Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

J

J.C.R.W

New member
I have been thinking of changing out the C-5 in my Epi Les Paul to something with more of a vintage vibe. Initially I was playing in a hard rock band and the C-5 worked great. I just formed a new band and we are playing more classic rock/blues material (Zep or AC/DC vibe). I like a lot of the characteristics of the C-5, but sometimes it sounds too compressed for the material I am playing now. I would like something with lower output.

I have tried a 59B in the guitar before but I wanted something a tad hotter in output. Probably looking at getting something in between a 59B and C-5. Right now I am playing through a Marshall DSL50 w/ Greenback loaded 4x12 cab. Thanks again guy! :)
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

Swap out the mag...put in an A2 (custom custom).
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

I think for Zeppelin and AC/DC, a '59 is the natural choice. If you have a neodymium disc magnet, though, you may want to try degaussing your C5 a bit. This will soften the treble and bass, warm up the tone, and weaken the signal a bit.
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

+1 on the 59. A C5 even with a mag swap i think is still to hot for ac/dc style music. 8-9k output would be my choice.
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

Between those are the Demon, the 78 and the Brobucker.

The CC is just too treble-free for my taste.

A 59 with A2 or a APH can help, because the middier A2 has a more natural overdrive in the amp.

The Demon is problematic since it needs real kicks in the nuts to do anything. It kind of like forced labor. I wish there was a non-custom shop thing like the 78 or the Brobucker, an unpotted overwound awg42 PAF (I think the Demon is underwound awg43).
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

J.C.R.W said:
I have tried a 59B in the guitar before but I wanted something a tad hotter in output. Probably looking at getting something in between a 59B and C-5.
Click to expand...

That's the hole in the Duncan line that keeps being brought up. When the PAF types aren't quite up to the task, and the Custom family is too hot, what do you do? Look at DiMarzio's medium output PU's? I've got a Fred & like it a lot.
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

Thanks for the suggestions guys! It has been a while since I had the 59B in my guitar, unfortunately I don't have easy access to try it again. I remember wanting a little more from the pickup when I tried it, maybe wound just a tad hotter. A touch more mids and bass if that helps.

One of the suggestions was for the Brobucker. Can anyone make a comparsion of the Brobucker to the 59B and C-5? Is it less compressed sounding than the C-5?
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

J.C.R.W said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys! It has been a while since I had the 59B in my guitar, unfortunately I don't have easy access to try it again. I remember wanting a little more from the pickup when I tried it, maybe wound just a tad hotter. A touch more mids and bass if that helps.
Click to expand...

So what about an A8 in a '59B? More mids & good output. Hmmm...
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

The Demon does AC/DC very well.

Like mentioned above though, you've actually got to lay into it to get the goods.
 
Re: Need suggestions for alternative to C-5

OP - What you're asking for is what Duncan does not make in their regular lineup.

You want the Brobucker, basically.
 
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