Aftermarket Humbuckers Suggestions

[Wingtip4]

I would definitely switch pickups in an Epiphone, they suck and are muddy. Almost any pickups will sound better. I like the Dimarzio Anniversaries in one of my guitars.

 

[LPTDMSV]

AJK1, this advice is certianly not being ignored. I've been looking at amps as well.

Ultimately you need both. Some Epiphones have halfway decent alnico mag pickups but some don't and a set of SDs or whatever are a huge upgrade. So many good pickup brands now. A lot of people swap out Gibson 490R/498T sets for something fancier but they are pretty good rock pickups and you might get a cheap set on Reverb or eBay?

for the amp, go simple, go tubes

 

[jcsk8]

From the list I used the alnico pro and the 36th. Both are good. Alnicos a bit more modern, the 36th more vintagey with a great neck pup. If had to chose between them two I´ll got the 36th.

 

[Antigua]

The new Epiphone Pro Buckers are high quality and can be bought loose for a good price. The use nickel silver covers and bases, which is really what makes all the difference. They also use actual wood spacers instead of plastic, but that's not as important. If, for the sake or resale, you wanted to keep it 100% Epiphone, the Pro Buckers would be a good choice.

 

[Rock & Roll Hawk]

I have upgraded several Epi's and have had great success with the Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded pickups or some people call them Jazz Pickups which is a SH-4 JB for the bridge and SH-2n Jazz Model for the neck.
These pickups will sound fantastic for just about any type music you play.
Don't forget to replace your pots and wiring if you are pulling the plug on upgrading your pickups, it will make a big difference in your overall tone.
Good Luck on your choice

 

[Zoobiedood]

Yeah, that is the hot rodded set, not the Jazz set. There actually is a Jazz bridge pickup and it is way different than the JB.

 

[LPTDMSV]

Welp, haven't pulled the trigger yet. I've narrowed it down to the Bugera V5, Marshall DSL5CR, Marshall Origin 5, and Blackstar HT5R MKii. Im trying to keep it to ~5 watts and if it has an atenuator/power reduction mode thats a bonus...should keep the neighbors from pounding on the front door and shooting fowl looks the next day. Lol

Just got back home from a week long vacation and with this corona thing going on I'm hesitant to go amp testing. I can't tell you how many Youtube videos I've listened to. At this point, I'm sure my girlfriend thinks my can headphones are a permanent fixture on my head now. Lol

Have you seen this video? It's one of the cheapest Epiphone tube/valve amps, with the right pickups and fingers it sounds OK?

 

[LPTDMSV]

Also consider the 50s wiring mod, costs nothing except time and really changes how the pickups react as you turn th ings down. If you're an "everything on 10 all the time" guy it doesn't make much difference though

Courtesy of Arty's Custom Guitars:

What's the difference between Gibson 50's vs. Modern Wiring?

50's Wiring

• when turning down the Volume more heights are remaining
• a turn of the Tone also affects the Volume
• with the Volume fully turned up there's a little more clarity and output

Modern Wiring

• better Volume control
• turning the Tone does not change the Volume
• significant loss of height when turning down the Volume (can be reduced with a Treble Bleed)

Arty's Custom Guitars Gibson SG Original Wiring Prewired Kit 2x 0.022uf Bumble Bee Caps | Reverb

Gibson SG ORIGINAL Wiring Prewired Kit 2x 0.022uf Bumble Bee Caps This Prewired Kit has the Original Classic Wiring suitable for the Gibson SG, and is also available with 50's Wiring. For a clearer sound on the neck pickup (woman tone) we al...

reverb.com

 

[AJK1]

Also consider the 50s wiring mod, costs nothing except time and really changes how the pickups react as you turn th ings down. If you're an "everything on 10 all the time" guy it doesn't make much difference though

Courtesy of Arty's Custom Guitars:

What's the difference between Gibson 50's vs. Modern Wiring?

50's Wiring

• when turning down the Volume more heights are remaining
• a turn of the Tone also affects the Volume
• with the Volume fully turned up there's a little more clarity and output

Modern Wiring

• better Volume control
• turning the Tone does not change the Volume
• significant loss of height when turning down the Volume (can be reduced with a Treble Bleed)

Arty's Custom Guitars Gibson SG Original Wiring Prewired Kit 2x 0.022uf Bumble Bee Caps | Reverb

Gibson SG ORIGINAL Wiring Prewired Kit 2x 0.022uf Bumble Bee Caps This Prewired Kit has the Original Classic Wiring suitable for the Gibson SG, and is also available with 50's Wiring. For a clearer sound on the neck pickup (woman tone) we al...

reverb.com

I think they mean highs when they say height/s

 

[David Garner]

Agree with new pots and prioritizing an amp over the pickups.

Of those you chose, the 59s are classics and good “reference” pickups and the Alnico II Pros are really good smooth pickups that are vintage output but a little more modern tonality. A2Ps sound really close to 57 Classics to my ears. Or the Gibson 490r/490t (NOT 498t) set.

Used Pearlies would be my choice though. That set is just fantastic. For my use, I got the Custom Shop version because I prefer them unpotted. Used Seth Lovers would also be a great choice.

 

[Wingtip4]

I’ve got some Skatterbrane Yangbranes for sale on Reverb for 275.00

 

[Jewel the Sapphire]

Dimarzio set is my vote or try the new double white humbuckers from creamtone out since they look so damn good

 

[SWeAT hOg]

I’ve got some Skatterbrane Yangbranes for sale on Reverb for 275.00

Nothing like that 'cyclist plowing' tone!

 

[bad565ss]

On a tight budget the Tonerider A2 pickups sound really good for the money.
Of the pickups you mentioned I would choose the Dimarzio. Still an affordable option.

 

[David Garner]

Since I posted above, I installed a 59 in the neck of one of my LPs, and I can wholeheartedly endorse the 59s. Prior to that, the best SG tone I ever heard was a guy with a set of stock covered 59s in a 61 RI.

There are different pickups out there for sure, for different flavors. Seths and Antiquities are great. The Custom Shop Pearly Gates set in my other LP is great. I put a JB in the bridge of the one with the 59 neck because I like the hotter tone of the stock pickups and just wanted to give this combo a try. But if you're looking for just a cool set of PAF-style pickups that will cover a ton of ground and do it really well, the 59 set is outstanding. The one in the neck of mine is really, really good.

I think (at least rumor has it) Steve Clark used 59s in his LP back in the 80s with Def Leppard, and he always had solid tone.