pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

papersoul

papersoul

New member
Picked up an amazing Epiphone Dot, brand new in the Natural finish. I have and have had plenty of "good" Gibsons and this one is almost right there.
Only thing is the pickups, I think they could use a major upgrade to Gibsons, Duncans or Dimarzios. I am not a big fan of replacing the pots and caps as I find that is a small difference at best. I might replace the pots if they don't work well with the pickups but I never notice a difference with cap replacement!

I am looking to go more vintage ES 335 tone, think early Alex Lifeson. I was thinking Gibson 57 Classics, Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs, Duncan 59s, Alnico II Pros or Pearly Gates.
Maybe the Seymour Duncan Seth Lover SH-55 Bridge PIckup Antiquity?

I use mostly a 20th Anniversary Bogner Shiva with EL34s and sometimes my VHT ST/50. Neither are high gain monsters...plus I don't run them all gained out.

What about replacing the bridge and tailpiece? I tried that on my LP Standard and could hear no difference so I went back stock. Same with my 1994 LP and a friend with his 1989 LP, we heard little to no change with bridge and tailpiece changes. Maybe this Dot will be different.

Thanks!
 
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Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I'm 'King of the Mid-priced Imports' and have a couple Dots. Nice guitars, especially the recent Chinese ones with Grovers and mahogany necks. I'd go with either a pair of '59 or a pair of PG's. To me, '57's are too dark and muddy in the neck. '59's and PG's are much clearer and more articulate (lower the bass side of the '59N if it's a little boomy).

I never replace the bridges, tailpieces, or switches. I do put 250K's on the bridge PU's though. By far the biggest improvement you can make is upgrading PU's, does more than everything else combined. That's where to put your money (that and a hard case).
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I bought one too recently and put a '59 in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck. Not sure how I feel about the Jazz but the '59 will stay.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Chinese ones with Grovers and mahogany necks? Not sure...mine is new and they just got it in...hmmm

I have nothing with an Alnico II set so I am thinking the PGs might be the ticket here.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

papersoul said:
Chinese ones with Grovers and mahogany necks? Not sure...mine is new and they just got it in...hmmm

I have nothing with an Alnico II set so I am thinking the PGs might be the ticket here.
Click to expand...

PG's are nice. The neck has a bigger, fuller sound due to the A2 magnet, but it's underwound enough so that it's still bright and clear. Very good PU. If the bridge tone isn't quite what you want, try a roughcast A2.

I think all the set-neck Chinese Epi's have Grover Rotomatics, which are good and rugged, & the Dots have dark mahogany one-piece necks, which contrast with the lighter maple bodies. Nice look.
 
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Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

blueman335 said:
PG's are nice. The neck has a bigger, fuller sound due to the A2 magnet, but it's underwound enough so that it's still bright and clear. Very good PU. If the bridge tone isn't quite what you want, try a roughcast A2.

I think all the set-neck Chinese Epi's have Grover Rotomatics, which are good and rugged, & the Dots have dark mahogany one-piece necks, which contrast with the lighter maple bodies. Nice look.
Click to expand...

I want whatever is closest to the 60s and 70s ES-335s, similar to what Lifeson would use...maybe Seth's?

Mine has a mahogany neck, Grover tuners and the build is EXCELLENT! Playability is EXCELLENT! I am in heaven.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Howdy,

'59s are good, but can be a bit "boomy" in the neck. The DiMarzio 36th anni PAF bridge is fairly powerful and is definitely "middy". I've got one in the bridge of my ES-335 along with a DiMarzio Air Classic in the neck; they're a good combination, if not strictly vintage voiced. My tastes are 60s Pop/Rock and blues, fwiw.
The SD '59 bridge is a good one. I think a DiMarzio Air Classic neck and SD '59 bridge would be a fantastic combination. Good luck and as usual, YMMV.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I was recommended '59's for my dot. Unfortunately its still in getting a setup as the pup swap took longer than the shop expected. I also got dimarzio pots too, as cheap pots can be scratchy or dull, and I really only want to do electrics work once on this guitar.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Thanks guys, I might also consider Gibson Burstbucker Pros which were great in my LP Standard.

If I am going to go the 59 route, the Custom 5 might be even better....but then I am starting to get into modern higher output pickups. Not what I want.

Since stock ES-335s tended to come with alnico II magnets, I am leaning toward the PG set. I wonder if the Dimarzio 35th Anniversar set has AIIs.

Talking to some friend's and looking around and reading up on original Gibson ES-335s, the recommendation is to install real Gibby 57s.
 
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Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

A LP is pretty different to a 335 though. Its pretty likely that they'll be a significantly different pickup in the dot.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

AlexR said:
A LP is pretty different to a 335 though. Its pretty likely that they'll be a significantly different pickup in the dot.
Click to expand...

Good point, but who mentioned anything about an LP?:scratchch
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

To papersoul:

from the description given, you definately want a Pearly Gates set.

HTH,
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I've got a set of Seth Lover's in mine. They sound great.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

LtKojak said:
To papersoul:

from the description given, you definately want a Pearly Gates set.

HTH,
Click to expand...


Yes, thinking the same. Was thinking of a set of used Gibson 57 Classics off ebay but I might go the PG route. I want thick, fat, raw, classic rock that will also do hard rock. With this guitar and any ES-335 type, 9/10 people recommend an alnico II bridge pickup so that settles it as far as bridge magnet.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

My buddy has an Epi Sheraton (similar to the DOT) and he replaced the stock pickups with an SD Distortion in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck. Both sound amazing in that guitar.
 
Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Hey thats ok, we all get a bit confused!!!

What is the neck like on your Dot. Mine is pretty chunky. I'd call it a 'D' shape as there is a shoulder to grip onto before it curves. First one of this shape I've had - must admit it gives a really solid feel to what could have been a very insubstatial playing guitar with, for example, a slim SG type neck on.

All power to the Dot
 
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