Replacing the JB pickup in my Hamer Studio to something more vintage sounding

[lidbjork]

I think it's time to try something different in my '95 Hamer Archtop Studio, in place of the JB bridge pickup. I'd like something more vintage PAF sounding (think typical Clapton/Cream, Page/Zeppelin, Allman Brothers, etc.), and for the moment I'm looking into three choices:

1. Change the magnet in the JB to an Alnico 2. Some people on the net says it makes a fairly big difference. More mids, less highs, etc.

2. Replace it with a Seymour Duncan 59. I found a pretty god deal on one of those.

3. Replace it with a Seymour Duncan 59 and replace the magnet with an Alnico 2.

4. Replace it with a Gibson Classic 57. Got a fair offer on one.

I suppose option 1 will give more output than the other three. Not sure if I want that or not.

Opinions?

[scottcald]

All seem like reasonable options. I have an LP with the 57 classics and I like them - for what that's worth.

[DaveL]

I like the Duncan alnico pro II or the slash set. My tech jokingly wanted to steal them when he was

doing a setup on one of my les pauls.

[hamersandstrats]

If you have the '59 in the neck. I would put either a '59 in the bridge, or a Seth Lover. Both will get the PAF thing going, but the Seth will be a little more "3-D" while still balancing well with the 59 neck

I would not put a 57 classic there, I think it has a different character than a Duncan pickup and they won't balance well together. Of course, putting a set of 57 Classics in there would work.

[atomicwash]

I pulled the bridge in my Tally Pro because it had too much mid and not enough treble for my taste. I like a bridge pup with more highs like a Tele and a little Gretsch flavor.

You might be interested in my Tally Pro pup w/ a nickel cover:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291439034354?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

[tbonesullivan]

don't forget the custom custom and the custom 5.

[Biz Prof]

The mag swap looks easy and would be cheap. I will say that after replacing the aftermarket Evolution in my Centaura with a JB (stock configuration), it is a stellar pickup at high volumes. ...it really sings. It is not, to my ears, a good fit for low volume bedroom playing.

I vote for the mag swap.

[Caddie]

I have a Studio with WCR Fillmore, neck and bridge. Love it.

Cheers!

caddie

[jaberwock]

I know I've had a tendency to look down my nose at Seymour Duncan pickups recently, but I put a 59 in the neck position of my Les Paul project, while I was waiting for my hand wound, boutique "cork sniffer special" to arrive, and was very pleasantly surprised.

Jaberwock

[DaveH]

Pearly Gates.

[bubs_42]

don't forget the custom custom and the custom 5.

IF he wants something a little hotter. The Custom 5 is a perfect match for the 59Neck, Good luck!

[Armitage]

Without getting into something custom. I don't think you can beat a Duncan Alnico Pro II set.

[BubbaVO]

If you're looking for something a little hotter but in the PAF zone consider these: BG Dark Bucker and the DiMarzio 36th Anniversary. Since you mentioned bringing out the mids, consider the former. The bloom of sound that I get out of the BG Buckers is more focused in the mids when I switch over to the Dark Bucker. It's not really dark.

For something made out of unobtainium, try the WB Gregwinds.

I wouldn't hesitate to put any of these on a coil splitter - if you're into that sort of thing.

Even though I swapped out the JB from my guitars, I like it quite a bit. It rawks. I just can't leave well enough alone.

[axe2grind]

I've wanted to try the Dimarzio 36th Anniversary set for quite awhile. That's the route I would go.

[lidbjork]

Thanks for all the replies! Keep 'em coming if you've got more ideas.

All of the options you've mentioned are possible for me, but since I'm on a budget I'm not looking into everything. That's why I started with those four options. The humbucker market is insane -- there's so many different options and not always a lot of difference per dollar, so to speak.

If I can find a cheap Custom Custom I'll try it, but I figured a 59, Seth Lover or similar would make a bigger difference from the JB and take me further into PAF territory. The 36th Anniversary is definitely an option -- I've been curious about that one for a long time.

[Ting Ho Dung]

Thanks for all the replies! Keep 'em coming if you've got more ideas.

All of the options you've mentioned are possible for me, but since I'm on a budget I'm not looking into everything. That's why I started with those four options. The humbucker market is insane -- there's so many different options and not always a lot of difference per dollar, so to speak.

If I can find a cheap Custom Custom I'll try it, but I figured a 59, Seth Lover or similar would make a bigger difference from the JB and take me further into PAF territory. The 36th Anniversary is definitely an option -- I've been curious about that one for a long time.

Keep in mind that if you change the magnet the difference will not be immediately noticeable. I takes a few weeks for all the windings and slugs and screws to remagnetize to the new magnet. I changed my 59 to an A2 and could never tell the difference because of it. I suppose if I swapped out a stock 59 now I'd hear the difference but I couldn't hear it because the change was so gradual. I have since taken out that modded pickup and would be happy to send it to you if you would like to try it.

[Armitage]

Um, the wire isn't magnetic... and I can't imagine the slugs having a different effect any time after the magnet swap.

[Hfan]

Funny, I bought a Studio recently and after reading about the JB and 59 combo (that is what was stock right?) before even getting the guitar I jumped on a set of Marshallheads I found used. But I kinda like the stock pickups.

[Ting Ho Dung]

Um, the wire isn't magnetic... and I can't imagine the slugs having a different effect any time after the magnet swap.

I'm no physicist. It's what I researched when I was doing the swap. I don't even know how magnets work. But, if the guy wants to try one, I've got one.

[Armitage]

Changing magnets is usually kind of subtle, you may not notice it right away, but after a bit you're going to notice fine changes, I think that's all.

[veatch]

I don't even know how magnets work.

Anyone being truly honest would say the same.