Bridge Pickup Choice For Les Paul

[jumpinjackf1ash]

Hey guys I have an Epi Les Paul Standard Limited Edition that I have playing like a dream, and I'm trying to make it sound as good as it plays now. I already have a Dimarzio PAF 36th Anniversary in the neck and I love it.

I replaced the toggle switch and output jack with switchcraft ones, and I have 4 CTS 500k pots wired 50's style with Vitamin Q's. Everything sounds great, I just can't decide on a bridge pickup.

I tried a Seymour Duncan JB but it was too distorted and not warm enough (also consider my LP has a maple neck w/ rosewood fretboard)
I tried a Seymour Duncan '59 and it just didn't suit me, as well as an SD Custom Custom.

I play everything from clean jazz to Petrucci and Paul gilbert shredding stuff so I need a versatile bridge pickup that has good warmth, sustain, and clarity, but doesn't distort TOO much when played clean (and is 4-conductor so I can get series/split/parallel). I play through a Kustom Coupe '36 with an MXR GT-OD mostly...and I can get about any overdriven lead tone I want.

Pickups I am thinking about are:

Dimarzio DP223 36th Anniversary Bridge Model
Rio Grande BBQ
StewMac Golden Age Overwound Humbucker
Gibson Burstbucker Pro
Dimarzio Breed Bridge
Gibson '57 Classic Plus


I'm not sure which one to choose...do any of you guys have experience with any of those in a Les Paul? Do you have any other recommendations from what I described I play and what I play it through?

Help is GREATLY appreciated ;]

[elcid]

57 Classic

[jumpinjackf1ash]

I just talked to someone about this on the mylespaul forum and was recommended a GFS FAT PAT....its 4 conductor, is only 30 bucks, and has amazing reviews all over the internet...I am seriously tempted on ordering one right now...anyone have experience with GFS humbuckers?

[elcid]

Im not sure what good 4 conductor is without some push/pull pots. I've never used them generally I hear good things though, although Im not sure if it's because they are really good or because they are cheap.

[jumpinjackf1ash]

I installed two on/on/on switches (one for each pickup up course) in order to get series/split/parallel, which is why i want 4-conductor. when split, of course you don't get REAL fender twang but depending on the humbucker, I can get a reallllly usable Brian May tone, especially when combining neck and bridge split wired for hum cancelling. And parallel is also a nice option when you want a good thick clean sound.

[ibanezking]

The Burstbucker Pro bridge pickup ROCKS........

Just changed mine for a JB though.......... more for the looks........ JB is zebra as i'm not overkeen on the nickel covers..... and can't find a BB Pro in zebra.

Max

[jumpinjackf1ash]

does that mean you have a burstbucker pro you don't need anymore...? ;]

[bucket_bot]

I have Burstbuckers in my LP Standard & I like them.

[ibanezking]

Originally Posted by jumpinjackf1ash

does that mean you have a burstbucker pro you don't need anymore...? ;]

It does, but i'll hang onto them, in case my preference changes in the future...... Definitely check them out though - they sound great........ the PRO version of the burst bucker.....

Max

[rvai]

alnico II pro?