Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

[chrisrex]

Hello all,

Did a bunch of searching and reading in the forums, and after all that reading... I still thought I'd ask for advice anyway!

So, I'll get the prerequisites out of the way: I realize that tone is very subjective, that fingers and amps and whatnot also helps to shape the sound... but I guess like the rest of you I am trying to arm myself with as much information as possible, to try and make the right choice the first time.

So, what I am looking for is a BRIDGE pickup that is classic rock/vintage sounding, but mainly does a good job on the bottom 3 base strings / single during held notes. I find myself doing more 'single rhythm notes' than anything else (Think Mick Ronson's quick little ascending/descending E and A string lick during "... and the spiders from mars, he played it left hand") and in the intro of 'Width of a Circle'. So basically looking for more bass string 'cello fill in notes' than 'blazing leads' (though obviously versatility would be nice). Overall a huge fan of Ronson, Page, Peter Green, Dave Davies, etc

It would be going into a Les Paul Raw Power (Original version, circa 99-00? ) which currently has a 59 Neck PU (I DO like that, but not adverse to swapping a set), playing through a marshall valvestate. Honestly, it's mainly for basement jamming/ rehearsals.

I have been honing in on :
-----
Antiquity
Seth Lover
Green
Whole Lotta Humbucker
or '59.
-----
So... any advice or suggestions?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Guitar Rod]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Can't really help you with the pickups. I just bought a set of WLHs for their fuller tone, but can't give you a hands on. Just wanted to say that's a cool guitar. Almost jarring to see a maple neck/fretboard on a Les Paul.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Welcome to the forum

In order (my preference) for what you are describing

1. Pearly Gates
2. Whole Lotta Humbucker
3. '59

 

[AlexR]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

The WLH seems quite fat from all reports.....thats the first that sprang to my mind.

 

[marcello252]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

I'd say you need PAF style pup with a preference for an A5 magnet, so a standard '59b could be ok (2nd hand is cheap)

 

[chrisrex]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Thank you so much for the replies so far.


So that.. seems to be a vote for each then ;-)

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Thank you so much for the replies so far.


So that.. seems to be a vote for each then ;-)

Look at it this way: you've successfully ruled out Seth, Antiquity and Green, so that's progress; especially considering we had to buy them, install them, and play them to cast that vote.

 

[chrisrex]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Look at it this way: you've successfully ruled out Seth, Antiquity and Green, so that's progress; especially considering we had to buy them, install them, and play them to cast that vote.

Believe me, I appreciate exactly that!

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Yet another 'which pickup' question - specific scenario enclosed.

Of the pickups in your list I only have experience with the Antiquity in an SG and the Seth Lover in both an SG and a Squier Venus. I found the Antiquity to be a little soft on the low strings which makes sense given the alnico 2 magnet. The Seth Lover had more pop and definition than the Antiquity but nothing like the tightness of something like a Duncan Distortion.