[ledvedder]

Hi,
I have a few posts going about this guitar in other forums, but I wanted to start one here specific to pickup recommendations. I'm looking for replacement pickups for my Les Paul Traditional. It came with a 57 Classic/57 Classic Plus set.  I'm finding the neck really boomy and muddy.  The bridge is a bit shrill.  I play mostly rock, hard rock, some classic rock, and some heavier stuff (AIC, 90s Tool, etc). Nothing super heavy. I'm playing through either a Ceriatone Chupacabra (Jose modded 800 style head) or a DSL. No matter what tone I need, I always seem to drift towards that classic VH type of tone (think VH2). But, I'd still like some versatility for classic rock and clean stuff. So far, there are a few pickups I've considered, but I wanted to get opinions from the masters.

[darkbluemurder]

From the DiMarzio line I can recommend the AT-1 for the bridge and the Bluesbucker for the neck. These would certainly solve the shrillness problem in the bridge and get you in the right direction to clearing up the low end in the neck. If you want/need something more tight in the neck, Duncan Full Shred neck or Bareknuckle Abraxas neck.

These are all pickups that I have played and still play.

Cheers Stephan

[DarthPhineas]

Bluesbucker is always a good choice. Especially in the neck.

Have you already tried any other pups in the Bridge ?

[gtrjunior]

I’d recommend a Super Distortion in the bridge and maybe a Bluesbucker or PAF Pro/Joe in h neck.

[ledvedder]

I haven't tried anything yet. Although, I have been reading about the 36th Anniversary set. How do you think that set would do in a les paul?

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[gtrjunior]

I have a 36th neck in my LP. I wouldn’t call it muddy but it’s definitely “loose” in the low end. Even so, I like it a lot. It sounds a lot like John Sykes neck pickup sound from his Whitesnake days. Check out his solo in “Is This Love”. That’s what mine sounds most like.

[ledvedder]

I have a 36th neck in my LP. I wouldn’t call it muddy but it’s definitely “loose” in the low end. Even so, I like it a lot. It sounds a lot like John Sykes neck pickup sound from his Whitesnake days. Check out his solo in “Is This Love”. That’s what mine sounds most like.

How about the bridge?

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[gtrjunior]

I have a 36th neck in my LP. I wouldn’t call it muddy but it’s definitely “loose” in the low end. Even so, I like it a lot. It sounds a lot like John Sykes neck pickup sound from his Whitesnake days. Check out his solo in “Is This Love”. That’s what mine sounds most like.

How about the bridge?

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I have a Super Distortion bridge. Sorry.

[ledvedder]

I've also read that the 36th Anniversary with covers does not fit into the Les Paul's pickup route.

[gtrjunior]

I've also read that the 36th Anniversary with covers does not fit into the Les Paul's pickup route.

Not true. Mine is covered.

[DarthPhineas]

I haven't tried anything yet. Although, I have been reading about the 36th Anniversary set. How do you think that set would do in a les paul?

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The 36th Bridge is something I almost suggested. If the VH PAF were available, I’d go with that first.....maybe you can find one on eBay.  They are pretty similar, although the 36th is not as much a direct replacement for the VH PAF as DiMarzio would suggest...in my opinion. Look in to it and see what you think. If you think it might be too hot, go with the regular 36th Model which is fine for either position. 

[harmonics]

try sh2 sh4

or 490-496 r and 498t / 500t

[ledvedder]

try sh2 sh4

or 490-496 r and 498t / 500t

The JB scares me. I just can't imagine a 16.6 resistance being very versatile.

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[DarthPhineas]

The JB scares me. I just can't imagine a 16.6 resistance being very versatile.

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If that model scares you, let it be about the tone.

Specs can be deceiving....look at the Super D, the Super 2, and the Super 3 as an example.   

[darkbluemurder]

The JB scares me. I just can't imagine a 16.6 resistance being very versatile.

Don't be mislead by that DC resistance value. The JB is wound with 44 AWG wire which is much thinner than the 42 AWG wire which is used for PAF type pickups. Thinner wire has more resistance per meter. This is why you cannot take DC resistance as the sole indicator for output. In practice, a JB is hotter than a PAF but not that much.

As regards versatility: if you only compare the tones of a JB or AT-1 to a PAF in series mode the PAF may be more versatile in the clean tone department. But if you take into account other wiring options like split coil or parallel, the higher output pickup may be just as or even more versatile. Ultimately it is all personal preference.

Cheers Stephan