Pickups for '77 SG

[GibsonSG10]

I'm looking to get pups installed (or a pup) for my 1977 Gibson SG. The guitar is completely original but lacks a bit in terms of output/volume. I notice when I play my '98 SG, I usually keep my amp volume at around 5 when gigging. But, if I'm using my '77, I'll have to kick the volume up to about 7-8 to get the right tone...I was thinking of a custom 5 or duncan custom (maybe just a JB?) in the bridge or just a '59 in the neck just to get a little more output of it w/o compromising the originality..I'd rather not change both pups but if I have to, I'm willing to do so- ANY RECOMENDATIONS?!?! Thanx!!! :dance:

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

The 59/C5 combo will keep some semblance of the vintage tone but definately kick up the output a notch. If you ever plan on selling the guitar, you can always just put the stock pickups back in.

 

[sumitagarwal]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

I know this isn't the kind of feedback you're looking for, but why not just play the '98 when you want that tone and let the vintage axe out when you have a part that asks for its unique voice?

If you just want a tone in your '77 that's like your '98 I guess you could just find out what pups are in the '98 (500T?) and get a pair to stick in your '77.

 

[GibsonSG10]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

Thanx- I've thought of that but I love the way my '77 feels..and, it would be even better if it had it's own unique tone w/ the output I want so even though it would be easy to put the same pups in as my '98, I'm looking for something a little different...appreciate the feedback!

 

[GibsonSG10]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

Do you think I necessarily have to change both pups? Would I be able to get away w/ just a '59 in the neck to acheive more output? Or, maybe just the c5 in the bridge?

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

I don't know if this will boost the output to match the other guitar, but I've got a Seth Lover in the bridge of the six neck in my 77 doubleneck, which is essentially an SG I guess. Also, my favorite guitar as far as feel. That pickup imo is a bit hotter than vintage and has output where I don't need to change my volume when changing guitars. Others can chime in on what it will do to your volume.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

You could just get the C5 in the bridge to get more output in that position.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

I would drop a 59 in the neck and a Custom in the bridge...after that it will sound far better than it does now and it might even pass your 98 SG!

 

[sumitagarwal]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

In my opinion, the pups in your '98 are hot enough (500T, yes?) that to drop something with that kind of output into your '77 you'd have to go out of the vintage-style realm.

That being said, if I'm correct about the '98 pups, then those are ceramic. Pop some high-output alnico babies into your '77 and it'll be louder while still having a very different voice from the '98. As far as whether you need to change one pickup or both... my guess is that doing the bridge alone should do it, since neck pups are often hotter than most of us like it anyways (in relation to the bridge). Start with the bridge and if that doesn't satisfy you then you can always do the neck later.

What kind of music are you doing? If you're liking the presumably-bright pickups in your '98, you might want to get a Pearly Gates bridge for your '77. Its the brightest and loudest of the vintage line.

EDIT: to get more volume on the neck pup, try raising it a bit (which you'll probably have to do anyways, to match it with a stronger bridge pup)

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

I would drop a 59 in the neck and a Custom in the bridge...after that it will sound far better than it does now and it might even pass your 98 SG!

Exactly. Christian is right on...as usual! Only thing I'd mention is you might want to start with just the Duncan Custom...and add the 59N only if feel the need after trying the Custom as the bridge pickup. You might find that your existing neck pickup is fine. The Custom is my favorite of three Duncan "Custom" pickups: it has more mids than the C5 and more highs and lows than the CC. Lew

 

[GibsonSG10]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

Thanx for the responses...I've really learned a lot here- I think the idea of the custom in the bridge first might be the way to go. You're right, I can always add the '59 later if I feel I need more. The music I play can be described as somewhat alternative rock- ambient..My Morning Jacket would be a good comparison of my guitar sound. I also use a lot of effects. I notice the custom has higher mids than the C5 so I'm thinking that might be more suitable to what I'm looking for...if anyone else has any other suggestions- let me know!

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

I love Duncan's, but I'm NEVER taking the T-Top out of my 79 Paul! One at a time unless something is way wrong...

 

[Martian]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

A Custom or even a JB in the bridge sound great in SGs!

A 59 in the neck might be somewhat muddy, especially in comparison to a Custom or JB. As a matter of fact, the 59 probably won't sound monumentally different than the OEM you've got in there now.

Try a Pearly Gates bridge model in the neck.

 

[GibsonSG10]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

Sweet- I think I've decided...a Duncan Custom in the bridge. Sounds like that will give me the output I'm looking for along with nice mids and stll keep a vintage tone- agree or disagree?!?!?

 

[Martian]

Re: Pickups for '77 SG

Sweet- I think I've decided...a Duncan Custom in the bridge. Sounds like that will give me the output I'm looking for along with nice mids and stll keep a vintage tone- agree or disagree?!?!?

I agree, you're making the right move!