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What would be a good "dark but clear" (!?) humbucker replacement for the neck position. I'm not sure if this is a reasonable request - something achievable within a pickup, but looking for a bit more compression, less bright: ala Adam Rogers/Rez Abassi. I say this knowing full well it's more than just the pickup, but just focusing on that aspect for now.
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10-31-2019 12:13 AM
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Sounds like a well-adjusted Classic 57’. It’s not fancy and got its share of kinks and warts, but I always go back to that old workhorse for the sound you described.Wether it’s matter of getting used to and/or knowing what it does well enough to get what you want from it, it works for me and ton of others for the most part.
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Before Gibson started installing a "pickup of the month" into 335's the standard pickup that I associate with the 335 is the 57. That's a good place to start... and end.
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What do you have now? I use clear and bright to describe similar sparkle/articulation so I’m a bit hesitant to make a recommendation without a bit more information since you said you want it clear but less bright
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seth lovers are great, not dark, but perfect
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Right now I believe I have a Seymour Duncan 59 in there...
Originally Posted by blille
What do you have now? I use clear and bright to describe similar sparkle/articulation so I’m a bit hesitant to make a recommendation without a bit more information since you said you want it clear but less bright
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Very helpful, thanks. The 59 is a great pickup but it’s scooped in the mids. Originally Posted by arielcee
For something warmer (maybe darker in your words) but still articulate I would go for a SD Alnico Pro II. I used to have a 335 copy with one and loved it.
Also if you haven’t yet, try to raise the 59. You will get more volume but also more mids, which may help.
Finally, you can swap the magnet in your 59 from an A5 to an A2. It’s very simple to do. I have a 59 with an A2 in my “jazz tele” and love it. The change in tone is quite significant. If you’re crafty you can do the magnet swap without unwiring the pickup.Last edited by blille; 10-31-2019 at 12:11 PM.
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Seth Lovers are great too. They are unpotted so they will be more dynamic. Originally Posted by patshep
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I second the SD Alnico Pro II choice, great pickup. I find the Classic 57 too muddy.
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Lindy Frailin Pure PAF, i put these in my Sadowsky semi hollow, sounds great..Also he makes one called the Unbucker and i colil spilt them. i have those in my Robben Ford, chimmy, clear...really nice.
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Curious statement there especially since most recent Gibsons 175 and L5 CES among other models not considered muddy came with 57s. Originally Posted by jorgemg1984
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Originally Posted by jorgemg1984
Note how Jorge said it was his opinion. I happen to agree with him. Originally Posted by GNAPPI
Your statement was presented as more factual even though 1) it’s still a matter of opinion, maybe you find the SD A2Pro too bright 2) the guitar not sounding muddy does not mean that a pickup is not muddy. eg the wood or other elements/settings may compensate for that. But it’s still a range and matter of opinion
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Among other models not considered muddy is presented as factual? Originally Posted by blille
Note how Jorge said it was his opinion. I happen to agree with him.
Your statement was presented as more factual even though 1) it’s still a matter of opinion, maybe you find the SD A2Pro too bright 2) the guitar not sounding muddy does not mean that a pickup is not muddy. eg the wood or other elements/settings may compensate for that. But it’s still a range and matter of opinion
No by a L-O-N-G stretch but I will say I know of none who summarily pulled the pups from an L5 or 175 for a Seymour Duncan. If I'm wrong name them.
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Too many options!!
I'd call Amalfitano- he'll take care of you!
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Originally Posted by GNAPPI
Don’t want to derail the thread. Originally Posted by GNAPPI
My point was that your previous post was still opinion but presented as fact (“not considered muddy”). Also the fact that a whole is X does not make any component in it X, it’s a whole to part fallacy.
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There are many great choices available especially used. But I'll mention a couple more.
1. Manluis Landmark PAF
2. Sheptone
3. DiMarzio 36th Anniversary
4. Gibson Burstbucker
5. Wolfetone
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My personal choice for that sort of application is the DiMarzio 36th Anniversary but there are lots of great choices. Do you care if it's potted or not? Whether it an be split? Whether it's production or small shop?
Last edited by Jim Soloway; 11-01-2019 at 11:58 AM.
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Thanks! Not really picky, Coil splitting isn't necessary either. Originally Posted by Jim Soloway
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The Di Marzio 36th Anniversary sounds great in my Soloway single 15” Gosling... (good choice Jim!)
Re: 335s... I lived with Classic ‘57 in my 2006 Gibson ES-335 and to MY ears it sounded a little muddy. Replaced it with a Lollar Imperial Low-Wind... significant improvement in my situation.
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Dimarzio 36th and Lollar Imperial Low wind are my two favorite neck humbuckers to date.
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I stayed out of this - I don't have a lot of exp. with "every" guitar, nor with "every" pickup, but,
when guys say that they think the 57's are a bit "muddy" in the neck position, I jump up, tools in hand!
My '57 RI Les Paul - with 57's - not exciting. I had some 57's laying around, so when I bought an Epiphone "Lucille", I put one into the neck slot. Muddy. So I went to a DeArmond GoldTone w. A5 magnets. That opened the guitar right up.
Classic 57's ? Maybe yes, maybe no. Buy them (inexpensive) online and try them. YMMV. You may be happy with them, or, you may learn from them.
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The '59 set is one of the best PAF-sounding p'ups there is; all you need is to tailor it to your liking. Originally Posted by arielcee
This set takes magnet swaps so well, it's not even funny. Also, just as their expensive boutique counterparts, hitting the "sweet spot", will make or break their fundamental tone-footprint. And that difference might lie within a quarter-of-a-turn of the height screw.
In my case, I have an A3n/A2-modded, nickelsilver covered '59 set in my ES-339, which after a year of trial-and-error, turned out to be the perfect combination for the Smooth Jazz style of music I play with it.
My "sweet spot" settings are: 2.4mm for the bridge p'up and 3.5mm for the neck p'up, measures taken pressing the 1st and 6th strings on the last fret (22nd). I suggest you use it as a starting point for yours.
You can get good magnets in the Addiction-FX e-Bay shop. It'll set you back about ten bucks for a set, so no need to contact your Bank's manager for a second mortgage.
If you ask me, the '59 set sounds arguably "best" with the following mag sets, in no specific order; only the music style context being paramount:
*short-A4n/A4b (Vintage)
*A3n/A2b (Jazzy/Bluesy)
*A3n/OUA5b (Classic Rock/British Blues)
*A4n/A8b (All kind of musical styles, although better in heavier styles)
You're welcome.
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Originally Posted by blille
Yes, good advice in that post, change the Magnet to a Alnico 2.
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I’m not personally familiar with every pickup mentioned here but can agree with the qualities of the Lollar Imperial low-wind. The PRS 58/15LT neck pickup is a thing of beauty and probably my favourite humbucker, but pricey and may not be dark enough for some.
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I put a "Betterbucker" Alnico 2 pickup in my 335 type guitar neck position and it sounds great. It has warm mids but also some sparkle on top. It may be hotter than some like at 8.6 ohms but it's both fat and cuts through.
They are made custom for Killer Vintage Guitars in Dallas...
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