SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

[shaps6]

I’ve got a VOS SG with Seth Lovers in it. I like how articulate the neck pickup is, but the sound overall is a bit too bright/top-end heavy/shrill to my ear. Probably just because an SG is already a brighter guitar to start with. Anyway, what would you guys recommend as a replacement? I’m looking for another vintage-type pickup that’s open (relative concept, I know) and articulate without being shrill. Would a set of ‘59s do the trick? Whole Lotta Humbuckers?

LET’S DO THIS!

 

[Mr. B]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

I wouldn't pick the 59's if you already find the high end of the Seth too shrill and bright. My guess would be the Alnico II Pro set or maybe a CustomCustom bridge and a Pearly Gates neck.

 

[shaps6]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

I wouldn't pick the 59's if you already find the high end of the Seth too shrill and bright. My guess would be the Alnico II Pro set or maybe a CustomCustom bridge and a Pearly Gates neck.

It’s more like the bridge of the Seth Lovers is all high end without anything below it. I kind of want to fill in the blanks, if that makes sense. Something that’s voiced a bit darker while retaining high end definition is I think what’s needed. Does that make sense

 

[Clint 55]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

I second Custom Custom bridge and Pearly Gates neck.

 

[shaps6]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

Let me ask a different question: is the '59 wound warmer/darker than the Seth Lover?

 

[lemonman]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

Let me ask a different question: is the '59 wound warmer/darker than the Seth Lover?

It has a lot more bass than the Seth, but pretty bright plain strings. I prefer A5 mags in SGs; their more smiley curved EQ suits the SG's mid-heavy nature. I'd look at the 59, 59/Custom and Custom 5, each one hotter/thicker than the previous.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

WLH will take the shrill out and still be sweet on top. Pearly Gates are bright, but can be tamed with the tone control.

 

[shaps6]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

It has a lot more bass than the Seth, but pretty bright plain strings. I prefer A5 mags in SGs; their more smiley curved EQ suits the SG's mid-heavy nature. I'd look at the 59, 59/Custom and Custom 5, each one hotter/thicker than the previous.

That sounds more like what I'm going for

 

[Mincer]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

The Saturday Night Specials might just work for this as well, especially if you don't want something as high output as the Custom Custom. Also check out the Alnico II Pros.

 

[AlexR]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

The A2 pro sounds like what you want to my ear.

The CC is a fail as its nowhere near vintage output......you'd be disappointed by its inherent inarticulate nature if you're used to the dynamics and subtlety of vintage pickups.

 

[Discharged]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

I’ve got a VOS SG with Seth Lovers in it. I like how articulate the neck pickup is, but the sound overall is a bit too bright/top-end heavy/shrill to my ear.

I'd look for a Gibson 496R and change the magnet to a fully-charged, roughcast A2 magnet. It'll balance well with the stock SethN and it'll tame the shrillness in the bridge.

Another thing to do is to change the A2 mag to an A6 mag in the SethB. That'll add power and it'll take the shrillness under control. Bad news is, A6 mags are not easy to find. Pretty underrated and misunderstood magnet, that's for sure.

/Peter

 

[EmiAba]

Re: SG Standard — Replacements for Seth Lovers

You said "I’m looking for another vintage-type pickup that’s open ... and articulate without being shrill". So, vintage for me means low output (around 7) and articulate for me means not compressed. A2 pro is the obvious answer but have you already checked the phat cat set?