Re: Pickups for my Les Paul Studio Faded
The LTD has a high output bridge p/u, so I'd cover some different terrain by going vintage output in this guitar. You can't go wrong with a PGb I reckon. The 59 (like the BB) has an A5 magnet so will be thinner and more scooped which isn't what you want. If the PG still has too much high-end then a rough A2 will smooth it off.
edit - the PG won't have a tight low-end, but its hard to get that in a vintage PAF. A swap to an UOA5 might give some bass back.
Alright. I know the LTD has a high output pickup in the bridge, but I'm not against having a high-output pickup in this guitar too, just something different though. But I'm open to anything, so I might try something like you suggested and see if I like it. I'm just afraid they might sound too much like the BB Pro in the guitar already. Thanks man!
If you are into magnet swapping, get a A8 for the BB Pro. More volume, more mids and fuller ... and you are done for a 'Handfull of Dollars' :approve:
That sounds like a good idea! I have never tried a magnet swap though. I might be too afraid of messing up my Gibson pickups lol but its worth a shot. Will the Gibson pickups take the same size mag that SD pickups do?
Custom.
Or maybe some EQ tweaks to match the guitar?
I have been really interested in trying out a Custom, especially on the guitar to see how it does. That was my first choice of pickups to try out.
Has far has EQ tweaks, I have done a ton of tweaking on my amp, and I just can't get the bridge pickup to sound thick enough without everything else sounding like total mud.
I have the same guitar and was surprised I seemed to be the only person that found that guitar/pickup combo to be so irritatingly bright. Nice to know its not just me lol.
I had an A2Pro set - still a bit bright.
Dimarzio Super D/PAF set - awesome.
I just changed the Super D for a JBJ but that was purely cosmetic (I wanted a black pickup rather than a double cream). The JB is great as well, so you could try either the Super D or JB.
It's not just you! Lol
One thing that I am still trying to figure out is, is it the pickups that are super bright or is it the guitar???
Hmm, I have to say that I have never tried any Dimarzio pickups before. Mabe I should give some a try.... How does the Super D sound on cleans or is it more of just an in-your-face rock pickup? Also, I have 2 other guitar that already sport a JB in the bridge so I want to do something different with this one.
I have to agree 100% with Hamerfan...
The absolute first thing to try is put an A8 in the BB. This will give you more mids, soften the highs, and give you more output...everything you're looking for. The BB Pro is a good pup, but it can be a bit bright in the wrong guitar. The A8 will solve the problem.
As much as I love the PGn in the right guitar, the PGb will be a bit scooped and bright, Definitely not what you are looking for.
The '59 is even more scooped and bright, but good with an A8.
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Thats what I was afraid of, that a 59 or PG would just sound about the same. And if I'm going to swap a mag, I would probably rather just do it first in the pickup I already have. Looks like I will definitely try an A8 in the BB Pro first. Thanks man!
The first move for anyone should be tweaking the set-up (PU/pole piece height), then magnets, then pots, then new PU's. Use what you have and work your way up so you don't spend a lot more than you need to. Many guys have bought PU after PU and still not gotten what they wanted.
True, BB's are very good PU's, but they may not have the right magnets for you. I can understand that, I think I've swapped mags in almost every Gibson HB I own. Most bridge PU's are on the bright side; regardless of what they are, it's usually the mags and pots that add mids and dial down the treble. Put an A8 or UOA5 in the bridge for a good dose of beef, and an A4 in the neck, and you'll probably get just what you want, all for under $10. Yes, a C8 is a good choice, but you may get a tone you like just as well from your BBP with an A8. Either way you're swapping a magnet; why not do it first with the PU you have now?
Yes, I have spent MANY countless hours adjusting the pickup height and the pole pieces, and I have not got the results I am looking for. Lol! I've tried other caps as well, but I really would rather just leave the pots as they are because I don't think they are really the problem. I think I will try an A8 in the BB Pro for sure! Anyone got a spare A8 mag they want to get rid of? Lol
