Pickup Swap in my Swamp Ash Special SE

[Butch_Snyder]

I couldn't get along with the stock pickups in my Swamp Ash Special SE. They were decent but not much personality. I replaced them with the following:

Neck: Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates
Middle: Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Single Coil
Bridge: Seymour Duncan Custom Custom

I rewired so that the push/pull tone pot engages/disengages the middle pickup. There is no coil-splitting happening. I don't really need it. The wiring wasn't too difficult. I rewire my Telecasters often. In the little bit I was able to play last night, the difference was substantial. Much more clarity and personality from the Duncans. Now to just get used to the neck. I'm not a huge fan of the wide thin profile. I play mainly Telecasters so it's a little bit of a departure from the C, D, and soft V shapes I'm used to.

 

[Greywolf]

Tasty choice ROCK ON!

 

[Broseph]

I’m a big fan of custom custom! So smooth!

 

[Butch_Snyder]

I’m a big fan of custom custom! So smooth!

I'm a huge fan of the Duncan Custom, but I like sets; and with the Pearly Gates and Alnico 2 Pro Single coil having AlNiCo 2 magnets, I thought, why not? With a swamp ash body and maple neck, the AlNiCo 2 pickups seemed like a great fit.

 

[Broseph]

I also like slash’s APH sets. Both the original and 2.0.
They also feature alnico 2

I like custom custom because they are rounded at the top. So I don’t need to fiddle with that tone much knob as I do with other treble pickups.

 

[Birdsofprey]

^ Are the custom customs hotter than say a Pearly Gates bridge? My usual go to is a 59 neck/ PG bridge. Curious if I’m missing out on something here. Thanks

 

[Butch_Snyder]

^ Are the custom customs hotter than say a Pearly Gates bridge? My usual go to is a 59 neck/ PG bridge. Curious if I’m missing out on something here. Thanks

Yes, the PGs are basically PAF-voiced, so lower output. The Custom Custom is the exact same pickup as a Duncan Custom but with an AlNiCo 2 magnet instead of ceramic. The Duncan Custom is described as a "PAF on steroids". I love the Duncan Custom; but in a guitar with a swamp ash body and maple neck and fretboard, I thought the Custom might be a little harsh, plus, I have always liked pickups with AlNiCo 2 magnets. They seem sweeter and have more sustain and warmth.

 

[Glide-bpm]

I couldn't get along with the stock pickups in my Swamp Ash Special SE. They were decent but not much personality. I replaced them with the following:

Neck: Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates
Middle: Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Single Coil
Bridge: Seymour Duncan Custom Custom

I rewired so that the push/pull tone pot engages/disengages the middle pickup. There is no coil-splitting happening. I don't really need it. The wiring wasn't too difficult. I rewire my Telecasters often. In the little bit I was able to play last night, the difference was substantial. Much more clarity and personality from the Duncans. Now to just get used to the neck. I'm not a huge fan of the wide thin profile. I play mainly Telecasters so it's a little bit of a departure from the C, D, and soft V shapes I'm used to.

Love me a Custom Custom and a Pearly Gates!!!!

 

[bostonPRS]

I couldn't get along with the stock pickups in my Swamp Ash Special SE. They were decent but not much personality. I replaced them with the following:

Neck: Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates
Middle: Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Single Coil
Bridge: Seymour Duncan Custom Custom

I rewired so that the push/pull tone pot engages/disengages the middle pickup. There is no coil-splitting happening. I don't really need it. The wiring wasn't too difficult. I rewire my Telecasters often. In the little bit I was able to play last night, the difference was substantial. Much more clarity and personality from the Duncans. Now to just get used to the neck. I'm not a huge fan of the wide thin profile. I play mainly Telecasters so it's a little bit of a departure from the C, D, and soft V shapes I'm used to.

I just bought a set of the Duncans and my only experience with rewiring is with single coils on strats. Can you send me a pic of what the wiring looked like when you were finished?