Ideas for replacing pickups

[Madmaza]

I have a Schecter C-1 E/A semi-hollow body.
- Quilted maple top
- Mahogany body
- Mahogany neck
- Rosewood fretboard
- 2 Duncan Designed HB-102 humbuckers (passive)
- Piezo pickup system in bridge (active)

The HBs just seem dull and uninteresting (I've heard people say muddy) I end up using just the Piezo or adding it to one of the HBs. I play in a church praise band and we play guitar driven, classic rock inspired music. I also like to play blues. I'm looking for something versatile that has a "ballsy" tough clean sound.

I also have a Gibson L5-CES, while I love it, I want something a little less mellow when I play the Schecter.

Another aspect, that may make a difference, is that we play through modelers direct into the mixer. Our other guitarist has both an ESP LTD and Strat, both with SD HBs, but he doesn't know which models. I like the sound of both of his guitars.

Right now I'm thinking maybe an SH-5 bridge and maybe an SH-1 neck?

Ideas?

 

[Madmaza]

Re: Ideas for replacing pickups

Ok, after reading more on here I am now leaning more towards the Jazz instead of the '59 for the neck. Thoughts on pairing that with a Custom, Custom 5, or 59/Custom?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Ideas for replacing pickups

Ok, after reading more on here I am now leaning more towards the Jazz instead of the '59 for the neck.

True, '59's can be boomy in the neck slot. A Custom (SH-5) works well in the bridge slot if you're into ceramic PU's, but they aren't as good clean as one with an alnico magnet. A Custom 5 (SH-14) would probably be better for what you do (I'm a blues player too).

 

[CTN]

Re: Ideas for replacing pickups

ballsy, tough clean sound = Custom. Actually out of all the ceramic humbuckers I've tried, the Custom probably has the nicest cleans. Perhaps not as smooth or saggy as some alnico variations of the Custom, but nevertheless, it's got a lot of character. And it shines with overdrive and distortion. Should be right at home in that guitar.

I'd go with a '59 in the neck though. More soul than the Jazz, which is a great thing if you're playing some blues. To my ears, the Jazz sounds colder, and more sterile. Great for when you're doing lots of distorted lead tones and need the articulation more than anything else, but if you're playing blues/classic rock stuff, and want to hear some character out of the notes you're playing, then stick with the '59.