LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

[pookey]

I have an LP Classic w/'59s in the neck and bridge. It seems to lack low end on the bridge pickup. Actually, the guitar unplugged, sounds very bright. I have two other LPs, which are specials. And therefore, solid mahogany w/o the maple top. They sound great. I guess maple top LPs are simply brighter sounding guitars? Or, I simply have the brightest sounding LP Classic on the planet. Anyhow, I need a recommendation on replacing my bridge '59 to get more low end punch. My guess is the SH-14 custom 5. Yes, No????

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

The Custom 5 is next in the line, then the Custom Custom. I have both of those in my two main player LP Stds, and love them both. The C-5 has a bigger tighter bottom and a bit more output....other than that, it basically sounds like a 59 in the mids and highs....like a hot A5 PAF. The CC is the best solution for having a LP where you never need to roll back the tone. It has nice warmth, good growl, and the highs are a little more buttery than airy and articulate like the 59 and C-5.
Personally, I think you should swap the 59B for a CC, and leave the 59N alone.
The CC is a tad dark for guitars with pickguards, but it sounds just about perfect in a maple topped LP.

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

It sounds llike you need less highs not more bass. Maybe replace the pots with 250k?

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

Some LP's are bright, some are hollow, some are thick, some thin... I guess you'd better learn how to use the tone controls (if you are not using them), and if that does not help consider swapping the a5 magnets in your 59s to a2's.

Good luck,

B

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

My experience is that if you don't like the way your guitar sounds acoustically (if you think it sounds thin and bright or its tone just doesn't turn you on) you can improve it with replacement pickups but that you might be better off selling it and getting one you absolutely LOVE from the get go. The 59B should have plenty of bass already...it's one of my favorite pickups and alnico 5 tends to make for a pickup with strong bass, strong highs and good mids. Alnico 2 will give you looser bass, softer highs and more mids. Maybe you'd like more mids? Or maybe your guitar is not really set-up as perfectly as it could be. I see alot of guitars that guys are having problems getting a good tone out of that just need a complete and professional set-up from head to toe. Lew

 

[pookey]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

Yes, Lew. The '59 bridge is a well balanced pickup. It sounds great in my Alder Strat. Just, thin in my LP classic. It has a very nice "feel", but it is quite bright compared to all my other guitars (2 LP Specials, 3 Strats, 2 Steinies). Is it worth the effort to swap the magnet, get a Custom 5, or simply give the guitar up for adoption?

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: LP classic bridge '59 is too bright.

Yes, Lew. The '59 bridge is a well balanced pickup. It sounds great in my Alder Strat. Just, thin in my LP classic.

That right there says it all. There is no way that should be the case. Its time to trade that LP in on something else.