57/08 vs Seymour Duncan Jazz Model

[maestromatt]

I've been looking for some pickups to give me something similar to 57/08 sound (but obviously without the hefty price tag). I've noticed that the DC resistance on both these pickups are close so the output is generally the same, but what about the sound? Are the Jazz model pickups close to the 57/08s or am I fooling myself?

Thanks

 

[daveyisgreat]

I believe the 57/08s are supposed to live in the classic PAF camp, so I'd look into more PAF like pickups like the 59s (which I think have a bit of a scooped midrange sound) or Seth Lover pickups (SH-55) which from what I gather have a more even tonality. I haven't played either of these, though, but I have played the SD Antiquity pickups which are also PAF like and they are spectacular sounding with a nice bite and grind to them.

 

[maestromatt]

Okay sweet. I just hope to find pickups that are as clear and articulate as the 57/08s are..because who doesn't love hearing every note in a chord?

 

[CantankerousCarl]

I have the stock Seth Lovers in my 1997 Hamer Artist Custom Semi Hollow. While that guitar is very different from any of my PRSes (scale, construction, 2pc bridge) I can say that in that application they rival the clarity of anything I have personally owned. They are bright and articulate, but not harsh. Seth Lovers are unpotted, not sure if that is a concern or not. I don't play out with the Hamer so its not an issue for me.

 

[maestromatt]

Some of the music I play is some higherish gain stuff...not completely blistering gain, the max I use is about half of that in the PRS's SE 50 amp
not sure if unpotted pickups would work out for that..and I'll need to crank the amp at gigs

 

[daveyisgreat]

I'd also check out the SD Pearly Gates pickups. They're potted and they sound great to my ears -- really dynamic with a nice presence to them.