need pickup suggestions for my epi lp...

[billcabral]

Hey,

So I'm looking to upgrade the tone for my epiphone LP, and I figure that the most cost-effective way is probably to upgrade the pickups. It is just a standand lp, and i got it in '04.

I play a pretty wide range of musical styles, mostly 90's rock kind of stuff (pearl jam, incubus, green day, etc). I am looking for a balanced tone; something that will improve my clean and distorted sounds. I just don't feel that I get the clarity/depth that I'm looking for with the stock pickups; the clean sounds, in particular, are a little disappointing. I run through a Marshall MG250DFX.

Anyway, I have asked some friends that know these sort of things and there is no consensus at all...some say I really should go with some Gibson pickups, while others say I will get better quality going with WB's or even PRS pickups.

I'm looking to install these myself and I'm thinking something around $150 or $200 would be in my ballpark...

So that should probably be enough info to make some suggestions...anybody want to throw something out there? Or perhaps ask more questions, if you need to know a little more about my playing style/experience/etc.

Thanks in advance; I joined this forum because I knew you people would be the best to answer my question, so hopefully you can set me straight!

[number41dl]

Originally Posted by billcabral

I'm looking to install these myself and I'm thinking something around $150 or $200 would be in my ballpark...

In my opinion, the best value in pickups today: Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Set. Jazz in the neck, JB in the bridge. Amazing tone both clean and distorted, and good value.

Covered option (nickel silver covers and gold pole pieces): Buy Seymour Duncan Silver Special Hot Rodded Humbucker Set Limited Edition at Musician's Friend

Open coil option (black): Buy Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker Set online at Musician's Friend

I installed these on my LP and have been blown away by the results. Check them out!

[billcabral]

Thanks a lot bro, ordered them yesterday, will be attempting to install this weekend. I may come back and throw a post in after I have with my review. Did you do the split-coil kind of install, where you replace the volume pots with push/pull pots? If so, what is your opinion? Worth it?

Just a note to anyone that sees this; it looks like if you apply the coupon code MF23 when you order these from MusiciansFriend, it takes $10 off the price (at least it did for me, not sure when it expires). Worth a shot!

[number41dl]

Originally Posted by billcabral

Did you do the split-coil kind of install, where you replace the volume pots with push/pull pots? If so, what is your opinion? Worth it?

I actually started a thread after installing them, the first post details my wiring setup - I went with the full split-coil and other wiring options, and I think it's totally worth it. I recorded some audio samples, but need to find a way to post them online to share them.

The thread: Jimmy Page Mod - ADDED!