Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

jc74868

jc74868

New member
This is my first post. I know tone is subjective, but I'm looking for various opinions. Hope I'm not beating a dead horse in the discussion thread.

I've got a Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro. The Burstbucker 3 in the bridge has just got to go. It's Alnico II and just middy, clanky, nasally, shrill, etc... in to a high gain amp. The guitar's natural tone seems very balanced, with a decent mid-range, to my ears.

I feel a little rusty in my tone search now since I've not played guitar much in the last couple of years due to having to dump a bass player & just taking it over myself & stripping the band down to a 3-piece. But, when I write/record, I still play guitar.

I'm pretty much strictly rhythm w/occasional Chuck Berry/Johnny Thunders fills and some Danzigy harmonics at times. Not a shredder. Mainly straight ahead power chording with a lot palm mutes. We're a heavy, fast rock n roll outfit some might describe as punk. I prefer a very, heavy, heavy, eeevil, chunky rhythm tone though. Good definition & power but without all the mids scooped out. My main stage amp was always a Peavey Ultra Plus w/4x12 Celestion G12T Hot 100s. At home, I have Tech 21 Trademark 60 that pretty lets me dial in anything from 5150 to high gain JCM or Rectifier tones.

Just wondering if anyone out there has similar tastes and guitar and can tell what how they feel about an SH 14, SH 5, SH 18, maybe even a Perpetual Burn or SH 16.

I've used JBs (too middy & harsh), SH 6 (muddy), Blackouts (don't care for actives any longer) as well as several Gibson and EMG models in the past and didn't really care for them.

I've got an SH 18 (Whole Lotta Humbucker) in my Gothic LP and a SH 5 in my 2008 Studio. My Orville currently has a 498T. I've kinda discovered that a mid output pickup in to a high gain amp is where it's at for me (I used to think everything had to be hot as hell (pickup, pregain, etc... Now, I think between about 8.5 to 14 dc is fine on a pickup). The SH 18 in the Gothic (ebony fretboard) is my favorite right now. Hot enough and the tone is beefy as hell. Good mids (not too much/not too little) and the highs aren't shrill

Just wondering if anyone out there has Gibson Traditional Pro (or Standard) and what they're using in the bridge, other than stock to get a good metal/heavy rhythm rock tone.

I really like the SH 18, the SH 5 is good too. The 498T is passable for me. But, I kinda just don't want any of my guitars having the same pickup though. I'm really wondering how an SH 14 or Perpetual Burn, possibly a SH 16 would work out for me. (FYI: I'm really not in to swapping magnets).
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I'd love to put a PG/PG+ or Antiquity in a LP Traditional for a vintage output, or a Screamin' Demon/Perpetual Burn/PA-TB3 for a medium output.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

Dude!! Same guitar, same pup, same problem!! I play high gain modded Marshallesque heads. Let's figure this out.

I'm looking at the WLH and 59/Custom Hybrid.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I have a 2012 Traditional Pro that I changed pups for a year before I found what I liked. First, make sure that your bridge string angle is right. My strings were barely touching the back of the bridge leading to the stop bar. This made for a very bright sound that I attributed to the bb3. Anyway, I have tried the following:
Rio Grande BBQ: very good hot paf
Suhr Doug Aldrich: very even eq with good output but bland
Fralin 9k PAF: Too fat
Duncan sh5: Perfect!!

I was hesitant trying the sh5 because I used it years earlier in a strat and it was horribly bright. In the les Paul though it is perfect. I play through a Marshall jvm and a old 5150 combo. Hope that helps.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

lkr said:
I have a 2012 Traditional Pro that I changed pups for a year before I found what I liked. First, make sure that your bridge string angle is right. My strings were barely touching the back of the bridge leading to the stop bar. This made for a very bright sound that I attributed to the bb3. Anyway, I have tried the following:
Rio Grande BBQ: very good hot paf
Suhr Doug Aldrich: very even eq with good output but bland
Fralin 9k PAF: Too fat
Duncan sh5: Perfect!!

I was hesitant trying the sh5 because I used it years earlier in a strat and it was horribly bright. In the les Paul though it is perfect. I play through a Marshall jvm and a old 5150 combo. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

That helps. I was afraid the sh5 would also be shrill in the Trad pro. I also top wrap my strings so the don't touch as the were before.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I know you said you want a mid-output 'bucker, but I play chugga palm mute power chords mostly on my LP with a 500t an it's pure bliss.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I've heard the PG+ is way too bright in an LP. I've heard a PG in bridge is pretty good for some raw rock n roll and some blues. I had a 500T in an LP Classic and it just seemed too way over the top, harsh and muddy at the same time (I've heard better results in solid mahogany, like a V or Explorer).

I went ahead and dropped an SH5 in tonight. I think if I were a little less picky, it'd be ok. Not sure if this one might be a little off in quality control: it doesn't seem to have as much oomph as I was expecting... turning up the pre-gain on the amp helps. Seems a little lackluster in the bottom end, and kinda "brittle". Sounds way better than the BB3 though. I could not really do any kind of adjustment to get my preferred tone w/that thing.

I really kinda wonder if an Alnico V is what I need. Maybe an SH 14, Perpetual Burn, or maybe even try another Whole Lotta Humbucker. I really can't say enough about how good that thing sounds in my Gothic LP. I wasn't expecting anything that ballsy based on the output specs.

I kinda worry the SH14 might be a little too "scooped" (It would probably be great in my 2008 Studio though, that thing is one of the brightest LPs I've ever seen, probably something to do with the body chambering). Conversely, the SH 16, I worry will be too middy. Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and throw down on a few pickups and give 'em test runs. Tomorrow, I'll check the SH 5 w/my meter. It just seems a little weak. Another thing I might do is rewire. I personally hate the coil taps. I'm sure they're fine when you're not using them, but something about the setup just looks like a tone sucking rig to me. Maybe go w/some new pots, caps and a 50s wiring scheme?
 
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Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

You may swap the ceramic magnet with an UOA5, I think that it will solve the problem.

Try a Perpetual burn if you can, you'll like it!
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I have two Les Pauls, a custom and a standard.

For the LP Standard I just took delivery of a Slash set destined for it (arrived today). I have Alnico II Pros in it right now. I like them, just wondering if the Slash will do something a little bit different, ideally just a smidgen hotter.

The LP Custom has a Duncan Custom in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. I feel the two pickups are a little mismatched. The 59 is definitely too dark for this guitar. The Custom is great, but a bit too balanced, if that's the right word. I want more mids out of it basically. I am chalking that one up to a failed experiment. So far, my best set up I have had in this Les Paul is still the DiMarzio Tone Zone and PAF Pro set up. I may switch back until my next bunch of pickups come in. I didn't like the JB in this guitar. It did work better with the 59, but the Custom was far less brittle feeling.

I'm waiting on a Perpetual Burn, Alternative 8 and a set of DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

If you have a multi meter, check the resistance of the sh5. That doesnt sound characteristic of it. I have tried the custom 5 in other guitars and liked it as well. I also liked the 59 trembucker but im not sure how they are in a paul. I also changed out my potentiometers in my traditional. The stock bridge volume had a lower measurement than the neck. I went with 550k potentiometers from Jonsey Blue.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

Dimebucker....you will love it. lol The Dimebucker is very good in warmer tonewoods such as Mahogany and being a rail pickup there is no worries on spacing. I recently installed one and its my new favorite pickup–high output with super clear articulation, definitely made for rock and metal. I'm kinda on a high for this pickup, so pardon my advice that does not include what you specifically mentioned ;)

Best of luck whichever route you go!
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

Why not a set of A2P's... Even them Slash pickups.

You already have a guitar with WHL's, a bit overwound A5 PAF clones that is.

If you have the budget, make sure to check a Brobucker. It'll be a bit thicker and a bit darker but clearer than your WHL (different guitars is not good comparisons BTW), so you may end up getting rid of the WHL because of the Brobucker. Then again, some (including me) don't favor them Bros that much in LPs, simply too much... too big. But in thinner bodies, it rocks!

;)

Another pickup that I can suggest is Wolfe's Marshallheads. But then again... They'll not be that much different from your WHL. There will be diffreneces, don't get me wrong, but they are in the same ball park.

That is why I thought of them A2P's... Slash version is a bit thicker and I think you'd like that.

Another route that you can take is to go for a Custom Custom. You state that you are not into swapping magnets and all, but your custom could be turned into a CC in a matter of minutes.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

B
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

jc74868 said:
I went ahead and dropped an SH5 in tonight. I think if I were a little less picky, it'd be ok. Not sure if this one might be a little off in quality control: it doesn't seem to have as much oomph as I was expecting... turning up the pre-gain on the amp helps. Seems a little lackluster in the bottom end, and kinda "brittle".
Click to expand...

Too bad you're not into mag swapping...an A8 will cure your problems and correct your complaints about the SH5, and you will end up with the exact pup you are looking for. The "brittle" highs are due to the ceramic mag. You CAN order the Custom8 from the custom shop if you don't want to try swapping the mag yourself. But that would be a shame since you already have an SH5. It would also be a useless expense.

jc74868 said:
I really kinda wonder if an Alnico V is what I need. Maybe an SH 14, Perpetual Burn, or maybe even try another Whole Lotta Humbucker.
I kinda worry the SH14 might be a little too "scooped"
Click to expand...

Yes, the SH14 will be scooped (due to the A5 magnet), as will be other A5 pups (generally). The Demon doesn't sound scooped, however.

jc74868 said:
(The SH-14) would probably be great in my 2008 Studio though, that thing is one of the brightest LPs I've ever seen, probably something to do with the body chambering. Conversely, the SH 16, I worry will be too middy.
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No, you're in left field. If your guitar is already so bright, the SH14 will make it unbearably bright. The SH16 won't make it "middy"...just the opposite. The SH16 is a hybrid of the SH14 (Custom5) and the '59...both A5 pups...both mid-scooped...both bright.

jc74868 said:
Maybe go w/some new pots, caps and a 50s wiring scheme?
Click to expand...

That's not a bad idea.

As Demanic suggested, the Alt8 would also be a good choice.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

treyhaislip said:
Dimebucker....you will love it.
Click to expand...

I had one once. Got rid of it. :D

Seriously though, don't rule out the PATB series. Super sweet and clean. Almost "hi-fi". I have the PATB-3b/1n in my Les Paul Custom, and love 'em.

I get my "dirt" from pedals and/or amp.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I have just fitted the Slash set to my Les Paul Standard. Looks wise, they really have all the hallmarks of a signature set. The first thing I didn't like though was that they were not 4-conductor pickups. This is a little annoying as my Standard has a few push/pull pots which are now defunct. I was a little annoyed by that, but then kinda realized that I never really used the split options anyway.

First impressions were disappointing on plugging in. They sounded exactly like the Alnico Pro IIs I just took out via my Pod HD. Fearing I'd wasted my money and time, I booked an extra hour at rehearsals to give it a swing.

Second impressions were far far better. You can think of the Slash set as a slightly hotter Alnico Pro II. I just really enjoyed playing them. Through the TSL100, they just sounded right. The quintessential Slash tone is just right there! I could nail anything from Jungle through to some Velvet Revolver. OK, I could "get there" with the Alnico Pro IIs, but the Slash set does it better. But the extra thing is that you don't have to just sound like Slash. Because they're a little hotter, soloing is far easier on it, the neck pickup sounds miles better than the Alnico Pro II neck pickup and you can get a fair amount of chunk in the low end for some drop-tuned action. I had a lot of fun playing this morning and I definitely have the new Slash set to thank for it!

In short, I'm glad I invested in the Slash set. They are everything that the Alnico Pro IIs are, but just an extra bit of girth and low end that the AP2s are just missing. Admittedly I would have given them a 10/10 if they were 4 conductor but then that wouldn't be a signature set then I guess. But for anyone reading this, if AP2s are on your list then scrub them out and replace it with the Slash set. They are THAT good!

Speaking of which, my Alternative 8 and Perpetual Burn pickups have shown up this morning. I haven't decided what they're going into yet. Most likely my SL2H as that seems to be my main tester guitar (it's my favorite).
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

Well, I guess what I should have said is the 2008 Studio is acoustically the loudest Les Paul I've ever heard. "Airy" perhaps and very midrange focused is a better term than bright. Most Les Pauls I've had, unplugged, have a prominent low and high tone. The 08 seems to have mild bottom end, normal top end and pronounced midrange. That's why I was thinking SH 14 for that one since the EQ, according to SD, had a strong bottom end slightly dipped mids.

My Tradtional Pro, which I'm most concerned about has the typical strong lows and highs. I might consider doing some magnet swapping, not ruling it out entirely, if I could require quality magnets from some source. Right now I'm just wanting some feedback from others before I start doing much of anything. I already had an SH5 & JB lying around. Don't even wanna try the JB and the SH5 just doesn't seem right for me.

The Alt8, isn't that thing one of the hottest pickups SD puts out?
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I actually had two Dimebuckers I got in trade lying around for years. Finally sold em on ebay. I had a similar Lawrence 500 (L or XL can't remember) in an HM Strat (my first guitar) and it was badass (or so I thought at the time). Right now, I'm wanting to stay with the zebra/stock look of the LP also.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

jc74868 said:
Well, I guess what I should have said is the 2008 Studio is acoustically the loudest Les Paul I've ever heard. "Airy" perhaps and very midrange focused is a better term than bright. Most Les Pauls I've had, unplugged, have a prominent low and high tone. The 08 seems to have mild bottom end, normal top end and pronounced midrange. That's why I was thinking SH 14 for that one since the EQ, according to SD, had a strong bottom end slightly dipped mids.

My Tradtional Pro, which I'm most concerned about has the typical strong lows and highs. I might consider doing some magnet swapping, not ruling it out entirely, if I could require quality magnets from some source. Right now I'm just wanting some feedback from others before I start doing much of anything. I already had an SH5 & JB lying around. Don't even wanna try the JB and the SH5 just doesn't seem right for me.

The Alt8, isn't that thing one of the hottest pickups SD puts out?
Click to expand...

Every Les Paul is different. No matter what the naysayers say. When I bought my Standard, I did so online. I was very lucky because my friend bought at roughly the same time. His guitar pretty much sucks out loud. That thing has just never sounded good. He sold it recently and doesn't miss it one bit. My Standard on the other hand is just gorgeous to play.

When I was hunting for my LP Custom, I went out with a loaded credit card and willingness to say no. I think I tried at least ten different LP Customs - all of which were different in feel and sound - before I found mine. The guy in the store was trying to sell me on an '05 LP Custom claiming because it had an ebony board it was somehow "more". The one I have has the richlite board and sounded/played a mile better than the ebony mojo guitar. I've had more than a couple of people offering to buy my LP Custom off of me.

Which does bring me onto pickups. I would firmly say that my LP Standard falls more into your assessment of being quite loud and middly. Though I love my new Slash set in the Standard, I doubt very much I would like them in the LP Custom. I originally had my Alnico II Pros in the Custom and I just didn't jive with them.

So sadly, the same rule applies. You don't know until you try it.

The Alternative 8 is going in my SL2H tonight. I'll let you know how I like it.
 
Re: Opinions on Bridge Upgrade in a Les Paul Traditional Pro

I have a 2013 Traditional Pro II, currently it still has the stock Super 57 in it. I too like mid output into higher gain amps, and am looking for the same thing as the OP. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Sh1 or Sh16, both of these pickups work well in LP's and from the reviews and videos I've watched they can produce the results I'm looking for.
 
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