Pickups for 335 style

[chadd]

Picked up an Epi dot studio for cheap at GC today and while it plays pretty well, the pickups aren't a good fit for me. They're pretty hot compared to my other guitars and I'd like to get something that matches up a little better.

 

My only other HB guitar is a LP with 57 classic and classic+. My inclination is to throw a pair of those in, but figured I would ask to see if there was something else I should check out.

 

Thanks for the help.

[cratz2]

Yeah, I think I like the 57s in a semi hollow.

Of course, if you wanted to mix things up, you could get something slightly different for your Paul and put the 57s in the 335, if the colors are appropriate.

[PunkKitty]

I put a set of BG Pure 90s in my Ibanez semi hollow. They sound fantastic. I highly recommend them.

[chadd]

I don't see myself changing pups in the Les Paul until they die. I really like that combination. Just looking for something similar to put in the Epi.

[metallica_00]

the 57 Classic is my favorite pickup, and they're what's stock in the ES-335, so certainly a good match. Pickups are definitely a weak point on the Epis.

[scottgd]

the 57 Classic is my favorite pickup, and they're what's stock in the ES-335, so certainly a good match. Pickups are definitely a weak point on the Epis.

I'll second this statement.

[D Carroll]

anico pro II's.

[docjeffrey]

I have 57's in both my 335 and my 339. They sound terrific, but I'll bet there's something better out there for the same $$. I would spend some time on Seymour Duncan's website. Also, take a look at my co-favorite, TV Jones! Maybe a Powertron for the bridge. They are a bit pricey ($130), but maybe you could just do the bridge pickup with a TV and something cheaper in the neck.

[Jkater]

bg lizards.

Bryan described them as warm and clear. Not a bad choice for a semi.

[wrathfuldeity]

Few years ago gutted an Ibanez as73 put in some Highorder alnico II's, iirc 7.8k and 8.3k, scattered, unpotted, uncovered, 4 conductor, tapped to tone pot...quite pleased and tons of tonal options...very reasonably priced. Btw have Jeff do 14" conductors instead of 12"...its just easier.

http://highorderpickups.com/

[roughtrade]

Check out Seymour Duncan's Seth Lovers!

You can't get a bad tone from them.

[milosch]

I have two Dots. One has Seth Lover, the other 57 Classic and plus. I like some of the screaming oscillation I can get from the SL but not always. Still was definitely a noticeable change. I have 3 guitars now with the 57s and they are my fav.

[Faber]

Any clear PAF style would get you there imho. I personally like the 57s that Gibson put in 335s. Duncan 59s would also be an option. I love the set of seth lovers I had in a Hamer - I read about some of them being microphonic but my set was total solid.

[GCDEF]

Since it's a budget guitar, I wouldn't spend a whole lot on an upgrade. 57 Classics are great pickups, but Duncan 59s are a decent sounding lower priced PAF that would be a significant step up from stock for a bit less money.

I have a 59/JB combination in a Heritage 535 that sounds really good.

[Dr_Kuh]

Yeah, I think I like the 57s in a semi hollow. Of course, if you wanted to mix things up, you could get something slightly different for your Paul and put the 57s in the 335, if the colors are appropriate.

Those would be my choice, too

[BoneNut]

I put a set of BG Pure 90s in my Ibanez semi hollow. They sound fantastic. I highly recommend them.

 

 

Perfect match for a semi hollow. They complement the guitar's character. Much more versatile than HBs and with punch to spare.

[GAS Man]

Picked up an Epi dot studio for cheap at GC today and while it plays pretty well, the pickups aren't a good fit for me. They're pretty hot compared to my other guitars and I'd like to get something that matches up a little better. My only other HB guitar is a LP with 57 classic and classic+. My inclination is to throw a pair of those in, but figured I would ask to see if there was something else I should check out. Thanks for the help.

 

 

That's what I would do, but I would not add the "+" to the bridge, just use a regular '57 Classic. Personal pref for personal tastes. You could also consider a set of Seth Lovers or a Burstbucker 1 & 2 combo. I'd be happy trying out either of those 3.

[WRGKMC]

I tried a bunch of different sets and couldnt find the tone I was looking for. I think Gibsons would be the best choice if you want that stock 335 type sound. I was looking for a more liverpool tone. I finally found these gretch type sounding mini humbuckers that fit a full sized HB route. I just bought a secon set for another guitar. They do need to be potted though because they were fairly microphonic. Once I did that I was able to get some very cool tones happening.

[alfsboy]

If on a budget Tonerider Rocksongs ,Cheap price ,high quality and they sound great .They are Alnico II from memory .Worth fitting .I had my Dot SE wired up like a studio once and it all sounded fine .I just left two pots unwired .I later rewired everything and had it all working as per .Many people like Toneriders so dont be fooled into thinking they are just a generic Asian pickups named for customer ..

[cratz2]

That's what I would do, but I would not add the "+" to the bridge, just use a regular '57 Classic. Personal pref for personal tastes. You could also consider a set of Seth Lovers or a Burstbucker 1 & 2 combo. I'd be happy trying out either of those 3.

 

 

Those would be my first, second and third choices... maybe throw in the Duncan Antiquities as a fourth option.

 

For something cheap, the GFS Alnico II set is pretty nice. I have Seth Lovers in one guitar and 57s in another but the guitar the GFS pickups are in is my favorite player. I was just out of two for a week and a half and the HB guitar I took with me was the Les Paul with the GFS pickups... that says a lot. Not saying they are the equals of the 57s or Lovers, but not at a terrible disadvantage. If it was a solid body, I'd suggest maybe going for the GFS. Since it's more work being a semi-hollow, I'd probably just go for whichever you think you actually will want to keep in there.

 

Personally, I think I'd get the Burstbucker 1 & 2 set, throw them in the Les Paul and move the 57s over to the Dot.

[jbear555]

I like Duncan 59's in everything...regardless of price. Same for Seth's. That's just my taste, but those two humbuckers do it for me no matter what they're in.

[C-RAM]

I bought a Hofner Verythin that someone had put Lace Alumitone 'buckers into; rarely have I come across a combination that I truly DO NOT LIKE, but this was such a case.

I made the guitar and myself very happy by installing a set of Tonerider Alnico II Classics - low output, warm, clear tones - does not have a wide frequency range using 500K tone pots, though; pretty much a one-trick pony.

Sonically, the guitar does not compare badly to my 335 w/ 57 Classics.