wiggy Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 Looking to replace the pickups on my Dot Studio for something decent. I mainly play blues/country rock and want something with lots of vintage tone. Basically I've sort of narrowed it down to 5 choices and would be interested to hear your opinions. Assuming cost wasn't a factor which would you chose? 1. Gibson 57 classic plus 2. Seymour Duncan 59's 3. Bare Knuckle PG Blues 4. Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays 5. GFS Vintage 59's I've discounted Burstbucker Pros simply because I want open bobbins on the Dot.
Ron G Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 Almost anything is gonna be an improvement over the stock pickups, especially the HOT CH at the bridge. A question I asked myself when trying to choose pickups for my DS was, "does it make sense to put $200+ worth of pickups on a $200 guitar?". With that in mind, I finally chose to go with GFS, although I put Mean 90s on my DS, which I'm quite happy with. I've heard nothing but good things about their Vintage 59s. Edit: And GFS (like SD) has a if-you-don't-like-it-exchange-it return policy.
charlie brown Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 What kind of music, do you play most? That might help you decide. "vintage '59's" would seem to make a lot of sense, tone and cost wise. CB
jcwillow777 Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 I put Vintage 59s in my Dot, Sherry, and one of my G-400s. I am quite pleased with them. They made a huge difference over the stock pickups. I have to agree with Ron, not sure I would put $200+ worth of pickups in a $200 guitar either.
fenrirlupus Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 Looking to replace the pickups on my Dot Studio for something decent. I mainly play blues/country rock and want something with lots of vintage tone. Basically I've sort of narrowed it down to 5 choices and would be interested to hear your opinions. Assuming cost wasn't a factor which would you chose? 1. Gibson 57 classic plus 2. Seymour Duncan 59's 3. Bare Knuckle PG Blues 4. Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays 5. GFS Vintage 59's I've discounted Burstbucker Pros simply because I want open bobbins on the Dot. why not seth lover 55's? or p94's p90 phat cats... at least look at the alumitone... and as for what's good from your list, i don't know what to choose, but classic plus is bridge only (57 classic goes in the neck position with that) honestly, if it were my decision i would pick one that comes in a set. save money, and you know they can be used together... that they're not way out of balance with each other (and since the studio lacks independent volume knobs for each pickup, this is important)
djroge1 Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 I've thought about getting this guitar because it is relatively inexpensive. I have a different approach than a couple of others. I would put an expensive pair of pick-ups into it. To me the fun of modding a guitar is to try to improve the overall sound and playability. Sort of like putting a 450magnum engine into say a 72 pinto - you wouldn't expect that much power from such a little car. So, I'd go with the Gibson 57 Classic plus if ya want a vintage sound. If it was my guitar I'd drill two more holes in the body so each pickup would have it's own volume and tone, but that's just me.
Ron G Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 If it was my guitar I'd drill two more holes in the body so each pickup would have it's own volume and tone' date=' but that's just me.[/quote']I thought about that when I first got my DS but found the simplicity of the controls is just perfect.
lostindesert Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 To answer your question simply,The Seymour Duncan '59s. Peter
bluesstringer Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 I would recommend the GFSs. They are great PAF sounding pups and inexpensive to boot. The work great on the semi-hollows bro.
Memphs1978 Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 I thought about that when I first got my DS but found the simplicity of the controls is just perfect. WOOOOHOOOOO thats pretty much the same reason i got mine DS... i got the worn red.. what color did you get? i also was thinking about a b700... and decided it was something i didnt really need or want it just looked badass!!!
djroge1 Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 I thought about that when I first got my DS but found the simplicity of the controls is just perfect. That's great! Nothing wrong with that view. I'm sure any pickup change will give you a good sound.
djroge1 Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 While your changing out the Pick-ups I thought I send a link to another thread for you to read thru about capicitors for the tone control. Capicitor Thread Just a thought while you've got the guts out and all....
Ron G Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 i got the worn red.. what color did you get? Mine's Worn Brown but it doesn't look like any other one I've ever seen.
wiggy Posted September 21, 2008 Author Posted September 21, 2008 From the piccy it looks the same as my my faded cherry but that could be a colour cast in the photo. Thanks for all the suggestions re pickups - still undecided though. Heart says Bare Knuckle PG Blues or Stormy Mondays - Head says GFS Vintage 59's
wiggy Posted September 30, 2008 Author Posted September 30, 2008 Well I've finally bitten the bullet and made a decision (sort of!) I've ordered a set of Vintage 59's from GFS and at the same time I've also ordered a set of Mean 90's to see which I prefer. Anyone have any idea roughly how long it takes to the UK from GFS using EMS Global Express?
Ron G Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Wiggy, if you're going to solder them in the "standard" way, you only have to pull the 3-way switch through the F hole. There was enough wire on my DS to do this without disconnecting anything else.
wiggy Posted September 30, 2008 Author Posted September 30, 2008 I'm actually planning to go down the quick connector route so that I can swap in and out but thanks for the tip.
EpiSheriMan Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Looking to replace the pickups on my Dot Studio for something decent. I mainly play blues/country rock and want something with lots of vintage tone. Basically I've sort of narrowed it down to 5 choices and would be interested to hear your opinions. Assuming cost wasn't a factor which would you chose? 1. Gibson 57 classic plus 2. Seymour Duncan 59's 3. Bare Knuckle PG Blues 4. Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays 5. GFS Vintage 59's I've discounted Burstbucker Pros simply because I want open bobbins on the Dot. Wooow! You've got some expensive options on that list! BK's are going new for £200 ($380) for a set! I have a set of Mules in my Les Paul...they are nice... For my Epi Sheraton, I'm going with the '57 Classic (neck) and '57 Plus (Bridge) combo. I managed to find one used online and matched her with a new one I bought spending only £110 on a damn good pair of PUPS! New they would have cost £170! :(/
ebb Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Anyone have any idea roughly how long it takes to the UK from GFS using EMS Global Express? 5 days to Ireland for my vintage 59's
sjtalon Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 You have the right one in the right place !! 1. Gibson 57 classic plus
MarkW Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Go with the cheapest pups that put you where you need to be. You stated that if Money was not a concern...Well then buy a Gibson. There is nothing wrong with an EPI Mod, but that is what it is. Remember you may want to resell, and if you give a hoot about recoup, don't over do it! Good Luck
wiggy Posted October 1, 2008 Author Posted October 1, 2008 As I posted a couple of days ago I decided to go for the GFS's on the basis that if they do what I'm looking for then I'm quids in and if they don't then I've not really lost anything. As for the money no concern bit - well let's be honest there's a big difference between money no concern on a pair of pickups i.e max an extra $400 (£200) and buying a Gibson (an extra $3000 or £1500). Also I'm not trying to turn the Epi into a Gibson but rather trying to get the best out of what is potentially a fantastic sounding guitar albeit with some limitations due to being built to a price.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.