Researching Humbuckers

[bahklava]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Model with alnico humbuckers for both the bridge and the neck. Since this isn't my primary guitar, I feel a little at liberty to tinker with it; before I do that, though, I want to know where I could find more information on humbucker manufacturers/sellers/models, and which attributes to look for. I've played on guitars with humbuckers before, but this is the first time I've endeavored to customize a guitar myself.

 

[JohnnyGtar]

I'd suggest checking out DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, and EMG for starters. Harmony Central is a great place for reviews on pickups by people who actually buy them.

 

[jpage]

Go the the Duncan forum and learn how to swap magnets--you'll save a ton of money.

 

[bahklava]

Go the the Duncan forum and learn how to swap magnets--you'll save a ton of money.

Like this?

 

[Stratoben127]

Go to Wolfetone pickups' website. Listen. Drool. Buy. That's basically it.

It would also help if you explained what kind of sound you're going for and what amp it's through. Either way, Wolfetone has tons of different winds and builds from PAF to T-top to High Gain pickups. Email him or call (I suggest calling) and he will be happy to talk tone with you and custom wind ANYTHING. He's a really nice guy. I have a custom set of PAF type pickups for my LP from him and I love them. By the way, I have no affiliation with Wolfetone. Also, if you don't know what these terms mean there's tons of info on here regarding different humbuckers. If you want a vintagey, classic LP tone, PAF ("Patent Applied for",came in Gibsons from 57-61) type pickups are your best bet. Sound samples of different output pickups are on Seymour Duncan's site. They're also good cheaper pickups.

 

[bahklava]

It would also help if you explained what kind of sound you're going for and what amp it's through.

I'd thought about that, but the truth is I play a couple styles that are very, very different; I've also found that my Line 6 Flextone II amp can turn just about any rig into pure gold or pure **** depending on the setting, so I don't know how much I could help you to help me.

For now, I'm just looking for some pointers of where I could go to do my own research - mostly to get a sense of what's out there before I come to any conclusions. To that end, the responses in this thread have been fantastic; thanks, everybody.

 

[Stratoben127]

I'd thought about that, but the truth is I play a couple styles that are very, very different; I've also found that my Line 6 Flextone II amp can turn just about any rig into pure gold or pure **** depending on the setting, so I don't know how much I could help you to help me.

For now, I'm just looking for some pointers of where I could go to do my own research - mostly to get a sense of what's out there before I come to any conclusions. To that end, the responses in this thread have been fantastic; thanks, everybody.

If you play such different styles, a hot PAF type pickup is your best bet.

 

[jpage]

Like this?

Yes!

 

[bahklava]

If you play such different styles, a hot PAF type pickup is your best bet.

Pretty much the only constant for me is minor keys. Sometimes I like a crisp, clean, uptempo style that I've been told makes people think of eastern European Jewish or Romani music, while other times I'm in a gnarled, electric Neil Young-style mode...I'm also a fool for slow-tempo distorted minor-key balladry and the occasional post-punk.

Basically, I'm going for versatility here.