57 Classic plus and BB2 and BB3

[philamag87]

Looking for a bridge pup for my 61 RI SG. I have the BB1 in the neck and was using a 57 classic in the bridge. I have swapped out the 57 (which I didn't mind in the bridge, not in the neck though.) for the Angus Young Signature HB. Not a bad pup but not sure if it's what i'm looking for. I would like to stay within the Gibson line.

How does the 57 Classic + compare to the BB2 or BB3? I know the VOS SG comes with BB1/BB2. If I like the regular 57 would the plus be a better way to go. I would like something that has a little more power compared to the BB1

 

[skoora]

The Classic + will only give you a little bump in the mids and I never cared for it tonally over the regular classic. Sounds like a boxier Classic. If you want to stay in the Gibson Line I would recommend a 498T if you want more output and they sound great in an SG. The BB3 is close to the output of a 57 Classic but a little more raw and loose in the lows (can be good depending on what you want). You might also want to consider a Duncan JB. But that will be a fair bit hotter than a BB1 in the neck for balancing. My personal fav pickup from Gibson is the 57 classic. Can play any style if the amp has some gain on tap.

 

[theruley]

I have a BB3 In the bridge of my les Paul. It's starting to become my favourite bridge humbucker. The slight overwound-ness and alnico 2 magnet just works for me. Very smooth and powerful without being too harsh.

The guitar originally came stock with a '57 classic and a '57 classic plus. I found the classic plus a bit thin and fizzy for my liking. The classic in the neck is great though.

 

[philamag87]

I played an SG at GC that had a BB3 in it and as I recall I think I liked it LOL! I may try the BB3 and return the AY pup.