SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

[Fender Picker]

How does the Duncan SH-59 bridge and neck differ from the Gibson Classic 57 and Classic 57 plus?
I have both of these and would like a little more info before I decide which set to install.
Thank you for your help and suggestions.
FP

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

The A5 59's will have more clarity and the EQ will be like a soft U.

The A2 57's will have a softer feel, more clucky PAF type mids, and the highs are a little softer sounding too. I think the 57+ is A5, so it'll be similar to a 59 or C-5 bridge, and your preference will be a matter of hearing both and deciding if you like the power and clarity of Duncans or the wooly thickness of Gibsons. Both make good pickups, but they all have a different character to the sound.

My new ES-335 came with Classic 57's, and even though I always change out stock pickups, I think I'll leave these in there. They have the real deal authentic Gibson sound.

 

[blueman335]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

How does the Duncan SH-59 bridge and neck differ from the Gibson Classic 57 and Classic 57 plus?
I have both of these and would like a little more info before I decide which set to install. Thank you for your help and suggestions. FP

A2's in a neck PU can be dull & lifeless, especially when combined with 300K pots. I think A5's for necks are a much better choice & give some sparkle & a little bite. To me, a SD '59N is the way to go.

In a bridge PU, an A2 magnet makes sense, as the heavy mids & rounded highs are a better fit, as is a 300K pot.

Since bridge & neck positions are so radically different in EQ, using different magnets, pots, and caps is logical. Manufacturers use a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to save costs on assembly lines & inventories, not because it sounds best, at least not on both PU's.

 

[Fender Picker]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

What do you mean by "A-2 and A-5" ? Is that Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 magnets? Can you change the magnets in pickups?
FP

 

[tenniso]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

yes, a2 and a5 refers to the magnets, and you can change the magnets relatively easy. just pay attention and go slow. its really pretty easy.

 

[Fender Picker]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

Where do you buy new magnets? How do you get them out?
FP

 

[Aceman]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

A2's in a neck PU can be dull & lifeless,

Or they can sound like Slash & Billy Gibbons. If that's what you mean by dull and lifeless....

 

[Aceman]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

Where do you buy new magnets? How do you get them out?
FP

Check the tips & clips or Vault for mag swap instructions. or just do a search. There are very detailed threads out here somewhere....

 

[slightly_rude]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

I think the 57+ is A5, so it'll be similar to a 59 or C-5 bridge, and your preference will be a matter of hearing both and deciding if you like the power and clarity of Duncans or the wooly thickness of Gibsons. Both make good pickups, but they all have a different character to the sound.

My new ES-335 came with Classic 57's, and even though I always change out stock pickups, I think I'll leave these in there. They have the real deal authentic Gibson sound.

The '57+ is an A2. It is just wound a little hotter than the '57.

 

[blueman335]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

Or they can sound like Slash & Billy Gibbons. If that's what you mean by dull and lifeless....

Yeah, if you spend thousands or tens of thousands on your amps & the rest of your gear. For the vast majority of us with amps that cost under $1,000 or even under $500, A2's just might not sound the same in a neck PU as they do for the guys with the unlimited budgets.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: SH-1 n & b vs. Gibson Classic 57 & 57+

Blueman 335, Billy Gibbons' best sounds were made with a $300 guitar running into a $500 dollar Marshall...even if you add two great pedals, you're under a grand...now figure that in 1968 dollars that translates to around $3000 bucks today...still FAR below the "tens of thousands" mark.
Point is, mushy and dark, or bright and lively is as much or MORE in the amp and hands, than the magnet in the pickup.