Humbuckers for Eastman T486B (ES-335 clone)

[martilloseductor]

I've been fancying an ES-335 for a while and these Eastman guitars look great for the price. I personally love Bigsbys, so I'm about to pull the trigger on the T486B model. The problem is that, unlike the regular model, it doesn't have the 59/Jazz combo, but instead, the Phat Cat set. I love p90s, but I reaaaally wanted it to have humbuckers and I've also read bad reviews about these Phat Cats (not enough output, too dark...). I'm looking for a Queens of the Stone Age kind of tone (I use tons of fuzz) and I like bright pickups. I had great results with a Dimarzio Air Norton in the bridge and a on old Dimarzio PAF in the neck in a Sheraton. Should I buy the regular model or should buy the Bigsby version and install a good set of PAF like humbuckers on it? What models would you recommend if I choose the Bigsby version?

 

[chadd]

Re: Humbuckers for Eastman T486B (ES-335 clone)

My suggestion would be to play it for a while and decide exactly what you don't like about those pickups in that guitar. It would make suggesting the right pickup for you a lot easier.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Humbuckers for Eastman T486B (ES-335 clone)

I'd put a set of 59's in it if I liked the more pure sound of an alnico 5 humbucker best or a set of Seth Lovers if I liked the more raw sound of alnico 2 better.

I'd probably go with 59's modded with roughcast alnico 5 magnets because that's the sound I associate with ES-335 guitars.

But Seth Lovers are a lot of fun to play. Maybe more fun than the 59's.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Humbuckers for Eastman T486B (ES-335 clone)

Actually, Phat Cats with a Bigsby would be a good idea. But I agree with chadd. Play it for awhile to see what tonal problems you would need to correct. Your choice of pickups might change if the actual piece of wood is too bright or dark, etc. So play if for a few weeks before you order those pickups. BTW, I've been looking at an Eastman, too. Beautiful guitars. I like the hollow T185MX.