New Pickups for my Lester

[Cpt_Gonzo]

Hi there,

allright, this is a complex one. Actually I wanted to replace the pickups in my Lite Ash Strat. But one of the trem studs broke out and that project is halted for now.

Next up is my Les Paul, homebuilt, Mahogany body and neck, maple cap, rosewood fingerboard.
It's really lightweight and sounds rather bright and woody. It doesn't sound as dark as some of the Les Paul Customs I've heard.

It has DiMarzio 36th anns. in it atm. They really aren't bad, but too bright for my amp settings (as the guitar needs to work on the same settings as my HD loaded Strat) and not really comparable in tone.

I was wondering how the Holy Diver would work with a Lester, especially since I feel that the HD bridge really has a vintage vibe going on together with modern midrange growl and muscle.

If the HD doesn't work, what else would be good for a Les Paul?
My band plays with a lot of gain, so it needs to stay clear even under heavy distortion, a thing the HD does pretty well imho. I'm really not a fan of ceramic magnets and A2s seem flubby to me.

Any suggestions?

[darrenw5094]

Check out the Rebel Yell, designed for LP's. The Mule would be the PAF version of the Dimarzio you are replacing, but super pickups for the vintage stuff, like classic rock. The HD fairs very well in any guitar and is always well balanced. You can't go wrong with it, unless you are looking for something else. Even the VHII's rock like F**K as a change from the HD you have in your Strat.

[Cpt_Gonzo]

Not sure If I even want to part with the HD's tone really. I was just wondering if it would get muddy or something in a Lester.

The RY seems to be fairly upper mid heavy, which is that Duncan JB thingy. Not sure if that can beat the HD's growly mids.

[itamar101]

Holy Divers work great in LPs... You won't have a problem at all.

[Cpt_Gonzo]

Allright then, that does sound good!
Aren't the clips on the BKP homepage all recorded with a Les Paul?

[Slartibartfarst42]

Holydivers are great in anything but if you want something with more cut, try the Cold Sweat.

[itamar101]

Holydivers are great in anything but if you want something with more cut, try the Cold Sweat.

Absolutely, I was actually thinking this but I forgot to type it. The Cold Sweat is reasonably brighter and more scooped though. There basic characteristics are quite similar though.

[Cpt_Gonzo]

Is it as organic as the HD?

I fear that it might not be as versatile as the HD.
I mean, my Strat does it all with a twist of the volume knob!

[itamar101]

Is it as organic as the HD?

I fear that it might not be as versatile as the HD.
I mean, my Strat does it all with a twist of the volume knob!

It very versatile. Not AS versatile because the HD is an EXTREMELY versatile pickup but it's close. The bridge might not have as good cleans due to the ceramic magnet though.

May I suggest an Emerald or Cold Sweat neck pickup though? They are great matches with a les paul and the HD bridge and they are usually considered better neck pickups than the holy diver.

[Telerocker]

You might want to consider the Abraxas too, PAF with muscle and good mids, but enough chime in the topend to keep tones alive. If Mules are too vintage for you (I have them in all mahogany bolt-on Saint Blues and they rock) check out the Abraxas.

[Slartibartfarst42]

The Holydiver gives you versatility for sure but you were also worried about it having enough cut, which is why I offered the Cold Sweat as an option. You said you wanted something that was kinda like your Strat with the Holydiver in it and I'm assuming that even a brightish Les Paul style guitar will be darker than the Strat so it made sense to offer a brighter pickup to compensate for that. An Emerald set would also be really good as they're quite hot pickups with a vintage feel to them and I also agree with Telerocker that an Abraxas set would work well. I think the combination of the Santana connection and AIV magnets puts some people off but it can be a really rocking pickup. Listen to some of HTH AMPS clips on You Tube and you'll see just how heavy it can go while giving you some beautiful vintage tones too.

To sum up, I'd say that if you want to play it safe, get a Holydiver bridge and Emerald neck as that will give you a fantastic range of incredible tones. If you want to try something new, get an Abraxas set. I doubt you'll be disappointed by either of those options.

[Cpt_Gonzo]

Actually, said Strat has a Floyd and a brass block, so they really are on the same brightness-level.
I guess it was simply about the bolt on/ set neck difference.

I'll be looking at all of these options and compare some sound samples. Thanks guys!

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I don't think Rebel Yells would work very well here, if your guitar is already pretty bright. HD's should do the trick

[itamar101]

I don't think Rebel Yells would work very well here, if your guitar is already pretty bright. HD's should do the trick

This. As great as the RY is, it's on the bright side. The Holy Diver is like its more balanced brother.

[Telerocker]

Keep in mind that the HD has- relatively - a more modern vibe then say Abraxas or anything in the vintage(hot)-range. I'm not saying you should not pick the HD, just compare thoroughly before you make a choiche. Suc6.