PAF Pup for ES-335

C

CrazyFingers

New member
Hi,

The 57 Classics on my 335 are too dark for my tastes. I'm looking for a PAF tone that's brighter and clearer with a little punch. I think I am looking for a "cooler" PUP as well--the 57's are hot. I've seen some boutique PUPs that might work (e.g. Lollar makes a low-wind version of the Imperial). Is therean SD pup that would compare?
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

My newest guitar is an ES-335, which I love. I think the Classic 57's sound alright, but being a pickup fanatic, I'm also thinking of moving to something else...probably Alnico 5.

I still want them to be potted though, just because I'm happier with no howl or feedback.

I've tried nearly all the Duncans in LP's and Strats, so I know what I'm looking for, but these are some of my ideas.

CS Brobucker/PGn
C-5/59 or 59 set.
59/Jazz n
CC/APH for a clearer version of what I already have with the 57's.

I'm actually holding off, just because I've had the guitar less than 2 weeks, and want to get a better feel for the stock tone. Also, there may be things you can do with resistors, capacitors, or other pots, without having to ditch the 57's.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

I'm thinking a '59 bridge / Jazz neck combo would be good.

The '59b has that classic A5 combination of clarity and punch. Definitely clearer than a '57 Classic. The '59n is a little boomy in the neck position for my tastes - hence the Jazz n, which has all the top end clarity with less bottom end.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

Simon_F said:
I'm thinking a '59 bridge / Jazz neck combo would be good. The '59b has that classic A5 combination of clarity and punch. Definitely clearer than a '57 Classic. The '59n is a little boomy in the neck position for my tastes - hence the Jazz n, which has all the top end clarity with less bottom end.
Click to expand...

Sounds good to me too. Remember you can also change the PU's EQ by swapping magnets. I like A5's in necks, but an A3 or A4 would take off some of the bottom end. Those two magnets would be good on the '59B too.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

if you want something not as hot as the 57's with more high end and sparkle, i'd go with a Jazz in the neck and a 59n in the bridge. That should give you plenty of snap without being shrill.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

blueman335 said:
Sounds good to me too. Remember you can also change the PU's EQ by swapping magnets. I like A5's in necks, but an A3 or A4 would take off some of the bottom end. Those two magnets would be good on the '59B too.
Click to expand...

Do :laughing:you own a mag company that makes everything EXCEPT a2's ?!?!?!?!?

I was gonna suggest PGneck & 59 bridge, double PG's, or double Seths (not the "punchiest" combo of the three).
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

id second the double seths if you dont want the 59n in there. pair of 59s or aph2s would be my first choice but seems you dont want that so maybe the seths would fit right in.

i hear so much about the jazz neck, i have to try it one of these days
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

i think the best sounding PAF 335 tones are from seths ... if you want brighter, maybe a set of PGs ...

joe, get a potted set of seth's for yours .. i bet you'll dig em ... then again, a set of phat cats are always an impressive sounding option, although non PAF

t4d
 
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Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

Ants; Seths; 59's are all good choices IMO, with Ants being my favorites for what it's worth.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

Great comments--thanks.

I'm curious about the PG recommendation, though. Isn't that a really hot pickup?

Once upon a time I had a neck Jazz in an Epiphone Sheraton II and it sounded great. I put a JB on the bridge. Not bad but a little too hot. Also, I'm sure the 335 would lose some of it's "woody warmth" with a JB. I already have a hollow body so I won't need to get "real" jazz tones from this box, just blues/fusion clean-to-slightly-broken-up tone.
 
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Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

Seths or 70's Gibson T-Tops or 80's Gibson Shaws

I think the older Gibby's will give you exactly what you are looking for they are wound low about 7.3-7.5
 
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Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

I've got antiquities in a Les Paul and I love them. IMO closest thing I've heard to a buddy's 69 LP custom...even better really. However, I love the Seths as well and they are a tad hotter.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

T-Tops...I have a few and one is in the neck position of my 335; I did swap out the magnet for an old M55 though.
 
Re: PAF Pup for ES-335

I think on that guitar I would start by installing an RS KIt BEFORE I did any pickup swapping. The higher quality CTS pots of the correct value and the better caps might give you the tones you're looking for.

The Seths and Antiquitys are great--I have them in a couple of my Pauls--but the '57 Classic is also a very good pickup. The RS Kit should brighten it up considerably.

Bill
 
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