Pickup advice time..SG content

S

Stratovarious

New member
So basically not long ago I bought an old MIK Samick Artist series SG for my bday. It plays incredible and the pickups sound okay, but at louder volumes they just howl with feedback and I've been enduring but its time to upgrade.

Tonally I want a vintagey pickup that can get raunchy enough for 80's stuff and maybe alt rocky tones, but pulls off 70's esque tones

Neck pickup needs to sing obviously but I want it spanky as opposed to a compressed smooth tone.

Do I basically want a 59 in the bridge and a Tonerider Rebel 90 in the neck? Or maybe a Jazz neck? I want a decently sparkly neck clean tone, hence my mention of a p90 . What do you guys think ?

Thanks!
 
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Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I have a HB/bridge and P-90/neck in an SG, it's a great way to get a bright, clear neck sound. Tonerider or GFS Mean 90 are an inexpensive way to go. If you want an HB in that slot, a '59N or JazzN. I don't think an A2 HB (or P-90) would give you the tones you want.

In the bridge, if you're looking for something 'vintage' and handles gain well, I'd suggest a Duncan PAF: '59B, PGB, or A2Pb (listed bright to warm).
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

For some years I have an SG with a 59n and a Custom 5(UOA5 and 8 too) in the bridge. Recently, I had to test the 59 neck in a tele and took the opportunity to test a GFS Mean 90 in the neck of my SG. Now I'm seriously thinking about getting a Mean 90 bridge and keep my SG with this combo.
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I see. Thanks for your help mate.

I'm considering buying another 59/C for the bridge position, I love it in my strat but think I should opt for something different
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

Stratovarious said:
How's the Mean 90 clean? I just love neck single coil tones..
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+1 for a Mean 90 in the neck of the SG. Chimey and bell-like when clean, nasty under gain with a metal cover to cut down on that single-coil hum. I use a Mean 90/C8 in my SG and couldn't think of a better combo. The C8 is worth the trouble of learning how to magswap. So long as you're not going for pristine jazz tones out of your bridge, it should get raunchy enough for 70s/80s tones while cleaning up nicely with your volume knob. I'm surprised blueman didn't suggest it earlier, he's the one who turned me onto it!
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I can have my SG with a mean 90 neck and C8 bridge, but I really hate the looks of having one covered pickup and one uncovered. (actually, it is that way now, in this period that I'm trying out the mean 90
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I don't (can't) play much Jazz so that won't be an issue. I'd love to try a C8 but the mag swap and potentially the actual finding of the magnet is s hindrance

+ I actually love one covered pup and one uncovered . The SG is pretty beat up so I think it would suit it lol
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I'll give a thumbs up for the mean 90 in the bridge. SGs scream for P90s.
I have the dream 90 in the neck of my SG. I got the set on Clist for $35, & couldn't be happier...For now
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

925SS said:
I'll give a thumbs up for the mean 90 in the bridge. SGs scream for P90s.
I have the dream 90 in the neck of my SG. I got the set on Clist for $35, & couldn't be happier...For now
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It's actually a very difficult choice. A 59 set or 59n/Custom(choose your magnet here) is also great.
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

symptom said:
It's actually a very difficult choice. A 59 set or 59n/Custom(choose your magnet here) is also great.
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I tried the 59n, it was kinda boomy for me, but I didn't change the magnet either.
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

I have a Mean 90 in the neck of my Les Paul.

I swapped out one of the A5 mags for an A3.

Now less boomy. Super clear, bell like, and very articulate.

I love it.
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

Absolutely conflicted between PG snd 59 only because of the limited availability of the PG compared to the 59 on the used market here in Australia .

Would I really be missing out a lot? That might not be the right choice of words, but what are the main differences between them?
 
Re: Pickup advice time..SG content

Stratovarious said:
Absolutely conflicted between PG snd 59 only because of the limited availability of the PG compared to the 59 on the used market here in Australia .

Would I really be missing out a lot? That might not be the right choice of words, but what are the main differences between them?
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To me, you're not missing anything by not having PG's. I find the neck to be too warm, rounded and smooth upper end, and the bridge is surprisingly bright. I'm just not impressed with them. '59's in an SG are very good. If you got '59's and wanted more mids and less treble, all you have to do is put in a couple A2 magnets.
 
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