NGD! 60s Standard AAA Bourbon Burst. Slash APH-2 or 61 Burstbuckers???

[SteelBonesLPJones]

Hey gang! Long time lurker, relatively infrequent poster here. Got an awesome 2021 Les Paul Standard 60’s AMS exclusive AAA in bourbon burst and absolutely loving it!

For the record, I would’ve argued that this was cherry all day long, and perhaps a Sweetwater exclusive, but I ran the item number that comes on the checklist card and verified it was indeed bourbon and from AMS, but I digress…

I bought this used and as you may be able to tell, this came equipped with Duncan APH-2 Slash signature pickups. This is where my question comes in.

The original 61 Burstbuckers (or 60s Burstbuckers as I see them referred to lately) came included in the case. I do indeed like the Slash pickups, but I don’t have much experience with the 61 BB pickups. Any thoughts on whether or not I shouldn’t swap them out? I’m familiar with the technical specs (magnets, output, etc. on both), but looking for opinions.

The reason I ask here is that I’m out in the sticks, and don’t have access to a store that might be regularly equipped with Les Pauls to A/B. Anywho, any and all advice is appreciated and thank you!

 

[mjross]

Nice guitar, congrats! I recently purchased a 50’s Gold Top and I really dig the pickups. You might like Gibsons new pickup offerings, only you will know that when you play them!

 

[SteelBonesLPJones]

Thanks for the reply! I would be lying if I said there wouldn’t be a visual aesthetic aspect to the swap as well, as I often find myself gravitating toward chrome/nickel covers. But I will admit that I’m quite fond of the zebras.

 

[CyFan]

Nice! HNGD and enjoy!

 

[rjwilson37]

Ver nice, Congrats! I would definitely keep the APH2's in there, such a warm smooth tone for that set of pickups with nice Clarity and the right amount of punch. If you want the more modern hard rock/metal tone, then switch it over to the 61's, they are very nice and have a lot of punch to them.

I have the APH2's in my Epiphone Lazaus 59 Standard that I kind of converted over to an AFD, and I love them. I have the 61's in my 2022 LP Classic Olive Drab and I love them as well, once you adjust the pickup height to the right spot, the 61's are super sweet.

 

[01GT Eibach]

Dude, that is a VERY beautiful Les Paul. As for the pickups, I think you will love the Slash pickups, but the stock 61 BBs are nice pickups too. I am not strongly opinionated either way.

 

[Christosterone]

I love everything about your heritage cherry bourbon burst

gorgeous gi]uitar

super happy when lurkers come out of the shadows and bring fire …that top is bananas

welcome to the cult and out of the shows lurking

I love ur new axe…exquisite

-chris

 

[DaveSG]

Wow, that is a VERY nice top, and that picture does not to justice to it! Please, we need more! I'd love to see that top sing out in the sun.

VERY few 50s/60s Standards with tops that good or better.

Happy New Guitar Day!

 

[jporch316]

Stick with the zebras dude ….. they really set the finish on fire

 

[SteelBonesLPJones]

I love everything about your heritage cherry bourbon burst

gorgeous gi]uitar

super happy when lurkers come out of the shadows and bring fire …that top is bananas

welcome to the cult and out of the shows lurking

I love ur new axe…exquisite

-chris

Thank you!! When I saw it I felt like Wayne Campbell looking at the Excalibur guitar In Wayne’s World!

 

[SteelBonesLPJones]

Stick with the zebras dude ….. they really set the finish on fire

I’m inclined to agree with you. Thinking the Zebras help the top look more like exotic.

 

[SteelBonesLPJones]

Ver nice, Congrats! I would definitely keep the APH2's in there, such a warm smooth tone for that set of pickups with nice Clarity and the right amount of punch. If you want the more modern hard rock/metal tone, then switch it over to the 61's, they are very nice and have a lot of punch to them.

I have the APH2's in my Epiphone Lazaus 59 Standard that I kind of converted over to an AFD, and I love them. I have the 61's in my 2022 LP Classic Olive Drab and I love them as well, once you adjust the pickup height to the right spot, the 61's are super sweet.

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View attachment 666658

Love that Lazarus and OD Green classic! I’m growingquite fond of the Slash APH2 set. Played some more last night and can’t seem to find a real fault with them in any area yet. I know some folks scoff at zebra pickups but I’ve actually always had a thing for them.

What compelled you to change the pickups in the Lazarus? Those were BB1/BB2 right? It does look fantastic by the way.

Also thinking the chrome covers on the 61s may take away from the visual appeal of the top. Yes I realize that’s probably petty of me lol

 

[SteelBonesLPJones]

Wow, that is a VERY nice top, and that picture does not to justice to it! Please, we need more! I'd love to see that top sing out in the sun.

VERY few 50s/60s Standards with tops that good or better.

Happy New Guitar Day!

I’m pretty sure they’re just gonna have to start piping in some sunlight around here first lol!

First decent day that rolls around here (lots of rain and some snow lately), I’ll get some pictures outside and post here.

 

[Renegade]

Stick with the zebras dude ….. they really set the finish on fire

I usually prefer covers, but the zebras really look good. Congrats and HNGD

 

[Midnight Blues]

Nice! Congrats, HNGD and play her in good health!