Has anyone modified an ES-137 Classic?

[dsound]

I'm wondering how an ES-137 would improve installing Seth Lovers or some other improved PU. I really like the shape and feel of the ES-137 but I've heard the 490t's can be a little undefined especially for jazz.

[Kelsey]

I had a set of Seth Lovers installed in mine (along with a bone nut) a few years ago. It definitely improved the tone. I think 59s or Phat Cats would work very nicely, too, but I'm pretty happy with the Seths so far. The bridge pickup steps into LP territory (but perhaps fatter and smoother), the neck pickup has a nice woody tone, and the combined/middle tone gives that classic semi-hollow BB King tone. I have heard 335's with nicer neck pickup tones, but the middle and bridge tones of the Seths in my 137 are tough to beat. I also prefer the neck on my '03 137 better than most 335s I've touched.

[JoeNewbie]

I think the ES-137 is a lot more attractive visually speaking than the ES-335. I actually prefer the single cutaway and slightly thicker body.

On the neck pick-up, does the tone get anywhere close to the ES-175, or not at all?

[Kelsey]

I agree with you on the visual appeal of the 137, and it translates into a more comfortable guitar to play sitting, but probably not standing. I don't have any personal experience with the ES-175, but the 137 neck tone with the Seths is woody and "phasey" sounding on the wound strings, and fat and singing on the plain strings. It doesn't have quite the hollowness that I've heard with some 335s.

[dsound]

I guess I've been a bit torn about what route to go. I love the classic vibe of the ES-137 and with my budget after selling a few things, I'd be able to get that and one other guitar. Or I would just be able to afford something like the Sadowsky Semi Hollow or a small, high end Full Archtop.