Members Thinkarogadum Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I've been scavenging the forums for some answers, but I don't really know which decision to make. I'm sick of the stock pickups in my Epi G400. I've fiddled with them all I could (changing heights, changing cap values) and I think it's time for a replacement. I want to keep the price down, so I'm going GFS. I just don't know which set to buy. At first I figured a set of Mean 90's would be the best, but I'm concerned that they'd be too middy in the all-mahogany SG, so now I'm looking at humbuckers too. I just want a solid, clear, vintage tone out of this thing. What would you guys recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members doc oc Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Mean 90's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members chrisandronna Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I have one of the faded type g400's with a mean 90 in the neck and an alnico 2 "Classic II" in the bridge. The Classic II sounds very clear, vintagey low output- very classic rock. The mean 90 sounds louder, lots of bass and mids- good highs for being in neck position. I am thinking about pulling the mean 90 for another Classic II in the neck position just for better balance between pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thinkarogadum Posted January 14, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I have one of the faded type g400's with a mean 90 in the neck and an alnico 2 "Classic II" in the bridge. The Classic II sounds very clear, vintagey low output- very classic rock. The mean 90 sounds louder, lots of bass and mids- good highs for being in neck position. I am thinking about pulling the mean 90 for another Classic II in the neck position just for better balance between pickups. I figured the Mean 90 would have a lot of bass and mids, which I already have a lot of in the guitar itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members chrisandronna Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 just for a reference point, my brother has a 61 reissue sg with 57 classics in it, and the classic II gets you in the ballpark of that guitar's tone. The midrange is a little more pronounced in the 61 reissue but they sound very similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fusion1 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Set of Crunchy Rails! Do it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mackin Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I haven't tried them, but I'd love some classic II's in that type of guitar. They seem to be GFS's most balanced pickup (from what I understand) - the others having that "big GFS low end" thing going on. Good luck finding your sound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thinkarogadum Posted January 14, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Morning Bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members twotimingpete Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I figured the Mean 90 would have a lot of bass and mids, which I already have a lot of in the guitar itself. I tried a mean 90 bridge pup for a while and found it to be very bright. if you just want classic paf sounds, try this. http://store.guitarfetish.com/v59niclalpah.html sounsd about right. paf with a bit of extra spice, (8.5 - 8.8k bridge) which should cover all the bases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members A_Gitarman Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I tried a mean 90 bridge pup for a while and found it to be very bright. if you just want classic paf sounds, try this. http://store.guitarfetish.com/v59niclalpah.html sounsd about right. paf with a bit of extra spice, which should cover all the bases. I agree with this sentiment... I have a Mean 90 in the bridge of my Sheena & it cuts like a freakin' LASER! VERY bright. While I haven't tried the "Vintage 59", here's my take on some of their other offerings that I've used: I get very refined, balanced tones from the Dream-180's in my LP. I find it great for clean sounds, but just OK with dirt. I also have a Crunchy PAT in my flying V. GREAT classic rock tones, but it's kind of a one-trick pony. Finally, I put a VEH in the bridge of my Mockingbird Masterpiece & absolutely LOVE it. it's clear and articulate, sounds great with dirt, & cleans up nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cratz2 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I have the GFS Alnico II Classics in this guitar. I personally really like them, but they are pretty low output. I think mine are the lowest output humbuckers I've ever owned. They are lower output than my 57 Classics, Seth Lovers or Dimarzio Bluesbuckers. This LP is all mahogany, no maple. I have the 57 Classics in an Ibanez Double Cut LP type guitar, mahogany body and a bolt on maple neck. All new pots and caps in both guitars. The 57 Classics are definitely a brighter. Not harsh at all, but definitely brighter. The Seth Lovers are noticeably brighter than the GFS set. Never heard the GFS 59s though I've had the Duncan 59s in a couple guitars. I'd suggest if you want something vintage-ish sounding, but a little hotter and a little brighter, maybe try the 59s but again, I've never heard the GFS 59s. I wasn't impressed at all with the Fat PATs or the Crunchy PATs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CanIBDom Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I have one of the faded type g400's with a mean 90 in the neck and an alnico 2 "Classic II" in the bridge. The Classic II sounds very clear, vintagey low output- very classic rock. The mean 90 sounds louder, lots of bass and mids- good highs for being in neck position. I am thinking about pulling the mean 90 for another Classic II in the neck position just for better balance between pickups. Have you tried adjusting the pickup heights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members outtahear Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Tonerider Alnico IVs. As good as the $$ Wolfetone Dr Vs that replaced 'em in my SG. Want 'em?? PM me. I'll even throw in a pair of Paper in oil capacitors for your tone controls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cratz2 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Tonerider Alnico IVs. As good as the $$ Wolfetone Dr Vs that replaced 'em in my SG. Want 'em?? PM me. I'll even throw in a pair of Paper in oil capacitors for your tone controls. I'd grab those if I had ANYTHING to put them in. I still haven't installed my BG Pure 90s because I don't have any non-upgraded HB guitar. outtahear is a good guy, guys. I've bought a few items from him. Buy with confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thinkarogadum Posted January 14, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I tried a mean 90 bridge pup for a while and found it to be very bright. if you just want classic paf sounds, try this. http://store.guitarfetish.com/v59niclalpah.html sounsd about right. paf with a bit of extra spice, (8.5 - 8.8k bridge) which should cover all the bases. Right now I'm thinking either the Vintage '59 or the Alnico Classic II. I want this guitar to sound like a classic SG should sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members outtahear Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Right now I'm thinking either the Vintage '59 or the Alnico Classic II. I want this guitar to sound like a classic SG should sound. '59s were a bit dull in the 335 I had 'em in. Could be a bit muddy in an SG;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I figured the Mean 90 would have a lot of bass and mids, which I already have a lot of in the guitar itself. They have a snappy high end too. They sound good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thinkarogadum Posted January 14, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 This is what I mean. Each pickup is getting solid reviews, I just don't know which to pick. I could always exchange them for another set if I'm not satisfied. I know Jay is cool with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members echale3 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I've put a set of Mean 90s in a Faded SG with the standard Gibby 300K pots and they sounded great. Thy were very similar to the P-90s in the Faded DC LP Special I had at the same time. The Mean 90s in the SG were a hair darker than the P-90s in the DC LP Special, but that's about it. I've also tried Mean 90s in a Faded Flying V with a set of 500K pots, and they would really scream in that guitar. Currently, I have a Mean 90 in the bridge position of a MIM Strat with a HWY 1 HSS pg/pups in it and it complements the Fender SC tone very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Orange Jackson Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I thought the classic 59's were very dull, as were the Fat PAfs. I'd go used Seymour Duncan Jazz and JB for $80, plus upgrade the pots to CTS 500k, maybe a new cap as well. It will be well worth the little bit of extra money you spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members outtahear Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I'd grab those if I had ANYTHING to put them in. I still haven't installed my BG Pure 90s because I don't have any non-upgraded HB guitar. outtahear is a good guy, guys. I've bought a few items from him. Buy with confidence. (Cheers;)) -J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fluoreszenz Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Set of Crunchy Rails! Do it! Please elaborate... when to go for crunchy rails or power rails? They seem to have very high output, so any vintage tone for the OP here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 I'd grab those if I had ANYTHING to put them in. I still haven't installed my BG Pure 90s because I don't have any non-upgraded HB guitar. outtahear is a good guy, guys. I've bought a few items from him. Buy with confidence. That's a cryin' shame! You must find something to put those in. Bryan's p90s are amazing. i have his h90s and I love em. OP, I hear there's an unused set of pure 90s. Make him an offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitar Heel Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 Mean 90's for sure. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members echale3 Posted January 14, 2010 Members Share Posted January 14, 2010 So, who has an unused set of Pure 90s for sale and how much are they asking for them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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