I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

Impulse 101

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I want low to moderate power and something that keeps it feeling classic. Jazz/59?

JT
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

Whats in there now, and how is it not living up to expectations??
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I'll let the true musicians help with pup selection, but that is a nice SG. Perfect color.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I'll let the true musicians help with pup selection, but that is a nice SG. Perfect color.


Thanks,

I want this guitar for more mid gain/rhythm use. It's a classic design with a HUGE neck, really beefy. Gibson ****ed up and let it out of the factory without razorblades on the ends of the frets and there are no dead spots either.

I have many guitars with high output buckers so I don't need that. The bridge pup is OK but its a little characterless. The neck pup is just flat and crappy, no life to it at all. I want it to get a classic Gibson tone from it, nothing overly raunchy or gainy. Clear and articulate with just enough output to add some chime. I'm thinking either a Jazz and a 59 or two 59's. But I am looking for opinions.

JT
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

'59s are good. Keep in mind, an SG will generally be a bit less thumpy than an LP, so you don't have to go for the brightest pickups available. If you want moderate power, the Brobucker is lovely for an SG bridge position.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

From what you described the '59s sound like right up your alley. If you want access to a little more midrange/crunch go with the SH-16.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

The 59s are always a good choice for SGs.
Gibson 57 classics are another fav, though they are a little more crunchy than the 59s.
From what you described, I'd say you'd do well with the jazz/59 combo, go with it.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

You owe it to that guitar to check out the Brobucker.... the ultimate hot PAF.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

You owe it to that guitar to check out the Brobucker.... the ultimate hot PAF.

I've never heard one in an SG, but I'm told that SG + Brobucker = Amazeballs.

It is a custom shop pickup so if you are tight on cash that might not be an option.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I've never heard one in an SG, but I'm told that SG + Brobucker = Amazeballs.

It is a custom shop pickup so if you are tight on cash that might not be an option.

They do come up used from time to time, not sure if our forum brother "RockStarNick" ever sold his????? O/P... May be a pm to Nick would be worth while?????
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

My suggestions:

59 set
Whole Lotta Humbucker set (I've never tried, but I'm going with the wave and what I've saw in youtube)
GFS Mean 90 set (it will save you some money, it will do what you want, and probably will surprise you. It's what I have in my sg now, after having the 59/Custom family for some time)
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I've got a PG set on mine which is working well. I would like to see what the WLH set is like on it though - one day...
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

First off, the old amp that the SG is leaning on takes me way back. It reminds me of the day I bought my first Gibson, an ES-125 single cut away. The salesman walked us over to that then, new Ampeg and I played Louie Louie. I was working but couldn't afford the guitar it so I had to make payments. Been playing Gibsons ever since. Thanks for the photo.

Have two SG's, one old Firebrand and a 2013 SG Standard.

In the Firebrand, have settled on the Jazz neck and 59/Custom Bridge

In the newer SG, it has a WLH neck and WLH Bridge wired to push pull pots.

Both guitars are very different horses with these pickup pairs. The Jazz is smooth compared to the WLH neck and plays nice with the 59/Custom.

With the WLH set, I feel thick blues and classic rock. If you are remotely thinking about splitting coils, the WLH set is excellent to my ears.

Combinations that would be worth trying are:

Jazz neck and WLH Bridge
WLH neck and a 59/Custom bridge.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I've got an 85 SG which, on a whim, I put my selfmade hybrids in. Bridge is a custom/Jazz, neck is a Jazz/59. This is an absolutely killer combo, and has enough drive for smooth bridge posi leads, but enough openness to mimic a T-top for AC/DC. The neck is hollow toned and perfect for blues - no mush.

For mine I'd got the hybrid in the bridge, and maybe a PG in the neck - thats probably the closest you'll get without pickup surgery.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

What about Seths? If they're too microphonic you could also pot them. Potting isn't supposed to absolutely change the tone, maybe just a little bit but some don't notice any difference.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

I've always thought that the SG with P-90's is just about the perfect classic tone, and GFS make a great drop-in humbucker-sized P-90...the "Mean 90". I've got several Mean 90's in LP's and SG's...love them in both types of guitars, but the SG is indeed perfect with them.

For the price, it's worth a try to put a pair of Mean 90's in you SG. And for what you describe is your goal with this guitar, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Try it...you'll like it. Then get back to us and let us hear your raves and satisfaction.
 
Re: I just got an SG, what pups to throw in it?

What about Seths with alnico 5 magnets? How would those work in an SG?

Pretty much everyone here agrees a Seth is best with an A2, but try an A5 if you want. If you're wondering, it definitely won't be the same as the '59, it will only sound a little bit closer with an A5.
 
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