Thoughs about SG pickup combo

S

symptom

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Hi there. As some of you may have noticed, I've done some experiences with my sg over the time. Basically, I have a Custom 5 pickup, which i converted to CUOA5 and Custom 8. My favorites were the C5 and the C8. For the neck I had a 59 that I don't own anymore.

Right now I have a Mean90/mean90 but, as long this would be my only guitar for a relative long time, i kind of miss the humbucker tone. So, I already have the C5 and have elaborated a theory about what neck pickup to get.

I also have a Duncan designed HB102, which is supposed to be a jazz clone, but I think it will be too clear for my taste.

When i had the 59/C5, i liked them both. Same thing when I had the 59/C8, but, in this case, i think they mismatch tonewise. i read some good things about the pgn, but i think it will also be a mismatch if I choose the C5. So, my theory is:

If the bridge is a C5, i should get the 59. But, if i choose the C8 the pgn would be a better choice for the neck.

Does it make any sense? I don't have any experience wih the pgn, except what i've read about it.


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Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

You had a chance to view any of the games happening locally??

You can always fine-tune with mags, but the PG was a great neck pickup when I had it in my original SG. The A4 is often seen as a great tonal pairing to an A8
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

I agree that the '59 in the neck is a tonal mismatch to the C8 in the bridge. The '59 is too mid-scooped.

If you end up with a C8 in the bridge (just about the best all-around bridge pup you can get for an SG), the PG makes a very good neck compliment. But the PG is still a bit shrill, and IMHO the Demon is much better than the PG and mates up better to the C8.

If you end up with the C5 in the bridge, I'd also recommend the Demon for the neck.

I have to say, however, that I really like the Mean 90 and have that paired with a C8 bridge in one of my SGs and love the combo.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

AlexR said:
You had a chance to view any of the games happening locally??

You can always fine-tune with mags, but the PG was a great neck pickup when I had it in my original SG. The A4 is often seen as a great tonal pairing to an A8
Click to expand...

Yeah! There were already 3 games here in my city and tomorrow Germany plays here.


GuitarDoc said:
I agree that the '59 in the neck is a tonal mismatch to the C8 in the bridge. The '59 is too mid-scooped.

If you end up with a C8 in the bridge (just about the best all-around bridge pup you can get for an SG), the PG makes a very good neck compliment. But the PG is still a bit shrill, and IMHO the Demon is much better than the PG and mates up better to the C8.

If you end up with the C5 in the bridge, I'd also recommend the Demon for the neck.

I have to say, however, that I really like the Mean 90 and have that paired with a C8 bridge in one of my SGs and love the combo.
Click to expand...

I can't recall if I tested the Mean90 with the C8, but it seems like a good suggestion. The best thing is that i don't have to spend to try it. The only downside is the looks. One pickup covered and the other uncovered. Did you try the Mean 90 with the C5?

The screaming demon wouldn't be too hot for classic rock, blues and some old hard rock?


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Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

I'm subscribed to this thread. I have a Custom 5 in my skinny cheap epiphone LP and I like it. I have Pearly Gates bridge in the neck and it doesn't match. I was considering a Jazz.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

GuitarDoc said:
I agree that the '59 in the neck is a tonal mismatch to the C8 in the bridge. The '59 is too mid-scooped.
Click to expand...


I like the C8/'59N pair. Being in the neck slot, the '59N has some mids and sounds full; I think it works well with a C8. But my perspective is that I don't like warm neck PU's.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

The Demon is definitely not too hot for the neck for classic rock, hard rock, and blues.

Yes, Blueman doesn't like warm neck pups and I generally do. But I find that the Demon is a very good compromise...it has more mids than the 59n, but it still has chimey highs. It sounds warmer than the 59n but it is still very articulate and doesn't get muddy like a lot of warmer neck pups.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

I have a Dream 90 in the neck of one of my guitars and I like it quite a bit. And for the price it's worth trying out.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

Don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of the 59 neck. I just don't think it is a good tonal match to the C8.


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Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

I've had a few pickups in my SG (92 SG Special w/ Ebony fingerboard) -

Gibson
- Stock 490R/490T
- 496R, 500T

Duncans
- JB Bridge
- 59 Neck
- GL Screamin Demon Bridge

EMG
- 81 bridge
- 85 neck

Dimarzio
- PAF Neck
- Bluesbucker bridge

Probably missing a few in there as well. I just installed the Alnico II Pro Slash set this weekend - and I know I'm still in honeymoon state - but I really like these pickups. Lots of clarity and a nice round yet gritty tone. Good sustain, nice harmonics. A very lively set of pickups.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

Grandturk said:
I've had a few pickups in my SG (92 SG Special w/ Ebony fingerboard) -

Gibson
- Stock 490R/490T
- 496R, 500T
Click to expand...

I've got an SG with an UOA5 490T and an A5 490R. Good combo.

My heaviest-sounding SG has an UOA5 498T and an A5 490R. Great sounding guitar.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

From what you write I am sure that you should try out a PGn, especially in a SG which will not run into issues with getting too much of a low mids push.

I know that trying random pickups is probably not an easy Ebay flip for you, but I think it is your best bet.
 
Re: Thoughs about SG pickup combo

For what you write, the pgn should balance well with the low mids push from the C8


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