Author Topic: Sweeter, smoother bridge humbucker (Read 3542 times)

fbloke · « **on:** April 13, 2008, 10:44:04 PM »

I've got a 335 with a SD Jazz neck and SD 59 bridge. I like the Jazzn but find the 59 a little too biting - I have BKP PG's in my Les Paul and love the smoothness of the tone, A2 magnets seem to really work well.

I'm thinking of pairing the Jazzn with an A2 Stormy Monday in the bridge. Does this sound like a good combo? Your opinions are welcome.

PhilKing · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2008, 12:26:07 PM »

I don't know the sound of the SD jazz, but I have a set of umpotted Stormy Mondays in my 335 and they sound great.

tomjackson · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2008, 01:48:51 PM »

I second the Stormy Monday, or Mule if you want a bit fatter mids although I've tried neither in a semi. But the SM is certainly smooth....

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2008, 02:18:57 PM »

+ 1 for the AII Stormy Monday. It sounds nice on it's own and almost sinfull with the tone control rolled off a bit ... 8)

Philly Q · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2008, 03:13:56 PM »

I just wonder how well the two would work together?

Output-wise they should be OK, but the AII SM bridge might almost be as warm as the AV(?) Jazz neck. I don't think it would be the most versatile of set-ups.

kellar · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2008, 04:48:06 PM »

I know this isn't really the answer you were looking for but I would try a calibrated set of A2 Stormy Mondays.
I had the SD Jazz and SH-1 59 and I had trouble finding a good jazz/blues bridge pickup to match them as well.
If you like the SD Jazz then you will probably be extremely happy with the Stormy Monday neck. Very similar, chimey and bell-like in tone. Both great pickups but I prefer the Stormy Monday over the SD.
The A2 Stormy Monday bridge matches up perfectly with it. Great blues and jazz combination.

fbloke · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2008, 07:38:00 PM »

Thanks everyone - I'm really note sure about matching SD & BKP's either - Kellar - I think you're expressing the opinion that I'm trying to surpress....damn, looks like another expensive month!!! Having tried the PG Blues I'm sure I'll be delighted with Stormy Mondays, I have no doubt that they're what I'm looking for. Sigh...anyone want to buy a set of SD's? No? Thought not!

BigHeavy · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2008, 03:29:56 AM »

Have you considered a magnet swap? Installing an A4 mag might take some of the sting out of that 59, and an A2 will definitely sweeten it up. There's a good thread on the SD forum about magnet swaps
http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137685

Not to take any business away from Tim, but it'd certainly be lighter on your wallet.

fbloke · « **Reply #8 on:** April 15, 2008, 03:29:29 PM »

Thanks Big Heavy, I did consider a swap to an A2 in the '59, but to be honest I think there's a big desire to stretch the budget to put a calibrated set of BKP's, secure in the knowledge that I've got the best possible combination in the 335. £ 190 is a relatively small investment to change the tone so radically and to know that your guitar has has top of the range handwounds in it.

Now, can you lend me £ 185? Cheers!!

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #9 on:** April 15, 2008, 04:26:27 PM »

Quote from: fbloke

Thanks Big Heavy, I did consider a swap to an A2 in the '59, but to be honest I think there's a big desire to stretch the budget to put a calibrated set of BKP's, secure in the knowledge that I've got the best possible combination in the 335. £ 190 is a relatively small investment to change the tone so radically and to know that your guitar has has top of the range handwounds in it.

Now, can you lend me £ 185? Cheers!!

A wise choice fbloke. With a guitar that desirable, compromise would seem like false economy indeed. To actually hear ( and enjoy ! ) it at it's sonic best seems only right. I recently had the choice / dilema of leaving the original stock pickups in my 1976 S.G. standard - and 'saving' my Stormy Mondays for some future purchase, or just putting them back in the S.G. and enjoying what I had in all it's glory. The difference is that with SMs in, it gets played and played and played - instead of merely owned but stored.

Life is too short to not marry great pickups to great guitars - and a 335 at that ! 8)

fbloke · « **Reply #10 on:** April 15, 2008, 05:33:20 PM »

Quote from: Fourth Feline

Quote from: fbloke
Thanks Big Heavy, I did consider a swap to an A2 in the '59, but to be honest I think there's a big desire to stretch the budget to put a calibrated set of BKP's, secure in the knowledge that I've got the best possible combination in the 335. £ 190 is a relatively small investment to change the tone so radically and to know that your guitar has has top of the range handwounds in it.

Now, can you lend me £ 185? Cheers!!

A wise choice fbloke. With a guitar that desirable, compromise would seem like false economy indeed. To actually hear ( and enjoy ! ) it at it's sonic best seems only right. I recently had the choice / dilema of leaving the original stock pickups in my 1976 S.G. standard - and 'saving' my Stormy Mondays for some future purchase, or just putting them back in the S.G. and enjoying what I had in all it's glory. The difference is that with SMs in, it gets played and played and played - instead of merely owned but stored.

Life is too short to not marry great pickups to great guitars - and a 335 at that ! 8)

Fourth,

You are a gentleman, Sir, and you speak my language! And with a fanfare of trumpets, out came the creditcard!! To quote Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now you will regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did. So sail away from the safe harbour, Set the trade winds in your sails, Explore, Dream, Discover." I think he then went on to say "Get the creditcard out, give it a caning on some lush pickups and don't forget to drink three gallons on fine beer to celebrate".

Any excuse......!!

Cheers,

Mike.

Scotty477 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2008, 12:54:26 AM »

Aw Rats ....

I want a 335 with SM pups now .... :D

fbloke · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2008, 07:57:29 PM »

Quote from: Machinehead

Aw Rats ....

I want a 335 with SM pups now .... :D

Then do it!! You're not getting any younger Machinehead.....!!

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2008, 08:31:16 PM »

Quote from: fbloke

Quote from: Machinehead
Aw Rats ....

I want a 335 with SM pups now .... :D

Then do it!! You're not getting any younger Machinehead.....!!

Just before I read this post, I had been jamming along to a backing track of the Allman Brother's version of 'Stormy Monday'. I was trying to jam "in the style of " Larry Carlton ( A.K.A Mr 335 ). Even though I was using a solid body Gibson S.G. - the L.C. tone was all there - and I even used the bridge pickup on it's own a lot ( unusual for me ). What a lovely singing voice these AII SMs have !

If you are into a bit of Larry, B.B. King, or taste in general - then give these a spin. You really hear what your guitar has been hiding from you all these years ... :D