Pickups for a black beauty

[Avalon]

First post here, so hello to everybody

I'd like to change the pus in my Gibson LP Custom '57 VOS (all mahogany body, ebony fretboard, 2 hb)
I already have a R9 and a SG '61 RI for more vintage tones, so for this one I'm looking for something a bit more aggressive, remaining in rock/hard rock area
I'm thinking about a '59 or a Pearly Gates in the neck position, but still confused for the bridge.
However any suggestion will be highly appreciated
cheers

 

[jonsick]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

OK hear me out.... a set of EMG 81/85.

I have an LP Custom with some decent modifications. It was used when I got it from about 97 or so. I had it refretted with some bigger fret wire and installed an 81/85 set. This thing is an absolute monster of a guitar. I also have a white LP Custom which was more recent, 2014 or so. The only reason I'm holding back doing similar mods is it cost me an arm and a leg haha.

But seriously, EMGs in an LP just rock. I have yet to find a passive combination to match.

If the thought of actives makes you sick (personally I believe it's a complete bandwagon to hate on EMGs but hey ho, more cheap scores on eBay for me!), then the next favourite combination is the DiMarzio Super Distortion and Paf Joe in the neck. That set started life in the white LP-C and I moved it to the ESP Eclipse. I still like it more than the Duncan JB/59 set that was in the ESP but there's no comparing it to the EMG loaded monster.

 

[Securb]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

The Whole Lotta Humbuckers and a Les Paul are like peanut butter and jelly. You can go from blues/jazz (neck) to molten metal (bridge). The classic hard rock tones are effortless to dial in. I have them in my Traditional, and with standard wiring, the axe is a swiss army knife of tone.

 

[BRHGM]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

Custom and Jazz, PG set or 59 set cover a lot of territory. Joe Perry uses a Seth set. Slash uses A2P set. It's really depends on your rig set-up and your guitar. You can make it work with many combinations of pickups.

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

if you go with duncans I'd recommend these following combos:
59/JB
59A4/Custom8
59/Custom

IMO the pearly gates sounds better in non-mohagany guitars. I had it in a les paul-like guitar with mohagany body and maple cap and it sound too dark and muddy under high gain.

if you want something different take a look to Bare Knuckle Crawler or Suhr Aldrich Signature. In a different thread I asked for info in regards with Schecter Pasadena combo.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?319148-Schecter-pickups

 

[daenius]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

if you go with duncans I'd recommend these following combos:
59/JB
59A4/Custom8
59/Custom

IMO the pearly gates sounds better in non-mohagany guitars. I had it in a les paul-like guitar with mohagany body and maple cap and it sound too dark and muddy under high gain.

if you want something different take a look to Bare Knuckle Crawler or Suhr Aldrich Signature. In a different thread I asked for info in regards with Schecter Pasadena combo.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?319148-Schecter-pickups

EMGs do sound great in LPs, problem is the guy would have to route for the battery... not sure if he'd want to do that for an R7

The Suhr Aldrich though... I have one and that thing SCREAMS and SINGS like no other! It's got a bit of that vintage PAF voice, but a whole lot more output, focus, and screaming harmonics! It's got plenty of warmth and depth, but somehow still has a really clear top end that rolls off at all the right places. This is in a Suhr Custom Standard which is 25.5" scale. On a 24.75" Les Paul I can only imagine it'll give it more clarity and sound absolutely massive

If you want to stick with Duncans though, the Custom or the Custom Custom should do what you want too!

 

[bldrst]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

I know this might seem like a crazy choice but... I put a '78 in my 2010 Gibson Les Paul Custom bridge after the stock Gibson and trying and recording several other favorites like the SD RTM, SD Custom Custom, SD Pearly Gates (set) and a SD Distortion - w/ a magnet swap (A2?). For me the winner was the '78. Actually surprised me a lot. The Custom Custom was close to perfect before and now it's in my '86 San Dimas. :argh:

 

[bldrst]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

if you go with duncans I'd recommend these following combos:
59/JB
59A4/Custom8
59/Custom

IMO the pearly gates sounds better in non-mohagany guitars. I had it in a les paul-like guitar with mohagany body and maple cap and it sound too dark and muddy under high gain.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?319148-Schecter-pickups

Yep, that's what happened with Pearly Gates in my LP Custom.

 

[dave74]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

Custom-family for bridge. Which one depends on all your particulars (strings, amps, cabs, ect.).
Custom 5 would be my first thought.

 

[Avalon]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

thanks guys for sharing you experiences
I've found a PG and a custom custom both 2nd hand, so I'll have a try with these first

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

I think the PGn will sound good, but have my doubts about the CC because its spongey, midrangey, smooth top will just add to the guitar's same characteristics.
If so, swap the A2 magnet for A5, making it a Custom 5. The CC works best in a thin sounding guitar like a maple neck Fender.


I have a C5 in my 57 Black Beauty, and it's a fat rockin LP.

If I were to buy a new set for my BB 3pup, I'd like to try gold Saturday Night Specials because they're tight, clear, and musical.

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

Another vote for a Custom 5 bridge & P.G.N. in the neck. Of course this is a fairly subjective statement but IMHO they are absolutely the best all around humbucker set I've ever had the pleasure of using, especially in set neck Mahogany guitars!!!



CUSTOM/CUSTOM's definitely have their place, I couldn't imagine my Stratocaster without one but they can be fickle things in L.P.'s. They generally (not necessarily) sound dark and kinda muddy. Where you've already got a C.C. really all you need is a A5 magnet swap to make it a Custom 5. It will run you about $5 for the polished A5 or if you want to smooth things out with the highs a bit you can try a UOA5 for about the same price...

In either case it would be brighter & tighter while retaining all that "Moderate SH-Custom Tone", the P.G.N. is pretty great in just about everything but in this setting it will really shine & the two puppies compliment each other perfectly!!!



They also sound pretty darn awesome in Semi-Hollow's & Korina V's!!!

 

[jonsick]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

EMGs do sound great in LPs, problem is the guy would have to route for the battery... not sure if he'd want to do that for an R7

I don't know if the R7 is different, but the battery fit in mine no problem. Or at least not one I remember. I did use soldered connections though instead of the space-hogging EMG solderless systems.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

My thought is that if you go with a PG in the neck, go with a JB in the bridge. Instant hard rock tones, especially if you use a Marshall-type amp. If you want a more balanced & modern bridge pickup, a Custom or Custom 5(more scooped) will do well.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Pickups for a black beauty

I'm not entirely sure a JB would be the best choice here. Classic in a maple-cap Les Paul, yet this one is all mahog and could be a bit too midrangey in character. Adding my vote for an A5 mag in that CustomCustom. Or a ceramic- the original Custom is a very good pickup.

For a more aggressive option don't overlook the Full Shred. Good harmonics, tight low end, plenty of cut for a warm guitar. It's really a lot more versatile than the name would suggest. Can do great classic rock sounds as well as more modern tones.