Pickup selection help

[colin83]

Classic ask, I'm sure. But I'm sure you all know way than me.

I'm planning on getting a Les Paul in the next year or so (probably a 60s Standard). I like the neck, but I don't love the pickups. They sound a little thin to me.

I'm basically looking for something that will let me hit Zeppelin, GnR, Alice in Chains, and Tool tones. Hopefully some mix of depth, growl, and clarity when I want it.

Thoughts on what SD pickups I should put in there? Been seeing a lot of JB/Jazz, but I wasn't sure if I could get to Tool and Zep with both of those.

 

[ICTGoober]

Saturday Night Specials.

 

[AlexR]

^ Not a bad middle ground really

Tool is a Duncan Distortion.......GnR is the A2pro. They're about as polar opposites (not only for output but tone) as you could possibly have within the Duncan lineup.
Zep can be anything from a lower output PAF type to a T-top depending on the era, and AIC is the JB. Again two very different tone ballparks.

It depends on which end you want to do more convincingly. Its harder for a high output pickup to be more nuanced when turned down than a low output pickup to deal with gain. But equally you'll find a low output pickup harder to deal with squeal if its unpotted.

 

[Rabelais]

Classic ask, I'm sure. But I'm sure you all know way than me.

I'm planning on getting a Les Paul in the next year or so (probably a 60s Standard). I like the neck, but I don't love the pickups. They sound a little thin to me.

I'm basically looking for something that will let me hit Zeppelin, GnR, Alice in Chains, and Tool tones. Hopefully some mix of depth, growl, and clarity when I want it.

Thoughts on what SD pickups I should put in there? Been seeing a lot of JB/Jazz, but I wasn't sure if I could get to Tool and Zep with both of those.

JB/Jazz for Alice in Chains.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

JB/Jazz for Alice in Chains.

Yes. That's what Jerry uses. Not sure about the Jazz or not, but I get a very good Alice tone with the Jazz. Tool = JB or Distortion.

 

[JamesPaul]

I have zero experience with them, but someone who does could probably chime in. Is there a Fluence set with this Zeppelin, GnR, Alice in Chains, and Tool tones combo?

 

[colin83]

Thanks, everyone. That's helpful.
Sounds like I might just have to pick a lane that I like the most.

 

[Mincer]

I'd go with a Custom and a 59. You can get pretty close to what you need. Add a split switch for even more fun.

 

[JamesPaul]

I'd go with a Custom and a 59. You can get pretty close to what you need. Add a split switch for even more fun.

Go even bigger and Triple Shot them. Triple Shot's work fine in a Les Paul.

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