So, I'm going for the George Harrison Revolver sound in my SG which currently has a 490/498 set. Which are actually close but too hot and not very dynamic. What would get me there? A Burstbucker pro would be my first instinct. Not opposed to the idea of a '57 classic with a mag swap but I can't find any clips of that anywhere and the videos I've seen of bb pro SGs sound pretty good. What do you guys think?
New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
- Thread starter jhdgsn903
- Start date
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
Steve Lukather related how he once met George and told George how he thought Taxman was his greatest solo. George replied, "Yeah, Paul did that." Turns out it was played by Paul on Paul's Esquire.
Hard to say what one pickup in a Gibson would make George's Revolver sound when you consider multiple guitars were in the mix on that album. Stratocasters were used, Epiphone Casinos were used, Gretschs were used - and there's no guarantee who played which parts. Even George Martins recording notes from the time have been thought to contain possible errors; partly given to the pace of work and amount of re-recording/overdubbing.
I think if you can get more specific about a particular guitar part, it might be possible to suggest a recent model guitar, pickup and amp combination that would make that sound.
In the meantime, what I would suggest is either a Seth or an Antiquity, since that is the closest to what would have been in an SG at that time.
Steve Lukather related how he once met George and told George how he thought Taxman was his greatest solo. George replied, "Yeah, Paul did that." Turns out it was played by Paul on Paul's Esquire.
Hard to say what one pickup in a Gibson would make George's Revolver sound when you consider multiple guitars were in the mix on that album. Stratocasters were used, Epiphone Casinos were used, Gretschs were used - and there's no guarantee who played which parts. Even George Martins recording notes from the time have been thought to contain possible errors; partly given to the pace of work and amount of re-recording/overdubbing.
I think if you can get more specific about a particular guitar part, it might be possible to suggest a recent model guitar, pickup and amp combination that would make that sound.
In the meantime, what I would suggest is either a Seth or an Antiquity, since that is the closest to what would have been in an SG at that time.
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
Tight race. Neither, but I might take the BB Pro over the '57 Classic. Spec-wise a '57/A5 would be closer (balanced coils), but I have experience with the BB Pro.
Tight race. Neither, but I might take the BB Pro over the '57 Classic. Spec-wise a '57/A5 would be closer (balanced coils), but I have experience with the BB Pro.
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Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
What pickup might you recommend that would be closer? Without going too much more expensive than the Gibson pickups, same price range or less would be fine.
What pickup might you recommend that would be closer? Without going too much more expensive than the Gibson pickups, same price range or less would be fine.
synzzzer
New member
Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
Some folks get hung up on exact specs, gear, numbers without giving thought to sound. If you are looking for a sound like the Beatles I would suggest the Schaller Golden 50's. They are a bright PAF pickup. It's almost like a humbucker meets single coil sound. You can get a really good "Day Tripper" vibe out of them. The good news is that, they don't usually go for much money on Ebay. I have bought a bunch of them for around $25-$30 a piece. I have them in many of my guitars. I hope that helps you out. If you have to have Gibson pickups, I would go with the Burstbuckers. The 57's sound too glassy to me. Good luck with your project, and whatever you decide to do.
Some folks get hung up on exact specs, gear, numbers without giving thought to sound. If you are looking for a sound like the Beatles I would suggest the Schaller Golden 50's. They are a bright PAF pickup. It's almost like a humbucker meets single coil sound. You can get a really good "Day Tripper" vibe out of them. The good news is that, they don't usually go for much money on Ebay. I have bought a bunch of them for around $25-$30 a piece. I have them in many of my guitars. I hope that helps you out. If you have to have Gibson pickups, I would go with the Burstbuckers. The 57's sound too glassy to me. Good luck with your project, and whatever you decide to do.
JeffB
Let it B
Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
Bingo.
OP- There are several guys out there who can wind you a T top/late PAT # (I have a set)that is in the ballpark price wise for a new Gibson pickup. But 490rs are easy to come by used too, so.
Bingo.
OP- There are several guys out there who can wind you a T top/late PAT # (I have a set)that is in the ballpark price wise for a new Gibson pickup. But 490rs are easy to come by used too, so.
Uncle Fred
New member
Re: New Gibson pickup most like a 1964 PAT
Why not just use the angus young at 10k A5 or the 490t or 498r and do magnet switches? The 490t and 498r be cheapest on eBay. Myself I would get a set of duncan 59s and toss the Gibson pickups on eBay to help cover costs. Seymour Duncans are best in my book.
Why not just use the angus young at 10k A5 or the 490t or 498r and do magnet switches? The 490t and 498r be cheapest on eBay. Myself I would get a set of duncan 59s and toss the Gibson pickups on eBay to help cover costs. Seymour Duncans are best in my book.
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