Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

[sombersoul]

I'm about to get a Les Paul Standard 60s neck Silverburst. So far, I've been playing SG models, but I've recently fallen in love with the bigger sisters.

I have no idea how the Burstbuckers sound, and I will most certainly give them a fair try. If they meet my requirements - perfect! If not, however, I will replace them with SD pickups.

With my SGs I've been through the DDb, C5b, '59n, PGn, PGn and Alt8. I currently have a DDb and Alt8 lying around unused.

I've played an EP LP Standard with a matched set of DDs before. It was a killer setup. Definitely liked that tone. So I'm thinking about the DD for the bridge of my new Les Paul. However, I'm also open for other options such as the Alt8. I liked it in my SG, but since I sold that particular guitar it is currently unused. I have no idea, however, how it will go together with a Les Paul. Any experience with that?

Now, for the neck I'm torn between a DDn (if I go for the DDb), a '59n or a PGn. On the one hand, I think that a matched set would be great. On the other hand, some variation in sound wouldn't hurt either.

I love the PGn in my EP SG-400 (which has a DDb). How would it be in a Les Paul? Too boomy? What about the '59? I like a full, warm clean sound in the neck, but obviously not too muddy or boomy. Maybe the Jazz is the answer or will it be too thin?

Of course, I'm also open to more suggestions, but I'm definitely leaning towards the aforementioned possibilities.

I'm playing through a 6505 head with a 1960A cab loaded with Governors and G12T-75s in an x-pattern. Obviously, I play lots of high gain stuff, love a full and meaty sound and also chunky palm mutes. I dislike any harshness or a shrill top end and prefer creamy, singing sustain.

OK, I'd love to hear some user opinions!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

If it comes with BB's, try them; a lot of guys like them, you may too.

If you want something else from those PU's, like a brighter neck, try an A3, A4, or A5 magnet (I've pulled the A2's out of all my Gibson neck PU's). Inexpensive mods may do it for you; works for many of us.

If you try replacement PU's, a JazzN & PGN are probably the most recommended for an LP. Some of us like '59N's, but to other guys they're too bassy in LP's. For the bridge, try either one of your DD's and your Alt8 before you buy anything else. You may just have what you want.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

If it comes with BB's, try them; a lot of guys like them, you may too.

If you want something else from those PU's, like a brighter neck, try an A3, A4, or A5 magnet (I've pulled the A2's out of all my Gibson neck PU's). Inexpensive mods may do it for you; works for many of us.

If you try replacement PU's, a JazzN & PGN are probably the most recommended for an LP. Some of us like '59N's, but to other guys they're too bassy in LP's. For the bridge, try either one of your DD's and your Alt8 before you buy anything else. You may just have what you want.

+1.

Re the neck pups, I currently have a 59n in a Hamer (sort of a dbl cut LP). It's pretty good, but it does border on boomy. Great for solos, but borderline on chords. I've used a Jazz in the neck of an SG, and it is my favorite neck HB. Clear, articulate, just right.

I have not used the PGn.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

I agree - try the BB's for a bit. I dig the BB1 & 2 combo.

Silverburst to me says "high octane" go with DD set.

And, nothing beats a PG in the neck of an LP, so PG/Cutom is a great rocker combo also.

59/DD is also tasty (note 59 issues from previous posts...) in a classic/metal way.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

My suggestions:

All round setup: C5 bridge / Jazz Bridge in Neck
More vintage setup: Seth Lover Bridge / Jazz Neck
Hard Rock: Custom Bridge / Jazz Bridge in Neck

I like all of these setups. It'd be nice to have 3 Les Pauls to satisfy all The C5 bridge/ Jazz Bridge (in neck) has been good to me for a while.

 

[d1dsj]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

I've settled with a Brobucker in bridge/ Seth bridge in neck on my std. Still thinking about what to do with my '57 Custom R.I... maybe Jazz set.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Cool! Thanks for all the feedback so far. Well, even though I have some spare pickups lying around, I really wouldn't like to swap them every other week, especially since I'm not doing it myself but have it professionally done.

I will definitely try the BBs before modifying anything! But I'm gathering information, just in case.

So far, I'm leaning towards the DD in the bridge. But I wonder if the Alt8 will give me more clarity (in my SG, it was a very clear pickup but it also pulls strings).

For the neck I'm now leaning towards the PG. From the previous posts I understand it will be less boomy than the '59 but still thick and warm? Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure with the Jazz, and I wonder if I should just give it a try.

I don't care for the C5 too much. It's an alright pickup, but it made my SG Standard a very boring sounding instrument. I'd probably also prefer the DD over the Custom.

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

The PGn is godly in a Les Paul. It's got creamy mids and a lot of clarity.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Exactly what I want to hear! I was a bit concerned that the PGn might be too muffled in an LP neck.

For the bridge, I think I'm going with the DD for now. The neck is still a tie between the PG and the Jazz (for the sake of trying something new).

 

[joelap]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Best pickup combination for a les paul: Custom Custom / Alnico 2 Pro Hybrids. My favorite pickup combination ever and I'll never change them.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Here's an update:

I got my Gibson Les Paul Standard Silverburst today. It is very pretty! Just like I had imagined. I was only able to play it through my PodxT Live so far. The Burstbuckers reminded me a lot of the C5 pickup. Very clear, very present, much treble. Sounds good on clean but has that treble bite which I already didn't like with the C5. We'll see how they sound through my main rig. But I have a feeling that sooner or later I'm going the Duncan way again. Most likely I'm going to put a DD in the bridge and PG in the neck, unless I change my mind, of course.

Now, this may be a little off-topic, but perhaps you can help me with a few questions I have. I'm a first-time Gibson Les Paul Standard owner. I've only played Gibson SGs so far. Anyway, the Silverburst model I bought is said to have the 60s neck. When I played it, it felt exactly like my SG Standard, though, which I understand has a 50s neck. Would that be exactly the same 50s neck as on a Les Paul Standard? If so, why is the supposed 60s neck on my Silverburst only marginally thinner? Upon close inspection I noticed that it is a tad flatter on the back. Now, my Epiphone SG-400 has a really slim neck. No comparison to the Gibson SG Standard and Les Paul. And, as I said, the Les Paul 60s neck and the SG Standard neck feel almost the same when playing (as opposed to the much slimmer SG-400 neck). Any info on this?

Secondly, I would like to know whether the maple top is supposed to be above the binding so that you can actually see and feel the edge of it? Again, this is my first Gibson Les Paul, so I wouldn't know. Here are three pictures to demonstrate what I mean:

Also, in the third picture, I noticed something that seems to be a minor flaw in the finish.

I would appreciate feedback by Les Paul Standard users. I still have a 30-days return period if necessary.

Thanks!

 

[uOpt]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

It's certainly not normal, but you shouldn't return it for it if you like how it feels and sounds. Your next one might be a dog.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Thanks for replying, uOpt!

So, just to be clear on this: the maple top should align perfectly with the binding and not be above it, right?

Yes, I was thinking that an exchange might be risky, too. But I would have the store check the new guitar for flaws like that beforehand. Anyway, I just wanted to know whether this apparent misalignment of the maple top and the binding would be a valid argument for making use of the return policy.

Any opinions on the neck issue, by the way?

 

[rivera213]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

In a GLP, my automatic choice for the bridge is the C5.

For the neck, I'd go with the Jazz, but i really like the Pearly Gates too.

The '59 is a sweet pickup as well and of course the JB (if you aren't going to play a fast staccato riff type of metal) in the bridge coupled with a PG sounds great.

If you want to enhance the low-middy tone of a GLP & require a really tight bridge pickup, then the Custom (SH-5) in the bridge and Distortion in the neck could be worth a look. The C5 is super-tight as well but not too mids-heavy (which is why I like it in a LP- brings out the highs).

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Thanks for that elaborate explanation, Rivera213! It helps! I've been thinking about the Custom in the bridge position. I'm just worried that it might have too thin/shrill a top end. Other than that, one only hears good things about it here. How does it directly compare to the Distortion, specifically in the top end and also in the ways it sounds clean? Under distortion, do single notes have a singing quality to them?

I had the C5 in my Gibson SG. I thought it was okay, but not my favourite kind of sound.

Well, I am playing metal (not exclusively, that's why I also need clean and crunchy tones) but certainly no fast staccato riffs. Still, I like a tight sound for those chunky palm mutes.

Can anyone please also help me find out whether the maple top on my GLP is the way it should be (look at pictures and description above)? I really have no idea, and I would like to know. Thanks!

As always, this forum is the go-to place for friendly and competent help. :bigok:

 

[Archer_of_Fish]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

my fav neck pickup of all time for Les Pauls is the Alnico II Pro. Having tried most of the DUncan line my fav Duncan bridge pickup is the Bug-Sey Bucker.

I have recently been won over by Suhr pickups. In one of my Les Pauls I have a Doug ALdrich bridge pickup and the other has a DSH. The aldrich is hotter and brighter and the DSH is more vintagey but is still fairly hot (13K) and pushes things along nicely.

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

C5 in a Les Paul, and a C5 in a Sg is way, way different... much better in an LP.

 

[sombersoul]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Well, I believe you. And even your sig says so.
But I don't know if I want to go down the C5 route again.
I'd really like a PU that plays out the LP's strengths, i.e. low-mid growl. I prefer dark sound over brightness, but of course it still needs to cut.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

I'd probably also prefer the DD over the Custom.

dont count on it. The custom is an awesome pickup. Weak is not a word I would ever use to describe it, nor thin. Actually sounds very good clean also. Might wanna just give one a try.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Suggestions: Les Paul Standard PUs

Thanks for replying, uOpt!

So, just to be clear on this: the maple top should align perfectly with the binding and not be above it, right?

Definitely. It's supposed to be flush, then painted in color, the color scraped off the binding and then clear coat over both.

Yes, I was thinking that an exchange might be risky, too. But I would have the store check the new guitar for flaws like that beforehand. Anyway, I just wanted to know whether this apparent misalignment of the maple top and the binding would be a valid argument for making use of the return policy.

Yeah, but in a shop environment it is very hard to judge how much juice the guitar has.

It comes down to this: almost every Gibson has some flaws of this kind. Your Les Paul's flaws, like most Gibson flaws, have nothing to do with playability or sound and nobody is going to see it unless looking closely.

If anything I'd say you would have to bring the old guitar to the shop, play a potential trade and keep the better sounding one or if they are the same a new one with flush top. It's unlikely they are going to let you do that.

Any opinions on the neck issue, by the way?

The neck shape is always a bit random and not anywhere close to actual vintage Les Pauls in the first place.

Do you feel the neck shape is not what you want?