Re: Will new Pups help me?
PAF is vintage in a word. What we hear in old recordings and what we see and hear in old humbucker equipped axes from the late 50s early 60s.
There are many different takes on the PAF tone. This is partially because Gibson wan't very specific on these pups and they greatly varied. I'll list the SD PAF style pups and describe what they are for you.
The 59---the quintessential Alnico 5 magnet PAF humbucker. 1959 was is considered the year of the LP and the pups from this year are thought to be slightly brighter. The 59 is supposed to sound as close to the original 59's as possible, like a pup made n 59 and brought forward in a time machine. The 59 has a scooped mids and a large fat low end and lots of highs. Lots of people like it for the neck, it also sounds great in the bridge. The best comparison to a record would be Jimmy Page's LP sound.
The Seth Lover---This is the earliest incarnation of the humbucker. Originally put into Jazz boxes in 55. It comes standard with a nickel, or gold cover and is unpotted just like the originals. Imagine a pup made in 55 brought forward to today in a time machine. The Seths have a warm sound but is still quacky and plucky like a single coil with good mids due to the Alnico 2 magnet.
Alnico 2 Pro---A modern day version of the PAF tone and design with a few variations. This pup was specially wound to provide a very warm sound with great string to string definition and more mids. It has a sweet top and smooth bottom thanks to the Alnico 2 magnet like in the Seth Lover. It is very even sounding as well and has nice natural compression. The most famous user of the Alnico 2 Pro is Slash of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver.
Pearly Gates---Orginally created for Billy Gibbons to mimic the tone of his Les Paul "Pearly Gates" they have slightly more output than the aforementioned pups as well as more mids, once again due to the alnico 2 pup, and a bit of the high end sizzle (the presence or cut knob frequencies) Lots of guys like the Pearly Gates because of the bit of snarl in its character. It has mismatched coils which also add to the pups character.
The Jazz---Don't let the name fool you! These pups are very articulate and can get nasty with the best of them. It has an EQ shift up and is brighter with more mids than the 59. It has an Alnico 5 magnet and is considered more of a modern pup but it has a PAF or vintage vibe and output.
All PAF style pups will have a brighter character than their high output counterparts, and usually have a bit of a mid scoop due to the winding.
The Custom series is a group of 3 pups constructed exactly the same with one difference, the magnet.
The Custom ---has a ceramic magnet and has great crunch and grind with good lows and great mids and highs. It can brighten a dark guitar and keep the low end articulate
The Custom Custom---has an Alnico 2 magnet. It has a large mid spike with smooth lows and highs. It is a great High Output pup to tame a bright guitar.
The C5---The C5 iss like a 59 but overwound with more oomph. It has great bass and treble and scooped mids. Not my cup of tea but lots of folks like it. Gearjoneser being its biggest fan.
In addition to these pups there is the Antiquity series, which is like buying a pup made in the 50's which has been used....ALOT! It is aged and has a decreased power magnet. These pups are made by Seymour and MJ and are considered to be the best by many.
Hope that helps man!
Luke
