Help With Selecting Pickups

[karaterick]

I would really appreciate some input into selecting an aftermarket set of pickups for my Agile AL-3210.

I Currently have 3 guitars; an Agile AL-3010 with Seymour Duncan Distortion/59' combo, a Dean 35th Anniversary Z (Explorer) with Dimarzio Super Distortion in the neck and bridge and the AL-3200 stock.

I play everything from Blues to 90s Metal and just about everything in between. I feel that my first two guitars cover the heavier stuff so I want my AL3200 to have a different flavor.
That being said I'd still like it to be versatile enough to cover everything I do.

I'm currently considering:
Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates
Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers
Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs
Suhr Doug Aldrich

I would love any suggestion, opinions advice. Even if you're just telling me what your do based on your personal tastes. I find just about any feedback helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[chupe442]

Seymour Duncan 59's. Great all around pups!

 

[karaterick]

Seymour Duncan 59's. Great all around pups!

I had 59's on my list but since I already have a 59 my other Agile I thought I might not be gaining as much by having the set in this guitar. They are good pickups.

 

[chupe442]

I had 59's on my list but since I already have a 59 my other Agile I thought I might not be gaining as much by having the set in this guitar. They are good pickups.

Apparently I didnt finish my thoughts when I entered... You wont go wrong with anything on your list.. I would lean between the Duncans or the Pearly Gates if it was me.

 

[Paulie C]

I recently upgraded my LP with 50's wiring and SD Seth Lovers. I wanted a vintage tone for blues and classic rock, and I must say the Seths hit it perfectly. Woody, open sound with great harmonics and overtones, in all very smooth and musical. I love the un potted honk and micro phonic quality, I find it is very controllable and use it to enhance tone. As far as squeal and feed back, you have to be pushing a hell of lot of gain to cause a problem. I know I would have liked the Pearly Gates, but with this project I felt the Seths would give a truer vintage tone.

 

[rikko]

I love the SD Hot Rodded set:
Jazz-neck, JB-bridge.

The Jazz is FULL and warm- LOVE it.
The JB can take you from AC/DC to Metallica.

And check out the SD tone wizard:

http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/tone-wizard/

 

[2001standard]

Well I must say I really hate Seymour duncan pickups.

For about the same price you could get some Manlius Fat Dianes and Iam sure you'de love em.

Check them out Manlius.com Mick does good work at fair prices. One man show.

David

 

[dodger916]

Well I must say I really hate Seymour duncan pickups.

Can you elaborate why you hate them? The OP requested input...

 

[ARandall]

Seth Lovers from that list.

 

[AHGrayLensman]

The Suhr Aldrich bridge PU is quite a bit hotter and darker than the other PUs on your list. That probably would not be my choice if you're going for a more vintage/less heavy feel, unless the guitar in question is very bright.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've always found the Duncan Pearly Gates to be too bright for my tastes, so I wouldn't recommend those unless the guitar is darker-sounding than you'd like.

Of the two remaining, I'm not a fan of Dimarzios in general, although some people I know and respect really like the 36th Anniversary set. That leaves the Seth Lovers... with the caveat that they're not potted, which could be a problem at a volume or gain levels.

 

[karaterick]

Thanks for all if the replies guys. I know there are a lot of great pickups not in my list but there are so many you just eventually have to narrow it down.
I may end up going an entirely different direction but I'm starting to lead towards the Dimarzio 36th Anniversary set.
Heard a clip for Vintage Raw pickups that I liked a lot too though.

 

[AJK1]

If you are considering the SD 59's I would strongly suggest getting the SD Whole Lotta Humbuckers
Similar to the 59's, but much fatter midrange and better balanced sound between strings, especially on the B and E strings.