Pickups for Gibson Les Paul Custom

[Alfi27]

I'm sorry, it was meant as a joke and not an argument. Sure the Mule might have worked for my LP, but most likely not. I have never tried it (the bridge version that is) though, so everything I say about it is somewhat invalid

[Telerocker]

Alright mate, I'm sleepy so not that sharp anymore. 

[Alfi27]

Yeah it's quite late
I will of course report back and maybe write a review when I receive the Abraxas

[Slartibartfarst42]

I'd be very interested in what you think. I've always been drawn to the Abraxas but while I love an AIV in the neck, I'm far more hesitant about an AIV in the bridge position as I fear it may lack some bite and articulation. These days I tend to stick to AV in the bridge with 43PE wire and either AIV or AII in the neck with either 43PE or 42.5 poly wire.

[Alfi27]

I know what you mean, I am not entirely convinced myself but I have not tried it yet so I hope I will be. The LP Custom can bite even with the Juggernaut so I really doubt that will be a problem, at least in that guitar.

[Slartibartfarst42]

This is of particular interest as I may change the 498T in the bridge of my Les Paul so it would be interesting to know how they compare.

[Alfi27]

I understand. The 498T is a good pickup, but when I replaced it with the Riff Raff in the Epiphone the guitar just came to life. It sounds exactly how a really good Les Paul should in my ears. Not quite sure about this, but I believe the Epi is entirely solid as it is made in the Czech Republic at a much higher standard than other Epiphones. The LP Custom is ironically not solid (swiss holes) so that might contribute to the darker more solid tone of the Epi. Really hope the Abraxas can bring some of that tone to the LP Custom. Not that it sounds bad, but it is a bright guitar.

[Slartibartfarst42]

I really like the raspiness you get on a 498T. The upper mids give it some aggression and hairiness while remaining more open than something like a Holydiver or Juggernaut. The A-Bomb is clearly cut from a similar block but I find it far too aggressive and hairy compared to the 498T. The Rebel Yell might be closer but I've never tried one of those.

[Dave Sloven]

I've replaced a 498T with an A-Bomb and they are nothing alike.  The Cold Sweat is a lot closer in basic tonality.  I don't have any experience with the Rebel Yell.   I can tell you that the Emerald has less output and less bass than the 498T.

[darkbluemurder]

I've always been drawn to the Abraxas but while I love an AIV in the neck, I'm far more hesitant about an AIV in the bridge position as I fear it may lack some bite and articulation. These days I tend to stick to AV in the bridge with 43PE wire and either AIV or AII in the neck with either 43PE or 42.5 poly wire.

At least in case of the Abraxas bridge there is nothing to worry about its articulation. I had it back to back with the Crawler bridge in the same guitar and it is not any less articulate than the Crawler - even more so but I attribute that to the slightly lower winding.

Cheers Stephan

[Slartibartfarst42]

I've replaced a 498T with an A-Bomb and they are nothing alike.  The Cold Sweat is a lot closer in basic tonality.  I don't have any experience with the Rebel Yell.   I can tell you that the Emerald has less output and less bass than the 498T.

When I had an A-Bomb it was certainly hairy and had some solid upper mids to give it some rasp and that reminds me of the 498T, though I realise the A-Bomb is on a whole different level. The Emerald was less aggressive and less raspy than the 498T. It had a sweet tone but it wasn't what I'd call similar at all.

[Alfi27]

What about the C-bomb? Would you say it is just as hairy? I used to own one a while back, but it's hard to remember. It did not strike me as particularly hairy though, from what I remember.

[ericsabbath]

I'd say the c-bomb is less hairy and more compressed compared to the a-bomb

[Dave Sloven]

From what I can tell the C-Bomb is probably fairly close to the 498T.  Certainly less hairy and more compressed, judging from clips.

[richard]

The Abraxas is in no way lacking in bite. It has a great 'sizzle' and punch that is really close to the old school sound of an LP through a totally cranked 60's Marshall. Definitely more of a vintage sound than the RY but with a lot more muscle than a PAF. It can get seriously heavy if you want it to. The neck and middle positions are equally glorious. Best sounds I've ever had.