SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

[dingdongbell070]

im thinking about changing my pickups in my les paul more for the experience than anything else just so i can start to learn about what kind of different sounds you can get from different pickups as well as experience in changing them myself. I've been reading up on these pickups and they seem like the sound i am going for a smooth, warm sound with sustain. Do these pickups are these pickups noticibly different from the ones in a stock studio les paul thats about 3 years old? I just want to find something that will change the tone of my guitar especially the neck pickup because i cant really use the one i have now at all

 

[saladin]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

59's will sound better but that's my opinion. I hated the stock pickups in my Studio when I got it, too much output, I found it hard to get a decent clean sound. 59's will be a little less output but much smoother sounding. In my Studio I replaced the stock pickups with Gibson's 57 Classics and was very happy with them.

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

The Studios were probably 498/490's which are a lot higher output than 59's. 59's just seem to work in Mahagony set neck guitars. I have never heard one sound bad.

 

[dingdongbell070]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

should i get both the bridge and neck or just one? anything i should know before i attempt to install them myself, i am pretty decent at soldering (even if i dont know how to spell it) i know there is prolly a billion topics in this forum on how to install them if you could be so kind as to post a link to one if you happen to stumble across one that would be appriciated, and i also saw there were many different types of the '59 like zebra does this just refer to the look or is there a difference in tone? thanks much

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

I would find one of the books Dan Erlwine has written on guitar repair and maintenance and read it before starting. If you can solder, those books will fill in the gaps and you will be good to go

 

[Inferno]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

I don't know if you've seen this, but here's a link to a video of how to install pickups:

http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/how_to_install_a_pu.shtml

When it comes to your question, I'm not sure how the 59 stacks up against your stock pickups. I can however tell you that they are nice in my Heritage :laugh2:... and the zebra bobbins are just for looks. Some pup swaps are more dramatic than others, and if you don't like the change, you can always re-install the stock pups.

 

[dingdongbell070]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

ok, sorry for bumping my old post but i went ahead and got a jazz in the neck and a Sh-1 '59 in the bridge. I love the jazz but the '59 has a lot more highs than my stock pickups, is this normal? Maybe i put in in backwards or something? If this is normal than what bridge pickup would you suggest that has less highs?

 

[Fusion1]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

For the bridge if you want a lower output model go for a Pearly Gates. Less highs.

 

[gripweed]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

ok, sorry for bumping my old post but i went ahead and got a jazz in the neck and a Sh-1 '59 in the bridge. I love the jazz but the '59 has a lot more highs than my stock pickups, is this normal? Maybe i put in in backwards or something? If this is normal than what bridge pickup would you suggest that has less highs?

What kind of pots are in your guitar? Good pots can make a big difference. Try 250k instead of 500k if you want to tame the highs, but like the way the pickups sounds. It would be cheaper than replacing the pickup.

I have that very same combo in my LP and I love it!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

Exchange your 59B for a Custom Custom, and I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with the warmth and output.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

The Studios were probably 498/490's which are a lot higher output than 59's. 59's just seem to work in Mahagony set neck guitars. I have never heard one sound bad.

BRIDGE: The 498T is definitely hotter than the 59 bridge (14.8k vs. 8.1k) but...

NECK: The 490R from my experience definitely isn't any hotter than the 57 Classics -- a little brighter but not anymore output. The 59 should have a little more bottom than the 490R.

59's seem to sound particularly good if the guitar is ALL-mahogany (no maple top).

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: SH-1 '59 compared to studio les paul stock pickups

One reason the C-5/59 is one of my favorite combos is because it's like a 59 set with more balls in the bridge. C-5/Jazz is a great combo.