LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

[pookey]

I just got a used Les Paul Classic with non-original replacement pickups. I'm going to put a Jazz in the neck, but I am undecided about the bridge. I'll be playing all kinds of rock/pop cover tunes using a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and various Rat, Boss, and Tubescreamer type pedals. I'd like a good match, output wise, to the Jazz neck. I'd like it have have balls under gain, but be able to play clean w/o getting muddy. I'm looking at either the Pearly Gates or JB. Any recommendations? I know the JB/Jazz combo is common, but has anyone tried the Jazz neck and PG bridge combo in a Les Paul? Thanks.

 

[jeremy]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

no i havent but i love the pgb in a les paul and i think it would match fine output wise

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

I'm a big fan of the PG's it's a well balanced PuP. Smooth but with a hint
of NASTY !! I had a JB in the bridge of my L.P. it worked well with some
gain (it's a pretty hot PuP) But in a low gain (or light O.D.) I found it
to sound a little harsh .

 

[Simon_F]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

If you're using pedals to get your higher gain tones you don't need a high output pickup (JB), and a lower output pickup (PG) will give you better cleans. I like vintage output pups in my LPs - they're more versatile.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

I'm a big fan of the PG's it's a well balanced PuP. Smooth but with a hint
of NASTY !! I had a JB in the bridge of my L.P. it worked well with some
gain (it's a pretty hot PuP) But in a low gain (or light O.D.) I found it
to sound a little harsh .

My thoughts exactly. I had a JB at the bridge of my LP. Great fun for 80's style wanking, but not much use to me for cleans or lower gain work. I installed a PG set and am much happier with the results.

 

[Fusion1]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

Never tried a PG in the bridge, but I love it in the neck paired with a JB (ceramic) in the bridge of my Agile DC. Very versatile combo.

 

[pookey]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

O.K. I got the zebra jazz and pearly gates and put them in last night. It was late, so I couldn't really test them other than a line level check of my wiring. The pots are all original Les Paul Classic, which I assume are 300K. Should I have changed these to 500K? Tone and Volume? I generally leave all pots turned all the way up and do my tweaking at the amplifier controls. So, will 300 and 500 pots turned all the way up sound different?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

Yep. The 500K pots will sound brighter because more highs will leak through the 300K pots and be lost to ground. Do your pots say 300K on them? If so, I'd change them. Lew

 

[pookey]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

After comparing the tone of the new Pearly gates to my other LPs, I've come to the conclusion that the Pearly Gates bridge is too bright for me, with a lack of low end punch. My other LPs are both Specials, which may sound darker due to the solid mohagany and lack of the maple top. Anyhow, would the 59 (covered) be a good replacement for a Pearly Gates (uncovered) that sounds to bright? How about the 59 in the neck vs. the jazz? A little warmer?? I'm also concerned about getting too muddy, which isn't the case at all with my current jazz/PG combo. The other "inexpensive" option is to simply roll off a little on the tone knobs, which I'd like to keep all the way up.

 

[SemperRhythm]

Re: LP Classic - JB or Pearly Gates in bridge?

The other "inexpensive" option is to simply roll off a little on the tone knobs, which I'd like to keep all the way up.

That would be my advice to cut some of the top end off. After all, that's what it is there for.
If you like the lower output but want more low end punch, I'd go for the '59.

Nathan