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Iv'e got a '79 LesPaul Standard quot;KMquot; with original humbuckers. Neck pup sounds muddy / no string def. / too much bottom even with pup dropped low - especially when backing off the volume pot. I want to replace it but without knowing specs on the original, I'm not sure where to start. Playing classic 60's to 80's rock. Any suggestions?

My first suggestion would be to replace the pots first with good quality 500k analog taper pots. While I'm not positive on the pot specs back in 79, Gibson has a habit of using 300k pots in the volume positions of LPs and that often leaves LPs sounding a little murky, especially after years of use.

As for the pickups I'd probably recommend a pair of Seth Lovers or Pearly Gates for the 60s-70s thing if you like a warm, more mid present tone or a pair of 59s if you tend to like a brighter, crisper tone.

If you want a more agressive guitar a C-5 with a Pearly gates in the neck will sound great in that guitar.

I'd go with Robert's suggestion.....C-5/PG in nickelcovered. It'll be like having a new guitar! That combo is also very versatile from clean, midgain, to highgain.

i was gonna say a set of AIIPs ... and the pots for sure ... but i will clearly defer to these two distinguished gentlemen

cheers
t4d

Is it just your les paul that sounds murky thru your gear? because your symptoms also point to the fact that u might need to change the preamp tubes in your amp. a change of these really do make a big difference to clarity and definition.cheers,
Ishan

I would definitely do the pots first, as Robert suggests. 500k audio taper pots are a great improvement and may be all you need.

If, after that, you still want to change pickups I can highly recommend a set of Seth Lovers in a Les Paul for classic rock and blues.

Hi,
The only thing I would add to all this is to install a prewired quot;bluesbuckerquot; wiring harness from 80.00 you get good 1meg vol pot/bridge, 500k neck and lot's-o-goodies like a midrange cut/boost built into one of the tone knobs and the best thing is that when you turn down your guitar...you retain clairity and highs...

You get a much more responsive guitar/amp combo IMO...for the last several years I've used them in every guitar I've owned and loved it.

bob

Robert's suggestions are spot on. A set of 500K pots and a set of Pearly Gates. The Pearly Gates are alnico 2 pickups designed to sound killer in a Les Paul. A2 humbuckers like the PG, Seth Lover, Alnico 2 Pro and Antiquity have less bass (and usually more mids) than the alnico 5 pickups like the 59 and Jazz.