Upgrading my Lester with help from Seymour Duncan!

[@EtobiQue]

Hi all!

I am currently researching some new pick ups for my 60’s standard. I’m looking to create a metal machine…

Looking to put in a Duncan custom in the bridge and was thinking of a screaming demon in the neck… which brings me to my question… will this pair create a versatile metal machine??? Let me know your thoughts!! Thanks!!

 

[searswashere]

“metal machine” is going to be mostly dependent on your amp. A stock 60s standard will do metal no problem so long as its plugged into a capable rig.

 

[LPTDMSV]

Tend to agree with @searswashere a lot of metal sounds are super hi-gain and basically come from amp (or pedals). Hot pickups hit the amp harder but not enough to transform your sound.

What amp / pedals do you have now?

 

[jbash]

What is your definition of "Metal"?

Do you mean early Judas Priest and Iron Maiden? Sabbath? Diamondhead?

80s Euro metal like Helloween?

80s Thrash like Metallica and Megadeath ?

80s big hair tranny look?

90s Nu metal?

2000s Cookie Monster vocals?

 

[LPTDMSV]

What is your definition of "Metal"?

Do you mean early Judas Priest and Iron Maiden? Sabbath? Diamondhead?

80s Euro metal like Helloween?

80s Thrash like Metallica and Megadeath ?

80s big hair tranny look?

90s Nu metal?

2000s Cookie Monster vocals?

Exactly, these are the questions to think about before getting your soldering iron out …

 

[LPTDMSV]

Watch this YouTube Marshall amp review (about 8 minutes in) for a nifty demo of how to get a wide spectrum of metal sounds using an ordinary Les Paul with plain old Burstbucker 1/2 pickups - doing it all with gain levels and tone-shaping in the amp:

 

[@EtobiQue]

hey guys! Thanks for your replies!

Ok so let’s start my response: I have 3 Les Paul’s and a PRS 594. My 60’s standard covers a lot of the same ground as my gold top and the 594. While I understand it can do metal, I want it to be a bit more purpose focused.

I love metal from black sabbath right to Gojira. I love the big four, lamb of god and mastodon.

I have several amps: Mesa boogie Mark V, multi watt rectifier and a 50 watt badlander. I also have a Marshall 50 watt Vintage Modern.

So think from my original post, I am looking to tweak one of my Paul’s to be a pure metal machine, purpose built ti bring to chugs!

 

[LPTDMSV]

hey guys! Thanks for your replies!

Ok so let’s start my response: I have 3 Les Paul’s and a PRS 594. My 60’s standard covers a lot of the same ground as my gold top and the 594. While I understand it can do metal, I want it to be a bit more purpose focused.

I love metal from black sabbath right to Gojira. I love the big four, lamb of god and mastodon.

I have several amps: Mesa boogie Mark V, multi watt rectifier and a 50 watt badlander. I also have a Marshall 50 watt Vintage Modern.

So think from my original post, I am looking to tweak one of my Paul’s to be a pure metal machine, purpose built ti bring to chugs!

OK, I have to admit I am out of my metal depth here, sorry …

 

[Gtarzan81]

Watch this YouTube Marshall amp review (about 8 minutes in) for a nifty demo of how to get a wide spectrum of metal sounds using an ordinary Les Paul with plain old Burstbucker 1/2 pickups - doing it all with gain levels and tone-shaping in the amp:

I have one of those. Great amps. Mostly overlooked these days.

 

[jbash]

Guessing you mightwant to start with a SH5 Custom or SH6 Distortion for the bridge. Ive not tried a Demon in the neck but it might pair well with the Custom. Good neck pairing for either is a Jazz BRIDGE model.

Take advantage of the exchange program if those dont trip your trigger. They have tons of newer "metal" oriented pickups and artist models (and Im an old SOB stuck in the 70s, so cant make any credible eccomendations on those)

 

[paul-e-mann]

hey guys! Thanks for your replies!

Ok so let’s start my response: I have 3 Les Paul’s and a PRS 594. My 60’s standard covers a lot of the same ground as my gold top and the 594. While I understand it can do metal, I want it to be a bit more purpose focused.

I love metal from black sabbath right to Gojira. I love the big four, lamb of god and mastodon.

I have several amps: Mesa boogie Mark V, multi watt rectifier and a 50 watt badlander. I also have a Marshall 50 watt Vintage Modern.

So think from my original post, I am looking to tweak one of my Paul’s to be a pure metal machine, purpose built ti bring to chugs!

How about a 500T/496R Gibson combination.

 

[Leee]

500T/496R

Yeah … you might find a set for not a lot of money.

Most of the serious metal guys I knew with Les Pauls way back when liked the Gibson ceramics or EMGs.

I will admit that I’m no expert on serious metal tones.

 

[Gtarzan81]

Duncan Custom is a good option. It's hot, but not insanely so.

 

[@EtobiQue]

How about a 500T/496R Gibson combination.

That might be an option for sure