Looking for all-around, versatile set for Les Paul

[sdgiffin]

Hey guys,

I have an '89 Les Paul Standard and it'd like to spice up and give some life. I currently have Dimarzios in it, a Super Distortion in the Bridge and a 36th Anniversary PAF in the neck. I really enjoy a hotter bridge pickup paired with a vintage, PAF style neck voicing. The pots are the original 300k pots.

I play everything from blues/stoner rock to full on pop to extreme metal. Though it might be hard to cover all of these styles in one guitar, I think BKPs pickups are up to the challenge!

Acoustically the guitar is quite even and possesses a nice presence on open chords. It has tight but plentiful body in the low end and full low mids and snappy higher mids. I play through two different amps. An '81 JCM 800 2203 for the blues, rock & stoner stuff and an EVH 5150 III for the pop to extreme metal material. At home, I use the Line 6 Podfarm in ProTools as being in a condo, I can't have a halfstack cranked.

What I like/dislike about the current pickups and what I want from the new ones....
36th Anniversary Neck
- I enjoy its body and chimey top end but I find it muddy with mostly everything. I would like a pickup that's more defined, woody and tight in the bottom end.

Super Distortion
- I'm finding it hard to find things I like about this pup. I had a Dimarzio Andy Timmons model in it before and much preferred it but it's in my PRS and sounds great in it. One thing I do like is its bottom end, there's lots of it but I think because of the ceramic magnet, it stays at bay and never gets flubby. Otherwise it's overly middy, has a brittle top end and is over compressed. So I guess I'm looking for a warm, balanced but articulate pickup that doesn't have to be in the Super Hot category as I think I'll enjoy the openess and dynamics of a lower output pup. Although the top end to gross, it's still darker than my PRS, could be contributed to the 300k pots? Acoustically it's not as bright and present as the PRS.

So I ask the great minds of this board to help me choose the right pair of pickups to do the job. I may email Tim with this as well but I really enjoy the process of asking this community a question and getting many answers and conversations from it.

I am going throw out a couple of different sets that I think may be in the right direction. Please discourage me if they are outlandish.

Black Dog Bridge/Riff Raff Neck
Rebel Yell Bridge/VHII Neck
A-Bomb Bridge/Emerald Neck
Abraxas Bridge/Mule Neck


Thanks in advance for your thoughts, time and suggestions.

Scott

[ventura]

Calibrated set of Black Dogs.

And that's a BIG period.

 :D V.

[Kiichi]

I am not sure about the PUs, gotta think about that and get back to you, but I can say for certain that the 300k pots gotta go. Put some decent 500k or the BKP 550k in there, itīs do a lot.
I guess I can see the RY bridge working very well and the VHII neck sounds good as well, so my initial though would be that combo.

[Zaned]

Hi,

I second Kiichi, replace the 300k pots. It'll change the response somewhat, the attack and presence.

But about the pickups; I replaced a Dimarzio Super Distortion in an LP with a Black Dog. You might want to read my whole review on it:

https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=29247.msg380087#msg380087

-Zaned

[Mr. Air]

I think it'll be hard to find a pickup combination which excells in all the styles you play. I think the Rebell Yell/VHII or the Abraxas/Mule combo would suit you best. The first will be on the more rockier side and probably be the best match for metal and the latter will suit the pop and blues tones better. Both combos should be very versatile and would probably work well. I agree with the others about the 300k pots. Get some 500 or BKP 550k instead.

[bandmaster188]

 i reckon abraxas/mule. although don't rule out an abraxas neck. its full of woody goodness!

[Slartibartfarst42]

Of the options you mention, I'd go with the Abraxas but if it was just down to me and my experience of BKP, I'd go Holydiver bridge and Emerald neck. Easily the most versatile set I've ever used. Open enough for lighter material but with enough drive for Metal, especially with a boost. A Cold Sweat set would also be good but not as versatile as the Holydiver/Emerald combo.

[ericsabbath]

abraxas calibrated set
if you want an all rounder, don't think too much

[Gibson 1964]

abraxas calibrated set
if you want an all rounder, don't think too much

This was my thought as well. It sounded like you were describing the abraxas set to me. I love the rebel yell, but it might be a bit bright for what the OP described. I would replace the pots as well.

[Telerocker]

You can't go wrong with the Abraxas-set, however you could consider a Mule-neck. It has some magic.

[sdgiffin]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I'll start with changing the pots and then make a pickup choice. Lots to research before making a final decision.