Les Paul pickup recommendations?

[ledvedder]

I've been spending a lot of time jamming with my new Les Paul, which has the standard 498T/490R pickup combination. I'm finding these pickups to be very muddy, especially when lowering the guitar volume. I'm looking for some recommendations on replacing them. Since this is my first Les Paul, I'm not that familiar with what pickups work well. I'd like something that's pretty versatile, since my playing is all over the map. But, something that gets a good hard rock tone ultimately.

 

[marshallmel]

SD Hotrod Humbucker Set.....( JB and a Jazz )

 

[Steinmetzify]

Opposed to actives? I went from low output passives to the Het set to the 57/66 set, and really like them compared to everything else. That tight low end like an 81, but seriously great cleans on the neck. Shocking, really...I've never been an active guy for anything but metal, but these rule.

 

[suhrimmetal]

I know Paul(LP Freak) just threw some Wolftone Marshallheads in his LP and LOVES em'. LPs run a little darker and meatier so you can get away with some higher output pups. Maybe look at the Aldrichs... Bareknuckle Holy Divers or Nailbombs... Motor City Detroiter or (2nd degree) black belts.. Even the Duncan JB/59 or Jazz could work.

 

[glip22]

OX4 Neck. Marshallhead bridge

 

[mooncobra]

wolfetone dr vintage!! I have them in my les paul and they are great! also like others said the marshallheads, also wolfetone.

 

[Avi8r2005]

Duncan JB/59 combo. May also change to 50's wiring before swapping out pickups if you haven't done it already. Cheap and easy to do.

 

[ledvedder]

Duncan JB/59 combo. May also change to 50's wiring before swapping out pickups if you haven't done it already. Cheap and easy to do.

I have a wiring kit on the way to replace the pcb.

 

[ledvedder]

SD Hotrod Humbucker Set.....( JB and a Jazz )

I also see this set with a Jazz. What are the differences?

 

[LP Freak]

Instead of swapping pickups, first try rewiring your guitar using the 50's wiring. You only have to switch a couple wires around. You'll definately notice a difference and it'll help with the muddy tone when you turn the volume down.

 

[firejack]

Motor City Detroiter or (2nd degree) black belts..

MCP 2nd Degree Blackbelt set. thank me later.

Strongly agree with these guys!

 

[SFW]

Swap out the 300k volume pots first. That will go along way into fixing your problem.

 

[LP Freak]

Swap out the 300k volume pots first. That will go along way into fixing your problem.

Yes this and 50's wiring

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I prefer lower output pickups in LP's. I have a set of Duncan Antiquities in in my R7 gold top. They are killer pickups, very articulate and dynamic. I have a set of DiMarzio 36th anniversaries in a Trad + and killer in that one. I do have a Duncan Custom in the bridge of my 57 LPC RI that smokes.

Another thing to consider here is whether you are wired for modern or 50's wiring. Also look into pots and caps as they can make just as big of difference as pickup swaps.

 

[Mattfig]

Motor City Detroiter or (2nd degree) black belts..

MCP 2nd Degree Blackbelt set. thank me later.

Strongly agree with these guys!

I agree with the above as well.

 

[Loudness250]

I like the SD Custom in the bridge. But the wiring and changing pots to 500k as was mentioned is first.

 

[Red_Label]

Hard to beat the Duncan JB/59 combo in LPs or LP style guitars. I've loaded dozens of guitars with that combo over the years.

If you don't mind spending more money, the Fralin Pure PAFs are awesome. I've got that currently in my LP Standard and love it. So articulate and soulful. I've got a very nice R0 on loan from a friend with the Fralins in it as well and those pickups are just amazing in anything they're loaded in. I've also played several other Reissues that were loaded with the Duncan Bonamassas and those are great as well. Though I did prefer the Fralins over them by a hair.

 

[angelspade]

Duncan JB or Custom

 

[SFW]

If changing the pots doesn't get the job done for you, the Bareknuckle Mule set has been the most versital, sound great with anything I've thrown at it set of pickups I've used.

 

[sleewell2]

SD pearly gates