Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

  • SD pearly gates

    Votes: 5 71.4%

  • SD Alnico II PRO

    Votes: 2 28.6%

  • Dimarzio PAF master

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Dimarzio air classic

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    7
King Halt

King Halt

New member
I play classic rock/ metal, and am venturing in to contemporary alt/hard rock. High gain amp, les Paul like guitar (set neck, mahogany body, maple cap, rosewood board, etc) really like the Gibson 57 classic and slash for their open, airy quality, but I don't want to drop a Gibson or "signature pickup in. I am thinking SD pearly gates or alnico II pro or Dimarzio PAF master or air classic. Any thoughts?
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

Man, all of those pickups are really solid.

The Air Classic is a great low output PAF, the PAF Master is kind of the next evolution in the VPAF/36th camp from what I understand (haven't tried one myself yet), the AII Pro is a proven classic and the true "Slash" pickup from GnR, then there's the Pearly Gates which is similar, but a little more "rude", if that makes sense.

Personally, I'd probably go with the Pearly Gates out of those, but it just depends...Can you tell us more about what you're wanting?
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

masta' c said:
Man, all of those pickups are really solid.

The Air Classic is a great low output PAF, the PAF Master is kind of the next evolution in the VPAF/36th camp from what I understand (haven't tried one myself yet), the AII Pro is a proven classic and the true "Slash" pickup from GnR, then there's the Pearly Gates which is similar, but a little more "rude", if that makes sense.

Personally, I'd probably go with the Pearly Gates out of those, but it just depends...Can you tell us more about what you're wanting?
Click to expand...

Well I like to have a nice crunchy tone without being too, too compressed. I also like the slightly "spongy" vibe the 57 classic gives. Basicly, something that won't get muddy or too compressed with medium to high gain with a modern edge...if any of that makes since lol
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

masta' c said:
Man, all of those pickups are really solid.

The Air Classic is a great low output PAF, the PAF Master is kind of the next evolution in the VPAF/36th camp from what I understand (haven't tried one myself yet), the AII Pro is a proven classic and the true "Slash" pickup from GnR, then there's the Pearly Gates which is similar, but a little more "rude", if that makes sense.

Personally, I'd probably go with the Pearly Gates out of those, but it just depends...Can you tell us more about what you're wanting?
Click to expand...

Well I like to have a nice crunchy tone without being too, too compressed. I also like the slightly "spongy" vibe the 57 classic gives. Basicly, something that won't get muddy or too compressed with medium to high gain with a modern edge...if any of that makes since lol
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

If you want alt rock, you gotta have a P90 or two in there. What you want is a Phat Cat. With all the magnet swapping you can do with those, you are bound to find something you like in them. I'd say A8/A4 bridge and A5/A4 neck as my first recommendation. That'll provide openness, cut, and keep the high gain mush in check as well.
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

I would put whatever sounds best in it, regardless of who makes or endorses it.
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

You might consider the 59/Custom Hybrid for the bridge. Classic with a modern edge describes this pickup to a T. Decently beefy, doesn't feel compressed, splits really well using the Custom coil. Has a bit of extra push and enough treble clarity to keep its definition at gain, still light & open enough to clean up well when you roll back the volume knob. Would pair really well with a warmer neck like the A2Pro.
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

I tried that one, it didn't have enough bass response for me. even with using my tone it was hard to tame out the treble for my taste.
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

King Halt said:
I tried that one, it didn't have enough bass response for me. even with using my tone it was hard to tame out the treble for my taste.
Click to expand...

It is a bright pickup, brighter that you's expect given the ingredients. I think coil offset may account for much of that. But I bet an A8 mag would fatten it up nicely. Of course, it would probably also lose the vintage portion of its vibe.
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

eclecticsynergy said:
It is a bright pickup, brighter that you's expect given the ingredients. I think coil offset may account for much of that. But I bet an A8 mag would fatten it up nicely. Of course, it would probably also lose the vintage portion of its vibe.
Click to expand...

I did that with a JB and it did fatten it up a bit, but it also made it a touch hotter. After some research I am now considering the custom 5 with either a jazz, 59, or Alnico II pro neck
 
Re: Low/Med output Pickup for alt/hard rock

Custom5 is great in a Les Paul. Plus, it takes really well to different mags in case it isn't perfect.
 
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