Pickups for Les Paul

Hello everyone. I was hoping to get some guitar advice. I have a 2003 Les Paul that was somewhat neglected in its past life. I’m looking to have the pickups replaced. Any suggestions as to what sounds best with a Les Paul? I’m a living room guitarist, and generally play Pearl Jam and other grunge, classic rock, and bluesy rock. Any advice is much appreciated. Hope to see some of you soon in Toronto, Ottawa, and/or Baltimore!

Comments

  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 22,130
    i like PAFs in les pauls. gibson classic 57s are great. i have them in an old flying v and that is the best sounding guitar of the 12 I own. was thinking about getting a set for my les pauls. i am not a fan of the stock humbuckers that gibson has been using in their lps the last 20 years or so. i prefer lower output pickups with my rig.
    There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.- Hemingway

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • pjpjpaulpjpjpaul Posts: 1,648
    edited February 2020
    Pickups Rhythm
    Lead
    Style: Custom Bucker
    Custom Bucker
    Winds/Coil: Screw side/Slug side: 5500-5750
    5500-5750
    Material of Wire (gauge): #42 Enamel
    #42 Enamel
    Coil Dimensions (per coil): 6.6294 cm x 1.7272 cm x .9525 cm / 2.61 x.68 x .375"
    6.6294 cm x 1.7272 cm x .9525 cm / 2.61 x.68 x .375"
    Coil Material: ABS
    ABS
    Coil Winding Process: Machine Wound
    Machine Wound
    Pole Piece Material: 416 Grade Stainless Steel
    416 Grade Stainless Steel
    Pole Piece Position from Nut: 48.1965 cm / 18.975"
    59.7 cm / 23.5"
    Slug Material: 416 Grade Stainless Steel
    416 Grade Stainless Steel
    Slug Dimensions (diameter x length): 47.3075 cm / 18.625
    47.3075 cm / 18.625"
    Magnet Material: Alnico III
    Alnico III
    Magnet Position from Nut: 58.36 cm / 22.975
    58.36 cm / 22.975
    Magnet Dimensions: 6.35 cm x 1.27 cm x .3175 cm / 2.5 x .5 x .125"
    6.35 cm x 1.27 cm x .3175 cm / 2.5 x .5 x .125"
    Polarities:


    Cover: True Historic Replica Aged Nickel
    True Historic Replica Aged Nickel
    Qfactor: 8.0k
    8.5k
    ResistanceDC:


    Resonant Frequency:



    Those are the specs for the Mike McCready Gibson Les Paul model. I would suggest finding something with similar output. Alnico III's are a little different from other magnets too so that may be a factor as well. You can customize pickups through Seymour Duncan and other sights.
    Post edited by pjpjpaul on
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  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 22,130
    pjpjpaul said:
    Pickups Rhythm
    Lead
    Style: Custom Bucker
    Custom Bucker
    Winds/Coil: Screw side/Slug side: 5500-5750
    5500-5750
    Material of Wire (gauge): #42 Enamel
    #42 Enamel
    Coil Dimensions (per coil): 6.6294 cm x 1.7272 cm x .9525 cm / 2.61 x.68 x .375"
    6.6294 cm x 1.7272 cm x .9525 cm / 2.61 x.68 x .375"
    Coil Material: ABS
    ABS
    Coil Winding Process: Machine Wound
    Machine Wound
    Pole Piece Material: 416 Grade Stainless Steel
    416 Grade Stainless Steel
    Pole Piece Position from Nut: 48.1965 cm / 18.975"
    59.7 cm / 23.5"
    Slug Material: 416 Grade Stainless Steel
    416 Grade Stainless Steel
    Slug Dimensions (diameter x length): 47.3075 cm / 18.625
    47.3075 cm / 18.625"
    Magnet Material: Alnico III
    Alnico III
    Magnet Position from Nut: 58.36 cm / 22.975
    58.36 cm / 22.975
    Magnet Dimensions: 6.35 cm x 1.27 cm x .3175 cm / 2.5 x .5 x .125"
    6.35 cm x 1.27 cm x .3175 cm / 2.5 x .5 x .125"
    Polarities:


    Cover: True Historic Replica Aged Nickel
    True Historic Replica Aged Nickel
    Qfactor: 8.0k
    8.5k
    ResistanceDC:


    Resonant Frequency:



    Those are the pecs for the Mike McCready Gibson Les Paul model. I would suggest finding something with similar output. Alnico III's are a little different from other magnets too so that may be a factor as well. You can customize pickups through Seymour Duncan and other sights.
    alnico 3s are not very hot. more vintage from what I recall. the alnico 5s and 8s are much hotter.
    There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.- Hemingway

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • Wow, that’s incredibly specific. I don’t know what a lot of that means, but will take it to my guitar shop and see what they can do for me. Thank you both for your recommendations. Happy Friday!
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