Versatile PAF-type pickups for Les Paul?

[Chuck_Norris]

I am a pround owner of a Tokai LS 85 which currently has a set of Leosounds' Vintage Player PAFs in it. They are amazing and very accurate PAF replicas and they're perfect for bluesy stuff. But they're unpotted and covered and thus can't take much gain and volume without squealing.

I'm looking for something that retains the PAF vibe but can also take a lot of gain without squealing or mushing out. If it's possible, the pickups should have a tight and defined low end, stay clear under gain AND be capable of producing PAF-like vintage tones.

Based on some research on this forum, I'm thinking about a set of '59s. Based on the description, they are meant to be PAF replicas but the alnico 5 magnet should provide some extra punch and clarity. Plus they are being used by both blues/jazz players and metalheads (Lamb of God). Another option is the Pearly Gates but the alnico 2 magnet is most probably not a good choice for metal riffing, is it?

What do you guys think?

[bancika]

I did some research for the same pickup category and settled with a set of DiMarzio 36th PAF. My guitar is not finished yet, so I can't comment too much, this was purely based on what I read and heard around the web

[Jeffrec]

I use ANts in my LP and have no feedback problems (see Lex666's post a little ways down). You could try a Duncan CC also.

[Quencho092]

A2pro, or 59. One is a little darker/textured, 59's a little tighter and clearer, don't know anybody who had qualms about squeals/feedback with these including slash

[marcello252]

A2pro, or 59. One is a little darker/textured, 59's a little tighter and clearer, don't know anybody who had qualms about squeals/feedback with these including slash

+1

I have both, no squeal at all

[GuitarDoc]

A2Pro, '59, Pearly Gates (don't let the A2 fool you), Screamin Demon.

[dominus]

Duncan Custom, SH-5/TB-5. Check the spacing first to see if you need Standard or TremBucker.

[STRATDELUXER97]

I also own a Tokai Love Rock LP and loving a stock set of Seths in mine!

[Ed Hunter]

SETH LOVERS ftw

[AlexR]

^ I don't think thats what he's after. Great toned yes, great for higher drive....maybe not.

The '78 might be a good option here, or the Brobucker, or even a PATB 3 (although this looks a little more Hifi). A Pg or Jazz neck would be great.

[gibson175]

59s are great....and you can always convert the magnets to a2 for a different yet still killer set of pups, or a8 or whatever...59s are great pickups that also seem to have the ability to sound good with pretty much any magnet if you want to fine tune the response...

[blueman335]

59s are great....and you can always convert the magnets to a2 for a different yet still killer set of pups, or a8 or whatever...59s are great pickups that also seem to have the ability to sound good with pretty much any magnet if you want to fine tune the response...

+1. The sharp high end in '59's will hold up to more distortion.

[DeanSweden]

... and merry christmas

[JakeBluesRocker]

... and merry christmas

[Chuck_Norris]

^ I don't think thats what he's after. Great toned yes, great for higher drive....maybe not.

I'd really like to go from blues to metal (Lamb of God, Kreator) if it's possible so the PUs need to be waxed (--> no Ants or Seths). The A2 Pro is obviously good for Guns n Roses stuff but it's low end is described as "spongy" which worries me. Could you please compare the tightness of the '59, A2 Pro and Pearly Gates for me?

[blueman335]

I'd really like to go from blues to metal (Lamb of God, Kreator) if it's possible so the PUs need to be waxed (--> no Ants or Seths). The A2 Pro is obviously good for Guns n Roses stuff but it's low end is described as "spongy" which worries me. Could you please compare the tightness of the '59, A2 Pro and Pearly Gates for me?

It's the magnets. A2's are heavy on midrange with little treble; also are low output and have a loose, spongy low end. The highs are rounded. Their most endearing feature is the rich vintage dynamics. That's what's in PG's and A2P's.

'59's have A5's, which have a lot of treble and bass, with scooped mids. The highs are sharp and the lows are tight. Output is fairly high.

[dominus]

I'd really like to go from blues to metal (Lamb of God, Kreator) if it's possible so the PUs need to be waxed (--> no Ants or Seths). The A2 Pro is obviously good for Guns n Roses stuff but it's low end is described as "spongy" which worries me. Could you please compare the tightness of the '59, A2 Pro and Pearly Gates for me?

I don't know why you're not listening to Dominus, especially since he has the correct answer.

You'll need a lot of processing to get the 59 to sound as heavy as the guy from Lamb Of God does.

Custom *will* do Kreator.

[Chuck_Norris]

Looks like the '59b is the right option for the bridge position. What should I drop in the neck? I love Slash's lead tone but fear that the A2Pn might be too muddy. The PGn is also very popular 'round here. Or should I simply get a '59n?

[LatsMcGee]

PAF Pros......listen to Jason Suecoff's tones, that's what he uses......

[Ed Hunter]

PAF Pros......listen to Jason Suecoff's tones, that's what he uses......

I actually love these pups! they have a PAF flavor but are super articulate and have a great almost strat like scream