Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

J

January_Embers

New member
Hey all. I've currently got in my Les Paul Studio a CustomCustom in the bridge and a '59 in neck. I think I want to replace both. The 59 is a pretty rockin' pickup, but I think I need something with less bass. As for the CC, I really dig the smooth top end, but its just all mids. Its narrow. Not to be confused with thin . . . its a thick pickup but its too focused in such a narrow area that it just doesn't sound BIG!! if that makes sense. I have no idea where to look for the bridge, any suggestions? For the neck, I was thinking either PG or A2P. On a slightly side note, I recently had a chance to play a really nice Tele, and while it was a little too bright for my tastes, holy crap did that thing have TONE!! So, I guess I'm kind of looking for a pup that might be less output but more toneful for both neck and bridge positions.

Any help guys? Thanks . . .
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

Most will recommend either the A2P in the neck, or the jazz.

I am a huge jazz neck proponent. It gives you the clarity you've always wanted from the neck slot on an LP. It's not so bright where you can't get a good smooth solo tone though. The A2P will have more mids than the 59, or Jazz with less low end or high end.

If you want mojo filled, soulful pups and aren't afraid to pay for it check out the antiquities. They sound fantastic.

In my Heritage I've got a Jazz neck and A2P bridge. It gives me the desired thickness, sparkle, and chime in any position, you only need to find your sweet spots on the knobs.

Here is a breakdown I did of PAF style pups, the custom series, and the JB
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=32475&page=2&highlight=alouu

Hope some of that helps. If you tell us a bit about your style and rig we could diagnose the problems/solutions a bit better.

Luke
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

Thanks for the suggestions so far . . . I've already tried the Custom and the Custom-5 and neither one is what I'm looking for. I'm currently using a Marshall JCM 2000 (that might change soon . . . ) into a Marshall cab with Greenbacks. The music I play is kind of alternative/pop-punk-ish, but I'm most definately not looking for the typical recto wall of slush. I would give you some examples of cool tone, but nothing is quite what I want . . . AC/DC is close but not pushed enough. I'll listen through a couple cds later and see if anything catches my ear that might help in my quest . . . thanks again.
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

If you don't want to spend any cash at the moment, try swapping the mags between the CC and the 59. Tweak them and play them for a while and see how you like them in your LP. I had an alnico II loaded 59 in the neck of my Lester for a while and I loved it. Al the boominess was gone and it sounded much richer.
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

January_Embers said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far . . . I've already tried the Custom and the Custom-5 and neither one is what I'm looking for. I'm currently using a Marshall JCM 2000 (that might change soon . . . ) into a Marshall cab with Greenbacks. The music I play is kind of alternative/pop-punk-ish, but I'm most definately not looking for the typical recto wall of slush. I would give you some examples of cool tone, but nothing is quite what I want . . . AC/DC is close but not pushed enough. I'll listen through a couple cds later and see if anything catches my ear that might help in my quest . . . thanks again.
Click to expand...

I'll give you some advice, listen to the tone clips on the site until your ears bleed...then do it some more! :laugh2: That's the only way I know to make sure you hear the differences, almost every variable is gone in those clips.

Luke
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

I had that same configuration in my Les Paul Studio (CC and a2p). I took them both out and placed them in my "V." Now, in the Studio are a JB and a Jazz. I love the JB, but need to have it rewaxed since it is an early JBJ model. The Jazz I find, at times, a bit too thin. I say that only because I love the sound of the A2P(n).

I am really satisfied with the JB and if you play punk, you'll be too.
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

Luke Duke said:
I'll give you some advice, listen to the tone clips on the site until your ears bleed...then do it some more! :laugh2: That's the only way I know to make sure you hear the differences, almost every variable is gone in those clips.

Luke
Click to expand...

I've listened to the clips a couple times and while my ears aren't that great, I can pick up on differences between them all I have to say that the Seth Lovers are probably my favs. I don't know if they're my cup of tea or not though . . . can they work for more modern-ish stuff?
 
Re: Possibly looking for a new pup and need some advice . . .

Benjy_26 said:
I had an alnico II loaded 59 in the neck of my Lester for a while and I loved it. Al the boominess was gone and it sounded much richer.
Click to expand...

That probably would sound good, as would an Alnico 3 or 4.
 
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