What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

The Vault

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Hey guys. I used to spend alot of time in this SD forum but have trailed off the passed couple years. But I'm in need of some advice.

I've got a '92 Gib LP Studio with a mahogany body and an ebony fretboard. I haven't played it in about 5 years and I want to revive it. I've already got a Jazz P/U in the neck position. Currently, there are four 500k pots but if needed I can change those to 250k pots.

I play in a cover band that does new rock like the Foo Fighters, RHCP, Killers, Oasis, Kings of Leon, STP, Weezer and Jimmy Eat World. I also play in an original band in the style of Radiohead, Mars Volta, B.R.M.C, and STP.

I'm leaning towards a 59b or something that has an A5 magnet to compliment the JazzN. I've tried the SH4 and found it to shrill, I tried the SH5 and didn't like the ceramic bar, and I tried the APH-1 but found it too smooth and creamy.

I play through a Bogner Shiva 1x12 with EL34's.

What do you recommend?
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I'm gonna throw this out there...but seriously: A JAZZ Bridge.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

A '59B works for most styles of music. If it's a little bright or scooped, put in 250K's and/or a roughcast A5.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

Hmmm...

Would all four pots need to be replaced?

I'm not sure what 'roughcast' means?

A '59B works for most styles of music. If it's a little bright or scooped, put in 250K's and/or a roughcast A5.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I'd go with a Custom, both because it will cover all the ground that your bands need to cover, and also because if there is anything else you need to play, it'll do that just as well (with the exception of jazz) the Custom is just stupid versatile.

It also pairs very well with the Jazz, and don't worry about the ceramic mag, it sounds very organic, not harsh or sterile.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

Hmmm...

Would all four pots need to be replaced?

I'm not sure what 'roughcast' means?

Try it with the 500K pots in it now and see what you think. A few of us put 250K's on our bridge PU's, for a warmer tone, but most guys have 500K's all the way around. Neck HB's and P-90's should always have 500K's to prevent a dark and/or muddy sound.

There's another alternative to putting in warmer (250K) pots, which is replacement magnets. Some of us have just stumbled onto a new magnet dealer who carries roughcast alnico magnets; he sells them very inexpensive & ships internationally (Addiction FX). They are cast in sand and have raised areas and indentations. This alters the magnetic field slightly and gives smoother highs and richer tones. Very good for bridge PU's, but not so much for neck PU's which usually do better with a sharper tone. The polished magnets that we typically see in almost all PU's are smooth & shiny (except A8's, which are dark). An analogy of smooth vs rough magnets would be PU windings: a tight uniform wind on a coil doesn't have the character and feel of a looser scattered wind. Sometimes a random pattern or surface can improve tone. Makes things more complex.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I don't think I would call the Custom harsh nor organic, but I most certainly would call it sterile sounding. Can be improved...fuller, more organic, more warmth and character...with an A8 mag swap.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I should have mentioned that my LP Studio is very dark.

I find the SH-5 to be to 'in your face' for my liking, and although the SH-14 is somewhat different, it still has that round big sound that I'm not necessarily looking for. The idea of putting in a p-90 is interesting. But would it compliment my JazzN?

I took a listen to some of the samples on the website here, and also looked at the grids to compare characteristics. The thing is that I like the sound of a P/U that cuts with as much midrange as with treble, but not too much treble. I like the sound of the PGb, but I think it may smoother than the '59b, which I'm liking thus far. Everyone seems to be happy with it, and I've always been curious about trying one.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

Right on.. thanks guys... Ima go with the '59b

I remember there were a few retailers on here. Who on the forum can I contact about purchasing from as opposed to Ebay?
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

Custom 5 or (if you like mids and don't mind ceramic) try the Custom.

I have several "gibson style" guitars with the fixed bridge/Mahogany body/maple top/rosewood fb combo and the Custom 5 is absolutley awesome in them.
It will still sound like a LP, but with added power and a sweet but not sharp treble clarity.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I have several "gibson style" guitars with the fixed bridge/Mahogany body/maple top/rosewood fb combo and the Custom 5 is absolutley awesome in them.
It will still sound like a LP, but with added power and a sweet but not sharp treble clarity.

+1
It's actually a really great sound - It's like a super paf. Speaking of which look it's a bird it's a plane, no it's a Super Distortion?
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I would be looking at 4 pickups at this point: Jazz bridge, Phat Cat Bridge, P Rails bridge, or my personal go to pickup, the S Deco.
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

haha.. thanks for the advice guys. I've purchased the '59b and I'll install it next week with 500k pots... if they sound too bright than I'll change to 250k pots and see how that works out.

Cheers.

+1
It's actually a really great sound - It's like a super paf. Speaking of which look it's a bird it's a plane, no it's a Super Distortion?
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

ah, crap you already made a purchase.... wish my internet was working when you asked this!

i was gonna say, if you've still got the custom and the JB to try the JB's a5 magnet in the custom to make a C5. oh well:dunno::)
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

haha.. thanks for the advice guys. I've purchased the '59b and I'll install it next week with 500k pots... if they sound too bright than I'll change to 250k pots and see how that works out.

Cheers.

Well, it will sound pretty good. Not as good as the Jazz bridge, but still...
 
Re: What bridge P/U would you pair up with an SH-2n in an LP?

I've got the same guitar as you and play almost the same style of music. For me it's the JB. I don't find it that shrilled when you're in a band situation. It can be shrilly but overall performance of the JB is great! I went through quite a few pickups from Rio Grande, Seymour Duncan, Motorcity, J.S Moore and Dimarzio. I came back to the JB.
 
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