Gibson ES 339 pickup suggestions

[mesa0131]

Hello All,
First time BKF poster here!
 I recently purchased a Gibson Custom Shop ES 339 in Carltonburst with the Fat neck profile, and 57 Classic pickups. The guitar itself sounds amazing acoustically. Very tonally balanced, warm yet clear, articulate yet resonant. However when I plug it in I find the pickups and Memphis Tone circuit to be rather unfulfilling.

 I have already purchased and received BKP 550k short shaft pots, and BKP Jensen Capacitors (.022/.015) for a modern style tone circuit (a la Feline Guitars) but I have not made a decision on the pickup set I wish to purchase. I play a wide range of music, somewhere between blues, rock, and occasionally jazz noodling, but not so much metal anymore. Using the 57 Classics as a starting point, I find them a little too muddy in both positions, and I would like added output from the bridge pickup, something more vocal like perhaps. In recent years I've become more intrigued by "traditional" pickups (i.e. Alnico mags, vintage output, screw/slug poles, etc.) and vintage based tones. I have had experience with the BKP VHII Neck and loved it, very clear yet warm and great for all styles of playing. I also own a Rebel Yell Calibrated set in a Les Paul Traditional, which has been a love/hate scenario. The neck I do enjoy but the bridge is almost too aggressive at times, but I figure it will be less bothersome if I have a few pickup sets on hand in various guitars. But, getting back on track...

 I inquired with BKP as to a suggestion, as at the time I was looking at the Abraxas Bridge, for its higher output, yet less aggressive tone compared to other similar output pickups, and the VHII neck. Ben French suggested I try the VHII set, as I stated I already was fond of the VHII neck. This was a consideration I had made. Has anyone tried these in a semi-hollow body or similar, and what was your experience?

 I also inquired with a guitarist based out of Italy, who has been very helpful with his insight, and he suggested a Holydiver bridge and VHII neck (Not for this specific guitar but for my Les Paul DC Pro with 57 classics) to suit my requirements. I love the idea of keeping the ES 339 in more of a traditional vintage tonal range, but with some extra output in the bridge when needed.

 Also as an inquiry, has anyone had experiences (good or bad) with the ABRAXAS pickups, specifically in a rock scenario, and where might this pickup thrive? Its very difficult to find more info online for that particular model.

 As it stands, I have the REBEL YELL set in a Les Paul Traditional (non weight relieved) and have decided on HOLY DIVER bridge/VHII neck in a Les Paul Double Cut Pro (has weight relief and is much brighter as a result) to add some girth, the ES 339 should sit in a little less output range than these two but still have some balls for when I kick on my BB preamp or Bogner red. Right now all I know for sure is I have loved the VHII neck for its velvet smooth tone and clarity, altho this was in a 24 fret RG550 guitar, and will have a different result in a 22 fret set neck instrument.
Any suggestions for neck and bridge would be greatly appreciated, and if you could include a why they worked so well for you or how they could work well for me statements that would be super helpful! Thanks all!!!

[seancorker]

Hello All,
First time BKF poster here!
 I recently purchased a Gibson Custom Shop ES 339 in Carltonburst with the Fat neck profile, and 57 Classic pickups. The guitar itself sounds amazing acoustically. Very tonally balanced, warm yet clear, articulate yet resonant. However when I plug it in I find the pickups and Memphis Tone circuit to be rather unfulfilling.

 I have already purchased and received BKP 550k short shaft pots, and BKP Jensen Capacitors (.022/.015) for a modern style tone circuit (a la Feline Guitars) but I have not made a decision on the pickup set I wish to purchase. I play a wide range of music, somewhere between blues, rock, and occasionally jazz noodling, but not so much metal anymore. Using the 57 Classics as a starting point, I find them a little too muddy in both positions, and I would like added output from the bridge pickup, something more vocal like perhaps. In recent years I've become more intrigued by "traditional" pickups (i.e. Alnico mags, vintage output, screw/slug poles, etc.) and vintage based tones. I have had experience with the BKP VHII Neck and loved it, very clear yet warm and great for all styles of playing. I also own a Rebel Yell Calibrated set in a Les Paul Traditional, which has been a love/hate scenario. The neck I do enjoy but the bridge is almost too aggressive at times, but I figure it will be less bothersome if I have a few pickup sets on hand in various guitars. But, getting back on track...

 I inquired with BKP as to a suggestion, as at the time I was looking at the Abraxas Bridge, for its higher output, yet less aggressive tone compared to other similar output pickups, and the VHII neck. Ben French suggested I try the VHII set, as I stated I already was fond of the VHII neck. This was a consideration I had made. Has anyone tried these in a semi-hollow body or similar, and what was your experience?

 I also inquired with a guitarist based out of Italy, who has been very helpful with his insight, and he suggested a Holydiver bridge and VHII neck (Not for this specific guitar but for my Les Paul DC Pro with 57 classics) to suit my requirements. I love the idea of keeping the ES 339 in more of a traditional vintage tonal range, but with some extra output in the bridge when needed.

 Also as an inquiry, has anyone had experiences (good or bad) with the ABRAXAS pickups, specifically in a rock scenario, and where might this pickup thrive? Its very difficult to find more info online for that particular model.

 As it stands, I have the REBEL YELL set in a Les Paul Traditional (non weight relieved) and have decided on HOLY DIVER bridge/VHII neck in a Les Paul Double Cut Pro (has weight relief and is much brighter as a result) to add some girth, the ES 339 should sit in a little less output range than these two but still have some balls for when I kick on my BB preamp or Bogner red. Right now all I know for sure is I have loved the VHII neck for its velvet smooth tone and clarity, altho this was in a 24 fret RG550 guitar, and will have a different result in a 22 fret set neck instrument.
Any suggestions for neck and bridge would be greatly appreciated, and if you could include a why they worked so well for you or how they could work well for me statements that would be super helpful! Thanks all!!!

I saw Rooster many years ago and the guitarists live tone was one of the best I've ever heard for fatness, tone and clarity. Rooster were BKP endorses at the time at his tone was an Abraxus loaded les paul.

[mesa0131]

Do you recall what kind of guitar he was playing? I am super curious about the Abraxas as it does not get much mention, and I am always one for the under dog. The Rebel yell is a great pickup, and I have played a Holy Diver/VHII combination and it was awesome, but The abraxas seems to be the only other pickup with similar DC resistance to the HD and RY. Perhaps Ill just have to try a VHII set, and an Abraxas set

[38thBeatle]

I too have a ES 339. I am not in any great hurry to change from the stock pickups however, I have pretty much decided that when I do, mine will have either two Mules or a Mule Bridge and a Stormy neck. My intention is to go the vintage route and Jonathan (Feline)  and I were talking about it just before Christmas.

Not a lot of help to you but it'll be interesting to see which way you go and what you think thereafter.

[Telerocker]

The VHII is a noncompressed very focussed pickup and imo not a jack of all trades, but a great rockpickup for sure. In your guitar an Abraxas-set will do better imo (more suitable for blues, jazz and less topend compared to the VHII). The Abraxas-bridge has more compression, more mids and less topend than a Mule. In fact it is a hotrodded Mule. Personally I would go Mules, because they're fabulous, organic and 3D sounding pickups with excellent dynamics and noteseparation. But you might find the bridge not hot enough for your taste.

[seancorker]

Do you recall what kind of guitar he was playing? I am super curious about the Abraxas as it does not get much mention, and I am always one for the under dog. The Rebel yell is a great pickup, and I have played a Holy Diver/VHII combination and it was awesome, but The abraxas seems to be the only other pickup with similar DC resistance to the HD and RY. Perhaps Ill just have to try a VHII set, and an Abraxas set

Beyond Saying a Les Paul I couldn't tell - not a big LP fan so can't really tell one from another.

[BigB]

Abraxas are mostly overwound Mules. I guess their lack of popularity comes from 1/ the name (just like RiffRaff, most people migh imagine they are one-trick-poniesą and 2/ the fact they might be too vintagey for most hi-output users and thi-output for most vintage users. Now those who have them seem to really love them as a best of both worlds solution...

This being said, if you want more clarity overwound pups might not be the ticket. Given the ES339 is somewhere in between a LP and ES335, I think the Mules would just rock here - vocal yeat clear neck, jangly bridge that fattens nicely with OD (and with the tone pot too), not an ounce of mud and quite a lot of punch. Don't be fooled by the "vintage output" label, these pups do rock, and can stand sh!tload amounts of gain too. They are great for blues, great for just any kind of rock including hard rock and some metl stuff, and seems great for jazz too AFAICT (well the last time a jazz player played my LP he found them great).

If your guitar is on the brigh side or a bit lacking in the low-end department you may want to go for a abraxas bridge / mule neck instead but you should really give the mule bridge a try before IMHO,

 

[mesa0131]

Thanks BigB! That is super helpful and intuitive. The ES339 definitely isnt lacking in bottom end, just the bridge pickup currently isnt conveying the tone of the instrument as I would like. Unplugged I love the acoustic tone it has, plugged in, its lacking a bit. The Abraxas still stands out in my mind as the most likely solution, and from what everyone here is saying, the mules are a great bet. I saw a youtube vid of a guy with the Abraxas set in a LP playing jazzy stuff througha  dumble and I was blown away. but I also want to have power when I need it, not that I "djent" or plan to play tech death with this guitar. At the most ill turn on my Bogner Red and rock some slower doomy stuff. but mostly 70's throw back rock. Right now im on the hunt for a used set of Mules, Abraxas', or VHIIs.

[mesa0131]

After trying the Abraxas set in my ES339, I decided to throw them into my newly aquired 2014 Les Paul Traditional. The Abraxas was much too hot for the ES and wasnt feeling quite right for that guitar when playing at loud volumes. In the LP Traditional the Abraxas are VERY VERY happy. Its the best pickup for htat guitar to get the power, dynamics and still fit the bill for blues and rock. Looking at Mules for the ES339 now. The Gibson 59 Tributes that I have in it now are just too bright and no matter what strings I use (various manufacturer's Pure Nickels) I cant get it to sound quite right. I am worried the Mules will be slightly too bright as well, being that I replaced the tone circuit with BKP 550K pots, and Jensen .022 treble, and .015 rhythm caps with 50's wiring.

Anyone here use Mules in a semi hollow body? The guitar in question sounds great acoustically, and even with 11-48 Rotosound Nickel wound strings its fabulous, but no pickup that I have tried really translates the warm even tone and response of the guitars natural sound. Perhaps the Mules are ideal for this reason, as they have ht emost even response out of all the vintage offerings... Any input is more than appreciated

[Telerocker]

Abraxas are mostly overwound Mules. I guess their lack of popularity comes from 1/ the name (just like RiffRaff, most people migh imagine they are one-trick-poniesą and 2/ the fact they might be too vintagey for most hi-output users and thi-output for most vintage users. Now those who have them seem to really love them as a best of both worlds solution...

This being said, if you want more clarity overwound pups might not be the ticket. Given the ES339 is somewhere in between a LP and ES335, I think the Mules would just rock here - vocal yeat clear neck, jangly bridge that fattens nicely with OD (and with the tone pot too), not an ounce of mud and quite a lot of punch. Don't be fooled by the "vintage output" label, these pups do rock, and can stand sh!tload amounts of gain too. They are great for blues, great for just any kind of rock including hard rock and some metl stuff, and seems great for jazz too AFAICT (well the last time a jazz player played my LP he found them great).

If your guitar is on the brigh side or a bit lacking in the low-end department you may want to go for a abraxas bridge / mule neck instead but you should really give the mule bridge a try before IMHO,

Like Big B also said, Mules are so vocal and would fit a semihollow like your ES 339. You made your experience now. I'm glad the Abraxas fits the LP trad.

[Dave Sloven]

Anyone here use Mules in a semi hollow body? The guitar in question sounds great acoustically, and even with 11-48 Rotosound Nickel wound strings its fabulous, but no pickup that I have tried really translates the warm even tone and response of the guitars natural sound. Perhaps the Mules are ideal for this reason, as they have ht emost even response out of all the vintage offerings... Any input is more than appreciated

I'm pretty sure littleredguitars2 used a Mule in one, but he always back then that he wishes he went with the Riff Raff set instead, I guess for more punch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geVjMQDqxjM

He's got 10th anniversary pickups in it now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XVF-Ib0eE

Here are couple of other videos I found:

PG Blues:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2VUHeXxSKk

Mules:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4JTz_6WpMg

Stormy Mondays:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGOKh3ZyXRI

[mesa0131]

Thanks for the pointers everyone... I am kind of interested in the Black Dog set now, being that it gets a bit more grit and push with a heavier mid range hump, especially for the bridge pickup. Might a Black Dog bridge pair well with a Mule neck, or would the A5/A4 magnet types make an odd pairing when used together? I would like my ES339 to sit somewhere close tonally to my LP Trad, but the Abraxas was just far too hot for the semi hollowbody, and was always reactive to feedback (however somewhat controllable) Whos using hte Black dog and whats your experience with them!?

[Telerocker]

Thanks for the pointers everyone... I am kind of interested in the Black Dog set now, being that it gets a bit more grit and push with a heavier mid range hump, especially for the bridge pickup. Might a Black Dog bridge pair well with a Mule neck, or would the A5/A4 magnet types make an odd pairing when used together? I would like my ES339 to sit somewhere close tonally to my LP Trad, but the Abraxas was just far too hot for the semi hollowbody, and was always reactive to feedback (however somewhat controllable) Whos using hte Black dog and whats your experience with them!?

BD-bridge/Mule-neck is a combo that a lot of players use. No problem.

[38thBeatle]

I am still hovering and awaiting the outcome with interest.

[mesa0131]

A very late reply! Almost one year to the day...

I never got around to ordering a BKP set for the ES 339... I found a few used Gibson Burstbucker 1, 2, and 3 pickups and tried those out. I ended up putting the BB1 in the neck with an A4 magnet, and a BB3 in the bridge. It was a very nice pair, offering good clarity and articulation in the neck, and just the right amount of output and bottom end in the bridge. It voiced the semi hollow tone very well and I enjoyed it for a short time before selling the instrument to afford a new vehicle in January 2016. It has been sorely missed, and had I kept it I think I would have eventually jumped on the Black Dog (B) / Mule (N), as the modded BB1/3 was really just a cheap attempt at getting close to that tone. Sorry for the long wait but I hope this shines some light and helpful experience for anyone finding themselves in the same boat as I was. Cheers