Replacing Super Distortion pick up on a LP. But with what?

[tremolo arm]

Hello

Long time viewer, first time poster...

I am the owner of a Gibson Les Paul Custom Classic (limited run), with 3 pick ups fitted as stock by the factory. All three pick ups are DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers. These are very high output pick ups and I seldom have the guitar’s volume control on above 5.
 
The issue I have (and hence my interest in BKP products) is that the neck pick up is too bassy and muddy. Even with the tone control on 10, it still sounds muddy and unarticulated (regardless if it is run on a clean or OD channel). It feels as if the tone control doesn't go beyond 2-3 and always stays closed.
 
My new band plays a style which does not fit these pick ups at all. We play funk / classic rock and I am after a brighter, more open sound. I would like to use the neck pick up for riffs, leaving solos to the mid and bridge pick ups.

I don’t require lots of distortion in the style I play and hence I am thinking of replacing the Super Distortions. The sound I am after is a Jimmy Page’s (that in itself is some statement, isn't it!), where every note is well defined and jumps out of the amp. By the way my Amp is a 40W all-valve Marshall DSL 401.

I have read about the Mule pick ups and though that would be a good alternative. Would you suggest that I fit one in the neck and leave the other two Super Distortions or may be purchase a calibrated set – on e for the neck and one for the bridge (thus leaving only one Super Distortion in the middle)?

How would these pick ups level up against the volume of the remaining Super Distortion?

Many thanks in advance

 

[kevinr]

I'm quite sure if you fitted a Mule to the neck position you would then be very unhappy with the remaining two Dimarzios, go all the way and fit a set of Mules you won't regret it

[juansolo]

...and stick a V30 in your 401 if you haven't already. :)

[ericsabbath]

riff raff for the neck, mississippi queen for the middle position, black dog for the bridge

[syr2012]

Definitely treat yourself (and your guitar!) to a set of mules. Consider an MQ for the middle for an interesting variation, you'll never go wrong with one of those.

[tremolo arm]

riff raff for the neck, mississippi queen for the middle position, black dog for the bridge

Thanks. Interesting advice.. No mention of the Mule. What is your reasoning for recommending these three in particular?

[tremolo arm]

Definitely treat yourself (and your guitar!) to a set of mules. Consider an MQ for the middle for an interesting variation, you'll never go wrong with one of those.

Thank you

I am not too familiar with the MQ sound. Why would you recommend that? specifically Strangely, I kind of like the sound of my middle pick up at the moment. It has a certain quack to it which reminds me a of a hot Strat. What particular tonal characteristics do you think the MQ may bring to the party?

Thanks again

[tremolo arm]

...and stick a V30 in your 401 if you haven't already. :)

V30? Is that some sort of valve type?

[gwEm]

...and stick a V30 in your 401 if you haven't already. :)

V30? Is that some sort of valve type?

hes referring to a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker...

i'm not sure i'd suggest this particular model, but upgrading the speaker in your combo is a good idea - i was going to suggest it as well

edit: its a quite cheap and easy upgrade - you get a lot of bang for buck tonal improvement

[gwEm]

Definitely treat yourself (and your guitar!) to a set of mules. Consider an MQ for the middle for an interesting variation, you'll never go wrong with one of those.

Thank you

I am not too familiar with the MQ sound. Why would you recommend that? specifically Strangely, I kind of like the sound of my middle pick up at the moment. It has a certain quack to it which reminds me a of a hot Strat. What particular tonal characteristics do you think the MQ may bring to the party?

Thanks again

The Mississippi Queen is a P90 single coil in a humbucker casing. its very clear, with that single coil sound, and its ideal for many of the styles you suggest. nice idea to fit one in the middle position

[Roobubba]

riff raff for the neck, mississippi queen for the middle position, black dog for the bridge

I'm pretty sure that even Yoda would be converted to the Dark Side in order to agree with this suggestion...

+1 :)

Roo

[tremolo arm]

Thanks

As the Mississipi Queen is only available in either Bridge or Neck, which one should I choose for my middle position?

[Antag]

In true BKP forum style, here's an alternate suggestion (no "which pickup" thread can be considered complete until at least ½ the entire BKP range has been suggested :lol:)

My reading of your post is that you don't mind the power of the DiMarzios & are quite happy to back the volume off, but it's the lack of clarity that really bothers you.  In which case, a Cold Sweat calibrated set ought to do the trick nicely.  CS has absolutely bucket loads of clarity, power & hot rock tone, but unlike so many ceramic bridge pickups, the bridge has a sweet clean sound too.  CS is absolutely perfect for heavy Les Pauls.

FWIW, I have very little experience (OK none :)) of middle position humbuckers, but I'm guessing that a middle postion CS in a 3-pickup calibrated set would be a neck model, perhaps a little underwound.

[gwEm]

whatever you decide for the middle - tim will wind you a special calibrated pickup

[syr2012]

Bridge position in middle might be too hot. Use a neck position, or better yet, email Tim and see what he says. An MQ would go well in the middle even if you do choose the Cold Sweat set, but in that case, you'd need the neck queen wound a bit differently, or even a bridge queen to compensate for the power of the CS set.