SG 61RI - new pickups

[Mikey Likes It]

Well, after 35 years of longing, I finally pulled the trigger on an SG, a 61RI. Haven't looked at the electronics yet, but she's supposed to have 57 Classics in her. They aren't my favorites - in this guitar they sound rather thin and the breakup is a bit on the buzzy side.

I have a set of Tom Holmes humbuckers and a set of Harmonic Design humbuckers lying around. I'd love to try another set of Wagners sometime (I'm thinking Crossroads or Darkburst) but since I already have two very nice sets lying around, i can't see buying more without trying these first. I'm just trying to decide which set to try first, and I'm here to solicit the votes of my fellow gearheads...

[the_Chris]

That's a bit odd... Classic 57s always seem to sound fat and warm in SGs to my ears (certainly never buzzy or thin). I've tried Lollar Imperials and they were a bit too thin and bright for the SG, never tried Wagners and Tom Holmes humbuckers, but from all the glowing reviews Tom Holmes humbuckers have gotten, they should be great.

[justonwo]

That IS a touch strange. The 57s in my 61 are pretty thick. Have you tried playing with the pickup height?

Of course, if you have other HBs lying around, no harm in trying them out.

[murkat]

Try the Holmes.... but... is the sg a VOS? check the pups.....

[Mikey Likes It]

Not a VOS. I'll pull 'em out tomorrow and have a gander.

[skylabfilmpop]

A great and not truly appreciated pickup is Peter Florence Voodoo 60 PAF. I have a 8.2 K one in my Mid 70's Guild S60 (sg meets boat anchor) and it kicks the snot out of my mid 60's gibson Trini's Pickups. Very dead on authentic tone IMO. The Voodoo 60 are very cool because they have a Paf tone with good Lows but really fast attack without a hyped top end or that horrible Duncan 59 high mid emphasis. 57 Classics are nice but I think more appropriate to a les paul where there flat Midrange response seems to widen the voice of the guitar. Send me a PM if you want to sell your 57's.