Pearly Gates replacement?

[erpece]

One of my guitars (mahogany body, maple top, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, tremolo bridge) is equipped with a Pearly Gates (bridge) and two Quarterpounders (neck & middle).

I am not entirely happy with the PG and would like to replace it with another humbucker to get more mids (500Hz-800Hz region). Volumewise, the PG and QP’s are a great match, so I don’t need a much hotter pup.

My style is rock-oriented and my sound is towards early AC/DC and classic Van Halen, without having to sound exactly like them. The bridge pup should also have enough clarity for clean sounds.

I was thinking EVH '78 model or a Custom Custom (I like the "loose" bass of Alnico 2 pups). Does that make sense? There are also a lot of good reviews on the Rio Grande BBQ, but I cant find any specs around. Would the BBQ also be an option?

 

[OrkestrA]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

Have you heard of Bareknuckle p'ups?

Check them out too...

Personally I would perhaps opt for a JB? That's a pretty good all-rounder or an '59.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

I was thinking CC, but it may not have enough highs for you. It definitely can do the mid thing. That's what it's about. It has a huge mid boost right in the middle of the mids! And it has a decent amount of highs (tip-raise the treble end poles a bit to bring them out). But - they are fat, corpulent, artery-clogging buttery smooth highs! The pup has awesome cut in a band, but it is not a piercing cutting top end in any sense. Your call...

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

I felt the CC has soft highs and lows. There were enough highs for me. You can turn the treble on your amp one notch and be fine. The Air Zone will also work. I feel has the sound of a CC with more bite. I think of it as a mix between a JB and CC with a more PAF vibe.

 

[erpece]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

Thanks for your replies. I guess what you guys are saying is that the CC should be worth the try. My guitar is on the bright side, so I should have enough trebles left with the CC.

 

[stangme01]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

i want to try that air zone soooooooo bad, is it a toneful pickup? I mean its not sterile or anything right? Also is it close to the JB in output?

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

i want to try that air zone soooooooo bad, is it a toneful pickup? I mean its not sterile or anything right? Also is it close to the JB in output?

It is not sterile at all. Very musical and great tone. It has a little less output than a JB. Output is like a custom. The wierd thing is harmonics jump off more and so much more can be squeezed out of it. It is worth a shot. It has more bass and low mids than a JB. It is balanced perfectly though.

 

[stangme01]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

It is not sterile at all. Very musical and great tone. It has a little less output than a JB. Output is like a custom. The wierd thing is harmonics jump off more and so much more can be squeezed out of it. It is worth a shot. It has more bass and low mids than a JB. It is balanced perfectly though.

Man that sounds perfect for what i need in my ESP

It doesn't sound like a custom though right? I didn't like the custom much

 

[ratkent]

Re: Pearly Gates replacement?

I would vote CC as well.