Pimp my Epiphone Les Paul Plustop Pro

[beaubrummels]

You should be able to see about 1/4" of magnet though if the pickup is uncovered, even if the pickup is installed.

Looks smooth to me. I can see polishing marks to the naked eye.

 

[pskorz]

The difference of covered vs. uncovered, to me, is largely cosmetic. I'm not saying there's no difference, but it's slight. The bigger difference is this: if you get an uncovered pickup you probably keep the adjustable pole pieces flush with the pickup. If you have a covered version, by default the adjustable poles are raised about a mm or so, and the pickup itself (due to the thickness of the cover) is probably a half a mm or so lower than it would be uncovered. I think that those two factors contribute to the sound difference moreso than anything the actual cover does magnetically or electrically.

 

[RockinRick]

I just ordered the Slash pickups! :-D I'm so excited!

And I will replace all the electronics too. My Epi will also get a new nut and new tuners - so everything will be new soon :-D

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mincer]

I wanna hear how this project turns out...include pics, too!

 

[RockinRick]

Sounds like a lot of recommendations for the Slash set, although as Mincer said, whatever is on sale.
Have you considered 59's or the WLH set? Just for something different.

Sent from my SM-A115A using Tapatalk

Ouw, sorry. I did not see your answer till now.

No, I went straight to the A2P and Slash pickups. Or to say it in other words: I wanted to have "better" pickups and Slash came to my mind. So I checked his pickups and so I came to the A2P and his signature pickups. I didn't do an extensive market research - not with the model nor with the brand.

I also have an Epi LP Studio - I don't play this guitar and gave it to my girlfriend a few years ago. So it's "her" guitar. Maybe I will change the pickups too on that guitar. But first let's see how this project turns out

 

[RockinRick]

The difference of covered vs. uncovered, to me, is largely cosmetic. I'm not saying there's no difference, but it's slight. The bigger difference is this: if you get an uncovered pickup you probably keep the adjustable pole pieces flush with the pickup. If you have a covered version, by default the adjustable poles are raised about a mm or so, and the pickup itself (due to the thickness of the cover) is probably a half a mm or so lower than it would be uncovered. I think that those two factors contribute to the sound difference moreso than anything the actual cover does magnetically or electrically.

Thank you! Good point!

I ordered the pickups without cover. And yes, it was a cosmetic decision

 

[RockinRick]

I wanna hear how this project turns out...include pics, too!

Of course! I will post before and after pics. But it will take 2 weeks or so till I get all the parts...

 

[jhansen]

My Epiphone Les Paul Ultra has a chambered body. It's lightweight. Open coil pickups sound better than covered ones. Also high output pickups in the bridge like the JB sounds great. Even a ceramic magnet pickup was good. The guitar came with Epiphone 57 medium output A2 covered pickups. I felt like something was missing. The chambered body is a factor with what pickup is better than another. it handles high output open coil pickups like the JB well. My Les Paul Ultra and your Les Paul Plus top are not the same even though they are Epiphones.
What works for one might not work well with other. If your Plus Top Pro has a chambered out body go for a high output A2 like the Custom Custom or A5 JB in the bridge. Jazz in the neck. your Epi will ROCK. If your plus top pro is solid in weight not chambered...go with the Stash or Perly Gates GOOD LUCK.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz II]

The Slash set seems to be brighter to my ears and as others said a little bit hotter.

I have always preferred the Alnico II pros over the signature set. Don't know why but the pros have that instant appetite for destruction tone always recognized. Anyway I'm not you and I don't have your guitar, so I can only give you my advice: the guitar is bright I'd go with the regular A2P set. If not the Slash set

I hear the same.
Not a big fan of the 'new' Slash set . . . but i LOVE the ''regular'' A2P set in my SG.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz II]

The difference of covered vs. uncovered, to me, is largely cosmetic. I'm not saying there's no difference, but it's slight. The bigger difference is this: if you get an uncovered pickup you probably keep the adjustable pole pieces flush with the pickup. If you have a covered version, by default the adjustable poles are raised about a mm or so, and the pickup itself (due to the thickness of the cover) is probably a half a mm or so lower than it would be uncovered. I think that those two factors contribute to the sound difference moreso than anything the actual cover does magnetically or electrically.

Like you said . . . the diff's are there, albeit slight. (to most ears)
That is why i got an un-covered bridge & covered neck set for my WLH set.
For the same reason i got a covered set (A2P's) for my SG . . . i wanted the fattest, soundest, fullest sound but still have a bit of PAF-like quality to it aswell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDX1Ykb3Fhg&t=213s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Fn8g1RmVU&t=153s

 

[Securb]

I am wondering what the Pro Bucker 2 + 3 pickups are lacking for the OP. I have them in my Gibson Goldtop Standard and absolutely love them.

 

[Gstring]

Concur with Securb. I have worked on a few higher end Epi's and the stock pups and electrics (recollect the LTD model has full size pots) can sound very good through a good basic amp.. A buddy with a similar guitar plays through a relativelly inexpensive Marshall MG50 GFX and gets some great sounds. Would be interested to know what amp OP is using.