Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

[guitarspaz]

I've got an 06 LP Deluxe that I'm toying with at the moment. I like the snarl and clarity of the stock PUs, but the bridge position just does not cut it for my classic rock crunch and lead tones. I have to have something hotter and meatier. I've tried a GFS Alnico V FAT Mini in the bridge, and it was a significant imrovement. It's about an 8K unit. It had better bass, and output, but was a little woofy for me. I then tried a GFS crunchy Mini, which is a very similar pickup, with a ceramic magnet. I like it even better. Better crunch, tighter bottom, a little more edgy on top, but in a good way.

I'm contemplating trying SM-3B Seymourized in the Bridge and SM-1N in the neck. Anyone here actually using thsi combo ? I don't want to muddy up my bridge tone, and the high resistance an A5 magnet in the bridge concern me a bit. Also, does the SM1-N do a decent job at retaining the sweetness of the Gibson factory mini in the neck ? I actually like the stock neck PU, but I'd like the PUs to match cosmetically, so I'll probabaly be changing it as well.

Any thoughts or comments from anyone who's experimented with mini's would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scottish]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

The SM-3 is an awesome pup. It cuts really well and shouldnt be muddy. I dont know about the SM-1 compared to the gibson. Ive never used the gibson minis. My general experience with vintage style duncans vs vintage style gibsons is that the duncans are a little smoother.

 

[WoodyTone]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

This weekend I played an Agile Les Paul with Lollar mini hums (sorry SD!). Best ones I've ever heard. But hot and meaty...I don't know. To me it was somewhere between a P-90 and a regular PAF.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

i love the sm3 and it pairs up well with the sm1 in the neck but dont let the dc resistance fool you, it isnt that hot. its got a great tone but if you want more juice then id look a the sm2 custom

 

[uOpt]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

Do the SM-2 and SM-3 have Firebird style coils around magnets or do they have polepieces like the SM-1?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

the sm1 is firebird construction too. duncan does make lp deluxe style minis in the antiquity and custom shop lines but the sm1/2/3 are firebird style

 

[uOpt]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

Thanks. I think I got the wrong idea there. The SM-1 sounds surprisingly close to a A2 PAF

 

[jeremy]

Re: Mini HB Suggestions for a LP Deluxe Bridge ?

yeah, its a great pup. actually all three can be great in the right axe. most firebird pups are fairly unforgiving, especially in the bridge so if you are sloppy itll come thru, where the lp deluxe style are a little more forgiving and less focused.