P/U's in Original '76 Explorer

[guit35]

Hey all,
I recently acquired an original slim-taper '76 explorer...i'm not generally a humbucker guy but its precisely these humbuckers that sold me on the guitar...now i have SD '59's in a les paul of mine..but they are so muddy to my ears..and have way too much bottom end and drive for my preference...i'm wondering if anyone knows what p/u's came stock in the original '76 explorers and what, if any, SD humbucker would replicate this clear, singing sound...thanks guys...Geoff

 

[LesPaulRules]

Re: P/U's in Original '76 Explorer

Your pickups should be Gibson T-tops (named for the 'T' that is molded in to the plastic bobbin). They are known for being very clean, and having somewhat of a low output for a humbucker.

Couldn't tell you what Duncan sounds like these. I can tell you most Duncan's I've tried DON'T sound like these.

 

[JeffB]

Re: P/U's in Original '76 Explorer

I reckon my 76 had the same thing (pups were covered, but original according to the vintage guitar dealer I bought it from). You are right they are def not *hot* even compared to most PAFs. I remember as a kid (it was my first good guitar), buying every distortion pedal made to get the things to chugga chugga

But the tone of them was fabulous.