The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

[Clapton'sGreenChili]

I have a new epi Dot that i want to switch out the pickups on. looking at duncans only, need advice. i know a 59 classic is going in neck, but what about bridge. i need something that will work well with a semi-hollow and won't be overly tinny/trebly (this i why i worry about pearly gates). trying to re-create classic 335 tone, maybe a bit hotter in bridge but could go either way. i could do another 59 classic, or i've also looked at sh-5 (duncan custom), sh-11 (custom custom), sh-4 (JB), and george lynch as possibilities. i'm also open to unique and new sounds from other SD pickup combos, different is good. i'd love to hear your thoughts.


..... to answer benjy's question, I have a fender super champ xd, play all sorts of blues and rock, anything from buddy guy/clapton/SRV to whitestripes/raconteurs to coldplay/beatles to chuck berry to u2 to red hot chili peppers. When i say classic 335 tone i mean chuck berry johnny b. goode as well as warm thick meaty tone with depth i.e. bb. king classic delta blues tone (not piercing les paul solo). obviously original 335's were capable of some great cruch on gain/overdrive too.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

I have a '59 bridge in the neck and a Custom 5 in the bridge of my #1 guitar:

It sounds like a million dollar!

HTH,

 

[blueman335]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

I have a '59 bridge in the neck and a Custom 5 in the bridge of my #1 guitar: It sounds like a million dollars!

+1. I have a C5 & a '59N in my Sheraton, and it's great too. But it's more of a raw sound, and not quite "classic" 335. Same for a CC, which is the same PU with a (warm) A2 magnet. Recent threads on this topic seem to center on a '59 pair as the classic 335 tone, which is hard to beat. I use 250K's to smooth out the high-end on my bridge '59's.

For what you're looking for, I'd rule out a JB, as it's a finicky PU that doesn't sound good in some guitars ("ice pick" spike). The Custom is bright, & to me sterile (due to the ceramic magnet). The Screamin' Demon comes up on some threads and has been considerd misnamed; some guys say it's trebley & weak, more of a "chirp" than a "scream." Good for metal & massive distortion, but not for a lot else.

 

[Thunder]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

Go 59' set.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

+1. I have a C5 & a '59N in my Sheraton, and it's great too. But it's more of a raw sound, and not quite "classic" 335. Same for a CC, which is the same PU with a (warm) A2 magnet. Recent threads on this topic seem to center on a '59 pair as the classic 335 tone, which is hard to beat. I use 250K's to smooth out the high-end on my bridge '59's.

For what you're looking for, I'd rule out a JB, as it's a finicky PU that doesn't sound good in some guitars ("ice pick" spike). The Custom is bright, & to me sterile (due to the ceramic magnet). The Screamin' Demon comes up on some threads and has been considerd misnamed; some guys say it's trebley & weak, more of a "chirp" than a "scream." Good for metal & massive distortion, but not for a lot else.

actually, imo the demon's thinner, harmonically rich character lends itself to being a great pickup to go into a semihollow, since they are already very thick and harmonically active instruments

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

FIrst off, what's the amp situation, what kind of music are you playing, and when you say "classic 335" what tone are you wanting exactly.

Thow us out some more info and we'll be able to help you out a bit better.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

When I think Chuck Berry, I think P90's. BB's more of a smoother tone with less attack. I haven't tried them myself (yet), but from looking at the spec sheet, I'd look into a pair of P Rails set to parallel (for BB's tone) and equipped with a coil cut for the early Berry tones.

The '59 set would do well for what you mentioned, but the C5, IMHo, is out of the question. Much too hot an compressed for what you want.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

a pair of 59s are calibrated. They are great.

 

[Alvin Lee Fan]

Re: The best Epi Dot pickup combo (suggestions)

Seth Lovers will give you the ultimate 335 tone. I had a set in my Dot (foolishly sold it) and it was insanely sweet.