ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

JGarofalo3

JGarofalo3

New member
I have a Hagstrom Viking Deluxe (thin profile hollow body) that I love but really hate the stock electronics. I am ISO humbuckers to replace them and would really like suggestions for something "hot" (but passive) that can really drive some clean crunch and power.

I was planning to use a JB and 59 combo as I have heard good things about that combo in hollow body guitars but thought to ask the readership for your opinions. I would like to keep my spend <$400 for the pair.

I am also thinking of replacing the pots and capacitor..........thoughts?

All opinions, suggestions and feedback welcome.

If anyone cares, the music I am lead vocals and primarily play rhythm guitar player. We mostly play progressive alternative rock and I play through a Vox AC30 (with and without an additional 2X12 depending on venue) and use several pedals

Thanks in advance

JG3
 
Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

If you are getting your overdrive/distortion from pedals, you should be okay with the lower output humbuckers such as the SH-1 '59. My personal tastes would be for covered pickups. I would be tempted to change from polished Alnico 5 bar magnets to roughcast Alnico 4.

EDIT - For more interesting "textural" overdriven tones, check out TV Jones range of Filter'Tron style pickups in regular humbucker-sized casings.
 
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Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

pair of 59s would be better in a semi than the 59/jb. Hot bridge pickups like a jb are not always the best because semis can be more prone to feedback. Lower output pickups will showcase the natural airy quality of a semi much better than a fire breathing high gain type of thing.
but there are many other flavours of paf type pickups that will also sound great. It just depends on the kind of great that you are after.
I really dig the whole lotta humbuckers which live in my 335. There have been quite a few sets of pickups in that guitar before i finally settled on them. The real question tho is what you personally want to hear from your guitar and what kind of feel you are after.
Re: pots and caps: yeah do it. Nice bourns or cts 500k audio pots for the volumes and linear for the tones is good. .022uf sprage caps or even the trendy paper in oil types are good too.
 
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Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

I have 59's in my es335 and I love the combo (That is my go to guitar). I have the Hagstrom and like her a lot and would like to take her out once in a while and was just looking for a bit of variety from what I have in the Gibby. A few great suggestions here and appreciate the commentary from those in the know.

CTS 500K already on their way so was definitely going to do that. Might likely swap the capacitor too
 
Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

If you're wanting something similar to the 59 set but a little different, you might consider the Screamin Demon. It has a little more output (not much) and a smoother, more even tone than the 59. Very articulate and clean but with less boominess and more drive than the 59.

A really great set would be the P-Rails set. Can't beat the P-90 sound (think Casino), both coils in series has a nice thick and rich bucker tone, and in parallel is very clear, airy, articulate and PAF-ish. The Rail can sound a bit Fender-ish and makes for some really unique tones. I'm a real P-Rails fan for its variety of tonal possibilities and especially its great P-90 tone and bite.

Whole Lotta Humbucker set is also a good suggestion.
 
Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

I have P-Rails with Triple Shots in an old LP I re-did and they are ok......not my favs.......will look into the Screamin Demons for sure as that sounds ideal
 
Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

My first suggestion would be to buy used and get a lot more bang for your buck. In the SD realm, the WLH suggestions are spot on. A set of Dimarzio 36th PAF or their new PAF Master would be a great choice and for higher output, Tone Zone or AT-1 in the bridge with an Air Zone or EJ in the neck would kill!

With your budget though, I would contact Zhangliqun ( zhangbucker.com) tell him what you're after and have him wind you a set. Then be prepared to revel in the awesome tones emanating from the Viking!
 
Re: ISO recommendations for humbuckers for one of my guitars (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe)

Appreciate the suggestions. While I am "willing" to spend some coin on this I wouldn't mind buying used or something reasonable priced.....but I will reach out to Zhang too!
 
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