SG Pickup Upgrade

PrimalScream · 05-11-2011, 07:27 PM

I have a Gibson Faded SG with stock 490T and 490R pickups. I have had the guitar for about 10 years and have recently fallen on hard times financially. As a result, I have had to sell off my Stratocasters, LP and Musicman to pay my bills. I have kept the SG because it holds a sentimental value but I now need it to serve as my main guitar when I play out. I have used it consistently as a practice tool for all of these years as the pickups yield an output that is far too muddy to cut through during a live set. I know that this may be a characteristic of the mahogany body but I am thinking of upgrading to a Dimarzio Bluesbucker (P90 style) for the neck for a brighter response and either a Dimarzio Air Zone or Air Classic. Has anyone had a similar experience or have any recommendations for my situation?

DrGolovaCroxby · 06-28-2011, 01:36 AM

Try the Seymour Duncan P-Rail pickups. They're modestly priced, and give great tone. Combine those with the tripleshot mounting rings and you'll find that they give you quite a bit of versatility.

05-11-2011, 07:27 PM	#1
PrimalScream Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 179	SG Pickup Upgrade I have a Gibson Faded SG with stock 490T and 490R pickups. I have had the guitar for about 10 years and have recently fallen on hard times financially. As a result, I have had to sell off my Stratocasters, LP and Musicman to pay my bills. I have kept the SG because it holds a sentimental value but I now need it to serve as my main guitar when I play out. I have used it consistently as a practice tool for all of these years as the pickups yield an output that is far too muddy to cut through during a live set. I know that this may be a characteristic of the mahogany body but I am thinking of upgrading to a Dimarzio Bluesbucker (P90 style) for the neck for a brighter response and either a Dimarzio Air Zone or Air Classic. Has anyone had a similar experience or have any recommendations for my situation?

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06-28-2011, 01:36 AM	#2
DrGolovaCroxby Vagitarian. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: TX Posts: 7,155	Try the Seymour Duncan P-Rail pickups. They're modestly priced, and give great tone. Combine those with the tripleshot mounting rings and you'll find that they give you quite a bit of versatility.