Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

[XanTron]

So I've been thinking about upgrading the pickups in my Epiphone Les Paul Studio Deluxe. It doesn't sound bad, it's got Alnico Classic Plus pickups in it right now, and I'm curious as to whether changing to something like the SH-14 Custom 5 would be worth the trouble. I'd be interested to see what a different pickup would do for me.

Okay, sorry if I'm being vague or whatever, I'm new to the forum. Basically I wanna know, do I have junk pickups that are worth upgrading? If so, are the SH-14's a good option for heavy blues-rock? (Hendrix/Zeppelin etc)

Feel free to educate me.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Alnico Classic Pros are better than what Epi used to use, but still a so-so PU. Worth upgrading. C5's are bright and mid-scooped if that's what you like. For Zeppelin and other British rock of that era (my favorite), the magic formula is Gibsons (usually LP's) with PAF's. One of the best sets you can get for that is the WLH pair (Whole Lotta Humbucker). Two other great choices are Seth's and A2P's.

 

[XanTron]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Okay, thanks. I'm glad you pointed that out. I saw those WLH's then forgot about them, but maybe I'll head that direction. For sake of thriftiness, which would you recommend on a budget?

 

[XanTron]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Okay, what about an SH-1 in the bridge with a Pearly Gates in the neck?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Okay, what about an SH-1 in the bridge with a Pearly Gates in the neck?

That's a good set if you like opposite EQ's between PU's (bright thin bridge/warm rounded neck). For me, that pairing is very unappealing.

Look for used PU's here and on eBay, they can sometimes go for half price. Here's how I hear Duncan's PAF-ish HB's:

Bright, thin bridges: '59B, PGB, JazzB
Warmer, fuller bridges: Seth, A2P, WLH, Slash

Bright, thinner necks: JazzN, '59N
Moderate necks: Seth, A2P, WLH, Slash
Warmer necks: PGN

 

[XanTron]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Okay. Last questions.
I might just go with the A2Ps as a set, think I'd be pleased?
Also, what are your thoughts about rewiring the guitar like Jimmy Page's? Would that be worth the effort?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Harhash]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Okay. Last questions.
I might just go with the A2Ps as a set, think I'd be pleased?
Also, what are your thoughts about rewiring the guitar like Jimmy Page's? Would that be worth the effort?

Thanks for all your help.

Just like blueman335 said, A2Ps are warm and full sounding. If this is what you'r looking for, go for it!

Jimmy Page wiring should be nice to try, and yes, it's worth the effort!

 

[Demanic]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

I would go for a Mayhem set for $140 bucks or whatever they're going for now. Don't let the name scare you, they do great heavy rock especially through a tube screamer type pedal.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Pickup Upgrades, thoughts?

Just like blueman335 said, A2Ps are warm and full sounding. If this is what you'r looking for, go for it!

After Seth's, A2P's are my favorite Duncan PAF. Both bridge and neck sound really good. To me, a much better matched set than PG's because the EQ's aren't as extreme.