Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

[greco]

I'm considering putting new pups in my Epi. Joe Pass as the stock pups seem really "lifeless". I read comments that the Joe Pass can be pretty bad but I think that the one I have is quite good..except for the electronics.

I don't play jazz and class myself as a perpetual beginner but I love playing and enjoy trying to play Blues (B.B. King sort of stuff)

I looked up old threads and found that Benjy 26 had Phat Cats in a Joe Pass (he sold it because it was too large [for him]to be comfortable to play) and Lew had suggested Seths or '59s in another thread.

Amps: '76 Princeton Reverb and a '67 Super Reverb.

Any other suggestions/comments?

Thanks

Dave

 

[jeremy]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

i think a set of seths would be great for blues/jazz styles

 

[greco]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

Thanks Jeremy

Any comments on the Phat Cats?

Dave

 

[tone4days]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

+1 on the seths ... a set of 59s could do fine too if you like your blues with a touch of hair on it ...

sorry can't help you with the phat cats

good luck and have fun
t4d

 

[greco]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

Thanks tone4days

Hair is good !!

Dave

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

RUSSELL MALONE USES SETHs
SO SHOULD YOU!

DONE DEAL!

By the way - I think Ibanez makes far better low end hollowbodies than Epiphone. I never liked the quality on the Joe Pass. I owned one for years, bought it when I played UCLA Jazz. Funny story - I was in a band with Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon's Singer) and I got to hold onto the Ibz G Benson for 2 years! After that I can say I am sold on Ibanez quality.

I actually got honorable mention on a tune for the Henry Mancini competition using a Joe Pass. I honestly think I would have done better using the Benson lol.

BTW putting in Seths would be a MASSIVE improvement to that guitar.

On mine, I actually stuffed a small T shirt inside to muffle it a bit and it worked wonders. Styrofoam works well to to tighten the tone and reduce hum or feedback.

You have some great amps btw!

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

It all depends on which hollowbody tone you want.

I had Seths and PC's in mine and both work very well. The Seths can are thick with good bite, but with a twist of the tone knob can get round and creamy.

The Phats really work if ¤

 

[greco]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

"The Phats really work if ¤"
Benjy 26...I'm lost ...what does this mean???????

Thanks "O" for all the info...and yes, I feel very fortunate to have those amps.

Dave

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

(continued) :

The Phat cats really work if you want a bright, tight, cutting tone.

In my mind, there are 3 basic Gibson hollowbody tones:

P-90's, mid 50's to early 60's PAF's, and the Pat # PAF's of the mid 60's.

The P-90 eqipped archtops were used by late 30's to early 50's jazz men, along with rockers like Scotty Moore and George Thorogood.

The PAF archtop tone is a classic. Wes Montgomery played an L5 with PAF's as did pretty much every other jazzer at that time. The PAF loaded Gibson archtop pretty much defined jazz tone then.

The early 60's Pat # pickups were very similar to the original PAF's, but had alnico V mags, which made them a bit brighter and deeper than the previous buckers. Larry Carlton and Kenny Burrel come to mind.

From Duncan, the Phat Cats do the P-90 tone, the Seths the early PAF sounds, and the 59's do the Pat # PAF tones.

In a hollowbody, I'd be happy with any of those pickups.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

"The Phats really work if ¤"
Benjy 26...I'm lost ...what does this mean???????

Dave

It means I'm posting from my PDA and it's having a fit.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

Go with a set of Invaders.

JK lol

I'd go with either a set of Seths or 59s

 

[greco]

Re: Which PUPs for an Epi. Joe Pass

Benjy...your condensed history of "Humbuckers for Jazz"
is great. I have a friend that works in a music store (sells guitars) and i'm going to print it for him. Where do I send the royalties?

Again, many thanks to all.

Dave