Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

[Mateo11]

Hello everyone!

I am wanting to buy my first Seymour Duncan pickup set and was looking for some guidance. Here is what I currently have and what I don't like and am trying to fix: (FYI I have lowered/raised the pickups I have and the pole pieces to adjust the Custom Buckers but just isn't working to my liking)

Gibson Les Paul R8
Custom Bucker Pickups
CB Bridge Alnico III 8.5k DCR: I find the bridge to be on the thin side, has VERY shrill highs to my ears and its output is underpowered IMO as well (think I would prefer a medium output pickup).
CB Neck Alnico III 7.9k DCR: The neck I find to be too bass heavy, wooly and not enough treble and clarity

My amp is an Elmwood M60 Modena which is regarded as a high gain amp but it is much more than that. It can do high gain but also excels at crunch settings and cleans, VERY Versatile amp.

I am mainly a Rock (Classic & Hard), Grunge and Metal guy. Everything from Zeppelin/Journey to Van Halen/Ratt to Alice in Chains, STP and Tool would be about the heaviest I would go. So something that can handle Zep/Journey as well as Tool if that exists in a pickup. Vintage/Modern voiced medium output pickup.


I contacted SD cust support and told them the above and they recommended the Saturday Night Specials which I have been researching but not as much info out there on them compared to other sets.

After tons of research and listening to clips here are the 3 sets I am considering and my concerns. If anyone can help or has experience with these pickups please chime in! Any help is much appreciated! If I am missing a set not mentioned but would work better please let me know

1) Saturday Night Specials (many say it bridges the gap between the Vintage low wind PAFS and Modern Pickups which I think is where I need to be)
Pros: 1) Alnico IV mags: I like the idea of using Alncio IV mags for the even freq response. I would think the highs wouldn't be as shrill and bright as in my current bridge CB.
2) The set is described as hotter and fatter in the bridge and less Wooly in the neck. Seems to fit the description of what I am trying to fix with the CB's
Cons: 1) DCR output is 9.75k in the bridge. I am not sure if this will give me the adequate oomph I am looking for since the CB I have in the bridge is 8.5k DCR. Doest seem like a big step up. The CB's and SNS use same 42 wire. Also wondering if it can handle the more metal end of the spectrum like Tool and Alice in Chains.

2) Custom SH-5 with Jazz neck (SH-5 described as PAF on steroids which also seems to fit the bill. Jazz neck sounds great IMO nice clarity good treble.)
Pros: 1) Described as perfectly suited for Les Paul guitars
Cons: 1) Listed on SD site as high output PU but in description says medium output PU? 14k DCR ....wondering if it will be too hot for cleans and ceramic magnet not to sure about.

3) 59/Custom Hybrid SH-16 with Jazz neck Seems like a great fit since the SH-16 is designed to be vintage and modern voiced.
Pros: 1) 11.2k DCR output seems about right to get the extra drive
2) uses Alnico V mag instead of ceramic which may be warmer which I like
Cons: 1) The Mids seem to be REALLY boosted in the SH-16. Not sure how that would work with a Les Paul which is already very Mid heavy. Don't want it to go to mush on me.

I listed these in the order I am leaning towards with the SNS first then the SH-5 then the SH-16 last.

Any advice on how these will work etc with my guitar, if any of these will take care of my issues with the CB's and any other suggestions/advice would be very helpful! Thanks! Matt

 

[dystrust]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

I haven't played the SNS set or the Hybrid, but I had a Custom in the bridge of my Les Paul from roughly 2003-2008. It sounded good, but was a little bass-heavy; the PAF on steroids description is pretty accurate. I replaced it with a '59 in 2008 because I was after a more classic tone. In comparison I found the 59 to be overly bright and a bit thin, so I have a Hybrid lined up to replace the 59. Hopefully that will be a good balance between classic and modern without being overbearing. If that doesn't work, maybe I'll try a Whole Lotta Humbucker set next.

The Jazz is my favorite neck humbucker if I don't need to be completely vintage accurate. It can get into '59-ish territory with the tone rolled off slightly, while it has a bright top end and slightly scooped mids which provide a Strat-like vibe when played clean.

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

I haven't played the SNS set or the Hybrid, but I had a Custom in the bridge of my Les Paul from roughly 2003-2008. It sounded good, but was a little bass-heavy; the PAF on steroids description is pretty accurate. I replaced it with a '59 in 2008 because I was after a more classic tone. In comparison I found the 59 to be overly bright and a bit thin, so I have a Hybrid lined up to replace the 59. Hopefully that will be a good balance between classic and modern without being overbearing. If that doesn't work, maybe I'll try a Whole Lotta Humbucker set next.

The Jazz is my favorite neck humbucker if I don't need to be completely vintage accurate. It can get into '59-ish territory with the tone rolled off slightly, while it has a bright top end and slightly scooped mids which provide a Strat-like vibe when played clean.

Thanks! Yeah that Jazz neck pu sounds amazing on the clips I have heard. Seems to be exactly what I want out of a neck pu. I did read one guys review who did say the neck pu in the SNS set is very similar to the Jazz if not a bit warmer which I wouldn't mind either. Hope the Hybrid works out for you!

 

[OsvyRock]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Hello everyone!

I am wanting to buy my first Seymour Duncan pickup set and was looking for some guidance. Here is what I currently have and what I don't like and am trying to fix: (FYI I have lowered/raised the pickups I have and the pole pieces to adjust the Custom Buckers but just isn't working to my liking)

Gibson Les Paul R8
Custom Bucker Pickups
CB Bridge Alnico III 8.5k DCR: I find the bridge to be on the thin side, has VERY shrill highs to my ears and its output is underpowered IMO as well (think I would prefer a medium output pickup).
CB Neck Alnico III 7.9k DCR: The neck I find to be too bass heavy, wooly and not enough treble and clarity

My amp is an Elmwood M60 Modena which is regarded as a high gain amp but it is much more than that. It can do high gain but also excels at crunch settings and cleans, VERY Versatile amp.

I am mainly a Rock (Classic & Hard), Grunge and Metal guy. Everything from Zeppelin/Journey to Van Halen/Ratt to Alice in Chains, STP and Tool would be about the heaviest I would go. So something that can handle Zep/Journey as well as Tool if that exists in a pickup. Vintage/Modern voiced medium output pickup.


I contacted SD cust support and told them the above and they recommended the Saturday Night Specials which I have been researching but not as much info out there on them compared to other sets.

After tons of research and listening to clips here are the 3 sets I am considering and my concerns. If anyone can help or has experience with these pickups please chime in! Any help is much appreciated! If I am missing a set not mentioned but would work better please let me know

1) Saturday Night Specials (many say it bridges the gap between the Vintage low wind PAFS and Modern Pickups which I think is where I need to be)
Pros: 1) Alnico IV mags: I like the idea of using Alncio IV mags for the even freq response. I would think the highs wouldn't be as shrill and bright as in my current bridge CB.
2) The set is described as hotter and fatter in the bridge and less Wooly in the neck. Seems to fit the description of what I am trying to fix with the CB's
Cons: 1) DCR output is 9.75k in the bridge. I am not sure if this will give me the adequate oomph I am looking for since the CB I have in the bridge is 8.5k DCR. Doest seem like a big step up. The CB's and SNS use same 42 wire. Also wondering if it can handle the more metal end of the spectrum like Tool and Alice in Chains.

2) Custom SH-5 with Jazz neck (SH-5 described as PAF on steroids which also seems to fit the bill. Jazz neck sounds great IMO nice clarity good treble.)
Pros: 1) Described as perfectly suited for Les Paul guitars
Cons: 1) Listed on SD site as high output PU but in description says medium output PU? 14k DCR ....wondering if it will be too hot for cleans and ceramic magnet not to sure about.

3) 59/Custom Hybrid SH-16 with Jazz neck Seems like a great fit since the SH-16 is designed to be vintage and modern voiced.
Pros: 1) 11.2k DCR output seems about right to get the extra drive
2) uses Alnico V mag instead of ceramic which may be warmer which I like
Cons: 1) The Mids seem to be REALLY boosted in the SH-16. Not sure how that would work with a Les Paul which is already very Mid heavy. Don't want it to go to mush on me.

I listed these in the order I am leaning towards with the SNS first then the SH-5 then the SH-16 last.

Any advice on how these will work etc with my guitar, if any of these will take care of my issues with the CB's and any other suggestions/advice would be very helpful! Thanks! Matt

You can't go wrong with the SH-5/Jazz set. It seems like it will fulfill what you desire with ease. I'm a SH-5 user, but have a 59n' on the neck of my DBZ Bolero. I believe the SNS are really on the vintage side of things.
Alnico V works well in Maple/Mahogany guitars, so option #3 of the Custom/59 Hybrid is also a good option.

 

[gsammo79]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Hello everyone!

I am wanting to buy my first Seymour Duncan pickup set and was looking for some guidance. Here is what I currently have and what I don't like and am trying to fix: (FYI I have lowered/raised the pickups I have and the pole pieces to adjust the Custom Buckers but just isn't working to my liking)

Gibson Les Paul R8
Custom Bucker Pickups
CB Bridge Alnico III 8.5k DCR: I find the bridge to be on the thin side, has VERY shrill highs to my ears and its output is underpowered IMO as well (think I would prefer a medium output pickup).
CB Neck Alnico III 7.9k DCR: The neck I find to be too bass heavy, wooly and not enough treble and clarity

My amp is an Elmwood M60 Modena which is regarded as a high gain amp but it is much more than that. It can do high gain but also excels at crunch settings and cleans, VERY Versatile amp.

I am mainly a Rock (Classic & Hard), Grunge and Metal guy. Everything from Zeppelin/Journey to Van Halen/Ratt to Alice in Chains, STP and Tool would be about the heaviest I would go. So something that can handle Zep/Journey as well as Tool if that exists in a pickup. Vintage/Modern voiced medium output pickup.


I contacted SD cust support and told them the above and they recommended the Saturday Night Specials which I have been researching but not as much info out there on them compared to other sets.

After tons of research and listening to clips here are the 3 sets I am considering and my concerns. If anyone can help or has experience with these pickups please chime in! Any help is much appreciated! If I am missing a set not mentioned but would work better please let me know

1) Saturday Night Specials (many say it bridges the gap between the Vintage low wind PAFS and Modern Pickups which I think is where I need to be)
Pros: 1) Alnico IV mags: I like the idea of using Alncio IV mags for the even freq response. I would think the highs wouldn't be as shrill and bright as in my current bridge CB.
2) The set is described as hotter and fatter in the bridge and less Wooly in the neck. Seems to fit the description of what I am trying to fix with the CB's
Cons: 1) DCR output is 9.75k in the bridge. I am not sure if this will give me the adequate oomph I am looking for since the CB I have in the bridge is 8.5k DCR. Doest seem like a big step up. The CB's and SNS use same 42 wire. Also wondering if it can handle the more metal end of the spectrum like Tool and Alice in Chains.

2) Custom SH-5 with Jazz neck (SH-5 described as PAF on steroids which also seems to fit the bill. Jazz neck sounds great IMO nice clarity good treble.)
Pros: 1) Described as perfectly suited for Les Paul guitars
Cons: 1) Listed on SD site as high output PU but in description says medium output PU? 14k DCR ....wondering if it will be too hot for cleans and ceramic magnet not to sure about.

3) 59/Custom Hybrid SH-16 with Jazz neck Seems like a great fit since the SH-16 is designed to be vintage and modern voiced.
Pros: 1) 11.2k DCR output seems about right to get the extra drive
2) uses Alnico V mag instead of ceramic which may be warmer which I like
Cons: 1) The Mids seem to be REALLY boosted in the SH-16. Not sure how that would work with a Les Paul which is already very Mid heavy. Don't want it to go to mush on me.

I listed these in the order I am leaning towards with the SNS first then the SH-5 then the SH-16 last.

Any advice on how these will work etc with my guitar, if any of these will take care of my issues with the CB's and any other suggestions/advice would be very helpful! Thanks! Matt

I've played the SH-5 and it's a great humbucker to my ears. It is powerful, and will make your LP a lot of fun to play.

The 59/Custom Hybrid is a popular humbucker. It's EQ curve shows it's pretty mid heavy, which I don't really love, but I don't hear it as a mid-heavy humbucker. A lot of guys on this board love the 59/C.


This wasn't mentioned, but the Seymour Duncan Custom shop will wind a humbucker to your specifications, exactly. What magnet you want, DC resistance, windings, and all. It's just another option.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

I forgot to mention that I've been rocking a Custom / Jazz set in my Explorer since 2003. It's an awesome combo in the right guitar; I just wanted something different from my LP.

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

You can't go wrong with the SH-5/Jazz set. It seems like it will fulfill what you desire with ease. I'm a SH-5 user, but have a 59n' on the neck of my DBZ Bolero. I believe the SNS are really on the vintage side of things.
Alnico V works well in Maple/Mahogany guitars, so option #3 of the Custom/59 Hybrid is also a good option.

Do you find the SH-5 to be a High out pu or medium output? Also does it still maintain some Vintageness to it for Classic Rock etc? Can it do clean ok without breaking up? I also wasnt too sure about a ceramic pu just because i have no experience with them. Thanks man!

 

[OsvyRock]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Do you find the SH-5 to be a High out pu or medium output? Also does it still maintain some Vintageness to it for Classic Rock etc? Can it do clean ok without breaking up? I also wasnt too sure about a ceramic pu just because i have no experience with them. Thanks man!

Hi! Well... it takes gain with ease. Sounds ''heavy'', crunches well. Guys like Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger/Whitesnake/Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Rock Of Ages) have used a SH-5/59n combination on his LP's. Do you split coils? It sounds nice doing it. Not totally strat like, but nice. I must say the SH-5 cleans are a lot better than the JB's, not that the JB sounds bad, but the pushed mids may sound nasally on cleans, using certain amps. The SH-5 is whole lotta natural, sounds well. As a bridge pickup, expect it to have certain ''harshness'' on cleans, but it sounds so full. I really like it. It's powerful and clear on distortion tones.

Here! Let me show you how it sounds on gain: https://open.spotify.com/track/0D0hoiKqrSJ5vKG211Pxea I start playing at around 0:08 (rhythm guitarist), 0:10 here I would use the SH-5 for 70's tones (Van Halen), and beyond.

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Hi! Well... it takes gain with ease. Sounds ''heavy'', crunches well. Guys like Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger/Whitesnake/Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Rock Of Ages) have used a SH-5/59n combination on his LP's. Do you split coils? It sounds nice doing it. Not totally strat like, but nice. I must say the SH-5 cleans are a lot better than the JB's, not that the JB sounds bad, but the pushed mids may sound nasally on cleans, using certain amps. The SH-5 is whole lotta natural, sounds well. As a bridge pickup, expect it to have certain ''harshness'' on cleans, but it sounds so full. I really like it. It's powerful and clear on distortion tones.

Here! Let me show you how it sounds on gain: https://open.spotify.com/track/0D0hoiKqrSJ5vKG211Pxea I start playing at around 0:08 (rhythm guitarist), 0:10 here I would use the SH-5 for 70's tones (Van Halen), and beyond.

Thanks for posting those clips! Great playing and your band sounds great!

I don't currently have it set up to split coils on the R8. I got a strat that I use for single coil tones. Nice to hear that its a very natural and full sounding pickup since I need it beefed up with a little growl/bite but still remain clear and articulate under gain which is very important.

More I think about it the SH-5 is sounding like the better fit for me. Thanks for your help!

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Custom 5/Jazz seems like it'd be perfect for what you're looking to do.

 

[OsvyRock]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Thanks for posting those clips! Great playing and your band sounds great!

I don't currently have it set up to split coils on the R8. I got a strat that I use for single coil tones. Nice to hear that its a very natural and full sounding pickup since I need it beefed up with a little growl/bite but still remain clear and articulate under gain which is very important.

More I think about it the SH-5 is sounding like the better fit for me. Thanks for your help!

You're welcome! SrDeMaFp recommendation of the Custom 5 as your bridge pickup is also a good option. Same pickup as the SH-5, just with an Alnico V Magnet. I heard it gives you a mid scooped, but more vintage like sound.

Custom 5/Jazz seems like it'd be perfect for what you're looking to do.

But if you liked what you heard on my live audio clips, the SH-5 is the way to go.

 

[Ben Davella]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

For your set IMHO, SD Jazz neck and DiMarzio Super Distortion. I know you said Duncan, but somehow I feel you wont like the JB. The Super Distortion is a very versatile bridge pup

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

For your set IMHO, SD Jazz neck and DiMarzio Super Distortion. I know you said Duncan, but somehow I feel you wont like the JB. The Super Distortion is a very versatile bridge pup

I've just been checking out the Super Distortion and it definitely sounds good not sure how it would stack up against the SH-5? (I never referenced the JB) From what I am reading so far it seems the Super D excels at high gain and more bottom end but doesn't sound as organic as the SH-5. This is just what I have read on some forums not sure if its legit though.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Do you find the SH-5 to be a High out pu or medium output? Also does it still maintain some Vintageness to it for Classic Rock etc? Can it do clean ok without breaking up? I also wasnt too sure about a ceramic pu just because i have no experience with them. Thanks man!

I wasn't crazy about ceramic pickups before the SH-5 either, but honestly you wouldn't think ceramic if you heard it. The tone absolutely has a classic rock to slightly vintage vibe, but it'll be more saturated and not as open as something like a 59 or Burstbucker. I'm not sure how I'd classify it in terms of output; it isn't as hot as a Distortion or Invader, but there's plenty of available push. It'll easily do metal with the right amp.

I agree with OsvyRock that it does excellent cleans for a bridge pickup.

You're welcome! SrDeMaFp recommendation of the Custom 5 as your bridge pickup is also a good option. Same pickup as the SH-5, just with an Alnico V Magnet. I heard it gives you a mid scooped, but more vintage like sound.

You'll find opinions on the Custom 5 a bit more polarized. Generally I hate it; it's been shrieky bright and too scooped in almost every guitar I've tried it in. The one guitar where I did like it was a basswood Super Strat, and it was almost too bright there.

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Im thinking I may give the Duncan Custom SH-5 a go. Can any you guys that have or played Custom Buckers comment on the high end of the SH-5 pickup compared to the CB? I find the high end very shrill and piercing with the CB hoping not to run into that issue if I go with the SH-5. Thanks

 

[Thundermtn]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

The SH-5 took away too much of the open sounding small harmonic stuff in my LP. I loved the sound clips but once I had it in I was wishing I had gotten the SH-16. Sounds good but not what I wanted a LP to sound like, esp. if you're in R8 land it's something to consider. You ponied up for classic LP tones.

 

[Thundermtn]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

You should go here and ask too, but have THICK skin, these guys are the most ruthless, self-righteous !@#$%#$^@$%& know it alls on the net, but some of them will have more experience with the CB than most guys here.

http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?20-Gibson-Custom-Historic-Les-Paul-District

Check out the Bareknuckles too. Riff Raff's have a vintage vibe that will do metal pretty well. Listen to the Rebel Yell too for something higher output.

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

The SH-5 took away too much of the open sounding small harmonic stuff in my LP. I loved the sound clips but once I had it in I was wishing I had gotten the SH-16. Sounds good but not what I wanted a LP to sound like, esp. if you're in R8 land it's something to consider. You ponied up for classic LP tones.

Ha...That is true I did ponie up for classic LP tones BUT the reason I went with the R8 over just a standard is I got a price on the R8 that was comparable/close to what a new Standard was going for. I figured I could switch out the pickups if the vintage vibe wasn't doing it for me but didn't want to pass up on that magic pixie dust Gibson sprinkles on the Customs! :fingersx: ha

 

[Mateo11]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

You should go here and ask too, but have THICK skin, these guys are the most ruthless, self-righteous !@#$%#$^@$%& know it alls on the net, but some of them will have more experience with the CB than most guys here.

http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?20-Gibson-Custom-Historic-Les-Paul-District

Check out the Bareknuckles too. Riff Raff's have a vintage vibe that will do metal pretty well. Listen to the Rebel Yell too for something higher output.

Thanks! Yeah I am a new member over at the MyLesPaul forum (Long member at TGP). Nothing against those guys over there at MLP but I wanted to avoid any "whaddya mean the bridge Custom Buckers are shrill and the neck is wooly???" discussions. I figured I would go where the natives are friendly ha. Plus I have been reading on this forum for a long while now even though I just joined today.

Honestly I think you guys know pickups better than most out there. Also not afraid to recommend other brands which is cool. I did post there regarding doing magnet swaps but I have decided I don't want to dig into the CB's. Most replies were helpful but I figured I would try here.

I have considered the BareKnuckles Riff Raff and Mule as a set or even the Abraxas set (similar I think to Saturday Night Specials) but they are pricier. Ive always heard great things about Duncan's and always wanted to try them and the price is right so I figured I would go that route first.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Please help Newbie pick first Seymour Duncan set

Now I dig the SNS set, but they simply haven't been around as long, so there is less info available about them. So, while there are decades of info about something like the Jazz, there isn't as much personal experience with the SNS set. I think it is a great take on a PAF tone profile, with a slightly different (maybe ruder?) sound. They are excellent in any body where the formula includes mahogany.