Articulate pup recommendation?

[martysnarf]

Thought I'd ask you guys for some advice/opinions...

I am still on honeymoon with my R0, and am absolutely THRILLED with it. That said, I am considering swapping out the Burstbucker pups for something else. I prefer the clarity and articulation of pups like PRS' 57/08s. I like pups that are more articulate, and more sensitive to pick attack. While the Burstbuckers are real cool in their own right, they can be a bit muddy at times and lack that clarity that I am used to.

I mainly play rock, classic rock and blues, and I definitely prefer the tone of vintage-style PAFs as opposed to higher-output EMG-style pups. Looking for something with vintage crackle and warmth, but very clear and articulate. I use the coil taps a TON on my R0 as well... I LOVE the split neck tones.

What suggestions would you have? I've been told that the Bonamassa pups are real articulate... Any other ideas? Thank you all!

 

[Tim Plains]

Too many choices. Google like "best PAF" and see what's out there. There's also a pickups section here you could browse.

Pickups - My Les Paul Forums

 

[martysnarf]

Too many choices. Google like "best PAF" and see what's out there. There's also a pickups section here you could browse.

Pickups - My Les Paul Forums

Thanks- I've done quite a bit of Forum searching and Googling. I am not looking for "best PAF", but rather SPECIFICALLY recommendations from my fellow MLP Forum Members on PAFs that are PARTICULARLY ARTICULATE and clear while retaining vintage PAF characteristics. I thought I was clear on that, but I hope this better-clarifies!

 

[River]

Try a Phat Cat neck, or Duncan P-Rail. If you're brave about looks, that is.

 

[cherrick]

Here's my recommendation:
Zhangbucker Pickups - Home

I'm on his wait list for a pair of 'buckers. I have his P90s, his Tele and his Strat pickups. Everything this guy builds is just over-the-top-all-in-the-nuts fantastic. A friend of mine has his 'bucker, one of his Firebird and a dog-ear P90 in his custom build.

Say the magic words: PHW (Pure Hand Wound). His name is David Plummer and I would consider him first.

Second and Third would be Throbak and Stephens Design.

Check out all of them.

Late edit. Here you go:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/member-classifieds/214050-zhangbucker-pups-sale.html

 

[KingpinGuitars]

I've had good performance with Duncan Antiquities.

 

[Sct13]

So far after testing Wolftones, Throwbacks and SD Joe B. Sigs I like the Joe B's the best. They all sound great, and have a tonal characteristic that is unique onto themselves, All very good pickupus. A friend of mine has antiquities they are close to the Joe B's

For articulation and clarity they are cooler but real colorful, very musical the way the harmonies seem to "stagger" so that the whole spectrum is heard. Thats the best way I can explain these.

Its all subjective anyway. Good luck in your search. I changed out the Burst Buckers for the same reasons you did, you may like the Joe B' or the Antiquities.

 

[deadringer]

Well if you're a coil splitter then maybe look to Sheptone or Skatterbrane. I myself like coil splitting and I've got a set of metalbranes on the way and a sheptone AB custom set as well to try both out. Both 4 conductor obviously.

Those are just two winders. There are plenty around the forum here that could wind you up a good pickup to what you're looking for. There's fuelie, MHD, skatterbrane, jonesy can get you Sheptones, Electric City, the list goes on and on... Try one out!

 

[tuco]

i've had good performance with duncan antiquities.

+1

 

[martysnarf]

So far after testing Wolftones, Throwbacks and SD Joe B. Sigs I like the Joe B's the best. They all sound great, and have a tonal characteristic that is unique onto themselves, All very good pickupus. A friend of mine has antiquities they are close to the Joe B's

For articulation and clarity they are cooler but real colorful, very musical the way the harmonies seem to "stagger" so that the whole spectrum is heard. Thats the best way I can explain these.

Its all subjective anyway. Good luck in your search. I changed out the Burst Buckers for the same reasons you did, you may like the Joe B' or the Antiquities.

Thank you for this thorough explanation. This is the kind of response I am after. Thank you!

And thank ALL of you for your responses thus far; I appreciate all of them!

 

[Sct13]

your welcome, I forgot about Skatterbrane I tested those as well, very articulate and clear as well. They were an early model and he said they were close to the Earthbranes, Nice Pickup.

 

[cherrick]

I put this above but you might not see it so I'll pop it here:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/member-classifieds/214050-zhangbucker-pups-sale.html

Not mine but if I were not on David's waiting list ...

 

[Liam]

Low output, clear, articulate.

You're talking my language. I like OTPG, real PAFs, and early PAT # pickups best. Skatterbrane are amazing, as are OX4. However, in the recent pickup shootout it turned out that I also like Sheptone Tributes, Zhangbuckers, but most of all Fuelie. And so I got Fuelie to wind a custom set for one guitar, and somehow ended up with a set of his Plain Jane as well. Not tried the Plain Jane set yet, but the Custom set is frighteningly close to what I'd envisaged, and I am about as fussy as anyone about pickup clarity.

Although I've tried more than most, I only post about the ones that I've liked, and would have to say that Kevin at Fuelie understands humbucker tone as well as anyone I've ever dealt with. And that means better than all but a few.

Liam

 

[roscoenyc]

Articulate is the exact word I've always used to describe the Peter Florence Voodoo '59's

Peter Florance Voodoo Pickups - Humbuckers

 

[Jakeislove]

I have a set of Throbaks that are great.

Love Earthbranes, OTPG, and BK Mules too!

I need another guitar!!

 

[Groove Toad]

Rewind Electrics ReWind : Retro Style Electric Guitar Pickups. He's in your neck of the woods.

 

[rsrd]

There are so many choices and it's all so personal. I always recommend CALLING wolfe and talking to him in person. He is a standup and very honest guy. Best of all he can wind your pickups to your taste aka tweak the standard product to your liking.

Wolfetone.com

 

[RAG7890]

Low output, clear, articulate.

You're talking my language. I like OTPG, real PAFs, and early PAT # pickups best. Skatterbrane are amazing, as are OX4. However, in the recent pickup shootout it turned out that I also like Sheptone Tributes, Zhangbuckers, but most of all Fuelie. And so I got Fuelie to wind a custom set for one guitar, and somehow ended up with a set of his Plain Jane as well. Not tried the Plain Jane set yet, but the Custom set is frighteningly close to what I'd envisaged, and I am about as fussy as anyone about pickup clarity.

Although I've tried more than most, I only post about the ones that I've liked, and would have to say that Kevin at Fuelie understands humbucker tone as well as anyone I've ever dealt with. And that means better than all but a few.

Liam

+ 1, what Liam said. My first choice is Vintage PAF, my second choice is early Patent No.'s (with or without Vintage Long Magnets) & my third choice is Sheptone Tributes (which are in reality are a cost effective solution for what they are).

OTPG is also a great choice (based on others) but hard to get new if you don't have contact with Bharat & over the top price wise second hand.

There are others as well like Skatterbrane & Stephens Designs (if you can stand the wait for the SD).

Also, my favorite covers are Throbaks.

My 2c FWIW.

 

[RAG7890]

Here is an option if this is of interest (one of many) if you want to save some $$$.

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/mem...f-s-skatterbranes-woodbranes-earthbranes.html

 

[jamman]

Thanks RAG7890 . OP , You might take a look at the pickup Shoot-Out I posted . In the sub-section "pickups". There are a few there.