Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

[blind1]

Greetings friends,

I'm not deadset on replacing these pickups, but I am curious on opinions for replacing the Gibson BB1 and BB2 pickups in my Gibson Les Paul Traditional.

The bridge pickup isn't terrible but it has something in the high end that just doesn't quite agree with my ears. The neck pickup is very wooly. I do like the open-ness of these pickups.

What pickups do you guys recommend? From my research, I really like the sound of Seymour Duncan Antiquities but I don't care for the aged look. Seth Lovers seem to be another possibility for me. Anybody have suggestions?

I play mostly rock music and play through an Orange Rockerverb.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

I'm sure the antiquities can be ordered with clean shiny new covers.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

You'll have to be more specific

Do you want similar EQ, similar output, both or neither? Do you even still want 2 humbuckers or a change?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

The Antiquities can be ordered with new covers. I have both the Ant's and Seth's, but I honestly like the crunch, bite and added brightness of the Seth's. The Ants are great, just a little more laid back and smokey.....but they will absolutely rock. The Seth's, to me, have a better open and airy quality. I love both the bridge and neck, but the Seth neck is really special. I really like clarity in the neck, but also enough warmth and sweetness. The Seth N delivers.

There are other pickups that will work as well, but the Ants and the Seths are the most vintage accurate PAF's in the standard line, without going to the Custom Shop. The main thing I would need to know is if you prefer Alnico 2 or Alnico 5 magnets, before I can go much further. I prefer A2, so I have my Duncan favorites, but there are some A5 sets that I really like. Staying in the more vintage output range and not getting too hot some GREAT sets include:

Pearly Gates A2 and a favorite of mine
'59 Set A5 Love the bridge, struggle with the neck
APH-1 Set A2 Was a favorite for years, but the Slash is even better
Slash Set A2 and a favorite of mine
Whole Lotta Humbucker A5 I just installed a set Sunday and so far I really like them
Saturday Night Special Set A4 I've just tried the bridge, but it's a damn fine pickup

Again, I can give more detail once I know if A2 or A5 is your preference.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Not to derail but ... does everyone hate Burstbuckers except for me? I really like them. 57 Classics are a different story altogether ...

 

[Mincer]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

I'd order the new-looking Antiquities, and they will solve your issues. If you want a little more mids, Seth Lovers are a great choice, too. Keep in mind, both sets are unpotted, so if you either play with a ton of preamp gain, or lots of volume, you'd order them potted. But for more dynamic styles where touch-sensitivity is important, they both rock!

 

[TVFV]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Not to derail but ... does everyone hate Burstbuckers except for me? I really like them. 57 Classics are a different story altogether ...

I had a BB3 that sounded fine. It got replaced with a Jazz Bridge. I definitely didn't hate it.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Not to derail but ... does everyone hate Burstbuckers except for me? I really like them. 57 Classics are a different story altogether ...

Not at all. There is a lot of love for BB's in my opinion. I'd keep BB 1/2 or BB 2/3 combos unlessI was building dedicated for metal guitar.

 

[chadd]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

I like them quite a bit, but I am really happy with the Slash set that I put in my Les Paul. If you decide to let go of the BB1/BB2, let me know. The BB1 is my favorite neck pickup.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

the Probuckers in my Epi are copies of the BBs
I like them alot

the 30 mins I spent with a set of 57s in store was very nice
I was quite enthralled by them
nice chime to the open strings

 

[blind1]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

I'd order the new-looking Antiquities, and they will solve your issues. If you want a little more mids, Seth Lovers are a great choice, too. Keep in mind, both sets are unpotted, so if you either play with a ton of preamp gain, or lots of volume, you'd order them potted. But for more dynamic styles where touch-sensitivity is important, they both rock!

How do I order these Antiquities like you described?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

You should be able to order them from any SD dealer. If that doesn't work, go to SD themselves...contact info is on the bottom of the home page. BTW, I am in the Tampa Bay area, too.

 

[Discharged]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

How do I order these Antiquities like you described?

banjomikez on e-bay: https://www.ebay.com/str/banjomikez

or its brick-and-mortar shop here: http://mikes-music-shop.com/parts.htm

/Peter

 

[blind1]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

So if I just ask like this, what do you guys prefer as an ideal pickup for Les Pauls from these choices and why?

Antiquity
Seth Lovers
Phat Cat P90
Pearly Gates
Other

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

^^^That's a question that is hard to answer, because each brings something different. How much gain do you play with? Out of the sets listed, the PG will handle gain the best. They are more mid and mid high focused....not as much low end as others, but in a LP they can and are many times perfect. The bridge especially needs that thickness of a Les Paul. The PGn is brilliant in a lot of guitars.


Since you like open sounding pickups and nothing wooly in the neck:

Seth Lover
Pearly Gates
Antiquity
P90

If you're at all concerned with your pickups squealing, go PG first. There really is no right or wrong answer. Buy from an authorized dealer and you have the 21 day guarantee from SD.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

So if I just ask like this, what do you guys prefer as an ideal pickup for Les Pauls from these choices and why?

Antiquity
Seth Lovers
Phat Cat P90
Pearly Gates
Other

Depends on what I want to do with said Les Paul. My preference is a Distortion/59n or a Custom/PGn....however, I rock a little harder than you I think.

Seth Lovers - for a classic sweet old school original 50's LP tone. An all around guitar for clean and maybe early classic rock tones.
Phat Cats - while I prefer actual P90's, I'll take this for a Rawk & Roll raunchy blues or gritty classic/southern rock LP
Pearly Gates - My personal favorite PAF set. I'd get this for clean to blues to rock to lighter hard rock tones.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

BTW, I am in the Tampa Bay area, too.

What about me Dave? I live there too. Some reason I'm not being mentioned here? Huh? Me too Dave....

Blind1 - come and check me out playing a PG loaded Cadillac on New Years in west Chase....PM for the Deets.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Not to derail but ... does everyone hate Burstbuckers except for me? I really like them. 57 Classics are a different story altogether ...

Slight off topic, but my LP Trad with the '57 Classics is my only guitar without Duncans in it. Perfect for my needs in an LP.

 

[SJ318]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Seth Lover with roughcast A5 mag. For bridge. Best all around (just a teeny bit hotter) than my real PAF's.
Been my favorite for a long time after a lot of trial. A LOT!!
I.M.H.OPINION. My h.bucking search is over. After 50 years.
Good hunting,
Steve.

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: Pickups to replace Gibson BB1 and BB2

Change a BB1/BB2 set? I have an old Les Paul Special with a wax potted BB2 in the bridge position and that guitar is just divine.