SG Pickups - what to choose

[Janglin_Jack]

I have a Gibson Les Paul, ES-335 and I just pickup up an SG online. I haven't received it yet, and at this stage I am not sure of the tones. I am familiar with most of the Duncan lineup and for that matter, the Gibson lineup. I bought an Epiphone Elitist 1961 SG Standard. They indicate they are US pickups, but I will let my ear be the judge when I get it.

What pickups work well with SG's, (classic SG tones). I expect the guitar to be different then my Les Paul, smaller body, no maple top and the neck PU positioned closer to the bridge. That said, what would be a good set of PU for an SG?

I have a set of Seth Lovers that I would try first, but I am not sure if '59 or some other set might work better in an SG. Opinions? :banana:

Thanks,
Jack

 

[cheezemaster]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

If you can put up with a little hum, Phat Cats sound great in an SG.

 

[Janglin_Jack]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

If you can put up with a little hum, Phat Cats sound great in an SG.

I guess I should have mentioned I have a Les Paul Goldtop with P-90's. Good suggestion though. I would have bought the Gibson SG Classic with P90's, that is a nice guitar.

I know Duane Allman, Gary Rossington played slide with their SG's. Robbie Krieger and Angus all used similar SG's. I am assuming Alnico magnets, but I am not sure if say a Seth, AIIPro, Pearly Gates or '59, (others) might be the ticket here.

Jack

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

I have a Gibson Les Paul, ES-335 and I just pickup up an SG online. I haven't received it yet, and at this stage I am not sure of the tones. I am familiar with most of the Duncan lineup and for that matter, the Gibson lineup. I bought an Epiphone Elitist 1961 SG Standard. They indicate they are US pickups, but I will let my ear be the judge when I get it.

What pickups work well with SG's, (classic SG tones). I expect the guitar to be different then my Les Paul, smaller body, no maple top and the neck PU positioned closer to the bridge. That said, what would be a good set of PU for an SG?

I have a set of Seth Lovers that I would try first, but I am not sure if '59 or some other set might work better in an SG. Opinions? :banana:

Thanks,
Jack

The Seth and the 59 are the same type of vintage wound PAF style pickup and a great place to start...I guess you'll need to decide on whether vintage PAF type tone is what you want or beefier from there?

Alot of guys like the Custom in the bridge....You have to watch the neck position though because things can get woofy in the lows....Some options up there would be a 59,Jazz,Seth,PG,and I Just put a Dimarzio VPAF in the neck and a VPAF Hot in my SG...

Ballsier than the 59B would be the C5 or the CC...If you use the search function you'll find tons of info on SG pickup ideas.

 

[big_black]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

I've got a PG in the neck of my Standard. This is a great SG neck pickup! Very articulate and about the furthest thing from "woofy". The string-to-string balance is near perfect- no spikes up or down.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

I recommend 59's -- they sound really good in all-mahogany (or otherwise dark-sounding) guitars.

 

[Janglin_Jack]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

I recommend 59's -- they sound really good in all-mahogany (or otherwise dark-sounding) guitars.

I did some searches and that seems to be suggestion here. A set of '59s. I guess if that is the case then I will have to look at the Gibson '57 Classics, as those are stock on the Gibson SG's as well as many of the other guitars. :sword:

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

The '59 neck is way to boomy in my SG. I'd try a PG or any alnico 2 mag pup for the neck. For the Bridge I'd say '59, Demon or Custom.

 

[dasfonzie]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

why not go for some Antiquities

 

[Janglin_Jack]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

The '59 neck is way to boomy in my SG. I'd try a PG or any alnico 2 mag pup for the neck. For the Bridge I'd say '59, Demon or Custom.

Maybe a PG or Alnico II Pro in the neck and a Custom for bridge?? Hmmm. :banana:

Jack

 

[Janglin_Jack]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

Well, I got my 2002 Epiphone Elitist '61 SG and I have to say, it is very nice. Plays like a dream. I called Epiphone Customer Service and the agent told me that the magnets in the 50SR neck and 60ST bridge are Alnico II magnets. They are wax potted, two conductor wiring and nickle covers. The neck measures around 8K DC Ohms and the bridge at around 14K DC Ohms. These are keepers and it seems like a PAF neck and something similar to a Custom Custom bridge. Nice balanced tone, warm and great response. :banana:

 

[gripweed]

Re: SG Pickups - what to choose

The '59 neck is way to boomy in my SG. I'd try a PG or any alnico 2 mag pup for the neck. For the Bridge I'd say '59, Demon or Custom.

If it were *my* SG I'd probably go with the Jazz neck, '59 bridge. Although I might try the C-5 instead. The Jazz won't be as boomy as the '59, but retains some of that character.