confused by new pickups for a copy

[sausage100uk]

I've been wondering if it's worth upgrading anything on my SG copy, so I thought i'd dip into the knowledgebase on here :)

I have a Vintage brand SG copy (i've posted some pics before) in cherry, it has a 'hog body with set neck (scarfe jointed headstock). The tuners are the usual sealed cheapo type, but hold tuning brilliantly, so I was thinking about some upgraded PUPs. Bearing in mind that i'm on a budget what would you guys suggest?

I like to (attempt to) play classic rock/metal (sabbath, purple, AC/DC) but would like to have some flexibility for clean tones and bluesy stuff.

in simple terms what is the difference between a humbucker and p90s? can you get p90s that will fit the H/B routings?

apologies for my ignorance....

Sos AKA Dave

 

[iblive]

From my own experience, change the electronics first. See how you like it, then look at the pups if you still don't have the tone you are looking for. On my G400, pot & good caps made a much larger difference than did the 57 pups when I put them in.

.... and here's a good place to check out for those upgrades: RS Guitarworks Online Store : RS Guitarworks Online Store

 

[javamagic]

RS stuff is good (I've got their Vintage SG kit in my Fool SG) but their shipping to the UK can be prohibitive, e.g. $30 for a $75 wiring kit!!! May be worth looking closer to home first.

 

[Pete B]

Guitar parts UK Spares Online closer to home.

 

[sgtbeefheart]

RS stuff is good (I've got their Vintage SG kit in my Fool SG) but their shipping to the UK can be prohibitive, e.g. $30 for a $75 wiring kit!!! May be worth looking closer to home first.

Also, if the package from the U.S. is noticed by Customs, you will
probably pay another 30% on top.

See Pete B's post.

 

[jpn]

Nothing against RS, but their kits are rather pricey.
I recommend Specialty Guitars because I've been a customer, a totally happy one in fact.

Iblive is right. Don't bother swapping your pickups if you are planning to keep what must be a bunch of cheap, no-name electronics.

If you are based in the UK, you have to check out Wizard Pickups. I had bought a pair of P-90s for a Tokai Les Paul Special copy and, let me tell you, I cannot praise my man Andy enough. I have no doubts that his humbuckers are equally good.


Now when it comes to you final question. In a nutshell, P-90s are single coils and to fit one in humbucker routing you'll have to buy a pickup like Gibson P-94. I've heard claims that their sound is close to a "real" P-90 but not spot-on identical - I can't really comment on that.
A typical P-90 gives you a more "unpolished", edgier tone than the average Strat single coil.

If you're not familiar with the P-90 sound I'd say you should do yourself a favor before long.

 

[Gilby]

Iron Gear pick ups are great quality for the money and do a P90 in a humbucker size.
Can get them from axetec who also do wiring kits if you're going the whole hog.
(Oops, first post, never notices how old this thread is. Oh well!)