Les Paul Pickups - what do ya got?

[johnnyblues]

Hey folks - I'm looking to upgrade my les paul pickups. I currently have the ubiquitous seymuor duncan combo of the 59 + JB. I play alternative -> rock -> some heavy rock. I'm leaning a bit on the BKP The Mule set, but I'm open to other brands/models.

So, what do you guys have now? And what kind of music do you play?

[Jondog]

Give the Gibson P94's a try. I really liked them, although I had them in a Joe Pass hollow body. Was going to suggest the SD Whole Lotta Humbucker set, but they're probably pretty close to you're 59 and JB. Another neat pickup to look into are Railhammers. I'm waiting on a new guitar and think I'm going to pick up those pickups. Pun intended!

[Les Paul Lover]

I really love the burstbucker Pro set in my LP. The neck is warm, mellow, and the bridge is slightly hotter, bright, and cuts through superbly an band setting.

They're the best humbuckers I've played so far.

[bclaire]

I like a potted pickup so burstbuckers are out for me...

I have Gibson 57 Classics in my LP and the Johnny A.'s come stock with them...

[Les Paul Lover]

I like a potted pickup so burstbuckers are out for me...

I have Gibson 57 Classics in my LP and the Johnny A.'s come stock with them...

The burstbucker I, II & III are unpotted, the burstbucker pro are potted.

Compared to the 57 classic, they are more articulate and brighter. They aren't quite as fat sounding if I remember correctly, but not by much - my LP is plenty fat enough.

[pedecamp]

My LP has burstbucker 1 and 2, they can do anything, bluesy to all out metal and everything in between, nice open sound. Another excellent set is a 57 classic plus and 57 classic, does everything well, I had played an LP with this combo and really liked it so put them in my SG.

[Rozz]

This post has come just at the right time for me as I am thinking of getting a Les Paul again. I had a 2014 Traditional, but i found the the 57 Classic and Classic plus pups too dark and muddy for me using my TH30c. I think I would like a brighter and more agressive pup.

[Les Paul Lover]

This post has come just at the right time for me as I am thinking of getting a Les Paul again. I had a 2014 Traditional, but i found the the 57 Classic and Classic plus pups too dark and muddy for me using my TH30c. I think I would like a brighter and more agressive pup.

I didn't want to say it like that, but that's the impression the 57s have left on me too.

You could consider the burstbucker pro. Slightly higher output, and the alnico V magnet means they are brighter and cut through the mix beautifully, and yet still sound perfect from jazz to hard rock, and will pull off metal too, though other pick ups do that latter style better.

[Ronnie Robinson]

I think you should just stick to your first suggestion and go with the bareknuckle miles....they sound great.
Y
This topic is so subjective !!!!!!....so ignore everyone and stick to what you think.

After that I'd go for classic 57s and 57+......I have them in a Gibson LP and a SG 61 RI...... definitely my favorite pickup set together with the mules.

I've never found them dark or muddy, personally I found burst bucker quite shrill and not plesent ......

[joe545]

Rio Grande Barbecue Buckers - check em out. creamy, punchy with a nice mid boost. I think Angus Young has used these and Billy Gibbons/ZZ

[Hubaxe]

I have Bursbuckers on a guitar, and I finally potted them by myself, and added a nickel cover. Now they are ok.
I also have stock classic 57 on another guitar. I like them a lot, but I found they are a better match for a SG than for a LP.

All is question of taste

I like a potted pickup so burstbuckers are out for me...

I have Gibson 57 Classics in my LP and the Johnny A.'s come stock with them...

The burstbucker I, II & III are unpotted, the burstbucker pro are potted.

Compared to the 57 classic, they are more articulate and brighter. They aren't quite as fat sounding if I remember correctly, but not by much - my LP is plenty fat enough.

[adkguy07]

I have a 2010 Les Paul Studio Deluxe with the 496R (Alnico II) and a Burstbucker Pro (Alnico V) @ the bridge....both uncovered. I can get the warm Joe Pass/Grant Green sounds all the way up to Classic Rock with the BB Pro. Everytime that I contemplate parting with this guitar, I plug in and play and immediately have a 2nd. thought.....been doing that for 7 years!

My other Lester is a 2000 Classic. It currently has Duncan Seth Lovers and it can also cover a lot of
tones.....never even thought of getting rid of it in the 17 years that I've owned it.


adkguy07

[Tisca]

I have a bunch of LP type guitars.
Had the JB/59 in one but I found the JB to be too middy and the 59 lacking clarity.

Pickups in my LP/LP-style gits:

Custom/Seth Lover
Custom 5/Jazz
BKP A-bomb set (bit upper mid harshness untill you tune down)
496R/500T
EMG 57/66

[thejay]

I guess I am boring I have stock 57s in both of my LPs. Though I have used - P94s, P90, Burstbucker Pros, and Burstbucker #3 in other LPs. I dug them all for different reasons. The Pros were great in a mahogany body with mahogany top LP... with the maple tops I like the P90/BB3/57

[johnnyblues]

Thanks everyone. There seems to be a slight favor towards the 57's. I have tried them and they do sound raw but articulate.

I understand that pickup selection is too subjective. But I appreciate everyone's inputs, specially to those who indicated the type of music they play with your LPs. I may just try the mule set from BKP, but I'm not too sure how much of an "improvement" that would be to my current SD set.