Need help picking some smoother pickups

[DarkSkye]

At the moment i have an explorer with the gibson 496R 500t set. They sound a bit harsh for some of the things i'm doing right now. I am going to try and get a les paul for a more vintage sound and use the explorer for anything modern. Due to budget constraints, i'm going to get a epiphone les paul and just stick in some duncan pickups, the only question left is which ones?

The problem i have the moment is my explorer is extremely modern with over the top gain and treble. i need something a little more smooth and creamier. i like the lead tone on "wishing well" by Free and "More than a Feeling" by Boston and a ZZ top style tone. thats the "ball park" i'm looking for. So can anyone help me out? I'm think around the alnico pro II, 59, PG, jazz, custom 5 and the JB, but i'm not sure on what would be best.

 

[Neeradj]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

Vintage: A2pro set, smooth singing leads with good sustain. If you're into a little more crunchier vintage vibe (Led Zepp/ACDC) the Custom Custom sounded great for that kind of stuff to my ears

Modern: JB for smoothness and singing leads, and a Jazz for creamy, articulate an fast runs. Both clean up amazingly well, I love my set.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

Seths and Ants...plus the PG's would probally get you right into the ZZTop realm.

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

I recommened the Duncan Alnico Pro II neck and a CC in the bridge.

 

[theodie]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

The CC in the bridge and the alnico II pro in the neck, Or if you want a little lower output in the bridge, use an Alnico II pro in the bridge.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

I would go with the '59 bridge/Alnico 2 Pro neck set. The Custom Custom is very midrange heavy, and it doesn't have much in the way of low end. In a darker sounding guitar like a Les Paul, this can be a problem. I would go with a '59 instead.

Ryan

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

Really I think a set of PG's will get you where you wannt be!

 

[Neeradj]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

I would go with the '59 bridge/Alnico 2 Pro neck set. The Custom Custom is very midrange heavy, and it doesn't have much in the way of low end. In a darker sounding guitar like a Les Paul, this can be a problem. I would go with a '59 instead.

Ryan

I tried it in a Les Paul guitar and I simply loved it for that sorta thing. I wouldn't play Progressive Rock with it which I normally do, but for some Van Halen and old school stuff I think it rocks!

 

[rspst14]

Re: Need help picking some smoother pickups

Let me also recommend the Rio Grande BBQ for the bridge. It can cover AC/DC, ZZ Top, Zeppelin, and Boston...probably better than the other pickups you mentioned. To be honest, no Duncan is going to totally nail all those tones. The '59 is the most versatile, which is why I would recommend it out of the options you mentioned. Pair a BBQ with an Alnico 2 Pro and you'll be all set. I have that combination in my hamer and I love it.

Ryan