Author Topic: Gibson 57 Classic Plus equivalent? (Read 9949 times)

LesPaul70 · « **on:** September 18, 2007, 12:59:16 PM »

First post. I already own one BKP pickup, an Alnico V Warpig in a Gibson SG. I'm pleased enough with it to try some other models too.

Currently I'm considering a pickup update for Gibson LP Standard. The Burstbucker Pros are nice, but I want something more traditional. In fact, Gibson's 57 Classic Plus is pretty much exactly what I'm thinking of, but I would like to know if there is a better (BKP) alternative.

Essentially, what I want to know which BKP pickup is the closest equivalent to Gibson 57 Classic Plus - i.e., like 57 Classic but with more output.

Thanks!

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2007, 01:09:06 PM »

Welcome :)

An Alnico II Mule will be the closest match, although I'd suggest getting the standard Alnico IV version. They rock 8)

LesPaul70 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2007, 05:18:26 PM »

Really? Based on what I've read so far, I was kind of expecting that Abraxas would be what I was looking for - since it's been described as a PAF on steroids (or something along those lines). But I guess that I could ask for an overwound Mule to get that (a hotter PAF sound).

What's the sonic difference between an Alnico II Mule and an Alnico IV Mule anyway? Can you describe it? Or better yet, does someone have sound clips?

Thanks again.

indysmith · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2007, 05:33:38 PM »

check out Tim's sticky thread in this forum describing the differences in tone between magnets

Twinfan · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2007, 10:46:29 PM »

Quote from: LesPaul70

Really? Based on what I've read so far, I was kind of expecting that Abraxas would be what I was looking for - since it's been described as a PAF on steroids (or something along those lines). But I guess that I could ask for an overwound Mule to get that (a hotter PAF sound).

The Classic '57s are Alnico II magnets and similar to Stormy Mondays. A Classic '57 Plus is a slightly hotter pickup than a regular Classic '57 (just a few extra turns). Next hottest thing to a Stormy Monday is a Mule with an Alnico II magnet ;)

The Abraxas is a fair bit hotter. I would guess close to the Gibson 498T pickup fitted to Les Paul Studios and older Standards.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #5 on:** September 19, 2007, 01:47:17 AM »

I'm surprised to hear the Classic '57s are A2 - the ones I've tried always had quite a tight/harsh tone to them. I assumed they were A5 like the Duncan '59.

:twisted:

fps_dean · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2007, 02:09:49 AM »

Quote from: LesPaul70

Really? Based on what I've read so far, I was kind of expecting that Abraxas would be what I was looking for - since it's been described as a PAF on steroids (or something along those lines). But I guess that I could ask for an overwound Mule to get that (a hotter PAF sound).

What's the sonic difference between an Alnico II Mule and an Alnico IV Mule anyway? Can you describe it? Or better yet, does someone have sound clips?

Thanks again.

Alnico II Mules would probably be the closest, but you may happen to love Alnico IVs or Abraxas as well. I know the Alnico IV Mules are a user favorite for sure, and I've heard from an Abraxas player that they are great too and if you want a slightly hotter PAF, those might do it for you.

LesPaul70 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2007, 12:02:55 PM »

Just a little update...

I emailed tech@bkp a few days ago with the same query, and gave a bit more information, i.e., expressed my concern whether '57 Classic Plus output would be hot enough for me, and also explained in greater detail the kind of tone that I wanted.

Tim replied and suggested the Crawler. I must confess that I had completely missed that one since it was listed under Signature Pickups, and I don't normally go for "signature" anything. But the more I read the better this pickup seems.

Comments, anyone? Crawler players? How does it sound like compared to the Gibson pickups (57' Classics, 490 series, Burstbuckers)? I'm looking for a smoother tone than the barking, grainy Burstbucker Pro tone, and of course I want to get the classic beefy, fat Les Paul sound.

What is the calibrated set like? Is the neck pickup the Abraxas, as I read in another thread?

And, should I decide to order the calibrated set (as I may very well do in near future), which pickup cover type should I go for? The LP is a Goldtop Standard, and I definitely want to have pickup covers. But nickel or chrome? The current Burstbucker Pros have chrome covers, and I'm inclining slightly towards nickel for a bit more vintage-ish look.

(At the same time, I'm savoring a sick idea of gold-cover pickups in a Goldtop Les Paul... definitely too much, too corny. And I would have to change the other hardware too. But the mere thought makes me grin.) ;)

LesPaul70 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 22, 2007, 07:59:32 PM »

To make a long story short, I eventually got the Crawler set. And I'm very happy with it! My Gibson LP now sounds better than any LP I've heard before. The neck PU especially (Abraxas) is my dream neck pickup. The bridge pickup is just two notches away from perfection, 1) it does not exactly sound the same '57 Classic / Classic Plus (but it does sound vintage enough, and it actually sounds better in some respects), and 2) its harmonic content could be even more complex, just slightly (I think that a SD JB outdoes it here).

But in all other respects, a dream set. It'll stay in my LP until I die! :)