Need a good neck pickup...

[HoTcH]

I've got an Epiphone SG that sounds great with the 59 SD humbucker in the bridge...and I've just got the factory Epiphone neck pickup. I need some advice on the perfect counterpoint to the bridge.

My amp is a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe...40w tube

I play a lot of blues...and recently have picked up lead slide guitar. I really enjoy the sound of a Derek Truck's SG...perfect slide tone, which is more or less what I am looking for with my SG.

Any advice?

 

[gripweed]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Either a '59 neck, or my personal choice, the Jazz would be great choices. If you see my sig, that is my preference for my Les Paul. I like an articulate neck pickup, and that is why I prefer the Jazz. Some of the bros here like an a2 neck pickup like the Pearly Gates, Seth, or A2 Pro. They have less boomy bass than the '59, which some don't like. The Jazz has similar bass to the '59, but not as much boomyness IMHO.

BTW, Lewguitar (hopefully he will chime in here) thinks that Derek Trucks is using a2 pickups in his SG. Maybe he can have a more specific a2 suggestion for you.

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

I cant decide betwwen the JAzz or the A2pro for the neck my bridge has a JB.. Iknow that the JAzz id the perfect match... But would it sound too bright? I play lots of blues, I like warm tones but not muddy.

 

[gripweed]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

I cant decide betwwen the JAzz or the A2pro for the neck my bridge has a JB.. Iknow that the JAzz id the perfect match... But would it sound too bright? I play lots of blues, I like warm tones but not muddy.

I play blues and I think the Jazz is just fine for it. The Jazz is a bright and articulate humbucker. I don't think its too bright though! A lot of blues players prefer a more *traditional* sounding neck pickup and usually go for a '59. For my taste, the '59 is too boomy and not articulate enough in the neck, even though it is as articulate as I'd want it as a bridge humbucker.

I'd say try it and if you don't like it, use the 21 day return policy for an a2 pro. Make sure you buy from an authorized dealer.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Try a 59n with an Alnico 3 or 4 magnet...

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

the thing is I am in India and the 21 day policy doesnot apply hear.. Plus ther is no authorised dealer out here...I guess I would be going for the Jazz... since it is the perfect match for the JB...what I want to know is, does it sound like a single coil or is it thick and fuller in tone? I dont like the thin sound of single coils overall but yes depending on what I want to play I do pick up my Strat for single coil sounds

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

I cant decide betwwen the JAzz or the A2pro for the neck my bridge has a JB.. Iknow that the JAzz id the perfect match... But would it sound too bright? I play lots of blues, I like warm tones but not muddy.

Try a Seth or Alnico 2 Pro. Or as suggested above, a 59n with Alnico 3 or 4 magnet.

 

[gripweed]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

the thing is I am in India and the 21 day policy doesnot apply hear.. Plus ther is no authorised dealer out here...I guess I would be going for the Jazz... since it is the perfect match for the JB...what I want to know is, does it sound like a single coil or is it thick and fuller in tone? I dont like the thin sound of single coils overall but yes depending on what I want to play I do pick up my Strat for single coil sounds

It is articulate and bright like a single coil, but it sounds like a humbucker -- especially in the mids. It is very similar to the '59 IMHO. A little brighter and a little less bass than a '59.

 

[remingtonbo2001]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Go with the Jazz. That or the Alinco 2 Pro. 59 is nice, vintage, but very beefy. It's got some cow balls. Jazz would be my choice. Then again, I don't use my neck pickup position.

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

While the 59 sounds boomy in Les Paul necks, folks around here say that the boominess is eleviated in the SG neck. I don't think you could go wrong with a 59 set in the SG.

If you want a warmer, smoother tone (Blues right?) That alnico 2 pro probably would suit you really well. As for slide guitar, I know that mids are better for that...which would point you still in the direction of an alnico 2 pickup.

I'll bet an alnico 2 pro set would sound really good to you...

 

[tfb1990]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

first thought was jazz

 

[saladin]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Go with the 59! It will balance better in the middle position.

 

[frehley]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Try the active Metal Livewire in the neck for crystal clear tone that can't be beat...
unless you used anything else. The JAZZ and FULL SHRED sound beautiful in the neck.

 

[gripweed]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

Try a Seth or Alnico 2 Pro. Or as suggested above, a 59n with Alnico 3 or 4 magnet.

I'd try the Seth if you want the Derek Trucks kind of tone. I was hoping Lew would chime in here

The Pearly Gates would get you in the Warren Hayes range.

 

[HoTcH]

Re: Need a good neck pickup...

You know I noticed the other day, while playing along with my Allman Brothers DVD how thick Derek's tone actually is...and my neck pickup sounded like a bridge playing with him...even when i fingerpick, instead of using a pick. The three I'm torn between are the Jazz, the a2, and the 59 neck.