Pickup suggestion for darker Les Paul

[itsgoodnow]

Hey all,

I have a Les Paul that just sounds a lot different than my others. It’s a lot darker and seems to have a mid scoop—Even acoustically. I tossed a Duncan distortion in, messed with the height of the pickup and the screws and it sounds kind of dead/bland/dark. The ass end even sounds a little flubby. Very different from my other Les Pauls with a distortion pickup. I even checked the pots and wiring. All good.

So…Any other suggestions for a darker less cutting Les Paul to get it there?

Thanks all.

 

[napalmdeath]

Duncan Custom SH-5..

 

[ChurchHill]

I've had that problem with an LP, and the opposite, too. What worked to brighten mine up was finding something with less output. Staying with SD, that might mean an SH-5 Custom or even something on the other end of the spectrum like an Antiquity, which is really bright, or a Seth Lover.

 

[itsgoodnow]

I've had that problem with an LP, and the opposite, too. What worked to brighten mine up was finding something with less output. Staying with SD, that might mean an SH-5 Custom or even something on the other end of the spectrum like an Antiquity, which is really bright, or a Seth Lover.

Good call. I have a set of custom buckers so I’ll try those out.

 

[ChurchHill]

Good call. I have a set of custom buckers so I’ll try those out.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Custombuckers. While they aren't potted, they are decently feedback resistant, better than some at least. I can get pretty loud with mine as long as I'm not directly in front of my cab.

 

[napalmdeath]

Good call. I have a set of custom buckers so I’ll try those out.

BB Pro is bright as fuck too.

 

[ChurchHill]

BB Pro is bright as fuck too.

Definitely... too bright for me

 

[TheBiggestJerk]

EMG H4

 

[Fiesta Red]

Emerson Les Paul wiring harnesses are a fix. They are known for being too bright which may help your issue.

 

[DanTravis62]

BB Pro would definitely make it brighter, if it's naturally a really dark sounding guitar.

I would say the duncan dimebucker is a classic for brightening up too.

 

[napalmdeath]

Good call. I have a set of custom buckers so I’ll try those out.

I actually like the 490T as well for lower output. Its aggressive too. Sounds great in an SG.

 

[japetus]

Old xl-500

 

[Skolphy]

BKP Emerald.

 

[angelspade]

Duncan Custom

 

[70 Mach 1]

What pots are you running.
Had similar situation and found out some knucklehead PO popped in 100K vol and 300K tone.
Swapped out for 500 500 and all is well

 

[itsgoodnow]

What pots are you running.
Had similar situation and found out some knucklehead PO popped in 100K vol and 300K tone.
Swapped out for 500 500 and all is well

I’ll double check but I’m pretty sure they’re 500k cts pots. I had the guitar set up for actives at one point and had them rewire the pots and asked for 500 but I’ll double check. Would explain a lot honestly and be the cheapest option haha

 

[SgtThump]

Pearly Gates are pretty good for this.

 

[Braciola]

Hey all,

I have a Les Paul that just sounds a lot different than my others. It’s a lot darker and seems to have a mid scoop—Even acoustically. I tossed a Duncan distortion in, messed with the height of the pickup and the screws and it sounds kind of dead/bland/dark. The ass end even sounds a little flubby. Very different from my other Les Pauls with a distortion pickup. I even checked the pots and wiring. All good.

So…Any other suggestions for a darker less cutting Les Paul to get it there?

Thanks all.

Bare Knuckle Riff Raff

 

[riffsfordaze]

Lollar Low Wind Imperial might do the trick. I haven't personally tried them. On his website he recommends them for darker sounding les pauls etc

 

[Exo-metal]

ToneNerd Sunset.