Advice on choosing a PAF for ES335 type guitar

[timski]

Hi,

I have just acquired a Yamaha SA500 (amazing bargain ES335 type guitar) which, stock, has pretty high output Alnico V pups.

I am going to replace these with something more suitable to the type of stuff I play (I mean - attempt to play): Jazz/fusion a la Larry Carlton, John McLaughlin, George Benson and blues/rock/funk a la Beano era Clapton and Blow By Blow era Beck.

I am thinking that a calibrated set of unpotted Stormy Mondays with Alnico II would do the trick as they would give me the open, airy, full-frequency clean sounds I need, as well as working well with overdrive/fuzz (no high-gain stuff) but wasn't sure whether the slightly hotter Mules with Alnico IV would be more approriate.

Any thoughts?
Thanks

[PhilKing]

I have unpotted AII Stormy Mondays in my 335 and they are the dogs bollocks.  You can get all the clean 335 sounds and still get into Crossroads territory.  The lower output of the SM allows more of the hollowness of the 335 to come through.  I think you will be really happy if you go this way.

[Fourth Feline]

I have a set of potted Alnico II Stormy Mondays in a Gibson S.G. Standard, and they give it a lovely vocal 'Semi' quality . Somewhat evocative of the B.B.King sound.

I have had them in a Les Paul too - and can confirm that they bring that lovely open/ vocal sound to both sorts of guitar, but the resonance / lightness of an S.G. brings out the best. For this reason I can imagine a hollow body would be even more ideal.

I enjoy my Mules, but so far my S.Ms are my favourites.

F.F.

[Twinfan]

I knew F.F. would chip in here  ;)

From what I've heard, your choice of unpotted SMs is perfect.

[gwEm]

I have unpotted AII Stormy Mondays in my 335 and they are the dogs bollocks.

i once had the pleasure of trying this very guitar. it is the dogs bollocks ;) astonishingly sensitive to pick attack those unpotted stormy mondays.

[timski]

Thanks y'all for the advice.
I've just gone and ordered the unpotted Alnico II SMs - can't wait.

BTW I strongly recommend the SA500 for anyone looking for a much cheaper (£200-£250 compared to ££££) 335 alternative; I compared it directly with a £1300 reissue 335 in the shop and, whilst the pickups were clearly not as nice as the '57 classics in the Gibson, the overall build quality and playability was comparable, if not better, and I am sure it will sound far superior with the BKs installed.
It has an absolutely gorgeous neck, probably the nicest I've ever played and whilst, stylistically, it does look rather late 70s/early 80s japanese, which some may find cheesy, that's purely a matter of taste.

That one can get a new ES type axe of this quality, and at this price, is astounding, although it also reflects the overpriced nature of current Gibson offerings, much of whose build quality has been dubious to say the least.

Once again, ta!