migrated for both companies.

Welcome to the SDUGF and good luck with your tone quest.

 

[Tj_saxon]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Pots see a good thing to swap while you're at it. I like CTS & Bourns. For you're tones get some good caps. Most are decent. I like orange drops, but that is preferential. Have fun with it, that's what's most important! Check for wiring diagrams on Seymour's website.

And I can get these from like musiciansfriend and zzounds and what not? Or caps and pots the same things. I need to do some research obviously lol.

 

[Tj_saxon]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Before making your purchase, do this: measure from the middle of your high-E to the middle of your low-E directly over the bridge pickup. If it's less than 2" (or 50mm) get the Hot Rodded humbucker set. If it's more than 2" (or around 52.5mm) get a TB-4 for the bridge and an SH-2n for the neck. Unfortunately, the TB version doesn't come in a set. You'll have to buy the two pickups separately.

The old rule of thumb was "Fender = Trembucker, Gibson = humbucker." But in the last two decades, the string spacing at the bridge has migrated for both companies.

Welcome to the SDUGF and good luck with your tone quest.

Thank you =) I will do this as soon as I get home.

 

[jacksontrader]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

Allparts labeled/ packaged pots are CTS they are the best you can get for the price. Caps, I never sweat them a lot as most times I run the tone on 10 so it's not part of the circuit for me. As with anything like that, sound is subjective so results may vary. Seymour Duncan's site has a bunch of wiring diagrams, like was mentioned earlier, so get the pups and get after it. It's pretty easy once you break it down to each little step.

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Hi guys, new to the forums. Need a quick answer.

And I can get these from like musiciansfriend and zzounds and what not? Or caps and pots the same things. I need to do some research obviously lol.

Most websites will have them (Musician's Friend, Music123, Guitar Center, ZZ Sounds, Sam Ash, etc.). If all else fails, you can got to Stew Mac or Allparts, but the Allparts website charges full retail. If you can't find it elsewhere, then go to Allparts. Potentiometers or "pots" are your volume and tone controls. Capacitors or "caps" get soldered on to a pot to create a tone control. No cap, it's a volume control. Pot + cap = tone control.

Some decisions to consider are pot values. The higher value, the brighter the sound, the lower the value, the darker the tone. What works best is simply preferential. The next thing is whether you want Audio Taper or Linear Taper. Linear will turn down the tone/volume directly proportional to the number on the dial. If you're on "5", you have 50%. Audio Taper will work exponentially: when you are at "5", you will have something like 25%-30% (fellas, correct me if I got that wrong). Neither is right or wrong, it's all about what you like.

Caps are very subjective. Some say there are obvious differences some say not. I like the Orange Drops by Sprague because to me they sound a little clearer. I am admitting I've never done back to back comparos, but my tech claims they are on youtube. Personally, I know they're solid and they aren't all that pricey. I refuse to do the Gibson Bumble Bees since they are $60 a piece. Realistically the standard ceramic discs for around $0.50 each are just fine. Deciding on value is preferential. This is reverse of pots: the lower the number the brighter they are. Higher numbers filter out more highs. Again, no right or wrong, only what you like.

I would get the pickups and settle on some basic pots and caps. Pots and caps are easy to change so don't over think it (I did this and wasted much of my time):banghead:. If the general tone makes you smile but needs tweaking, now alter the pots and caps. My suggestion is to start with CTS pots, 500Ks all around, and some 0.047 mf caps for your tones. It's a basic benchmark to start from. From there, season to taste. But remember the pickups are most important, the pots and caps will tweak them and are easy and cheap to change.

Again, have a blast with this!:friday: