Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

[Reverberocket2]

I like the tone of the Slash bridge but I need something in the 14-16k range like a JB to slam the front of some lower gain amps.

 

[gregory]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

I would think these might fit the bill in order of confidence:
A2 59/Custom Hybrid
A2 JB/Custom Hybrid
Custom Custom
JB2

 

[Reverberocket2]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

The Alnico II JB has definitely crossed my mind.

The eq tone chart on the Custom Custom doesn't match up well with the Slash

 

[gregory]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

I would listen to some clips on youtube before accepting Duncan's BMT figures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLfRvjjAwf0&feature=youtu.be&t=240

I put the Custom Custom above the JB2 because I think it has a bit more of a vintage vibe going on. YMMV.

Thanks to all those extra winds and the A2, the Custom Custom does have a lot of mids. I suppose you could counter this to some extent with a UOA5, which would also have the added benefit of providing a hotter signal.

So maybe a UOA5 Custom or UOA5 59/Custom Hybrid instead of an A2 Custom or A2 59/Custom Hybrid?

I don't think I would go so far as to recommend a UOA5 with the JB or JB/Custom Hybrid, though.

I also forgot the Duncan Distortion Neck as another viable candidate. I'd probably go with a UOA5 on this one as well.

 

[Despair]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Aside from 'why not just use a boost pedal' (heresy, I know), my next thought is how does a Slash A2 Pro respond to RCUOA5? [or maybe A8, but I can't remember anyone like A2Pros liking them with A8 and am too tired to putter with google trying to check...

I don't trust the tone chart EQs on either of those, CC is infamously middy, but while it has softened bass, it has plenty of lower mids. And Slash's sound is rather far from scooped. According to the tone chart, you should be looking at a PATB-3 or Custom 5. Not sure that the Blues Saraceno is enough of an output bump, and the Custom 5 is almost certainly far too mid-scooped and entirely wrong attack.

I wouldn't go by the tone chart, recordings of someone with a similar playing style and signal chain are likely to be more useful.

I could see any of gregory's suggestions working well, but if you are picky you may find it takes a lot of trial and error to match the behavior of a low output pickup in a louder one. Hybrids might extend highs too much, or CC could be too buttery or the JB2 too hot, compared to A2.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

I like the tone of the Slash bridge but I need something in the 14-16k range like a JB to slam the front of some lower gain amps.

No need to. Just put an A8 in the Slash bridge and you'll get what yours asking for.

HTH,

 

[gregory]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

CC could be too buttery or the JB2 too hot

I agree.

Hybrids might extend highs too much

This is what helps them be more viable, especially with an A2 or RUOA5 to help soften them.

 

[Despair]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

This is what helps them be more viable, especially with an A2 or RUOA5 to help soften them.

I meant even with the mag swap. Any of the options could also be dead on [Except for C5! That was purely a demonstration of misleading tone chart].

Simple mag swap is a cheap and fairly quick thing to test to see whether it's the magnet or the coil that is desired most. Although if you are using quick-connect harnesses, that pushes it back towards pickup swap being easier.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

For the record, IME a JB2 would also do what the OP is asking.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

I don't think a JB2 sounds anything like a Slash. I'd opt for a Custom Custom, honestly. Other magnet swaps might work, and other Hybrids, but just speaking of production pickups, the CC does it (which is why I like it so much).

 

[gregory]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

I think the higher resonant peak of the Distortion Neck would be better than a Custom. From an initial starting point of using an A2, the SH-6N will still need the mids deemphasized a fair amount: RUOA5 or keep the ceramic in there and it will slam better than any of my other suggestions.

However, if Pepe is certain an A8-loaded Slash will work then I'll defer.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

if Pepe is certain an A8-loaded Slash will work.

Oh, Pepe is positive about it. You know why? 'cause he's a kind of "been there, done that" guy, that talks about things he personally had experienced... for the most part, anyway.

He can also be an obnoxiuos, know-it-all-asshat sometimes, but he means well.

 

[Reverberocket2]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Thanks guys, a lot to digest here.

I don't know what it is about this particular Les Paul but when loaded with vintage output bridge pickups it is really weak sounding compared to my P90 SG special and Les Paul Juniors.

With the Slash bridge on 10 it sounds like the P90's rolled back to 7.

I definitely need something with more output.

How would an Alnico 8 Slash clean up? Also considering the Antiquity JB with the degaused A5 - different tone for sure but I think it will help match the tonality and output of the weak Lester to the p90 guitars.

 

[gregory]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Antiquity JB with the degaused A5

I'd save money and go with a stock JB and put in a RUOA5 if that's what you want.

 

[Davii]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Da Minx, but that's mine

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

How would an Alnico 8 Slash clean up?.

Beatifully.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Does your guitar have 500K pots?

There's a good chance that it doesn't.

Often they're 300K which, IMO, robs a pickup of output and treble.

If you have 300K pots replace them with 500K before getting rid of the Slash set or modifying it, because that is a great set of pickups that should be working for you.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Try backing the polepiece screws on your Slash pickups out a couple of turns to raise them. Having the screws down too tight into the bobbins can take away a lot of brightness and cut from some PAF type pickups.

 

[chadd]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

The custom custom is where I would start, it paired nicely with an APH1 in one of my Les Pauls. Also, some good advice on checking the pots and adjusting pole pieces.

 

[Reverberocket2]

Re: Is there anything similar to Slash Alnico Pro bridge but higher output?

Does your guitar have 500K pots?

There's a good chance that it doesn't.

Often they're 300K which, IMO, robs a pickup of output and treble.

If you have 300K pots replace them with 500K before getting rid of the Slash set or modifying it, because that is a great set of pickups that should be working for you.

500k all around. Mojotone CTS vintage taper on the volumes and standard CTS audio on the tones.