SH-1n, SH-14b, PGb, 500T Humbuckers: Need help making choices

D

dilver

New member
Hey there, hoping those who have experiences with these pickups can help me make up my mind on the right combo. Looking for ballsy classic rock tones, easy pinch harmonics, a little nasty when I need it. Playing through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb RI, with Marshall Bluesbreaker I pedal for dirt:

In a Les Paul Studio Lite (note: ebony fretboard and "chromyte" block core):

- Gibson 500T and Pearly Gates(b) in neck position - this is what I've got now, and while I really dig the PGb in the neck position, I'm wondering if I can get something a little more "defined" in the bridge position in place of the 500T. The 500T is ballsy as hell, and I've been able to adjust the pickup heights and polepiece heights to get a balanced output from the two pickups.

OR

- Pearly Gates(b) and '59 SH-1(n)

OR

- SH-14 Custom 5(b) and Pearly Gates(b) in neck position

OR

- SH-14 Custom 5(b) and '59 SH-1(n)

I had the SH-14 Custom 5 in another guitar and the mids seemed really scooped - I'm wondering now, though if the tone pot may have been stifling the output/tone.

I have yet to try the '59 SH-1n in anything, but I've heard they can be boomy in LP's. My LP is a little bright as far as LP's go, so maybe this won't be an issue?

Oh, and whatever I end up with, I'd like to have the nickel covers on, as I prefer the look on this particular guitar.

I know I just need to experiment, but I'm kind of hoping I can get it "close to right" with as few swaps as possible. Thanks in advance!
 
Re: SH-1n, SH-14b, PGb, 500T Humbuckers: Need help making choices

Honestly, the regular Custom seems to fit what your looking for. Not as hot as the 500T, way more mids and sounds "fuller" than the Custom 5, to my ears at least, and due to the mids you can get some great pinch harmonics from it. If you want ballsy, the Custom has that in spades. I've never tried a PGb, but it is far less output than the 500T or SH-14, and if you're looking for less ouput then okay, but if you want something of similar output level then the PGb may not fit the bill for you.
 
Re: SH-1n, SH-14b, PGb, 500T Humbuckers: Need help making choices

either a pair of pgs, or a pg neck and a CC bridge for more kick.
That will do what you are after fo sho. re: classic rock tones and pinch harmonics
but if you want more clarity and definition then as 59n and a custom/custom 5 in the bridge...however you didnt dig the scoop...so yeah, i reckon 2 pgs, or a pg/cc combo would be spot on.
 
Re: SH-1n, SH-14b, PGb, 500T Humbuckers: Need help making choices

Sorry, I should have clarified: I currently own the pickups I mentioned. I'm just trying to get a handle on the best combination.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top