Pickups or Amp?

Re: Pickups or Amp?

I have a really nice Traditional Les Paul that plays like butter and honestly my Studio plays well but I have played several Epiphone Les Paul Standards that pay just as well after a setup and with a good electronics upgrade pots caps and pickups, it sounds just as good and plays just as good as any Studio I've played.
I agree with you on that completely.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Well i think it maybe the amp mostly, the headphones sounded much better.

I guess I'll be looking at Amps tomorrow first. After I get the amp settled I'll look at getting some pups. May go with a HRH or maybe WLH. I like clear and bright pickups as you can always add some dirt or fuzz and use tone knobs.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Don't worry about higher wattage on modeling amps or solid state ones. The volume knob is linear, so you can have a huge amp and still play at low volumes.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Epi pups pre 2010 tend to be crappy. "Mudbuckers " as they're referred to. They can still be trashy beyond 2010
My 2011 Epi Les Paul came with some "Alnico 2 59's "that were overly bright and thin. They're long gone.

I'd change them first up.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Epi pups pre 2010 tend to be crappy. "Mudbuckers " as they're referred to. They can still be trashy beyond 2010
My 2011 Epi Les Paul came with some "Alnico 2 59's "that were overly bright and thin. They're long gone.

I'd change them first up.

Depends on the guitar, really. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the cheap G&B OEM pickups. I have a pair (originally from an LTD) in my Jackson V right now.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

I remember having an Epi Korina Explorer that had stock an Alnico Classic in the neck with an Alnico Classic Plus in the bridge. They sufficed for a year or so and didn't sound bad. Though I did eventually replace them with Lace Deathbuckers for a heavier more cutting sound.

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Re: Pickups or Amp?

Depends on the guitar, really. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the cheap G&B OEM pickups. I have a pair (originally from an LTD) in my Jackson V right now.
That's why I said "Tend to " There are exceptions.
I stuck pole magnets in mine and that made them a bit more usable but in the long run they were thin/ low output.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Least popular response:

Bandit, EQ pedal, Boss BC-2.

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Re: Pickups or Amp?

I'll post this a million times if I have to…


cheap guitar and stock pups through amazing amp = pretty good

Billy Gibbons own Pearly Gates through a 15watt solid state Crate = crap
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Well guess what....a big box appeared next to the tree last night. That thing ways a ton and isn't labeled for anyone yet. About the size of an Amplifier 1x12 Combo :D.

I had a JCA2212C on my wish list since it was on sale for $299 at GC instead of $650 due to the new black color is being demanded.

Maybe I can focus of pickups after all :D

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Re: Pickups or Amp?

I had two Gibson Les Paul Studios–loved the Ceramic Set but didn't care for the Burstbuckers personally. I've had pretty good luck with liking the stock pickups, my favorite set of all time came from a Jackson SL3 that was loaded with a JB plus 2 Hot Rails. Also had a MIA Fender that came stock with Fat 50s that I loved (got rid of that like an idiot and got another MIA Strat and replaced the pickups for Fat 50s.) I've had several Charvel Jacksons over the years I liked the stock pickups in but I've also changed quite a bit two...so its probably 50/50 for me :)

I agree about upgrading the electronics in the Epiphone–I would want to if owned one (like MIM Strats.) I was just thinking from a monetary standpoint to worry about the amp first. But hey, he may upgrade the pickups in the Epi and love it thus no longer needing an upgrade (unless he is bothered by the headstock ;) )


Reshape the headstock with a file and maybe a fine tooth jig or saber saw.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Well guess what....a big box appeared next to the tree last night. That thing ways a ton and isn't labeled for anyone yet. About the size of an Amplifier 1x12 Combo :D.

I had a JCA2212C on my wish list since it was on sale for $299 at GC instead of $650 due to the new black color is being demanded.

Maybe I can focus of pickups after all :D

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk


What happened after all our input?
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Got the amp for Christmas and upgraded my pickups to a 59/JB set.

Loving it so far.

The amp is a JCA2212C. Great amp, really pulls forth all sort of Marshall flavored tones.
 
Re: Pickups or Amp?

Got the amp for Christmas and upgraded my pickups to a 59/JB set.

Loving it so far.

The amp is a JCA2212C. Great amp, really pulls forth all sort of Marshall flavored tones.


Great. Congratulations.

I have that same pickup combination in at least two of my guitars and they sound fabulous. I'm sure you will dig them with that amp the more gain you pile on and the more you crank it up. Ha, ha. Rattle the windows. Rock the house.

Thanks for the update. We dig hearing about great outcomes and happy guitar players.
 
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Re: Pickups or Amp?

Great. Congratulations.

I have that same pickup combination in at least two of my guitars and they sound fabulous. I'm sure you will dig them with that amp the more gain you pile on and the more you crank it up. Ha, ha. Rattle the windows. Rock the house.

Thanks for the update. We dig hearing about great outcomes and happy guitar players.
Yea, it really rocks hard. The JB seems to be able to take all the gain I can throw at it. Great set.

Thanks :)
 
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