Modding a Gibson Midtown due to Les Paul tone overlap...

imalrightjack

The simple fact is, I bought a Gibson Midtown 2015 because I couldn't really afford a Les Paul but also wanted something that would lend itself to jazzier sounds.  With the right amp, etc. it can certainly do the latter, I've since acquired a 2007 Les Paul Standard.  I now find there's not a massive difference between the two, so was thinking about making a few changes to really make them distinct from one another (I don't want to sell the Midtown - it feels different and I love how it looks).

The two things I'm thinking about are a Bigsby tremolo (B5 with V5 Vibramate is, I believe, bets option) and new pickups.  The Les Paul covers the heavier side of things, so I'd be looking for something softer pickup-wise.

Any thoughts or recommendations?  Just playing with the idea at the moment.

agibbo

Humbuckers sized P90's? I fitted some in my Les paul and I prefer them to standard humbuckers. It sounds more open and with the semi-hollow body that would sound awesome!

ICBM

Bigsby and humbucker-size P90s is the obvious solution...

imalrightjack

Wisdoms all round.  I was just reading this:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/20058-humbucker-sized-p-90-review-roundup?page=4

Any suggestions on P90s?

shaunm

agibbo said:

Humbuckers sized P90's? I fitted some in my Les paul and I prefer them to standard humbuckers. It sounds more open and with the semi-hollow body that would sound awesome!

+1

I have BKP Missippissi Queens in my Sheraton and they are a perfect fit. Sound huge but retain a little clarity that you lose with some humbuckers.

I am a little biased though as I have P90's in my les Paul because obviously P90's are the best pickups going.

Jez6345789

Maybe the Filtertron type humbuckers that puts it in a different spectrum. 

imalrightjack

Jez6345789 said:

Maybe the Filtertron type humbuckers that puts it in a different spectrum. 

Not a bad idea!

agibbo

I bought a set of Tonerider Rebel 90's in the sale from Amazon a few years back. I think the set cost me around £40 which was an absolute bargain and I can't really fault them at all.

suspiciousminds

I've changed the caps in my midtown for a couple if big russian jobbies.
the cavity on the rear makes it easy to work on.Definate improvement.

imalrightjack

suspiciousminds said:

I've changed the caps in my midtown for a couple if big russian jobbies.
the cavity on the rear makes it easy to work on.Definate improvement.

For a clueless git, can you elaborate?

asimmd

I have an Epiphone ES339 and I have just had a Bigsby B5 and a V5 Vibramate fitted.
I am also changing the pickups to TV Jones as I wasn't happy with the stock Humbuckers it came with.

P90's would probably sound good butI prefer the Gretsch sound.

I would also not sell the guitar it plays great looks good and the body is just the right size.

suspiciousminds

Here ya go:
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/zlc5ud.jpg[/IMG]

imalrightjack

suspiciousminds said:

Here ya go:
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/zlc5ud.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks, @suspiciousminds ;

What value is it changing from and to?  And, again forgive my ignorance, what does it actually do?  Excellent taste in colour

imalrightjack

Another question: does anybody know what leg length the pickups are?

rlw

Has anyone tried the Irongear HB sized P90s?  They seem to get very good reviews and are dirt cheap too.

I really fancy some in my LP Studio.

fretmeister

Seymour Phat Cats are great P90 pickups.

fretmeister

imalrightjack said:

Wisdoms all round.  I was just reading this:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/20058-humbucker-sized-p-90-review-roundup?page=4

Any suggestions on P90s?

I have to say those Lollars look excellent.

1 in the neck and a pearly gates at the bridge... MMMmmmmmmmmm indeed

StuartMac290

I love P90s, but I'd go for TV Classics in this instance. 

suspiciousminds

rlw said:

Has anyone tried the Irongear HB sized P90s?  They seem to get very good reviews and are dirt cheap too.

I really fancy some in my LP Studio.

Funny enough, i put some in my junior this week, first impression is that the're very good indeed.

rlw

suspiciousminds said:

rlw said:

Has anyone tried the Irongear HB sized P90s?  They seem to get very good reviews and are dirt cheap too.

I really fancy some in my LP Studio.

Funny enough, i put some in my junior this week, first impression is that the're very good indeed.

Interesting.  Let us know more.

p90fool

StuartMac290 said:

I love P90s, but I'd go for TV Classics in this instance. 

Me too, or even Mojo H/B-sized Gold Foils.