Les Paul P-ups

[bushey37]

Which of the three shoud i go w/. I've got a mahogany/alder body lp w/ a rosewood fingerboard and mahongany neck material. The top wood is also mahogany/alder. The music I'm into is mainly any rock from the 70s and 80s. Some of my favorite bands are Ac/dc and GNR (thus the ALnico IIs) however I do like anyting from classic Metallica and other old metal to stevie ray vaughn.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

I don't think you can lose with any of those...The JB/Jazz is the obvious choice for heavier tones (but it seems to be a love/hate thing with people), while the AII's are probly the most classic and consistent sounding and an all around good choice. I prefer the CC/PG though, for a diverse range of sounds and something that mixes together well and does a range of music, but excels at classic rock (kicked up a notch!)

 

[neosadist]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

Which of the three shoud i go w/. I've got a mahogany lp w/ a rosewood fingerboard.

First, look up the pickups in their description page. If they say they're for bright guitars, they're not what you want, since your guitar is mahogany. Go with something for warm or balanced instruments. Second, look up some artists. You'll be interested to find that Dave Mustain (megadeth) used Jazz+JB for a long time, Slash uses dual Alnico II Pro, the guitarist from Heart used dual Pearly Gates, etc. I say this to point out that part of the equation is effects. But I say you do more research first, that will help you understand and choose. Good luck!

 

[drpietrzak]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

I have Alnico II in several guitas. A couple that are mahogany. They sound very nice there to me.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

Out of those, the CC/PG is my favorite. Is your LP solid mahogany, or does it have a maple top? Here's a rundown of my favorites, but also use the search function for a wealth of info.

Alnico 5 vintage tone.....59 set. A5 with more power Custom 5/59
Alnico 2 vintage tone....Seth Lover set. A2 w/more power CC with Seth n/ APIIn/PGn

A5 has tighter lows, neutral mids, and clear highs
A2 has softer lows, stronger mids, and buttery highs

 

[TENAX]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

wow..i plan to switch out my jb bridge/jazz neck this weekend on my LP to play with something new and have a # of options on hand..including the A2's set..based on the poll, my decision is made on what i'm trying next

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

Switch out the APH set for a PG or Seth set and you'll have me really excited. :burnout:

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

It really depends on what kind of you music you play, but I voted for the Alnico II set. They sound great for anything as long as you have all the gain you want in your amp / pedals. To my ears they have a perfect balance of low/mid/high when they're in a Les Paul.

I took my '96 LP Standard with Alnico IIs to rehearsal tonight and got totally inspirational tone. I sometimes struggle to find the tone I'm after with my Antiquity-loaded Classic (the looker!). I have just been sat here considering swapping the pickups over. I want to know whether that inspiration is in the pickups or the guitar (or how much of both). Maybe I just prefer A2Ps to Ants. :dunno:

Alnico II Pros definitely rock in a Lester! :fing2:

 

[TENAX]

Re: Les Paul P-ups

hey simon...glad to hear your comments on the A2s..i really could have left the jb and jazz in..and i'm definitely going to hang onto those pups for another project (also have a custom i might try with a jazz on a dual humbucker something down the road) but i really LOVE the sound of the A2s..i'm not a big distortion fan past some classic rock..pop, jazz, blues, mainstream rock...the sound of the A2's is that much more rich and full on both pickups..the jb sounds strong but thin compared to the jazz neck and both A2's..the bridge A2 sounds like the blend i got when both the jazz and jb were active..the A2 neck is simply gods gift to a les paul for my tastes..i want fat, round, full and not too much highs..i'll pull my strat out if i want to "squeal"..i want my les paul to be a "better behaved" child and more sophisticated. i do plan to buy a tele with at least one humbucker if not 2 and i'll go for louder harder with that.