Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

[Plexipusher]

Hello,
I'm looking for some advice on selecting a new bridge pup for a Les Paul standard, used primarily for metal and rock in E/Eb.
I've tried a Custom Custom in this Les Paul so far, I really liked the complexity and character, but it's apparent that I'll need a much tighter low end for thrashing, the bottom was too squishy.
Output isn't a huge consideration, though higher would be better.
I've really liked the Duncan Distortion in other guitars.
I'm tempted to reach for a Duncan Distortion again but I'm interested in if there's something that will give me a similar sound on the low E and A, but sweeter/more interesting upper registers. Maybe a JB or Custom?
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Hi
90% of my guitars are Les paul standard and all of them are loaded with Seymour Duncan pick-ups. Well, all of them have one pick-up from Custom family indeed. The version I prefer the most is the custom 8. Warm like an Alnico with the clarity of a ceramic and it's just perfect for me (I love classic metal and thrash old school). So if you still have the custom custom installed on your Les Paul, you can easily obtain a different tone swapping its magnet. Buy a bunch of magnets and find out which is suitable for your goals. Inexpensive and funny. On the other hand, if you want a brand new pick-up, I suggest the nazgul. A friend of mine has it installed on his guitar (mohagany body and neck) and the response on the bass frequencies range is fantastic.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Welcome to the forum!

You might try to swap the magnet of the Custom Custom with either an Alnico V pickup (it will turn the pickup into a Custom 5). It will scoop the mids and tighten up the bass. If you switch it out for a ceramic, you will get a regular Custom, which is voiced like a PAF, but much louder with a much tighter bass. You might not have to switch out the pickup at all, just the magnet.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Or put an A8 mag in it to get a C8...truly a great pup. If you decide that another pup is needed you could consider the Alt 8...tight bass, clear top, big and powerful.

 

[EDX]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

well, since you want something more interesting in the upper register and thrash approved why not a dimebucker?

 

[beaubrummels]

Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

I found the Distortion to be a bit fuzzy/buzzy on the bottom end in my Les Paul. (It's quite bright on the top however).

You might consider Black Winters for a tighter sound, though they lose a little character IME.

There are other pickups I'm aware of that might solve the issue, but I don't have experience with them in my Les Paul - like Screamin Demon, various Customs, PATB, etc.

 

[MkIII Renegade]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

well, since you want something more interesting in the upper register and thrash approved why not a dimebucker?

The Dimebucker has great sledgehammer attack, and the '59N is my favorite Duncan neck pup hands down.

If going the active route, the EMG 81b and 60n is a killer combo. I consider the 85n useful only for distorted solos; it loses to the 60 for cleaner sounds.

 

[bearded madman]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Sounds like you need to get an assortment of magnets and find the variation of the custom you like best. I liked both the custom and custom 8 in my sg but have never tried one in a Les Paul

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Welcome!! Id say since you have the Custom Custom, go the cheapest and easiest path first.. Put an alnico 8 magnet in there and thank us by writing a song like Duncan forum guys Kick arse!! I too LOVE the a8. it gives you most of the balls of a custom, but alil more warmth. If the Custom8 leaves you wanting alittle more edge, then put a ceramic mag in it and have a Custom. I run a C8 in my Explorer and several other guits.. Love em!

 

[Aceman]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

I'm going to suggest something that is known to tighten up the bass in a Custom Custom - since you love that.

Get some hex head screws like found in the Full Shred. Replace the regular screw tops on the bass strings.

IF that doesn't do it, then try the A8 mag for a C8

 

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

^^ That's good advice. You can also try the custom 8 in that fashion. I have my C8 setup with 3 hex screws on the bass strings


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[Plexipusher]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

Thank you for the advice, guys! I think I'll start with putting an A8 magnet in there. Any recommendations on where to get magnets and hex head screws etc? I'm about to check stewmac.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

I'd recommend the distortion. I love it in the bridge of my guitars.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Les Paul PUP Options For Metal

The key is 'short' screw lengths. They don't need to be hex screws. Check Stew Mac or All Parts for the screws.