What pickups for a 335?

[Rexfordbridge]

I have a Gibson 335 that has the stock stuff in it (Classic 57's and wiring). The guitar's clarity is lacking and the overdriven tone just isn't there. I'm thinking about replacing the wiring with a RS kit but haven't decided on the pickups.

For the cleaner sounds you're looking for this: (John Mayer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmpShCULwXk

Playing mostly blues/pop/rock

I was thinking Seth Lovers/59's/Sheptones or sticking with the Classic 57's

From the soundclips on the website I'm leaning towards the clarity of the 59 model, but I could be wrong.

I already own an SG for my harder music so this will be more of my blues machine. I'm looking for that quintessential 335 sound.

 

[Rexfordbridge]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

At this point, I'd say that I narrowed it down to four choices:

1) 59 Model Seymour Duncans
2) Sheptone Tribute
3) Guitarforce Lord of the Blues
4) Lollar Low Wind Imperials

Any opinions? Looking for a great pop/blues/rock tone.

 

[AlexR]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

The '59's are pretty nice, but the neck can be boomy.

Check out this clip of Seth's....pretty nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l-sHxFKmWA

Antiquities have a little more depth to the sound again....I've got them in my SG and have not regretted the purchase.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

If I ever change my 57's out of my 335, I'll most likely go with Seth lover pickups.

 

[AlexR]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

As an addition to what I said, if you don't like the sound of the 57's, a simple change of wiring bits will only make a difference if the value of the pots change.

You can also do some magnet swapping if you get keen, but there's an added level of difficulty with removing the covers.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

I used 57's, Seths, and Antiquities in my 335's and they were all great.

 

[Rexfordbridge]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

Now that I played my 335 next to my SG I can tell you what the 335 is missing. The 335 on the bridge pickup is much darker and less defined. When I hook up my tube screamer I want pickups in my guitar that are brighter and biting. Does that help?

What pickups should I look at?

 

[Bludave]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

I think the Seths will be to dark in a 335. I have played a lot of guitars and Seths tend to be dark. they are great in a Jazz box but in a 335... i don't know. The 59's are a pretty safe bet, but for warmth I really like the AlnicoII pro in the neck. Pearly gates also is a great neck pickup. Maybe a Pearly gates and a 59 or even a JazzN 59B.


After reading your last post.... Your comparing a 335 to an SG? Why, they are two totally different guitars

 

[Rexfordbridge]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

I recognize that they are completely different guitars, but it by being able to compare the two humbuckers side by side it helps me to describe more of the tone I'm looking for.

 

[AlexR]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

An SG will always be thinner tone wise, and If you have one already why try and make another guitar like it. The woody tone of a semihollow will always lend itself to being darker, but if you stick a low output pickup in it and then back it off the strings a bit then the tone will thin out a touch.

If you are determined to have thinner tone, then a PG set will give a bit more bite. Any ZZ top record will give you the general idea.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

From the Gibson range, a Burstbucker bridge/Treble position HB ought to give the increased clarity and rock 'n' roll rudeness you seek.

On my Epiphone B. B. King Lucille model, I fitted SD Pearly Gates N and Brobucker pickups. Plenty of sonic variety without stepping outside of the ES zone. This Epi model is blessed/cursed with the stereo Vari-Tone wiring harness. Through an overdriven valve amplifier, position #3 creates a Michael Schenker "cocked wah pedal" honk tone.

 

[skynyrd]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

Before I changed pups I would change out the wiring and pots and jack and toggle first. Get good quality pots and the braided wiring and see what that does, the 57`s are great pups but when the pots get old and IF it has cheaper wiring in it that can affect their tone..

 

[elelpe]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

When I hook up my tube screamer I want pickups in my guitar that are brighter and biting. Does that help?

What pickups should I look at?

59b made my dark and woody Epiphone Dot bright in that mode. If you want more bite, then PGb it is. In my case, I already have bright and biting guitar, a tele. So for that warm sound, my Dot has Alnico II Pro now (paired with 59n). I'm happy

 

[blueman335]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

To me, '57's are too dark in the neck and prone to mud, and in the bridge, they have a rounded, ribbony high-end that I don't care for. But mag swaps fix that: an A5 in the neck and you get calrity and definition, and an UOA5 or RC A4 in the bridge for more treble and bite.

If you buy new PU's, '59's are great in a 335. On the '59N, raise the pole pieces and lower the bass side of the PU a little, and it'll take out any boominess.

 

[david kornblatt]

Re: What pickups for a 335?

bench the gibson pots and install some orange drops .22 and get cts pots and a switchcraft jack and make sure they're 500k it you want to go super bright bench the tone controls+Caps and go with a 1 meg pot to volume