i got a new les paul classic and i want some more PAF-style pickups. i play through a jtm-45 halfstack. i'm looking for tones in the aerosmith, ac/dc, guns n roses vein. i need a bridge pickup with a good bit of bite and a neck pickup thats clear and warm. i'm looking at a pearly gates set right now, but i'm not really sure. anyone care to help?
need pickups for my les paul
- Thread starter war pig
- Start date
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Greetings War Pig! Can't believe that no one has redone that song for political reasons these days....
Anyway, It appears that you are dealing the 59/PG/A2P range.
Honestly, I'd say go with a PG set. But when you throw GnR in there the obvious answer is A2P...
Perhaps a PG bridge and A2P neck. That's an odd combo - sort of the fattest in the neck (GnR) to the brightest in the bridge (PG). But it would give you the range you want...
Or - go for a straight up 59 set. Change tones via amp/effects. Good all-around solution.
Me - I might go PG neck - because that's the most awesome neck pup for an LP, and 59 bridge. Just don't be afraid to use the tone on that PG neck.
Lot's of combo's are possible. It's hard to go wrong...but it's gonna be tough to get that range. A2Pn/PG bridge is the obvious answer. But like I said, that's some extreme range in pups.
Greetings War Pig! Can't believe that no one has redone that song for political reasons these days....
Anyway, It appears that you are dealing the 59/PG/A2P range.
Honestly, I'd say go with a PG set. But when you throw GnR in there the obvious answer is A2P...
Perhaps a PG bridge and A2P neck. That's an odd combo - sort of the fattest in the neck (GnR) to the brightest in the bridge (PG). But it would give you the range you want...
Or - go for a straight up 59 set. Change tones via amp/effects. Good all-around solution.
Me - I might go PG neck - because that's the most awesome neck pup for an LP, and 59 bridge. Just don't be afraid to use the tone on that PG neck.
Lot's of combo's are possible. It's hard to go wrong...but it's gonna be tough to get that range. A2Pn/PG bridge is the obvious answer. But like I said, that's some extreme range in pups.
Simon_F
Super Moderator
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Get the Pearly Gates set!
They will do Aerosmith, AC/DC, Guns n Roses and everything else in that vein. They are perfect in a Les Paul.
I've had '59s, Seths, Ants and AII Pros in my LPs. But the PGs are the one.
Get the Pearly Gates set!
They will do Aerosmith, AC/DC, Guns n Roses and everything else in that vein. They are perfect in a Les Paul.
I've had '59s, Seths, Ants and AII Pros in my LPs. But the PGs are the one.
M
MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Joe Perry uses Seths and Slash uses APH's. I think a nice mix would be an APH-1n and PGb, especially if you already have a set of Seths.
Joe Perry uses Seths and Slash uses APH's. I think a nice mix would be an APH-1n and PGb, especially if you already have a set of Seths.
M
MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Just noticed Ace recommended the APH/PG. So, what he said!
Just noticed Ace recommended the APH/PG. So, what he said!
M
MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
You could always try an APH/59
You could always try an APH/59
M
MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Gotta agree with you there. My preference is A2 as well, although I do make some exceptions :fingersx:
Gotta agree with you there. My preference is A2 as well, although I do make some exceptions :fingersx:
T
theodie
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
IMO it will be. I hate its trashy sound it gives me. I was going to reverse the order everyone gave you. I am suggesting the APH bridge and the PG neck. Reason why, the PG neck will give you the sound you are looking for out of the neck and I find the PG bridge hard to get along with. The Bridge APH will handle the stuff you like.
IMO it will be. I hate its trashy sound it gives me. I was going to reverse the order everyone gave you. I am suggesting the APH bridge and the PG neck. Reason why, the PG neck will give you the sound you are looking for out of the neck and I find the PG bridge hard to get along with. The Bridge APH will handle the stuff you like.
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Hey man, welcome to the forum. I'm going to post my generic PAF breakdown/writeup. I've got some more on the Custom Series, JB and 78 if you are interested.
Antiquity---A pup that is hand made by Seymour or MJ that has been artificially aged. The magnet has been degaussed and the cover has been distresses along with the screws so as to appear vintage. Everything is done to make these pups as close to an original that you would buy from a collector that was out of a guitar that was played everyday and gigged with. They have complex mids and are smooth. They are available in A2 or A5 magnet varieties. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The 59---The 59 is the quintessential A5 PAF (patent applied for) pup. Imagine getting in a time machine and going back to 1959 and swiping a brand new A5 pup from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo and bringing it forward to today. They have found most homes in many neck slots. It has symetrical coils and lots of quack. It has thumping bass, a scooped mid, and cutting highs. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The Seth Lover---This pup is as true to the original as can be. This pup is unpotted and comes standard with a gold, or nickel pup cover. It has an A2 magnet and has good quack and fair mids. For this pup imagine going back in time to 1955 and grabbing one of the very first PAF's before they debuted in the LP's. This pup is warm and creamy, but can also get bright with the tone knob on 10. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The Alnico 2 Pro---The warmest of the Duncan PAF line. It has symetrical coils and is a modern take on the A2 PAFs. It has round bass and smooth treble, it also has lots of mids to make the guitar really sing. It will warm up the coldest or shrillest of guitars. The most well known Alnico 2 Pro user is Slash of Velvet Revolver and GNR. Standard 4 Conductor Wire
Pearly Gates---The PG is the hottest of the Duncan PAF line. It has asymetrical (mismatched) coils and an A2 magnet. The mismatched coils give this particular pup its rude personality. It has a frequency push in the Presence/Cut knob frequency band. This is the "Sizzle" PG owner talk about. It has the most mids of the Ducan PAF line and is also the hottest. Its patron is Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Standard 4 conductor Wire
The Jazz---The jazz is the pup that bridges the gap between Vintage and Modern pups. Its output is at or around the vintage level. Don't let the name fool you this pup is very versatile and smooth. It has an A5 magnet and is very widely used in the neck slot. It is articulate regardless of the tuning as well. This pup negociates cleans or overdrive very well. Standard 4 Conductor Wire
My recommendation is a set of Seths or Alnico 2 Pros.
Luke
Hey man, welcome to the forum. I'm going to post my generic PAF breakdown/writeup. I've got some more on the Custom Series, JB and 78 if you are interested.
Antiquity---A pup that is hand made by Seymour or MJ that has been artificially aged. The magnet has been degaussed and the cover has been distresses along with the screws so as to appear vintage. Everything is done to make these pups as close to an original that you would buy from a collector that was out of a guitar that was played everyday and gigged with. They have complex mids and are smooth. They are available in A2 or A5 magnet varieties. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The 59---The 59 is the quintessential A5 PAF (patent applied for) pup. Imagine getting in a time machine and going back to 1959 and swiping a brand new A5 pup from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo and bringing it forward to today. They have found most homes in many neck slots. It has symetrical coils and lots of quack. It has thumping bass, a scooped mid, and cutting highs. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The Seth Lover---This pup is as true to the original as can be. This pup is unpotted and comes standard with a gold, or nickel pup cover. It has an A2 magnet and has good quack and fair mids. For this pup imagine going back in time to 1955 and grabbing one of the very first PAF's before they debuted in the LP's. This pup is warm and creamy, but can also get bright with the tone knob on 10. Vintage Single Conductor Wire
The Alnico 2 Pro---The warmest of the Duncan PAF line. It has symetrical coils and is a modern take on the A2 PAFs. It has round bass and smooth treble, it also has lots of mids to make the guitar really sing. It will warm up the coldest or shrillest of guitars. The most well known Alnico 2 Pro user is Slash of Velvet Revolver and GNR. Standard 4 Conductor Wire
Pearly Gates---The PG is the hottest of the Duncan PAF line. It has asymetrical (mismatched) coils and an A2 magnet. The mismatched coils give this particular pup its rude personality. It has a frequency push in the Presence/Cut knob frequency band. This is the "Sizzle" PG owner talk about. It has the most mids of the Ducan PAF line and is also the hottest. Its patron is Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Standard 4 conductor Wire
The Jazz---The jazz is the pup that bridges the gap between Vintage and Modern pups. Its output is at or around the vintage level. Don't let the name fool you this pup is very versatile and smooth. It has an A5 magnet and is very widely used in the neck slot. It is articulate regardless of the tuning as well. This pup negociates cleans or overdrive very well. Standard 4 Conductor Wire
My recommendation is a set of Seths or Alnico 2 Pros.
Luke
T
theodie
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
I dont think so?????? The covers are not hard to take off though. BTW, under a good amount of gain the Seths can be prone to squealing due to them not being potted. Drives me nuts and this is the reason I dont usually like them.
I dont think so?????? The covers are not hard to take off though. BTW, under a good amount of gain the Seths can be prone to squealing due to them not being potted. Drives me nuts and this is the reason I dont usually like them.
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: need pickups for my les paul
They aren't hard to take off, but as a direct answer to your question yes.
I've got a floor shop custom uncovered Seth in the neck slot of my R8.
To get a shop floor custom you need to go through a knowledgeable dealer like the ones on the forum such as: Bada Bing, Lewguitar, or Wymore Guitars.
Luke
They aren't hard to take off, but as a direct answer to your question yes.
I've got a floor shop custom uncovered Seth in the neck slot of my R8.
To get a shop floor custom you need to go through a knowledgeable dealer like the ones on the forum such as: Bada Bing, Lewguitar, or Wymore Guitars.
Luke
JacksonMIA
Lemur-buckerologist
Re: need pickups for my les paul
I think those would be fine choices. That's probably what I'd go with myself.
I think those would be fine choices. That's probably what I'd go with myself.
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Joe perry uses nearly everything avalaible being guitars, pickups or amps so that's not a point.
Slash doesn't give a **** about the pickups he just wants neutral pickups in a Good souding piece of wood.
For the GNR / Aerosmith / AC/DC vibe, i would suggest pickups that have enough output to drive a vintage-style tube-amp into overdrive, because that's what it's all about. I mean don't put vintage output pickups into a hi-gain amp or use a pedal il will ruin your sound. Get pickups that will crank up your plexi, vox or jcm 800.
For the Neck, PG is OK. But now for the bridge:
I don't think the pearly gates seth lover's or alnico 2 can deliver this rock and roll nasty and raunchy sound unless you own a stack of 100 watt modified jcm 800 marshalls and 4x12 cabinets and can CRANK it to the top in your private recording studio or hangar. Cause that's what all of these 3 bands do / did for recording.
So buy a Pearly gates, seth lover or 59's and you'll get a good tone but will still be searching for that little something "more" that make s the LP ROCK. I mean they're too polite souding.
If i were you i'd look at something a little hotter, and more precisely one of the Seymour Duncan CUSTOMS, or the Di Marzio Breed Neck Model
(that is usually used in the bridge on les pauls and is about to become the new benchmark for raunchy yest classic paf sounds)
These pickups are fine, classic pafs but with that little something that will drive your amp into overdrive without having to buy a high-gain amp and clean up nicely when riding the volume knob.
Don't be affraid to buy HOT pickups, we're still into the medium ouput range and classic tone, and definitely not talking about distortion, high-gain or Shred....
So basically: get a little more output and bite, while staying in the Classic "PAF" family, and turn down the volume a little to clean it up and get more traditional bluesy sounds, instead of getting a vintage souding pickup that has teh tone but doesn't give you enough BALLS for rock
.....
Joe perry uses nearly everything avalaible being guitars, pickups or amps so that's not a point.
Slash doesn't give a **** about the pickups he just wants neutral pickups in a Good souding piece of wood.
For the GNR / Aerosmith / AC/DC vibe, i would suggest pickups that have enough output to drive a vintage-style tube-amp into overdrive, because that's what it's all about. I mean don't put vintage output pickups into a hi-gain amp or use a pedal il will ruin your sound. Get pickups that will crank up your plexi, vox or jcm 800.
For the Neck, PG is OK. But now for the bridge:
I don't think the pearly gates seth lover's or alnico 2 can deliver this rock and roll nasty and raunchy sound unless you own a stack of 100 watt modified jcm 800 marshalls and 4x12 cabinets and can CRANK it to the top in your private recording studio or hangar. Cause that's what all of these 3 bands do / did for recording.
So buy a Pearly gates, seth lover or 59's and you'll get a good tone but will still be searching for that little something "more" that make s the LP ROCK. I mean they're too polite souding.
If i were you i'd look at something a little hotter, and more precisely one of the Seymour Duncan CUSTOMS, or the Di Marzio Breed Neck Model
(that is usually used in the bridge on les pauls and is about to become the new benchmark for raunchy yest classic paf sounds)
These pickups are fine, classic pafs but with that little something that will drive your amp into overdrive without having to buy a high-gain amp and clean up nicely when riding the volume knob.
Don't be affraid to buy HOT pickups, we're still into the medium ouput range and classic tone, and definitely not talking about distortion, high-gain or Shred....
So basically: get a little more output and bite, while staying in the Classic "PAF" family, and turn down the volume a little to clean it up and get more traditional bluesy sounds, instead of getting a vintage souding pickup that has teh tone but doesn't give you enough BALLS for rock
.....
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Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: need pickups for my les paul
Pg neck A2P bridge is definitely another good combo. PG rules in the LP neck spot. A2P will tame those highs. Problem is, I don't know if that combo is snarley or fat enough for the range of stuff you want to do.
As for the wussies who are afraid of a PG in the bridge, it's what Billy G uses. Do you have any problem with his sounds?
Pg neck A2P bridge is definitely another good combo. PG rules in the LP neck spot. A2P will tame those highs. Problem is, I don't know if that combo is snarley or fat enough for the range of stuff you want to do.
As for the wussies who are afraid of a PG in the bridge, it's what Billy G uses. Do you have any problem with his sounds?
T
theodie
Guest
Re: need pickups for my les paul
From reading what he wants and reading your post, I have to agree. I think the Custom/Pearly Gates will be a better choice. Yes, the Custom is higher output than a PAF but, it still can get the PAF vibe.
From reading what he wants and reading your post, I have to agree. I think the Custom/Pearly Gates will be a better choice. Yes, the Custom is higher output than a PAF but, it still can get the PAF vibe.
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