Gibson ES-335 Replacement Pickups

[Meggy]

good info meggy...i like low wind too...however prefer the added power of the alnico v mags...you can always compensate for too much magnetism in the pickup by backing the pup into the body..but you cant add to an alnco II!

many of the big name pickup companies have a low wind humbucker tucked away in their catalog...lollar, gibson, duncan etc...

cheers

Absolutely fair enough re the magnet type - I was only speaking for how things work best for me, and it is such an individual thing. I understand your thinking there re preferring alnico V - personally I've never felt the need for more power (from the neck pickup at least) but that is just me.

[jorgemg1984]

It's hard to buy a bad pickup these days, really. For the price, it's hard to beat the Di Marzio DP103 or the Seymour Duncan Alnico II.

As of note, some 335s are hard to sound warm, even with good pickups.

[mad dog]

I recently got an epiphone elitist ES-335 '62 RI used, for a friend. Had the stock '57 classics. Never liked them much, and in this guitar, a bit harsh, overpowering. I had a pair of used Seth Lovers sitting around, had my luthier friend swap the pickups. A dramatic improvement. My tone reference for 335s is my '66 ES-335, which has the best humbuckers ever IMO. The Seths were not quite there, but not far off.
MD

[Frank67]

+1 on the Seth Lover. Great match with 335 type guitars and super sweet and warm sounding. The DiMarzio is certainly nice too.

[swingtoneman]

Thanks everybody for your knowledge--much appreciated.

[Cunamara]

That's a beautiful pup there ... if it sounds as good ...

Stumbling fingers still need love ...

Those sound as good as they look. Pete builds a wonderfull CC pickup in a humbucker footprint.

[Guitarbean25]

Well...I'll be the left field answer.

I have Seth Lover's in my 535 now, which I do t find very musical (or at least I think it can sound better).

I'm dropping in DiMarzio Gravity Storms in it soon (they're in the mail). Should thicken things up a bit and hopefully maintain clarity. Plus they're cost effective.

I should add that I'm playing through a Carr Imperial 2x12 with Reeves Vintage Purple Speakers...and sometimes a Fryette D120...the ultimate in BIG CLEEEEAN

[jads57]

Manluis PAF Landmark neck. You won't be dissapointed!