Pickups for an ES 335

[Fiesta Red]

Hello,

I just bought an ES 335, and I am interested in new pickups for her. The stock 57 Classics aren't what I want. What pickups will get me in the ballpark for a Larry Carlton - ish tone? I have 59s in my V, and I think they would be a little too harsh for a guitar like this, or would this guitar mellow them out a bit? Any 335 players out there with suggestions? I see a couple of used sets of Seth Lovers on the Trading Post. Will these get me there? Any opinions.

Thanks in advance!
-Mark

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

go for the Seth's or Antiquiuty's

 

[BlueGuitar]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

Hello,

I just bought an ES 335, and I am interested in new pickups for her. The stock 57 Classics aren't what I want. What pickups will get me in the ballpark for a Larry Carlton - ish tone? I have 59s in my V, and I think they would be a little too harsh for a guitar like this, or would this guitar mellow them out a bit?

I put a set of Seth Lovers in my Heritage H-535- the neck pickup was perfect but I thought that the bridge pickup was a bit on the bright side. It was suggested that I go with Antiquities instead for a "smokier" tone...

Hmmm... swapping out the Seth Lover A2 bar magnet on the bridge pickup with an Alnico 3 magnet might be an interesting experiment.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

I actually think you'd like the 59's in your 335. They're not a real high output pickup, and will give you some growl if you want it.

 

[HamerPlyr]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

I actually think you'd like the 59's in your 335. They're not a real high output pickup, and will give you some growl if you want it.

Agreed. I, too, am a fan of Carlton's tone and I have '59's in my 335 and I love them. I would recommend them.

 

[Young Angus]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

Ive heard a lot of praise for a CC/Seth combo in semi acoustics like that...id think that would be a great combo, in fact thats what im going with when i get one!

 

[Lu_B]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

+1 for Seths

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

Carlton's main 335 is a 60's model, so the closest equivalent would probably be a 59. But if you are afraid it will be too bright in this particular guitar I recommend looking at the A2Ps. Smooth, rich and fat. Still has some PAF spank too.

Luke

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

I put a set of Seth Lovers in my Heritage H-535- the neck pickup was perfect but I thought that the bridge pickup was a bit on the bright side. It was suggested that I go with Antiquities instead for a "smokier" tone...

Hmmm... swapping out the Seth Lover A2 bar magnet on the bridge pickup with an Alnico 3 magnet might be an interesting experiment.

I think it was Doc Barlo who put an alnico 3 magnet in an Antiquity and loved it - for the neck position. IIRC A3 should have a little stronger & tighter bottom end, slightly brighter highs, and more scooped mids than the A2 in a Seth Lover.

The Antiquities in my Heritage 535 are staying there. If I were to change anything it would be to try the alnico 3 magnet in the neck pup.

Chip

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

Alnico V PAF's in a Semi Hollow would get yo very close to the Carlton sound. Add a cranked tweed Fender and you're most of the way there. :burnout:

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

Seth's

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Pickups for an ES 335

I have a set of '59s in a '335 copy and they sound spectacular! In my opinion they sound much better in a semi-hollow body guitar than in the solid bodies.

You can't go wrong with Seths or Antiquity either altho you'll pay more...