LP bridge pup help

[mickeyG]

Hey everybody

I just bought a Burny LP copy, love the guitar but I find miself dissatisfied with the stock bridge pickup, seems to really lack lows and character

Im looking for something in the vicinity of vintage PAF tones, close to Jimmy Page if you will, maybe a teeeny bit more muscular, like say Omar Rodriguez (from The Mars Volta), well able to do rock riffing, but still with all the versatility of a PAF, so I can still play Strokes style pop or smth. Its gotta have that 'amplitude' and woody-ness good pups on good guitars produce.

So what should I get thats not too expensive and fits those criteria (Duncans or other brands)

I was thinking the 59, but I havent heard much about it, neither good nor bad, and most people seem to use it in the neck position. Pearly Gates maybe?

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Antiquity's, Seth Lovers, Pearly Gates, and '59's are good choices for PAF tone. For more output, but still PAFish, look into the Duncan Custom or Custom Custom.

 

[BRHGM]

Re: LP bridge pup help

I wouldn't describe the Customs as PAFish at all. They do sound real nice clean and dirty. PAF humbuckers are low output and brighter with lots of warmth. Jimmy Page currently uses a really hot pickup set up. He used a basic PAF set up on his green Telecaster and his 59 Les Paul. This has changed over the years to a really hot setup with a 4 push pull knob system. The JB may be what you are looking for. The Custom sound good, too.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: LP bridge pup help

I wouldn't describe the Customs as PAFish at all. They do sound real nice clean and dirty. PAF humbuckers are low output and brighter with lots of warmth. Jimmy Page currently uses a really hot pickup set up. He used a basic PAF set up on his green Telecaster and his 59 Les Paul. This has changed over the years to a really hot setup with a 4 push pull knob system. The JB may be what you are looking for. The Custom sound good, too.

I agree that PAF's are lower output, etc. In fact I use Seths and Ants pretty exclusively. I was just saying that the Customs are in the ballpark, but with higher output. The Custom Custom I have (not in use at present) was very warm and mid-rangey, but still PAF-like.

 

[BigDaddy]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Brobucker.

 

[lex666]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Jimmy Page tone plus something a little heavier?

You just described the C5, my brotha! o

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Custom 5/59 set. Great lows, neutral mids that let the amp and wood mids through, and naturally present highs. It's like a 59 set bumped up a notch.
It'll work great for cleans, midgain, and highgain.

Real Alnico 2 PAF's will always have a softer bottom end response, a bit more midrange cluck, and highs that are a little less crisp.

If you want a true PAF sound, get a Seth Lover set. Very woody and touch sensitive. Works best for clean to midgain. A tiny bit too soft for highgain rhythm, but has nice buttery leads.

 

[mickeyG]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Thanks for your replies, everybody!

What do you think about the Pearly Gates, would that be a good choice? Im aiming for something just a tad bit hotter than vintage PAF, but nothing high output, and definitely nothing metal or rough, punk-power-chord sounding

Id go for the Pearly Gates but Im worried by the 'texas' description on the website, cause fender's texas specials i definitely do NOT like, and if Pearlies are to PAF what Texas Specials are to vintage strat pickups.. well you understand my reservation. Will it do the Jimmy Page thing right?

Id happily try the Custom 5 like you guys said but it doesnt seem to be available where I live, and I need a new pickup rather soonish, so i cant afford to order it

 

[Aceman]

Re: LP bridge pup help

Thanks for your replies, everybody!

What do you think about the Pearly Gates,
just a tad bit hotter than vintage PAF,
Im worried by the 'texas' description on the website, cause fender's texas specials Will it do the Jimmy Page thing right?

Id happily try the Custom 5

PG's are awesome - they are actually THE vintage PAF sound IMO.

The will have the 'vibe' of being hotter - but it's really just the eq curve IMO. The are hotter - but not significantly so.

NOTHING like fender texas specs - Ignore that.

I'd say so - but my goto page pickup is a custom custom. remember, Page is a fiendish pup tapper/phaser, or used singles in the studio.

I would have said custom up front, but defer to the C5 fans. Optionally, you may really like the Duncan 59.

 

[mickeyG]

Re: LP bridge pup help

of course, by 'jimmy page tone' I mean 'live jimmy page tone, like on the song remains the same', his studio tones are too many to count

thanks a bunch, I think I might just try those PG's after all. how different are they from 59s anyway? cause id rather not fork out the extra cash if there's not such a big difference. also the PGs seem to only be available in zebra, and i dont think that goes well with a black custom lp