Larry Cartlon style pups for my 335

[elavd]

Hello everybody!
This is my first post in this forum!

I have a Gibson ES335 with Classic 57 pickups.

I am thinking of replacing them because I have a problem with them. Their sound doesn't match...

I have set the height of my 2 pickups so that they have equal output. But if I adjust the EQ of my amp in order to have a good tone from my neck pickup, the bridge sounds too trembly and harsh. In contrast, if I adjust the amp in order to have a good sound on the bridge pickup, then the neck pickup sounds too "boomy".


So I am looking for a well balanced set of pickups for my 335, that will be close (I know this is VERY difficult) to Larry Carlton's clean tone.

I am after a clean "jazz" sounding and low output set, which will not sound neither too harsh nor too boomy.

Which BK set would you suggest me?

Thanks in advance,
Elias

[il˙ti]

I know it's a no-brain answer, but you're screaming for Stormies.

[elavd]

I know it's a no-brain answer, but you're screaming for Stormies.

;)

Thanks for your quick reply my friend!

Can you explain me why?

Also, do you suggest me buying an A5, A2 or a mixed A5/A2 set?

[Philly Q]

Hi Elias, welcome to the forum. :D

Yes, I expect everyone will say Stormy Mondays  :) .  Perhaps someone who owns a 335-type can recommend whether to choose alnico II or alnico IV magnets.  I think Tim doesn't recommend mixing AII and AIV, but I may be wrong.

[Twinfan]

I'd wait for "Fourth Feline" to chime in here, as this question is right up his street, but I feel sure he'll tell you that you need a set of A2 Stormy Mondays  :)

[elavd]

Wow!!!
You guys are REALLY quick!!!
 :D  

I also hope that someone who owns a semi-hollow guitar, can guide me how to replace the pickups myself...(I know, I know it's not that easy... )

[il˙ti]

I also hope that someone who owns a semi-hollow guitar, can guide me how to replace the pickups myself...(I know, I know it's not that easy... )

You take the pots through the f-holes, best to go one pickup at a time. I suggest looking in the Tech section for help.

The reason I suggested the Stormy Mondays is that they are known to have the best clean tone of the bunch. They are exceptionally clear and "match" in the sense that they are shades apart rather than worlds apart (I saw another person on the board saying that, can't remember who). Sushi posted a vid awhile ago with the set in a Les Paul. I know it'll sound different in a semi-hollow, but it should be enough to give you an idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuavPedirvA (wait for the cleans)

[Philly Q]

I also hope that someone who owns a semi-hollow guitar, can guide me how to replace the pickups myself...(I know, I know it's not that easy... )

Here's an excellent thread on that very topic:

http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10301&highlight=335

[kellar]

A2 Stormy Mondays all the way man!! Sweet, blues and jazz, they exude everything that you want out of a 335.

[Fourth Feline]

I'd wait for "Fourth Feline" to chime in here, as this question is right up his street, but I feel sure he'll tell you that you need a set of A2 Stormy Mondays  :)

Spot on my friend !

I have not yet fitted them to a 335 style guitar ( hopefully very soon though ! ) - but in a slender bodied S.G. they where heavenly.

I must explain that I am also a great fan of Larry Carlton, and the sound I was hearing ( even in a slim solid body guitar ) - was spot on for those tones.

Specifically, when you turn a bridge Alnico II Stormy up, it never gets harsh - and when you turn up the neck, it never gets "boomy ".  I have also found them very easy to balance and e.q. - as they are the most sweetly transparent and balanced pickups I have ever heard.  

My conviction in this matter is further proven by the fact that I will be buying a '335' copy just to put the Stormy Mondays in !  

I will of course report back as soon as I can ...  :D

[Fourth Feline]

P.S.

 I think we should say another  big " Thank You" to Jonesy76 for giving us the 'how to fit ' guide. As Philly Q said, it is indeed excellent !

I will be using it as my 'Bible' when re-wiring my own .

Nice one Jonesy  :D

[elavd]

So I am leaning towards to Stormy Mondays, as you all voted for them!

One question though:

I also like to play funk music  8)

Do the SM Alnico 2 set will do for funky stuff too, or will it be too bassy/muddy for that kind of playing?

[PhilKing]

I have unpotted AII Stormy Mondays in my 335 - see this thread:

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4881

For the music you are describing, I would get the unpotted - they have a little bit more 'air' in the tones.  There are no feedback problems with them, I have run them into a high gain setting and just get sweet feedback.  They can do the funk stuff, just use the volume controls - like all BKP's they can be turned down and will keep their clarity.

[elavd]

I have unpotted AII Stormy Mondays in my 335 - see this thread:

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4881

For the music you are describing, I would get the unpotted - they have a little bit more 'air' in the tones.  There are no feedback problems with them, I have run them into a high gain setting and just get sweet feedback.  They can do the funk stuff, just use the volume controls - like all BKP's they can be turned down and will keep their clarity.

So, the unpotted version has a more open sound?


PS: PhilKing is that a sonic blue strat on your Avatar? I LOVE this colour!!!

[PhilKing]

PS: PhilKing is that a sonic blue strat on your Avatar? I LOVE this colour!!!

I hate to disappoint you but it is a real 1957 strat that was reprayed in white with no lacquer overspray, so it never yellowed.  The one at the side is a 61 olympic white.  Sonic Blues are very cool though.  My olympic white had been painted daphne blue (by hand I think!) when I got it, but the old body was part sanded away.  There is a replacement body on it.  I think Mr 38 is a big sonic blue strat fan.