What PU can give me Gibson 57 Classics flavour with more output?

[goldenchild]

Hi everybody!

This is my first post on this board!

First: I have to beg your pardon for my english, because I'm french, and you'll see that it's sometime hard to read me.

Now: Let's be serious and ask some questions:

I'm the proud owner of a thick and tight amp: VHT 100/CL, and a good "OLD" LP copy: Ibanez Artist (I don't exactly know which one it is in the serie. I had it used in 1996, and the guitar itself is from 1982)

As said before, the guitar is an old one, so I placed an order for a Gibson LP Classic Antique, which comes stock with a couple of Gibby's 57 Classic and 57 Classic+.

The Gibson will be here to replace the "Artist" as it's retirement time for her.

But my band's music requires 2 guitars: One for Classic/heavy Rock (think G'N'R, Aerosmith, AC/DC), and the other for more Metal stuff (think Metallica, BLS, Pantera).

That's why I ordered a LP (I've always wanted one). And That's why I plan to order an ESP Eclipse I CTM Full Thickness as soon as possible (lots of gigs to come).

The problem is there: the ESP comes equiped with EMGs, and, as I said before, my amp is a tight beast. I've had Xperiences with DMZ D-Activators PU (ceramic magnet, lots of output, in the EMG league, tonewise) with my Ibanez and this amp, and remained disappointed.

So, If I end up to like the sound of the 57s in the Gibby (already tested it, but in a Marshall... Sounded really good... And, from what I've Heard, VHT Loves LPs), and, considering the fact that the ESP is a copy of a LP Custom (LPC Thickness, Ebony fretboard, Mahogany set neck, Mahogany/Maple Body, etc...) but on the modern side, what PU would you recommend for the ESP, if I want its sound to match the Gibby, only with more output?

CC, Custom, C5, PGb, another, in the bridge position?
A2Pn, PGn, 59, another, in the neck position?

Now that my questions are asked, I have to let you.

See Ya!

Fab.

[Dru Edwards]

Welcome to the forum ... and your english is fine. The '57 Classic plus will give you a little more gain but still in the PAF realm.

Slash uses APH pickups so if you liked his tone I'd recommend those pickups but they won't take you anywhere near Metallica.

[goldenchild]

Thanx Dru for your answer.

As I said, I've already tested it (and loved it) through a marshall, and I guess I'm gonna love it more through my VHT, as it is a little darker sounding than the 2203.

I also have to add that I'm not trying to fake Slash, or anybody else's tone. I'm looking to improve MY tone (as anybody out there, I suppose). Experience showed me that I don't need supertight PUs with my amp, as it's already loaded with tons of gain, supertight bass and great transparency.

If the 57s don't fit my requirements with the VHT, I'll change them for a set of A2pros, but that won't tell me what to do with the ESP?

CC/A2pn
C5/A2pn
PGb/A2pn
Custom/PGn
CC/PGn

On the paper these combinations seem to fit the bill, but how will it be in the real life?

Thanx again.

See Ya.
Fab

[heymcz]

You want a Custom. I also own the LP Cl. Ant. with the 57+ in the bridge, and it sounds to me like a more 3D version of the Custom....

[goldenchild]

I've read again what I wrote and realize it's not as clear as I would've wanted. so to clarify a little my request let's turn it to a "more generic" question.

Let's imagine that I already have the Gibson LP Classic Antique (that comes stock with 57 Classics). Let's say I looooove it to death as it is, with my VHT amp that's a tight, defined, not so compressed, machine full of gain and clarity (some kind of a splawn QuickRod, with a little more punch on the low mids).

Now, imagine I receive an ESP Eclipse I CTM FT (loaded with EMGs 81/60), and I don't like the pickups (tight PU in a tight amp sounds a little too much... to me).

I have now to find a new set of PU for the ESP.

Let's say I decide to use the Gibson for classic to heavy rock songs, and the ESP for the metal stuff.

What Pickups, in the vintage to hot vintage league would help me achieve, for the ESP, the same kind of sound as the Gibby, but with more output?

I also add that I don't have a clean channel on my amp (both channels are the same, and each one can go from clean to mega distortion), and I use one for all the rythm stuff, and the other for lead work; so I'm used to use the neck pickup and volume control and an EQ pedal, to get my clean sounds, and I wouldn't like to change my habits, for the moment.

So, for the moment, I arrested my choice, for the neck PU, on APHIIn (based on Dru Edwards' recommendation and after doing a little search on this board). So, I'm looking for a bridge PU. (some kind of 57 Classic+ with more output).

Heymcz suggested the Custom would be a good choice. thanx a lot. What about a CC or a C5? Maybe a PGb would be a good choice too?

Other suggestions?

See Ya.
Fab

[Iron Horse]

Custom or Custom 5. PGb isn't hot and it's quite bright. CC has creamy top end and is loose.

[goldenchild]

Thanx Iron Horse.

What would be the difference between Custom and C5?

I was thinking about the CC because of the ebony fingerboard, and the tightness of the amp, so a little looseness wouldn't be a problem? Plus I've heard samples that make me think it could be a nice match with an APHn.

Thanx again.
See Ya.
Fab

[Iron Horse]

CC might work well. Custom 5 vs. Custom: C5 has scooped mids, huge lows and a lot of highs whereas Custom has big, very tight lows, strong mids, and crispy bright highs.

[Iron Horse]

For Metallica/Pantera/BLS, I'd go with Custom.

[theodie]

You want a Custom.

Yes he does. This in alot of ways reminds me of a 57 but with more output.

[goldenchild]

Ok guys!

So you think it's gonna bring me in metal teritory, while still being a good match with an APH in the neck position?

I'm sorry to ask again, but I remain a little skeptical because of bad experiences with ceramic magnets (DiMarzio D-Activator bridge).

But, after all, that's just a Pickup. If I don't like the result, I still can try another one, for not so much cash, so... Let's try the Custom.

So, my quest arrives to an achievement... For the moment.

Oh! And what about the pots? 250k? 500k? May I keep those originally mounted on the guitar? (EMG PU work with 1M pots, I think).

Thanx a lot.
See Ya.
Fab

[theodie]

Ok guys!

So you think it's gonna bring me in metal teritory, while still being a good match with an APH in the neck position?

I'm sorry to ask again, but I remain a little skeptical because of bad experiences with ceramic magnets (DiMarzio D-Activator bridge).

But, after all, that's just a Pickup. If I don't like the result, I still can try another one, for not so much cash, so... Let's try the Custom.

So, my quest arrives to an achievement... For the moment.

Oh! And what about the pots? 250k? 500k? May I keep those originally mounted on the guitar? (EMG PU work with 1M pots, I think).

Thanx a lot.
See Ya.
Fab

Yes, the Custom will pull off metal (and many other styles), its a cermaic but, it is rather unique for a ceramic pickup and is the exception to the rule, 500K pots if possible, will work great with APH. EMG uses 25K BTW.

Dude, that cat singing in your avatar is great!

[goldenchild]

Yes, the Custom will pull off metal (and many other styles), its a cermaic but, it is rather unique for a ceramic pickup and is the exception to the rule, 500K pots if possible, will work great with APH. EMG uses 25K BTW.

Ok Dude. I've just seen on the SD site that they call it "PAF on steroïds"... Ok for me to sound like Ben Johnson.

Dude, that cat singing in your avatar is great!

Check your nearest arena... Soon to be on tour... CAT SCRATCH FEVEEEEER!!!!!!

See Ya.
Fab

[goldenchild]

Finaly, I went for Burstbucker Pro Pickups. No more '57 Classics for the moment.

I'm now the proud owner of a wonderfull '05 LP STD Faded in a nice Tobacco Burst finish, 60's neck.

I found her used on a french forum (www.guitariste.com) for a good price. She had travelled for 2 to 3 days in her case, and when she arrived, I found her totally in tune. No need to re-string, ready to play.

I played her with my gear, and when I stopped, I was 2 hours older without even noticing it. She definitely is a hypnotic baby... I'm in love... She plays like butter, sounds like a dream... Perfect guitar for me.

There certainly are better guitars out there, but for the price I paid, I have the feeling, the sound, the look and the orgasms of a real Gibson LP... And she's mine all mine.

Here are a few pics of my baby, this has been taken by the guy who sold it to me. As soon as I can grab a camera, I take my own pics of it.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7749/p1010192cx2.jpg
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1774/p1010196zb8.jpg
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/417/p1010193xi5.jpg


See Ya.
Fab

[blueman335]

Nice-looking guitar! Great choice.

[eggman]

Howdy,

That's a lovely LP! Odd how a LP looks normal when it's P/Us have exposed coils, yet an ES-335 looks strange when it's P/Us lack covers.

Eggman

[goldenchild]

Nice-looking guitar! Great choice.

Thanx blueman.

These are the pics that made me choose her (the seller is something like 600 or 700 km far from me), but when I received it, I noticed it was a little brighter, clearer coloured than the pics show... Even on a dark rainy day, I can see the sun shining through this baby... Did I say I LOOOOOOVE HER? I love my Ibanez too (12 yrs living with her) But this one's definitely from a higher class.

Man! The more I play it, the more I love the neck. Some kind of an unfinished feeling on this piece of wood. Really smooth in the hand, and when I hold it, it entirely fits my palm and fingers; I can even play bar chords effortlessly, while standing up, and I hold her real low (think about J. Hetfield). If you have small or medium sized hands=>60's neck.

Howdy,

That's a lovely LP! Odd how a LP looks normal when it's P/Us have exposed coils, yet an ES-335 looks strange when it's P/Us lack covers.

Eggman

I personnaly don't think it's that odd, but I don't like P/U covers. (Though if someone would come to me and give me a 59 or any vintage Paula, I wouldn't complain about the covers. I'd certainly take it thankfully, play it respectfully... And run quickly... But that's not the subject)

Covers always make me think about an expression we have in France: "Better is Good's worst enemy" I always thought that a well finished and built guitar doesn't need covers.

One step further: P/U rings that match hardware finish + Uncovered black or zebra P/Us = Better visual balance, a little more sobriety... But that's just my opinion.

Thanx again guys.

See Ya.
Fab