Seth Bridge Review and advice needed.

[jamison162]

Can someone recommend a set that would fall somewhere inbetween Seth Lovers and 59's (I know different mags but...). I may contradict myself here with what I'm after but here goes.

Let's talk Bridge here only for a minute, crunch tones:

Seth's:
- I like the softer, spongier attack of the A2's, not as aggressive and pushy. Different type of compression I suppose.
- I like that they are clear and defined with singing highs.
- Faults: They are a tad too bright and on the thin side. I could use a little better low end punch with these as well without sacrificing the organic nature of the A2's vs. A5's. (Maybe A4?)

59's:
- I like the thickness and low end they put out.
- Faults: They sound muddy to me. Attack is a bit to fast and hard.

Thanks



Also, are the Pearly Gates brighter or warmer then the Seths? Thinner or fuller?

[pstarove]

IMHO Gibson '57 Classic is in the middle between the Seth Lover bridge and the '59 bridge sonically.

the Pearly Gates are brighter than the Seths.

However, in your case I would recommend an Alnico Pro II set.

[Lewguitar]

Boy...this is hard because I don't hear the Seth as being to bright...and I hear the 59 as being brighter than the Seth.

But I get the hit that you like Alnico 2 but want a pickup that is not as bright as the Seth or 59 and perhaps has less bass than the 59 so it seems clearer or less muddy.

Alnico 4 will probably be brighter than you want.

You might like the Duncan Custom Custom. It's a sweet bridge pickup. Full and strong with plenty of mids and warm highs.

Sounds great with a Seth neck.

[jamison162]

Thanks guys.

Well, maybe it's that the Seth is missing some lows and low-mids making it seem brighter. It is definitely not as thick as the 59's we heard. I've had other A2's and they sound similar to the Seth to me in the brighter and thinner kind of way. It still sounds darn good though. I'm just fishing to see if I can squeeze the last 10% out of what I want to hear with this rig in getting this guitar balanced perfectly.

[Lewguitar]

Thanks guys.

Well, maybe it's that the Seth is missing some lows and low-mids making it seem brighter. It is definitely not as thick as the 59's we heard. I've had other A2's and they sound similar to the Seth to me in the brighter and thinner kind of way. It still sounds darn good though. I'm just fishing to see if I can squeeze the last 10% out of what I want to hear with this rig in getting this guitar balanced perfectly.

You're right. And I think you would like a Custom Custom. It's an alnico 2 pickup and very thick and sweet sounding.

Or for more of a vintage vibe, the Duncan Custom Shop 78 that was designed for EVH. Another alnico 2 pickup - and a great one.

Lew

[Gearjoneser]

I think I know what you're going for...

A ballsier 59 is a Brobucker, then Custom 5.
A ballsier Seth is an APH, then a CC.

All 4 of those are pickups you'd probably get along with, but I'd start with a CC. Then, if you think it's too thick and dense sounding, change the magnet to an Alnico 5, turning it into a C-5. The C-5 and CC are good choices for you. If you like a little bit less output, go back down to the Brobucker or APH.

[jamison162]

Thanks,

I may try some other Duncans since I have a 21 day exchange period.

I also just picked up a 3 month old set of WCR Darkbursts for $210, I hear great things about these as well.

Getting there...

[Jimbojsr]

FWIW - My '59 is in the bridge of my Epi 335, and it DEFINITELY sounds a LOT less dull and muddy than the stock one. It really helps the guitar breathe a lot more - the only dullness that's left is really the natural sound of the guitar, seeing as it's a 335 as opposed to, say, a Tele.

Also, apologies if I've missed this, but I'm assuming you're using a Les Paul?

[jamison162]

Yes, axe is a Heritage H-150 Goldtop. Killer LP.

[Gearjoneser]

With that guitar, I'd probably start with a Custom 5/PGn. It's hard not to like that combo in a LP type guitar.