considering a Gibson pickup swap

[crankyrayhanky]

I have a Gibson SG carved top like this (bought from a kind RigTalker)
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electri ... Specs.aspx

It has Burstbucker Pros in it.
I thought I loved the guitar, but then:
I put BK MMans in an Epiphone LP. It suddenly became my #1 axe
so I put BK Aftermath in a Gibson LP--Boom! Love it

Now I play my SG and while the playability is awesome, I think I'm hearing mushy lows and piercing highs
I have a friend who has a similar guitar and keeps chirping about "Why would anyone change these pickups? This guitar is perfect!"

Anybody happy with their Burstbucker Pros?
I have a feeling I'm headed for some more BKs

 

[mniel8195]

head over to the bk...not sure what would work in the sg maybe rebells or nailbombs maybe even coldsweats. i think the mm agree with alot of guitars

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Thanks^I'm looking at all of them as we chat , lol

Based on Tim's advice, I'm looking at the Riff Raff to stay closer to the Burstbucker
I asked about the Warpig, but was advised that may take away some of that top end magic the carved top provides- but to go with Cold Sweat for a little more modern feel with slight scoop. Which one was the evolution of the cold sweat- was it the nailbomb?

Surprisingly, that Riff Riff Modern Metal clip kicks all kinds of ass, makes it a tough choice

If I went with MCP, which one should I consider? I know nothing of the choices there

I wish I had solder skills, i would just keep flipping pickups like I do modules at MTS

 

[crankyrayhanky]

still hemming/hawing
What do you think of the burnt chrome style for my blue axe? Too much?

 

[blackba]

My '03 LP standard LE had burstbucker pros, 1 and 2 as I remember. The Neck was okay, but the bridge was pretty harsh in the highs. I put in a set of Suhr Aldrich pickups and loved the change, the harsh highs are gone. So I would say go for the change to BK's. Never tried any of their pickups myself, but I think you will like the change.

BTW, I love the look of that blue SG. My LP is the Manhattan blue.

 

[racerevlon]

Great looking SG. I've changed a lot of Gibson pickups for a lot of people and they all eventually go back to the stock pickups.

 

[blackba]

Great looking SG. I've changed a lot of Gibson pickups for a lot of people and they all eventually go back to the stock pickups.

Is that just before the sell the guitar?

On a serious note, Gibson makes a lot of pickups, is there one type of pickup in general that is put back in?

I have heard alot better things about the regular burstbuckers compared to the brustbucker pros. I do like the 490R, 498T, and '57 classics.

 

[iplayloudly]

how can you tell if they are regular burstbuckers or burstbucker pros? Mine say #1 & #2 on the back. Whatever they are, I think they sound great. MUCH better than the 490R/498T combo in my previous LP.

 

[blackba]

I think those are Burstbucker pros, as the pros have an Alnico V magnet and the regular burstbuckers have an Alnico II magnet. I am guessing that the AL V means Alnico 5. Also, you might be able to find the model spec sheet on your guitar and see what it lists as pickups.

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/G ... ker%20Pro/

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Lots of interesting feedback here; much appreciated

Great looking SG. I've changed a lot of Gibson pickups for a lot of people and they all eventually go back to the stock pickups.

Is that just before the sell the guitar?

On a serious note, Gibson makes a lot of pickups, is there one type of pickup in general that is put back in?

I have heard alot better things about the regular burstbuckers compared to the brustbucker pros. I do like the 490R, 498T, and '57 classics.

Really? Burstbuckers>Burstbucker Pros? That's counter intuitive

I had 490/498 in my LP for 10 years, loved the tone; recorded lots of cool stuff and played my best shows with that combo. I always read people dissing on it...then the bridge went out on me and gave me the excuse I needed to get some Aftermaths. Coupled with a pro setup, this is like whole new level of axe-love.

I have time to think about my SG pickups, I have no gigs and I have plenty of other axe choices...but the SG has a lead playability and magic shimmer that is unparalleled- but I can't help but think I would love BKs. I'll get a set, but I'll need to decide on which flavor.

 

[blackba]

Lots of interesting feedback here; much appreciated

Great looking SG. I've changed a lot of Gibson pickups for a lot of people and they all eventually go back to the stock pickups.

Is that just before the sell the guitar?

On a serious note, Gibson makes a lot of pickups, is there one type of pickup in general that is put back in?

I have heard alot better things about the regular burstbuckers compared to the brustbucker pros. I do like the 490R, 498T, and '57 classics.

Really? Burstbuckers>Burstbucker Pros? That's counter intuitive

I had 490/498 in my LP for 10 years, loved the tone; recorded lots of cool stuff and played my best shows with that combo. I always read people dissing on it...then the bridge went out on me and gave me the excuse I needed to get some Aftermaths. Coupled with a pro setup, this is like whole new level of axe-love.

I have time to think about my SG pickups, I have no gigs and I have plenty of other axe choices...but the SG has a lead playability and magic shimmer that is unparalleled- but I can't help but think I would love BKs. I'll get a set, but I'll need to decide on which flavor.

As far as Burstbuckers versus Burstbucker pros, that is just what I have read, so take it for what its worth. Obviously some like the pros more. When people talk about Burstbuckers most are talking about the standard Alnico 2 magnet ones, not the pros.

Some interesting reading: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=106523
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=29676
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=36379&hilit=Aldrich

 

[fuzzyguitars]

the 498t is a great rock pickup.

i have em in a les paul custom and its not going anywhere!

 

[glassjaw7]

Im definitely not happy with my 498T at times, but sometimes I like it...dunno, just not very inspired by it.

 

[Diplodomare]

No matter what, no luck with BB Pro in bridge. Too shrill - could not get thick warm sounds. The BB Pro neck version is a great neck pickup though - very powerful, with smooth bite. Not jazzy warm, more aggressive smooth.

I had better luck with Classic '57 plus in bridge - warmer and thicker.

Going to look at Holy Diver set (Tim from BKP suggestion) for that Aunt Jemima thick & rich tone....

DM

 

[SDMF38]

I have never been real pleased with BB's weather pro's or plain, but Ive always played Duncans and never had an issue and always great tone, but 10 years ago I bought a Dirty Finger reissue and just recently put that in my SG and thats it. Its coupled with the 490 in the neck and I dont think I could ask for a better sound from it at all. You just have to keep searching for that tone and go from there.

 

[Ventura]

Get RiffRaffs, FTW.

 

[joepete77]

Try a Gibson 500t in the bridge. They are one of Gibsons best pickups if you ask me. They have the power to drive classic amps into overdrive,have great sustain, and still clean up pretty good with guitars volume knob, and still retain classic Gibson tones just supercharged. They get a bad wrap from the elitist types who shit on anything other then real paf's or the new boutique "wound with vintage wire and hair from les Paul's ass by hand" flavor of the month.