Humbucker For Gordon Smith GS1 60

[Rubblebrother]

Been toying with the idea of ordering a Gordon Smith GS1 60 (lefty), I have always wanted something similar to Gary Moores old Melody maker, being a lefty I reckon the Gordon Smith is my best bet. I know GS will wire in my own humbucker if I send it to them so I am wondering what to go for, I play blues , through to classic rock, ie tHIN lIZZY, ufO ETC. It will need to be good for coil splitting too, initial thoughts are VH2, what do you guys think?

[Philly Q]

Many years ago I had a GS2 60 and made the mistake of fitting a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge position, so my first thought is you should definitely steer clear of any bassy-sounding humbucker!

I think a Riff Raff would definitely work, and so would a Mule.

I've had a VHII for a very long time but haven't actually tried it out  :| .... it's always described as having a big, "open" sound which I think would make it a very good choice for a single-pickup guitar.  It's also said to split very well.

My only reservation would be that I always think of the VHII as mainly a "Strat pickup"....  I know people have also used it in Les Pauls and PRS guitars, but I'm not totally sure how well it suits an all-mahogany guitar like an SG or GS.  Maybe someone else will chime in at this point.....

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think a RR would be much better suited for this guitar.

[Telerocker]

Mules bring you close to Gary Moore's sound. The bridge has enough edge, don;t worry about that. I play a lot of classic rock with my Mules-loaded Saint Blues (all mahogany). Mules are versatile, I can play blues, rock, classic rock and hardrock with them.
I have a VHII in an ash Fender American Series strat and that one rocks. Punchy, open, touchsensitive, screams when pushed. Cleans up great. Performs well in mahogany or other timbers too. A little less classic rock then Mules, imho.
If you want a but more output, but still open topend and PAF-flavour, the Emerald might suit your guitar too. It's brighter then the VHII though.

[darkbluemurder]

Yeah, Emerald was my first thought when reading the OP's post.

Cheers Stephan

[Rubblebrother]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, I had Emeralds in a Les Paul and found the neck superb but the bridge not fat enough for me, I am veering towards a Riff Raff now :D

[Miracle Man]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, I had Emeralds in a Les Paul and found the neck superb but the bridge not fat enough for me, I am veering towards a Riff Raff now :D

I had the feeling that an Emerald would sound thicker than the Riff Raff in the bridge position  :?

[Brow]

I have a Graduate 60 with a Black Dog in the bridge and a Riff Raff in the neck.

I find it acoustically to sound a bit thinner than either my Tokai or Gibson Les Paul style guitars, so the Black Dog thickens it up nicely.