pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Funny, I agree....why fix what isn't broken. I might try some pickup swaps but if I do I might seriously just clip the wires and wire in the new pickups unless I feel like going through fishing out what I need to get the job done, LOL.

I have to say, we compared this Epi to a few Gibsons on the wall, and the difference was small! Seriously small, I couldn't justify the real ES-335. I can't imagine how much better the Epi Elitist is.

Actually throwing in some Epi Elitist Dot pickups might be a decent idea? They are USA pickups.
I wonder how much better the Elitist is...this guitar I have smokes.

I have an Elitist 335, and it's a little better than a Dot. I'm pleased with it, but I got it used for a super low price (the cost of a new Dot). I wouldn't have spent $1,200 for a new one, or $3,000 for a Gibson 335. There just isn't that much of a difference, especially after upgrading PU's. Plus I want guitars to play every day and take to gigs, and a Korean/Chinese Epi is perfect for that.

You can get a pair of used Elitist HB's for a good price, keep an eye out. They have A5's and are made by Gibson. The 50SR and 50ST are PAF's, and the 60ST is a hot bridge.

 

[richinva]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Newbie here, first post. Lots of great info here, pretty overwhelming when you don't know a lot about pups..........

I also just got a Dot and based upon reviewing many posts here, ordered the "calibrated" set of SD '59's. I'll wait on pots and caps to see how this change affects tone.

Great forum, lots of info, still trying to sort it all out!!

Rich

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I have an Elitist 335, and it's a little better than a Dot. I'm pleased with it, but I got it used for a super low price (the cost of a new Dot). I wouldn't have spent $1,200 for a new one, or $3,000 for a Gibson 335. There just isn't that much of a difference, especially after upgrading PU's. Plus I want guitars to play every day and take to gigs, and a Korean/Chinese Epi is perfect for that.

You can get a pair of used Elitist HB's for a good price, keep an eye out. They have A5's and are made by Gibson. The 50SR and 50ST are PAF's, and the 60ST is a hot bridge.

Thanks bro! Do you know anything about the 50SR and 50ST and if they are as good as typical USA Gibsons or Duncans?
Is the 60ST better? There is a 60ST/50SR on ebay. The tones I go for with my DOT are Rush and classic rock. Think vintage, thick, lots of harmonics. I wish the PG wasn't considered so bright.

I guess you are fairly certain the new Dots are coming with AVs?

What IS better about the Elitists??? If I find one for the same cost as a new Epi, is it worth it over my Epi DOT?

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Thanks bro! Do you know anything about the 50SR and 50ST and if they are as good as typical USA Gibsons or Duncans?
Is the 60ST better? There is a 60ST/50SR on ebay. The tones I go for with my DOT are Rush and classic rock. Think vintage, thick, lots of harmonics. I wish the PG wasn't considered so bright.

I guess you are fairly certain the new Dots are coming with AVs?

What IS better about the Elitists??? If I find one for the same cost as a new Epi, is it worth it over my Epi DOT?

The Elitist PU's are Gibsons, and good as any others they have. The 50ST and 50SR have A5's and are probably similar to BBP's. I doubt they created a new wind for the Elitist line, probably just a name change of an existing PU. The 60ST is just a hotter wind for the bridge in a few models.

The only Epi I've seen with A2's is a new model of LP Std with push-pulls, and those are Asian-made HB's. I doubt they'll convert everything to A2's.

Elitists have better quality wood and hardware, Gibson PU's, bone nuts, and are made in Japan. Probably close to Gibson USA quality. If you can get a good deal on one, by all means jump on it. But the Korean/Chinese ones are well-made; I especially like some of the new ones with mahogany necks.

I'm a classic rock and British/Chicago blues player myself. :friday:

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Newbie here, first post. Lots of great info here, pretty overwhelming when you don't know a lot about pups..........

I also just got a Dot and based upon reviewing many posts here, ordered the "calibrated" set of SD '59's. I'll wait on pots and caps to see how this change affects tone.

Great forum, lots of info, still trying to sort it all out!!

Rich

Welcome aboard! Stick around, there's lots more to learn here. Congrats on the new Dot. '59's are great PU's. Let us know how you like the '59's in it, and if we can help with anything.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

So if the current crop of Dots, even those with mahogany necks have AV mags...I might grab those USA Elite pickups I found. The bridge is the 60ST version.

Mine has the mahogany neck and I know it is was received recently from the factory. I can't imagine an Elite could feel much better than my Dot because it feels almost as good as my USA guitars. The woods looks amazing and I love the acoustic tone from this guitar so it must be good.
We already discussed the bone nut issue.

So what do the older ones have that do not have mahogany necks? Maple necks?

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

So what do the older ones have that do not have mahogany necks? Maple necks?

Until recently, they've had maple necks. I love the look of a natural finish Dot, with a darker mahogany neck. The Elites are done like this.

 

[richinva]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Welcome aboard! Stick around, there's lots more to learn here. Congrats on the new Dot. '59's are great PU's. Let us know how you like the '59's in it, and if we can help with anything.

Thanks, I'm sure I'll be pestering everyone with ?'s.........

This is also a natural Dot with a mahogany neck, altho' this one dates back to '05.

Will keep you posted on the '59's.

Rich

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Until recently, they've had maple necks. I love the look of a natural finish Dot, with a darker mahogany neck. The Elites are done like this.

Yes, mine is like that...natural finish Dot, with a darker mahogany neck

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Yes, mine is like that...natural finish Dot, with a darker mahogany neck

I think those are the best Dots they've made. You guys got the right ones.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I think those are the best Dots they've made. You guys got the right ones.

Do you mean better than an other new DOTS? Most of the ones my friend had in his shop were natural with mahogany necks. You don't mean better than the Elites?

On the pickups, BB Pros can be bright with 500K pots so if I am just going to replace pickups I might skip the USA made ST60/50, etc and just find the warmest Duncan or Dimarzio I can find. That is why I was hoping the 57 Classic would work since they are darker AII pickups.

If my pickups are AVs....MAYBE the Elite pickups will work. WOW, the 60ST is 13.9k ohms!

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Do you mean better than an other new DOTS? Most of the ones my friend had in his shop were natural with mahogany necks. You don't mean better than the Elites?

On the pickups, BB Pros can be bright with 500K pots so if I am just going to replace pickups I might skip the USA made ST60/50, etc and just find the warmest Duncan or Dimarzio I can find. That is why I was hoping the 57 Classic would work since they are darker AII pickups.

If my pickups are AVs....MAYBE the Elite pickups will work. WOW, the 60ST is 13.9k ohms!

For a bright bridge PU (and PAF's often are), I use a warmer magnet: UOA5, RC A4, A8, or RC A2, or two 250K pots.

I meant the mahogany neck Dot is the best of the Korean/Chinese.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I was comparing my Dot to my USA Gibson SG tonight and it held its own easily! Nice.

I guess I have to decide on the right pickup, LOL. Maybe I will just go all out and have my tech install the 300K volume pot and better pots all around. I was playing some Rush tubes this evening and the volume knobs were sort of garbage in my opinion. I felt they worked fine but didn't like the roll off at all. Maybe garbage is the wrong word....sorry. Just didn't like how the roll off felt on the Vol's. Maybe I will find the right pickups, even that 60ST/50SR set and some new pots. It is hard to pass up that Elitist set for less than $35 a piece.....even if the bridge pup is hot and AV. LOL.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Been considering a set of Seth Lovers now....but would they be too noisey since they are unpotted?

It is tempting to grab those USA Epi Elite 60/50s off ebay but I am afraid I will always want better......not sure if the Elite neck pickup is muddy or not.

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Been considering a set of Seth Lovers now....but would they be too noisey since they are unpotted?

It is tempting to grab those USA Epi Elite 60/50s off ebay but I am afraid I will always want better......not sure if the Elite neck pickup is muddy or not.

It shouldn't be muddy with an A5. If you want less bottom end, you can put in an A3 or A4. Why not get the pair of Elite's, see how you like them; you can always swap magents in either one. If you decide they're not what you want, you can put them in another guitar or sell them.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

It shouldn't be muddy with an A5. If you want less bottom end, you can put in an A3 or A4. Why not get the pair of Elite's, see how you like them; you can always swap magents in either one. If you decide they're not what you want, you can put them in another guitar or sell them.

It is hard to pass them up with how cheap they are......do you know anything about their tonal characteristics compared to something like Pearly Gates, etc? I am looking for good classic rock to hard rock tones...think Rush to Warren Haynes, etc. I use a 20th anniversary Bogner Shiva with EL34s.

So which Elitist has the 60ST? It is like 13.9K!

Have you tried the Dimarzio 36th Ann PAFs?

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I don't think I will be getting those Epi Elite pickups because I checked and Gibson recommends the 60ST only for the Epi LPs, not the DOT series because it is too hot.

What about some burstbucker pros?

Honestly, I think my ultimate bridge pickup for this guitar would be the Gibson 57 Classic plus...I think it is like a 9K 57 Classic, but what would I match with the bridge? Maybe a burstbucker 1? Burstbucker Pro neck? Hmmmm, might be a good mix, Alnico II bridge with the BB Pro Alnico VV neck. Hmmmm What ya think? I am thinking this set up with a 300K volume pot. This would give me the hot AII bridge I want and the AV neck. Un less this guitar just works best with AVs, LOL! UGH!

I guess I could save and just wait for a set of the 50ST/50SRs to hit ebay or just get the original Duncans you recoemmnded.....PGs! I look for a big, wide sound from mids....thick and juicy. PGs with the brightness always scared me.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

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.

Noticed what you said about the maple body. Do any ES-335s have mahogany bodies? The real deal?

 

[blueman335]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

I don't think I will be getting those Epi Elite pickups because I checked and Gibson recommends the 60ST only for the Epi LPs, not the DOT series because it is too hot.

What about some burstbucker pros?

Honestly, I think my ultimate bridge pickup for this guitar would be the Gibson 57 Classic plus...I think it is like a 9K 57 Classic, but what would I match with the bridge? Maybe a burstbucker 1? Burstbucker Pro neck? Hmmmm, might be a good mix, Alnico II bridge with the BB Pro Alnico VV neck. Hmmmm What ya think? I am thinking this set up with a 300K volume pot. This would give me the hot AII bridge I want and the AV neck. Un less this guitar just works best with AVs, LOL! UGH!

I guess I could save and just wait for a set of the 50ST/50SRs to hit ebay or just get the original Duncans you recoemmnded.....PGs! I look for a big, wide sound from mids....thick and juicy. PGs with the brightness always scared me.

I hate to tell you, but you can't go by what Gibson says. I have a 14K C8 in my Sheraton and it's one of my best-sounding guitars (I get compliments about the tones everytime I play it on stage). I think Duncan's A2 PAF's (PG, A2P, and Seth) sound much clearer and less muddy than Gibson's ('57, BB, and 490). Remember, Gibson also poured large sums of money into developing the Reverse V, V2, Zoot Suit SG, and Firebird X. They continue to pair the bright 498T with the dark 490R, truly the 'odd couple' of the PU world, that many players are not happy with. Their decison-making ability is erratic.

I don't care for '57's, BB's, and 490's with the stock magnets; the necks are dark & muddy and the bridges sound thin and 'ribbony.' I 've changed magnets in every Gibson HB I have. If you want a great vintage-sounding HB with an A2, look at Duncan's. If definition and clarity are important to you, you want 500K's in the neck slot. 250K/300K are for the bridge only.

 

[papersoul]

Re: pickup suggestions for epiphone dot!

Thanks Blue,

Since I play a lot of hard rock, you have me wondering if I might like the CC or C5 in the DOT...but something tells me this guitar will do well with lower output pickups. Lowest output pickup I have right now is the Guitar Force Rebel Fire in the bridge of my LP at 9.8K. All other pickups are stock. I have no idea what is stock in my Dot so it is not the best reference.
Right now I am leaning toward a Duncan PG set with a 300K bridge volume.

My PRS USA models are all stock as is my 1989 SG with the Bill Lawrence circuit board pickups. Love those!!!! Gibson got it right with those to my ear.

I like this guitar so much, I doubt I would consider replacing with an Elite model.

I hate to tell you, but you can't go by what Gibson says. I have a 14K C8 in my Sheraton and it's one of my best-sounding guitars (I get compliments about the tones everytime I play it on stage). I think Duncan's A2 PAF's (PG, A2P, and Seth) sound much clearer and less muddy than Gibson's ('57, BB, and 490). Remember, Gibson also poured large sums of money into developing the Reverse V, V2, Zoot Suit SG, and Firebird X. They continue to pair the bright 498T with the dark 490R, truly the 'odd couple' of the PU world, that many players are not happy with. Their decison-making ability is erratic.

I don't care for '57's, BB's, and 490's with the stock magnets; the necks are dark & muddy and the bridges sound thin and 'ribbony.' I 've changed magnets in every Gibson HB I have. If you want a great vintage-sounding HB with an A2, look at Duncan's. If definition and clarity are important to you, you want 500K's in the neck slot. 250K/300K are for the bridge only.