New pickups or a new guitar?

3 years ago by sailicalvin to c/guitars

I've got a 1970s Hohner Les Paul and the humbuckers are starting to die. I was looking at Seymour Duncan's but for that cost does it make sense to just get a new guitar?

load all comments

michaelfone 2 points 3 years ago

What pickups are you looking at that are as costly as a new guitar?

I’ve replaced a bunch of my pickups in my guitar. It’s a great way to get exactly what you want, and often you’ll get higher quality than most guitar brands use stock. Pickups will have the largest effect on a guitar’s tone outside of the amp.

save

path: 0 996573, hotness: undefined, score: 2, children: 2

sailicalvin 1 point 3 years ago

Not saying the pickups are more expensive than a guitar. The question is more does it make sense to put $200 worth of pickups into a off brand Les Paul. Or do I put that 200 towards a better guitar that's all.

If you have recommendations on cheaper but good sounding humbuckers that would be appreciated.

save

path: 0 996573 997800, hotness: undefined, score: 1, children: 1

XTL 2 points 3 years ago

Roswell, Wilkinson, Tonerider, Dimarzio, Bare Knuckle is about my slippery slope. Used ones may come very reasonably priced now and then.

I also wouldn't shy away from great and expensive pickups if you have a guitar you like. They are about 90% of the sound, so why not combine great guitar with great sound? If you get a more expensive piece of wood and metal for your pickups later, it'll be an easy swap. Or sell the pickups. There's a good market for wanted models in most places.

save

path: 0 996573 997800 1033409, hotness: undefined, score: 2, children: 0

Rules:

Rules: