Help? Burstbuckers vs. '57 Classics- what's the diff

[Brian Butler]

After 30 years of hollow body only, I just traded my 335 for a new LP Standard that has Burstbuckers. I'm used to '57 classics, but I can't really tell the difference since the two guitars are so different.

I'm thinking of put '57s on the Les Paul. I don't play any metal, but I like lesser distortion, and I like very mellow jazz sounding chords. What are the differences between the BurstBuckers and the '57 Classics? Please help.

Thanks.

 

[gmacdonnell]

Burstbuckers have mismatched coils which makes them have a bit more treble, bite and clarity (and a little noise.)

The 57's are balanced, and they sound smoother, with less treble and less frequency range.


Lot's of jazz guys like the 57's, (Pat Martino, Brian Betts, etc.) because they're very warm sounding a little dark. The Burstbuckers can get a good jazz tone as well, and might be better suited for your uses on the LP, which doesn't have as much clarity as a semi.

Depending on which Burstbuckers you have, they might not have Alnico II magnets like the 57's. Alnico II is generally a softer sounding magnet, with more compression and less note attack. Some Burstbuckers have Alnico V which is a stronger, sharper, crisper sound.

Gibson said the 57's are made like a "perfect" PAF, whereas the Burstbuckers are closer to what they actually made in the 50's. If you like classic jazz tones, they should work quite nicely.


Both pickups are relatively low output, and should work well for what you want. If they don't, I'd recommend talking to some of the winders here, like Will Boggs, (WB,) Dave Stephens, WCR, or Kevin Taylor (Guitar Force.) For the same price as the 57's, you could get a custom wound set of humbuckers, (WB's and Guitar Force are having sales right now and are bargains) which would be hand made, higher-quality and get the exact tone you're looking for.

That said, the Burstbuckers should be fine, unless you're looking for something more authentic to a 50's PAF or something more customized.

Good luck!

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

57 Classics have schintered/polished magnets. BBs have individually rough cast magnets.

 

[MrRhoads]

Burstbucker 1 2 3 has the alnico 2 magnet and DC resistance 8.4K, 8.7K, 9.1K
The Burstbucker Pro are like the Burstbucker 1 & 2 but with Alnico 5 magnets.

I have the Gibson 490T in the neck and it does everything, from superclean beatifull sound to 100% high gain, the single notes are clear all the time, never muddy or so.
The Alnico2 magnet really responds well to your fingers and pick attack which allows you to determine alot by your playing.
The 490´s are said to be a modern version of the 57classics.
I´ve tried the 57classics in a SG 61 reissue and they´re great to.
I don´t think you can go wrong with either.

I have the burstbucker pro in the bridge and it´s great to but the alnico 2 magnet is something extra which is why i´m swapping the burstbucker pro for a alnico 2 equipped pickup.

I have the Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded which has alot of chambers in the body which makes it something between a semi hollow guitar and a solid if that helps you.


Good luck and let us know which pickups you choose

 

[Fixxxer]

To me, the 57 classic is the best pup gibson makes.

 

[Ranger]

i CAN ONLY SAY GO WITH A 57 CLASSIC ON THE NECK AND A 57 CLASSIC PLUS IN THE BRIDGE POSITION: tHIS IS THE BEST CLEAR TONE COMBO OUT THERE, BAR NONE!

GOOD LUCK AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU CHOOSE

 

[HowieJams]

i CAN ONLY SAY GO WITH A 57 CLASSIC ON THE NECK AND A 57 CLASSIC PLUS IN THE BRIDGE POSITION: tHIS IS THE BEST CLEAR TONE COMBO OUT THERE, BAR NONE!

GOOD LUCK AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU CHOOSE

I have to agree.

I have owned a 2005 Les paul Standard, great guitar, but never could bond with the Burstbucker pros.

I currently have a 2006 Les paul Studio with 490/498s and a 2008 Gibson SG Standard also with the 490/498s, I like them, but.....

In March I bought a 2009 Les Paul Traditional with the 57 Classic and Classic Plus combo, WOW!!!!
Best sounding pick-ups I have ever heard.
It is why I chose the Traditional over a Les Paul Custom.
I liked them so much I bought a 2009 SG 61 Reissue with the same pick-ups.
They are more articulate than the 4980/498s and respond so well to pick attack.
Plus, their clean sound is definitely much better than the 490/498s which I like.
Both my Les Paul and SG with the 57 Classics sound better than their 490/498counterparts.

As for your situation, I played a NEW Les Paul Standard (chambered) with Burstbuckers when I was looking in March for a new guitar, if you like the guitar, I wouldn't swap them out, but....
If the tone is not to your liking, swap the Standard for a Heavier Traditional with the 57 Classics and I think you will be in TONE HEAVEN.

Hope this helps,

Howard

 

[PINKBITS]

I just got a new Traditional with the 57 Classic and Classic plus. I quite like them. I would really like to try them with some quality 500k pots etc.

They could only sound better IMO. I really like hard rock and hard blues. These actually do it pretty darn well. I must also say the clean is really nice. Very smooth.

 

[HowieJams]

I just got a new Traditional with the 57 Classic and Classic plus. I quite like them. I would really like to try them with some quality 500k pots etc.

They could only sound better IMO. I really like hard rock and hard blues. These actually do it pretty darn well. I must also say the clean is really nice. Very smooth.

I think since they are lower output, they really work well with a Tube amp, maybe forcing the Tubes to work harder?

Whatever the case may be, they sound great clean or dirty, and even though they are lower output, pinch harmonics come easily.

 

[PINKBITS]

I think since they are lower output, they really work well with a Tube amp, maybe forcing the Tubes to work harder?

Whatever the case may be, they sound great clean or dirty, and even though they are lower output, pinch harmonics come easily.

I agree. I had it plugged into my Laney Lionheart 20watt head and matching cab on the weekend. True class A amplifier with stock TAD EL84 power tubes. I think the match between the 57 Classics and this amp was very good.