Pickup combination questions

O

OjoRojo

New member
I just installed a Duncan Custom into the bridge of my SG standard and I am trying to figure out what would be a good neck pickup. I feel that my stock neck pickup is to muddy and I am looking for a good match for the Custom.

I have read about the 59n but I am worried that it will be muddy. Any thoughts, comments and suggestions would be appreciated. I enjoy a metal/punk rock type distortion but I am also looking for a good clean tone.

Thanks!
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

The SG tends to have more mids than an LP (in my experience) so the 59 might not be too bad. If you want more bite but still a vintage feel, the Pearly Gates is for you.
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

Thanks Jay

So the Pearly Gates would make a good combination with the Custom? Any other pickups that combine well?
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

PG goes real well with the Custom, as does the 59. When I had an SG style guitar, I had an Invader in the bridge and it was a monster. I really wanted to try a Full Shred in the neck, to get a nice crisp lead tone.
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

i love the 59 neck....ive never paired it up with anything other than a 59 bridge but plenty of people say its a rocking combo

personally id go with the 59n over the PG since, as previously mentioned, you tend to get more mids and a touch of highend out of a SG than an LP
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

They're all good choices. It depends upon what type of sound you want. The Jazz is warm and clear. The 59n is scooped, but vintage sounding. The Pearly Gates is Vintage Sweet with a bite. The Seth is the ultimate PAF replica and sounds very vintage. It is however unpotted and may hiss a bit in high gain situations. I have a Custom/Jazz combination in a Steinberger, a bright guitar and they work out well. The Jazz stays clear in clean or dirty situations. The 59n is boomy until you adjust it correctly. I like it better in a bridge in a low gain guitar with singles. The PG has a bit more sweetness and a good bite. Makes a great super strat bridge and would work out great. The Custom is scooped and clear in clean and dirty situation, but may sound a little generic in a mahogany guitar. You might want a CC if you are pairing with a PG or a C5 with a 59. The Jazz/Custom will give you the most versitility, but will not sound vintage.
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

If it's a typical SG, the neck pu is in the same position as the neck pu on 24-fret guitars, a touch closer to the bridge, meaning it won't pick up quite as much bass/low mid. If so, the 'boominess' of the 59n might actually be an advantage.

EDIT: Meant 59b(ridge), not n.
 
Last edited:
Re: Pickup combination questions

BRHGM said:
They're all good choices. It depends upon what type of sound you want. The Jazz is warm and clear. The 59n is scooped, but vintage sounding. The Pearly Gates is Vintage Sweet with a bite. The Seth is the ultimate PAF replica and sounds very vintage. It is however unpotted and may hiss a bit in high gain situations. I have a Custom/Jazz combination in a Steinberger, a bright guitar and they work out well. The Jazz stays clear in clean or dirty situations. The 59n is boomy until you adjust it correctly. I like it better in a bridge in a low gain guitar with singles. The PG has a bit more sweetness and a good bite. Makes a great super strat bridge and would work out great. The Custom is scooped and clear in clean and dirty situation, but may sound a little generic in a mahogany guitar. You might want a CC if you are pairing with a PG or a C5 with a 59. The Jazz/Custom will give you the most versitility, but will not sound vintage.
Click to expand...

The Jazz actually sounds more scooped and the '59 more warm, at least to my ears.
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

How about other pickup companies. I have heard a lot about the DiMarzio Air series. Would DiMarzios (like the Air Norton) pair well with a Custom? Thanks!
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

My Peavey Patriot (strat copy) is a swamp ash body, and I went with a JB in the bridge and the PG in the neck. I love the JB but the PG has way to much mid in it and it sounds too muddy to me. I am planning on refinishing it soon, and I may try a 1 meg pot to see if I can get more out of it, or I may just get a Jazz for it.

I have the JB/Jazz combo in my RR3 (alder body) and I love them both. The JB has the bite and the Jazz is just smooth and clear. The pair are very versatile, and they fit the music I like to play (late 70's thru 80's hard rock and hair band stuff).

Just my experiences in the instruments I own. I hope you get what you are looking for. :)
 
Re: Pickup combination questions

OjoRojo said:
How about other pickup companies. I have heard a lot about the DiMarzio Air series. Would DiMarzios (like the Air Norton) pair well with a Custom? Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you pair a Seymour Duncan with a DiMarzio in any guitar, it with spontainiously combust and you will be left with a pile of wires and ashes
you have been forwarned:firedevil
 
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