Pups for an Epi SG

UTGrad

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I have an Epi G400 that I’m interested in doing a set of pickups. From my research I’ve gathered a 59 for the neck and a JB for the bridge is a good combo for a classic rock sound.

Any recommendations?


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Re: Pups for an Epi SG

New JB is too hot for classic rock. Go with C5 - '59 combo instead.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

Actually, that ain't bad. Th JB is more like an 80's hard rock thing, but that is some people's definition of 'classic rock' these days. For another definition, you might look at a full 59 set, or the Whole Lotta Humbucker.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

I like the Custom 5...especially in mid-heavy guitars. It does happen to sound a lot more modern than 'classic rock', however.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

I like the Custom 5...especially in mid-heavy guitars. It does happen to sound a lot more modern than 'classic rock', however.

What do you recommend Mincer? I could just do another WLH set like I did in the Les Paul.


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Re: Pups for an Epi SG

A '59 set is nice in SG's, although I put an UOA5 in the bridge PU, for a richer, more vintage tone.

While they're usually very good in Strats and other bright woods, JB's can be squirrely in some mahogany guitars, with an 'ice pick spike' and 'flabby low end.' Not really a classic rock PU either. When I started here over 10 years ago, the most recommended bridge PU for SG's was a Custom 5 (SH-14). That later changed to a Custom 8, which has a fuller sound & less high-end. Custom 8's are any type of Custom with an A8 magnet added to it. '59's are always good for the neck slot in SG's.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

What do you recommend Mincer? I could just do another WLH set like I did in the Les Paul.


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Well, if you want something different (I totally understand that), you may check out the Saturday Night Special set, which sounds amazing in an SG. It uses A4 magnets, which aren't as common as A2 & A5 ones.

 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

Beat me to it.

The C8 is an amazing pup for an SG bridge. With a P-90 (GFS Mean 90 or Dream 90 are great) in the neck you have an unbeatable combination.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

What pickups are in your G400 now? Probuckers? IF so they are really good pickups for classic rock stuff imo. I have them in my 400 and they're staying but I am curious what they don't do for you? Easier to give a helpful answer that way.

I love 59's for most things but definitely a killer classic rock setup. A C5 bridge is great with a 59 neck and if you are splitting coils, it splits really well. It is hotter and a bit more in your face but it's a really friendly Rock pickup in my experience.

I am not a big JB fan but if you are talking everything 80's you probably can't go wrong. I find them to be almost laser beam focused sonically which doesn't work for me but that might be your thing.

The Saturday Night Specials are pretty good, I have a set in an SG-ish guitar but I haven't quite warmed up to them yet. They made my Mira a little too midrange-y which I thought was odd so I dropped them in another guitar I have but haven't used much lately.
 
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Re: Pups for an Epi SG

Gottta say, not many demos make me crank that mother. This is incredible playing to me. Should be a song
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

What pickups are in your G400 now? Probuckers? IF so they are really good pickups for classic rock stuff imo. I have them in my 400 and they're staying but I am curious what they don't do for you? Easier to give a helpful answer that way.

I love 59's for most things but definitely a killer classic rock setup. A C5 bridge is great with a 59 neck and if you are splitting coils, it splits really well. It is hotter and a bit more in your face but it's a really friendly Rock pickup in my experience.

I am not a big JB fan but if you are talking everything 80's you probably can't go wrong. I find them to be almost laser beam focused sonically which doesn't work for me but that might be your thing.

The Saturday Night Specials are pretty good, I have a set in an SG-ish guitar but I haven't quite warmed up to them yet. They made my Mira a little too midrange-y which I thought was odd so I dropped them in another guitar I have but haven't used much lately.

Alnico Classic Pros are currently in the G400. They are good pick ups to my ear but the guitar has more potential.


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Re: Pups for an Epi SG

Alnico Classic Pros are currently in the G400. They are good pick ups to my ear but the guitar has more potential.


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That sounds like the older model G400 that came with their cheapo pups. Yes, I would definitely recommend replacing those.

I've got a couple G400s myself and replaced the pups several times in each. a Distortion bridge works good if that's the tone you're after. A Custom with an A8 mag is superb in the bridge. That's staying in one of my G400s. It's got power when you want it, but it also cleans up pretty nicely when you back off on the guitar volume. And you really can't go wrong with a set of P-90s like the GFS Mean 90. Those work wonders in an SG (or LP for that matter...Just listen to Leslie West of Mountain).
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

Alnico Classic Pros are currently in the G400. They are good pick ups to my ear but the guitar has more potential.


Right, ACP's. I don't think I've ever seen Probuckers in any SG model. Probuckers are usually reserved for more expensive guitars, which have often been LP's.

The standard PU's Epi used prior to their 2010 upgrade program (ACP's and PB's in most models), were the dreaded 'mudbuckers' which were terrible. There's still guys that won't replace those because they think they 'sound great.' If only they could actually hear a good PU.

Another PU set that I think works well in SG's is the Rio Grande BBQ. They're A5's, but wound so that they're on the warm side, but still articulate.

Of course, Doc's suggestion of a HB bridge & P-90 neck is excellent. I've done that.
 
Re: Pups for an Epi SG

That sounds like the older model G400 that came with their cheapo pups. Yes, I would definitely recommend replacing those.

I've got a couple G400s myself and replaced the pups several times in each. a Distortion bridge works good if that's the tone you're after. A Custom with an A8 mag is superb in the bridge. That's staying in one of my G400s. It's got power when you want it, but it also cleans up pretty nicely when you back off on the guitar volume. And you really can't go wrong with a set of P-90s like the GFS Mean 90. Those work wonders in an SG (or LP for that matter...Just listen to Leslie West of Mountain).

From what I understand the Classic Pros are a newer version of the Alnico Classics.


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