Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

S

symptom

New member
A while ago I've posted a thread asking what pickups should I get for my recently acquired Epiphone Les Paul Standard. After a while, I was pretty sold on getting the Alnico 2 Pros. The thing is my life has changed and my wife and I will be having a baby soon. That means I cannot afford spending that kind of money in this guitar for a long time.

Right now, it has a Duncan Designed HB102n and a Custom 5 (this one I had in my SG). I really not like any of those.

So it got me wondered, should I get the GFS Custom II for my Les Paul? Anyone have experience with them? I know they probably aren't a match for the Alnico 2 pros, but they're half the price and, let's be honest, it is a low cost guitar. After years struggling with magnets and settings with the C5 in my SG, I'm extremely happy with a pair of Mean 90's (I've never touched the SG settings since I've put them)

Some questions explained to help your answers:

- Why not buying used Duncans?
I'm from Brazil and it's hard finding someone selling them that ships to here. Also, even used, they cost almost twice the GFS.

- Why not save money and get some real Duncans?
I don't think I can do that in a short time. To get them here I pay a lot (conversion, taxes, shipping).


So any help? Also if you have any other budget suggestions that you like, it will be nice. Just remember I want something in the Alnico 2 pro ballpark.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

I had the GFS A2's, the 'most like paf' clones they do. They were.....ok......I guess I'm spoilt as I really do have some superb pickups which are PAF clones in more than just output. You would probably be quite happy with them without anything to compare them to. They were better than Gibsons 57 Classics anyhow.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

I installed a GFS Classic 2 neck and VEH bridge into an Agile Les Paul for a client. It's going around the world on tour.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

dominus said:
I installed a GFS Classic 2 neck and VEH bridge into an Agile Les Paul for a client. It's going around the world on tour.
Click to expand...
It's amazing that sometimes you can get the job done with a cheap guitar and cheap pickups, when they're the right combo.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

Nice to hear about the GFS and the Toneriders too. It also came to my knowledge some RH Factor pickups, but I don't know nothing about them, although they seem nice. The Toneriders looked good to me.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

Buy cheap, swap mags, rock on….
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

AlexR said:
I had the GFS A2's, the 'most like paf' clones they do. They were.....ok......I guess I'm spoilt as I really do have some superb pickups which are PAF clones in more than just output. You would probably be quite happy with them without anything to compare them to. They were better than Gibsons 57 Classics anyhow.
Click to expand...

Gfs alnicos are better than Gibson 57 classics?? You say
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

In my opinion, the big brand name PUs will be overall better than the ones I'm asking for. But that's not the question here.

What would think about Tonerider vs. GFS?
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

Buzzin_Cousin said:
Gfs alnicos are better than Gibson 57 classics?? You say
Click to expand...

I found they were, but I'm not alone - there's not a lot of love for 57's from those who have heard something else......

But everyone's different - it could actually be the sound you're after.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

I would definitly choose Tonerider,s I've had them in my Epiphone. I had the alnico 2 in the neck it was nearly perfect. my problem was that the "set" was really 2 neck pups (one was in a bridge box) and for the life ogf me couldnt find a bridge one.

I would easily buymore if i was changing pickups.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

As I read and listen around the internet, I'm getting deeply inclined to buy the toneriders. Probably the Alnico II Classics. To be honest, I'm almost settled. One of my great concerns right now is getting zebra or covered pickups. =P
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

Alternate view. When the baby comes your funding will drop to nothing. And you will be pissed if you have a crappy sounding set of pickups and cannot do anything about it.

Buy what you want now so you will be satisfied.I have had life change twice. I know from experience.
 
Re: Life has changed. Les Paul pickups for cheap?

JeffB said:
Alternate view. When the baby comes your funding will drop to nothing. And you will be pissed if you have a crappy sounding set of pickups and cannot do anything about it.

Buy what you want now so you will be satisfied.I have had life change twice. I know from experience.
Click to expand...

dominus said:
I installed a GFS Classic 2 neck and VEH bridge into an Agile Les Paul for a client. It's going around the world on tour.
Click to expand...

I'll just restate that. If you have a good amp, a good player, and the pickups balance the guitar well, you can do anything with them.
 
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