Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

R

Reverberocket2

New member
Looking for a vintage output humbucker set that is

forgiving
smooth/fat
slightly compressed
good sustain
punchy

I know I can get those qualities in a high output pickup but I also want a pickup that cleans up well with the volume knob and still retains an fairly open and articulate sound.

Looking for something that can balance all those qualities.

These will be going into a Les Paul Standard (trad swiss cheese weight relief). I play alt-country, classic rock, blues.

What am I looking for: Duncan Slash APH-2, Duncan Whole Lotta Humbucker, Dimarzio 36th, others?
 
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Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

I think you would like the Slash set the most from what you listed.

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Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

Came here to say Slash set. They are pretty much dead on for what you described.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

All humbuckers are forgiving and slightly compressed . . . I switch from ssl-2s to Seth Lover and '59 for more forgiving and compressed tone.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

GuitarStv said:
All humbuckers are forgiving and slightly compressed
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Yeah compressed is a very relative term in this context. As you say, compared to a single coil, literally any humbucker fits this description.

So, I assume that OP means compared to other PAFs. My first thought when I read the thread title (as far as Duncans go) was the custom shop '78 http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/78-model/

But others have already mentioned the Slash signature set, which sounds like it's the closest thing in the regular Duncan product line. I haven't personally tried them but a slightly overwound A2 PAF is what you want and that's exactly what they are.

That being said, I would go for a Dimarzio tbh. Specifically a PAF Pro. It is literally exactly what you are describing.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

GuitarStv said:
All humbuckers are forgiving and slightly compressed . . . I switch from ssl-2s to Seth Lover and '59 for more forgiving and compressed tone.
Click to expand...

Yes, I mean compared to other humbuckers. To my ears, some of the more traditional PAF type humbuckers like Seth's and Antiquity's are very articulate, open and much less forgiving
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

An A2P. I'm considering "compressed" to mean fat. Or that fat sounds somewhat compressed. Not that either of those is true.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

oilpit said:
Yeah compressed is a very relative term in this context. As you say, compared to a single coil, literally any humbucker fits this description.

So, I assume that OP means compared to other PAFs. My first thought when I read the thread title (as far as Duncans go) was the custom shop '78 http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/78-model/

But others have already mentioned the Slash signature set, which sounds like it's the closest thing in the regular Duncan product line. I haven't personally tried them but a slightly overwound A2 PAF is what you want and that's exactly what they are.

That being said, I would go for a Dimarzio tbh. Specifically a PAF Pro. It is literally exactly what you are describing.
Click to expand...

I had a PAF Pro in the neck of a Flying V back in the late 90's. Never tried it in the bridge.

From what I've read the 36th's are very vintage sounding with a bit of a mid hump and good sustain.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

Aceman said:
An A2P. I'm considering "compressed" to mean fat. Or that fat sounds somewhat compressed. Not that either of those is true.
Click to expand...

Regarding compession I mean how certain high output pickups like a JB are more forgiving and have a singing sustain that makes lead playing easier compared to more dynamic and open sounding pickups like a '59 or Seth.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

I don't know if there are any vintage-output humbuckers that sound compressed (or, really, feel compressed) to me. You have to get into the Custom range to start hearing it.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

Mincer said:
I don't know if there are any vintage-output humbuckers that sound compressed (or, really, feel compressed) to me. You have to get into the Custom range to start hearing it.
Click to expand...

I get that. Just wondering if some of the hotter PAF styles exhibit more sustain/compression than the lower output ones.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

You could always just kick on a compressor pedal. It's . . . kinda what it's designed for.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

The A2P slash set to me is the most forgiving/fun to play out of what you mentioned. The fat highs remind me of how a dimarzio Super D responds just on a lesser scale, they still have solid bass, especially for an A2 pickup. The sustain feels like it's more with these pickups, but it's probably my brain convincing my ears I'm hearing that. The bridge fits in great with a 57 Classic or Burstbucker 1 in the neck too, I like the slash neck for solo type stuff but it always seems a little too hot and dark for any other way I would use it. All of this being said, the Saturday Night Special set covers all these bases with firmer low end, and a much more articulate neck pickup.
 
Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

All the sets mentioned plus Pearly Gates.


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Re: Recommend a vintage output humbucke set that is forgiving and slightly compressed

Agree with the slash set, AP2 set and PG set. Also the SNS set.
Would add the Suhr SSV/SSL and Thornbucker sets to the list as well as a VHPAF Bridge and VPAF neck Dimarzio set if you can find it.
Dropping a nickle Suhr SSV set in a guitar tomorrow to get the tones you speak of.
 
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