What Duncan is Similiar to a BurstBucker #2

[LesPaulRules]

Been comparing various pickups and have found that I REALLY LIKE the Gibson Burstbucker #2 in the bridge of a Les Paul. (So what else is new. Gibson already knows this).

I believe the specs of the BB2 are:

- A2 Mag
- Potted (as this came stock in a Gibson Historic).
- Mistmatched Coils?
- Output around 8.3K

The pickup seems to have a ton of definition with a nice sizzle. You can really hear all the notes when playing distorted chords. Also has a nice elastic feel on single notes. Output seems higher than my multimeter would suggest. The only issue I might have with the BB 2 is that it can be a little bright when playing higher notes on the first and second strings... though this helps cut through a band situation nicely.

What Duncan sounds similiar to a BurstBucker #2? To me, it sounds a little similar to a '59, regardless of mag type. It does not sound like an Alnico Pro 2 or a Custom Custom. They seem a lot smoother without the sizzle. Doesn't sound anything like a JB. Doesn't sound like my A5 Anniversary Seth. BroBucker is fuller sounding and smoother on top, though the BB2 has higher definition.

I'm at a loss.
Thanks.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What Duncan is Similiar to a BurstBucker #2

I'd say the 59 also because they both are a little hollow in the mids, though I think the BB is a little smoother on top.

 

[italic zero]

Re: What Duncan is Similiar to a BurstBucker #2

Just an idea, but maybe a Pearly Gates?

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: What Duncan is Similiar to a BurstBucker #2

OK, IMO the 59's sound nothing like the Burstbucker 1, 2 and 3's...and to be honest the Pearly Gates are a good bit different as well.

FWIW, I had a Burstbucker 1/2 set in my R8 and to be honest I liked them alright...I found them to be a little muddy and undefined but still overall a good pickup. I replaced mine with a set of Antiquity's and let me tell you...THESE ARE KILLER! The Ant's have a lot of the tone of the Burstbuckers but none of the mud none of the cloudy cleans...all of the good none of the bad!

If you are dead set on gettting a potted pickup then order a set of Ant's potted or go for the Pearly Gates...the PG's are a little more raw and rude and not as smooth but still have a great tone (The Ant's and the PG's are without a doubt my fav PAF style Buckers). Also, and I mention this because this is a big fear for a lot of players...even thought they are not potted the Seth's and the Ant's are not too noisey and/or squeally like you think they might be...now, if you crank the gain on a high gain amp and stand in front of it it will squeal...