Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

G3ordy

G3ordy

New member
I just scored this Gibson SG Supreme on eBay, but it didn't have the stock pups ('57 Classics) in it. It came with some Kent Armstrong humbucker-sized P-90s. I'm debating between getting some '57 Classics and taking it back to stock, leaving it alone, or dropping some others in it.

As for the style of music I play, I like to play rock, bluesy rock and some metal. I like to be able to play heavy and raunchy out of the bridge pup, but I'd also like play some gritty blues riffs without getting too muddy. Would also like a smooth, but gritty neck pup for some smooth and sassy blues riffs.

I currently have access to a JB, a '59 neck, a 500T and an SD Custom Shop El Diablo. I've never played through the '57s before, but I've heard good things. I initially bought the 500T for my LP Custom, but I may end up selling it. Not sure yet.

Suggestions, anyone?
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

'57 Classics aren't one of the great PAF's. If you want to go that route, a pair of numbered Burstbuckers would be better, and Duncan's would be even better still, like Seth's, '59's, PG's, or A2P's.

Probably the most popular bridge PU here for an SG is a C8 (one of the Customs with an A8 magnet). That combined with a PGN would be an excellent choice. You'd get a bridge with warmth and muscle, that sounds great clean or with gain, and a smooth PAF vibe in the neck.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

I'd play it with those P-90s for awhile and see how you like it. IMO, SGs and P-90s are a perfect combination...a bit more bite and clarity than buckers, meatier than singles. The Classic '57s are pretty good pups in an SG, can tend to get muddy in an LP. (I actually have a 57 in one of my LPs and really like it's smooth tone, however).

If you find that you can't get along with those Armstrongs, then my next best suggestion would be what Blueman already suggested. I love the Custom 8 in an SG bridge and a Pearly Gates or a Screamin Demon in the neck.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

While a proponent of the way of the P-90, I can also vouch for a pair of Pearly Gates...
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

I agree with Michelle.

The set I have settled on in my SG Standard would also work well for what you are describing. I use the 59n and leave the Gibson 498t bridge. I've tried a dozen other combinations, but this is the one I keep coming back to. I like the 498t. It is a good mid-output bridge humbucker for rock, and the 59n is perfect in an SG's neck position.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

Mr. B said:
I agree with Michelle.

The set I have settled on in my SG Standard would also work well for what you are describing. I use the 59n and leave the Gibson 498t bridge. I've tried a dozen other combinations, but this is the one I keep coming back to. I like the 498t. It is a good mid-output bridge humbucker for rock, and the 59n is perfect in an SG's neck position.
Click to expand...

And to build on that...an A8 in the 498T, paired with a '59N.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

Some PU's that sound like @$$ thru other guitars sound pretty darn good in an SG. Case in point - Classic '57 N and '57 Plus B are a great and versatile choice. Burstbuckers are too thin and shrill in an SG IMO. I like PG's in most guitars, Virtual PAF's also.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

It would be nice getting a Custom, as you can experiment with Custom 5, Custom UOA5 and Custom 8. But, the guy listed some pickups that he have access too (probably without having to pay), so I'll start with those.

I'm no expert like blueman335 and GuitarDoc, but here's my suggestions (you 2 can help me if that's a bad idea):

- 59n and a 500T bridge with an A8
- 59n and the El Diablo
- 59n and the JB with an a2
- 59n and the p90 bridge
- p90n and any of the other bridge pickups
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

I'll be the lone ranger here and toss a vote for the Diablo. Drop that ***** in and get your Iommi on!
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

I've had the Diablo in my SG, along with a ton of other stuff. After two years I finally found what's staying in mine forever over the weekend.


A2 Brobucker.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

blueman335 said:
And to build on that...an A8 in the 498T, paired with a '59N.
Click to expand...

You know, I've tried the A8 in several pickups (C8, JB8, Demon8), and I just don't jive with it. It is too aggressive and in-your-face tonally. I've even gone back and tried it again (in the Custom) just to make sure it wasn't the individual guitars I tried it in.

On the other hand, I do like the UOA5 custom, and have thought about trying that magnet in the Demon and 498t.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

Does the supreme have the maple top?

IN a solid mahog guitar I love the venerable JB/59 combo.
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

Mr. B said:
You know, I've tried the A8 in several pickups (C8, JB8, Demon8), and I just don't jive with it. It is too aggressive and in-your-face tonally. I've even gone back and tried it again (in the Custom) just to make sure it wasn't the individual guitars I tried it in.

On the other hand, I do like the UOA5 custom, and have thought about trying that magnet in the Demon and 498t.
Click to expand...

That is my opinion about the Custom 8 too. But, if the guy plays metal, it might work. I've done experiments in my SG with the C5, UOC5 (roughcast) and C8. Describing the sound with words:

If you get the guitar and struck an A chord under moderate gain:

The C8 will sound something like: PAWN
The UOC5, something like: ouawn
The C5 will sound something like: Puoawn

Oh my.. After that post, I think I started to doubt my mental health
 
Re: Pickup suggestions for my new used SG

Thanks for your responses! Yes, it does in fact have a maple top. I wouldn't say that I would be playing more metal as much as I would the bluesy rock stuff. I was thinking that the Diablo might be a bit aggressive, but then again, I've never even installed it in anything yet. I thought of dropping the Diablo into a Les Paul instead, but I'm still undecided. I'd really just like to get the SG set up first, then go from there.
 
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