So this happened

[SpiderWars]

I’m sure the lack of a maple cap has something to do with less highs

That's what I hear with mine too compared to my Std. That upper mid thing that LPs have isn't there but it's still a killer fat overdriven tone imo. I have a bridge pickup in mine with a slightly softer top end too and it sounds great. Mine came with the 500T/496R with 300k pots setup...all gone.

 

[LP Freak]

Those Aldrich pickups must cut the top end even more? Those are smokin hot esp compared to BB’s

Actually I’m not hear that.

 

[romanianreaper]

I felt like I was fighting the Burstbuckers, not a good feel to me at all. I’m sure the lack of a maple cap has something to do with less highs

I have Burstbuckers in my Les Paul Standard. They are great pickups but just a "stock" sound. Years ago I had an Aldrich in my 2008 LP Standard and just amazing. That pickup cleaned up well and could cover everything from ZZ Top to Metallica. Had such a great tone.

 

[mooncobra]

I felt like I was fighting the Burstbuckers, not a good feel to me at all. I’m sure the lack of a maple cap has something to do with less highs

Came with burstbuckers? The worstfuckers more like, couldn’t tear those god damned things out fast enough. Atrocious pickups.

 

[LP Freak]

Came with burstbuckers? The worstfuckers more like, couldn’t tear those god damned things out fast enough. Atrocious pickups.

Agreed, not my thing

 

[stephen sawall]

Mine has the 500T/496R with 300k pots also. It's a pretty bass heavy sound. More than any of my Les Paul guitars. I grew to like them. But do think about switching out the pickups occasionally.
My last one had a EMG 81 and 89. I am usually not into active. But it worked with that guitar.

 

[LPMojoGL]

Congrats. My '16 Explorer is a fav. Way more versatile than they get credit for. The Whiskeys will rock in that. Hope you enjoy it for many years!

 

[chumbucket]

While waiting for Scott to wind my pickups I threw in a set of Aldrich I had laying around. Huge improvement.

View attachment 214270

Looks good but for my tastes, I'd ditch the speed knobs for top hats.

 

[jb44]

Good score for you mang.

 

[LP Freak]

Finally all done. New black pickguard and Tone Nerd Whiskey in the bridge. I’m a big fan of Aldrich pickups but in this guitar the Whiskey sounds way better to my ears. It’s brighter and tighter, just what it needed. Roll the volume to 7-8 and it cleans up nicely too.

 

[angelspade]

Finally all done. New black pickguard and Tone Nerd Whiskey in the bridge. I’m a big fan of Aldrich pickups but in this guitar the Whiskey sounds way better to my ears. It’s brighter and tighter, just what it needed. Roll the volume to 7-8 and it cleans up nicely too. View attachment 220672

That looks absolutely killer!!!