Les Pauls and nickel covers..

[6StringSting]

Hi all! I have a '57 reissue Gold top. I swapped out the stock Burstbuckers for a nickel covered JB at the bridge and Jazz at the neck. I swapped out the Burstbuckers because they were just too bright. Ive now got the same issue with the JB. In my Strats, I use a Hot Rails and a Custom Custom and LOVE the tone I get with those p'ups! Would it be wise then to order a Custom Custom with the nickel cover? Or is the cover causing all that brightness I dont want?
Any ideas??

Thanks!

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

JB's are bright sounding pickups...especially for those looking for a more vintage tone.

I'd probably suggest a 59' or a Seth if you're looking for something less brash than the JB.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

Jupp, the JB is a bright pickup. I had one in my Les Paul, and replaced it with a Custom. I got anther Les Paul with Antiquity's as well. Both are warmer sounding than the JB. If you remove the cover you might even get a brighter sounding pup.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

Hey 6string, Welcome to the Forum!

The covers can attenuate the super high frequencies, but what you are hearing IS the JB. I had the same problem you are having. I had a Jazz/JB combo in my Heritage LP, I pulled out the JB and ordered an A2P, and fell in love. It's a modern take on vintage A2 PAFs. The CC close to an overwound A2P. The custom is going to have more lows and sizzle than the JB, with an aggressive edge.

It sounds like your pup tastes are similiar to my own, if so I would recommend steering clear of A5 bridge pups.

Hope that helps!

Luke

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

I agree about alnico 5 pickups being brighter than typical alnico 2 pickups. If you like covered pickups, consider a set of Seth Lovers or Antiquitys...you GOTTA love those!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

Return, sell, or trade the JB for a CC nickel covered. I like the CC, C-5, and Seth bridge pickups for a Paul, and I've used most Duncans. I think the CC is the sound you want, since it has a more tame treble and nicer lower mids. It'll work fine with the Jazz too.

Potted nickel covers sound about the same as uncovered. Unpotted ones tend to have that airy ring to the top end, but it depends on how well they're installed. I use unpotted Seths on one LP, and even with highgain it doesn't squeal.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

Return, sell, or trade the JB for a CC nickel covered. I like the CC, C-5, and Seth bridge pickups for a Paul, and I've used most Duncans. I think the CC is the sound you want, since it has a more tame treble and nicer lower mids. It'll work fine with the Jazz too.

Potted nickel covers sound about the same as uncovered. Unpotted ones tend to have that airy ring to the top end, but it depends on how well they're installed. I use unpotted Seths on one LP, and even with highgain it doesn't squeal.

I use a nickel covered CC in my Hamer Monoco with a nickel covered Seth Lover as the neck pickup. FABULOUS TONE if you're after a hotter than vintage bridge pickup with a smooth, midrange heavy tone. If you're after vintage output (doesn't sound like you are if you've been trying a JB...) than a set of Seths or Antiquitys is awesome too.

Lew

 

[6StringSting]

Re: Les Pauls and nickel covers..

Thanks for all the input! Ive noticed that the tone I want comes from p'ups with the A2 magnets. I was just lookin for some validation from people that have been there done that...
The Jazz at the neck is just delicious so that one'll stay, but arent the Seth Lovers unpotted? Decisions decisions......

FOR SALE: Mint condition nickel covered JB bridge p'up...best offer