Pickup Upgrade of Gibson Les Paul Custom

BBN-Boys · Post by **BBN-Boys** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 5:39 pm

Hello.
I wanted to get a some recommendations for upgrade pickups for my Gibson Les Paul Custom. Currently, it has the stock Gibson PUs with the gold covers.

The sound I want to be able to cover are classic 70’s (ACDC, Bad Co) to 80’s metal (Def Lepard, EVH). Preferably, I would want passive pickups (not active or DC powered like EMG). I was thinking about putting in Seymour Duncan ’59s in both the neck & bridge. I was also wondering about the other “bowteek” PU makers also like Lollar, WCR, Fralin, etc…

Anyways, I would greatly appreciate any comments or recommendations for the both the neck & bridge.

Thanks

Country Boy Shane · Post by **Country Boy Shane** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:37 pm

I put SD Seth Lover's in my Les Paul and they do a good impression of AC/DC and classic 80's stuff. I bet there could be a 1000 potential candidates for you so prepare to drive yourself to insanity. If you end up choosing between a Seth Lover and a '59, go with the Seth Lover because they all-round sound... SO MUCH BETTER! You should be aware they are not wax-potted either. BEWARE

tonejones · Post by **tonejones** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:50 am

Go to http://www.highorderpickups.com and email Jeff.

He makes some outstanding pickups that're only $55 (that's shipping included!!!

Not sure if they're in the boutique range or not (never had any), but the high orders beat the total crap out of every other production pup I've ever played (I replaced the bridge PAF in my '76 LP Custom with one if that tells you anything)......

There's quite a few guys on the board now that have the HOs now.....I'm sure you'll get good reccomendations from them as well

Zoso · Post by **Zoso** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 2:40 am

I second that. I put a set of highorders in my LP and my Flying V, and I absolutely love them. Plus, you can get any winding you want and Jeff is great about talking to you to see what configuration works best for your wants. I can't recommend them enough.

BBN-Boys · Post by **BBN-Boys** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 4:09 am

Thanks guys. I'll check out those High Order PUs. The prices look great @ $55.

Anybody with experience those WCR PUs?? Just was wondering if the those WCR are worth the money.

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 6:42 am

Dont let the price fool you. Their hand wound (well hand guided like PAFs) and as booteek as you get really but I asked him and these are starting-new-business-prices.

rjgtr · Post by **rjgtr** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:10 am

I have a set WCR Fillmores in my Les Paul and really love them. Great classic tone and they stay clear with the volume down.

Great pickups and quick shipping.

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 6:50 pm

There's quite a few guys on the board now that have the HOs now.....I'm sure you'll get good reccomendations from them as well

I love my two 8.3K AlNiCo 2's that I had Jeff build. I'll be ordering some matching neck PU's as soon as I'm feeling more flush.

dosmun · Post by **dosmun** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:41 pm

I bought a Mr. Browney from Genesis Sounds pickups and it kills the Duncan 59. They have excellent clarity. My Duncan 59 sounds muddy compared to the Genesis. They don't have a website but you can E-mail them for info at: genesissounds@yahoo.com

Skoora · Post by **Skoora** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:57 pm

If you decide boutique (higher price or long wait times) is too much bother I actuall dig the Screamin' Demon by Duncan. I play LP's and I find it's lower output vs. my old standby the JB makes it a lot more versatile for classic rock and metal. Plus it's a little more jangly in the top end which I like for a LP. The JB measures about 16 where the SD is at about 12. I'm waiting on some High Orders (Maximus experiment) as well but it's a 2 month wait minimum right now.
The Seth Lover is an awesome classic rock pickup (fat, big) but in a gibson body the low end will be a little loose for tight down picking in a metal style.

Guitar Adjuster · Post by **Guitar Adjuster** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:05 pm

I also have the Mr. Browney from Genesis and love it, 9.1K alinco 2. I also have his Blues and Hot pickup combination that sound great. They do have a web site but its not completed, its:

http://www.genesissounds.com/

The prices are also great. If you have a lot of cash to spend check out bareknuckle pickups, they have a ton of killer models. Branzy can give you the scoop on them.

Allen

MacGaden · Post by **MacGaden** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:47 pm

How about Burstbuckers ? Anybody have any experience with those ?

dirtydeeds22 · Post by **dirtydeeds22** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:54 pm

BBN-Boys wrote:Thanks guys. I'll check out those High Order PUs. The prices look great @ $55.

Anybody with experience those WCR PUs?? Just was wondering if the those WCR are worth the money.

I've got WCR Darkburst's in my LP and love them. Classic 60's- 70's rock, good blues tone. Can't say much for 80's metal as I don't play it. Just crank your amp and I'd bet they'd do the job just fine.

Jeff

Country Boy Shane · Post by **Country Boy Shane** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:08 pm

Do you have a historic Custom or just a regular Custom? What could you compare the neck on it too?