considering replacing BurstBuckers in LP

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mdc1mdc11

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can someone give me the lowdown on what to expect with WCR's and MCPs? Specifically what others have actually installed in their LPs and left them there for a longer period. Typical coverage from classic to modern rock and jazz. No ultra high metal stuff with drop tuning.
 
After much shopping around and a lot of clips, I ended up going with BKPs.

Depending on what Lester you have, and what it is you're looking for, the following BKPs will work:
Mule (almost perfect recreation of the original PAF humbucker, but better)
Emeralds (I've got these on my triple pup '57 Black Beauty - mahog on mahog/ebony fingerboard)
RiffRaffs (perfect humbuckers on steroids - just a touch, and incredible sounding, one of my faves)
Black Dogs (shine through in the mix 100% - they've got bite and sound super musical)

Cheers,
Mo
 
I have an Afwayu set in my Hamer and they aren't going anywhere. Very articulate pickups, lots of lows, great harmonics, pretty hot at around 16k, clean up and split very well, I don't think I would change anything about them!
 
Which burstbuckers do you have? Before you replace them, try the 50s wiring mod. It makes a world of difference.
 
I think Burstbuckers are Gibsons best attempt at a vintage/hot type PAF pickup. The only thing I did't like about the bridge pickup was the icepick highs. If you like the general vibe of the Burstbuckers but want to get rid of the icepick highs and replace with a similar sounding pickup, try a Wolftone Marshallhead. It's been in my #1 Les Paul for about 5 or 6 years and love it.
 
interesting thraed...I have a SG carved top with BurstBuckers; at first I thought- who would replace these? But now I yearn..I already have a couple of axes with BKs. I wonder if Riff Raffs would make me happy?
The SG was a limited run, is it silly to NOT replace for value reasons? Or stupid thinking, seeing how it's getting played and not a museaum piece.Regardless, I'd like to see what OP does here...
 
crankyrayhanky":3v4noe60 said:
interesting thraed...I have a SG carved top with BurstBuckers; at first I thought- who would replace these? But now I yearn..I already have a couple of axes with BKs. I wonder if Riff Raffs would make me happy?
The SG was a limited run, is it silly to NOT replace for value reasons? Or stupid thinking, seeing how it's getting played and not a museaum piece.Regardless, I'd like to see what OP does here...
Click to expand...
You can always replace the original pups back in - it's just solder.

RiffRaffs are off the hook. My tech was totally stoked with these pups when he installed them on one of my axes (mahogany body, flame maple top, mahog neck, rosewood fingerboard). Incredible tone with just a hint of bite.

Ya, c'mon OP!! Don't leave us hanging :lol: :LOL:
 
SFW":8sjhi97r said:
Which burstbuckers do you have? Before you replace them, try the 50s wiring mod. It makes a world of difference.
Click to expand...

B1 and B2
 
I've been the boutique route, WCR, BKP, Suhr, Rio Grande, BG, you name it. I finally found what I was looking for with a regular old 498T with upgraded 500k pots and wiring. Set the pickup low and raised the polepieces. My LP has never sounded better.

I really like the BB1 and BB2 as well, just not quite hot enough. I don't like the BB3 though as it tends to get muddy real quick on the gain knob.

I would second the recommendation of trying different wiring, 500k pots, and maybe some different cap values first.
 
While I pretty much like Gibson's Burstbucker Pro's,I really dig the 57 Classic+/57 Classic set in my Les Paul Traditional Plus.I was initially surprised with how good they sounded on cleaner tones,as well as how smooth the pickups scream under heavier overdrive tones.



Ed
 
SFW":5cjz493z said:
Which burstbuckers do you have? Before you replace them, try the 50s wiring mod. It makes a world of difference.
Click to expand...

Where do I find info on the 50s wiring mod?
 
EdMan57":109085ov said:
While I pretty much like Gibson's Burstbucker Pro's,I really dig the 57 Classic+/57 Classic set in my Les Paul Traditional Plus.I was initially surprised with how good they sounded on cleaner tones,as well as how smooth the pickups scream under heavier overdrive tones.



Ed
Click to expand...

I am thinking of the 57 Classic+/57 Classic also in my heavy and naturally dark LP Standard. Would be cheaper than after market boutiques!
 
I can recommend the WCR Crossroads for the neck. Its really good. Im not sure if its alnico II or V, but its not a bright pickup at all (in the neck). Really warm and balanced.

I have a Van Zandt in the bridge and i like it a lot, but it is kinda hot. Not like a JB, cause it has that vintage vibe but hotter. Pefect for Classic Rock id say.


This is in a LP Standard btw.
 
The WCR Godwood bridge is a can't miss. the 57 classic gibson pups are also very good to my ears. The WCR godwood pup in the neck for a brighter LP and or if it has a true ebony fretboard is a great choice as well. The Burstbucker pros are good pups if you change the pots and wiring if you get a LP that you think they are off sounding in. :)
 
Save you cash....Gibson 57 Classics. I think I am placing those in my 1994 LP Standard.
 
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