software

So a year ago I took my Black Les Paul custom and changed the pickups out. At the time I had 3 USA Jacksons all with Duncans installed. I was never really impressed with them, they always sounded muddy to me. So I decided to throw in an EMG 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck of my LP. At the same time because I didn't like the way the gold hardware looked with the all black EMGs i changed all the hardware out to black. The end result is an amazing looking guitar. Really one of the coolest I've seen. So in recent weeks I've been messing with my USA Mockingbird and Bich and finally get them situated each with a Custom in the bridge and a jazz in the neck. Needless to say I'm in love with my Riches now. For the first time in the last 3 months I picked up my LP with the EMGs (I also have an all stock '89 LP Custom that has never needed adjustment. the pickups rock in that thing) and I was completely disappointed. Doesn't have nearly the tone or quality of the Duncans in my Riches. This used to be my number 1. Having sold all the original hardware switching it all back out and gettin gold covered Duncas is out as it would cost me well over $800 to restore it to original. Looks like I have a nice piece of furniture. Speaks volumes to my love of the Duncans now but kinda sucks that this guitar is lame by comparison...

Sorry for rambling

why dont you just get regular black uncovered duncans? itd still look cool with the black hardware

I've thought about that. I dunno if with would have the same affect of the EMGs. I'm being whiney.

I always thought EMGs were the bomb.

The Duncan Custom is a great pickup, saved me from being quot;ActiveBoyquot; forever


Originally Posted by h8red442I've thought about that. I dunno if with would have the same affect of the EMGs. I'm being whiney.

Sometimes, you just gotta whine!!

You could go for a livewire set....but then you are back to actives.

I think your Custom would look alright with the black bobbin duncans, now one thing you could do is order a set from the CS with black pup covers, or get open bobbin with black poles.

Luke

Would the custom shop make a Jazz and Custom with the covers from the livewire? Anyone know how much that would run? Sounds like a great way to save my Les Paul from the closet.


Originally Posted by ZerberusThe Duncan Custom is a great pickup

1

Playing hard rock on a Duncan Custom is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

I really should get a guitar to put mine in.


Originally Posted by h8red442Would the custom shop make a Jazz and Custom with the covers from the livewire? Anyone know how much that would run? Sounds like a great way to save my Les Paul from the closet.

Probably around the customary 185 for a CS pup. The question is, would you prefer the plastic or metal cover????

Luke

A black plastic cover on top of a passive would look just as good. Call MJ and see what she can do.

We're thinking about offering black-chrome covers. What would you think about that?

Black chrome would be hella wicked sweet.

The black plastic covers sound perfect. As long as they don't cost $185 for one. I love my LP but not that much. I'd sooner sell it and buy another American Rich.

Not to hijack a thread, but are those BC Riches maple neck thrus by any chance?


Originally Posted by h8red442The black plastic covers sound perfect. As long as they don't cost $185 for one. I love my LP but not that much. I'd sooner sell it and buy another American Rich.

If you have pickups you want to put in it, get the covers and put them on. If not, buy them first then get the covers. It shouldn't be a custom job really. I'm not sure how the plastic ones stay on though.

Someone should slap you for thinking about selling a Les Paul just because of the pickups. (joking) Originally Posted by Evan SkoppWe're thinking about offering black-chrome covers. What would you think about that?

That would be very cool.

MikeS:
No they're Mahogany neck with mahogany wings

ErikH:
Yes someone should slap me for thinking about selling my LPs just for the pickups. However I'm quite taken with my USA Riches and want more but am now poor after having just bought the two that I have and am looking for any excuse to buy more. But that means selling the LPs.


Originally Posted by MikeSNot to hijack a thread, but are those BC Riches maple neck thrus by any chance?

if it's USA Rich than it's Custom Shop Today if you buy one new so it could be around anything. But i have no idea what they did in the 80s

...........i always read about the Custom and i must say it is very tempting....................I have tried the CC(no bass), the C5(too scooped), the JB(nice but that high mid spike....got sick of it) and then went with the trusted emg85 in all my guitars.....After reading posts like this i am always asking myself if i am missing something by not trying the Custom......... Outputwise where does it sit?I like high output so is it closer to the CC and the C5 or near the DD and the emg85?

The output is similar to the CC, maybe a hair hotter. Basically, the Custom has what the CC is missing (bass) and what the C5 is missing (mids).

Evan, black chrome would be SO cool, and you could trademark it and..... H8red
I don't think there is anywhere you could BUY a plastic cover, much less any way you could install it. Also the screws would be an issue.

The pups that use them are epoxy sealed, and you can't exactly solder plastic to a metal baseplate.

I'd be prepared to pay 185 per pup if I were you.

Luke

Allparts sells black plastic pickup covers for humbuckers. $5.00 a set. They also have white plastic.