Gibson ES-335 Replacement Pickups

**Rich D.** · 02-13-2016, 02:46 PM

I need some suggestions for a good pickup replacement for my Gibson ES-335.

**vernon** · 02-13-2016, 07:13 PM

Lollar Imperials: low-wind neck, normal-wind bridge

huge improvement from the stock classic '57s... re: clarity, tonal response, sparkle!

**billyguitar** · 02-13-2016, 07:42 PM

I've had some Seymour Duncans in my 335 for the last ten years (the original PUs were really bright to my ears). I had a '59 in the neck, and a "custom custom" in the bridge. Pretty happy with them, but not thrilled. Anyway, just a few weeks ago, I changed the neck to a Lollar SCFH (single coil for humbucker), and I really love it! Seems like you're probably interested in HBs, but you might consider looking into this. Basically it's a P-90 that's the exact size of a humbucker, so it is a single-coil although it is extremely quiet. Really wonderful tones, and I've still got the Duncan in the bridge for now.

My 2 cents. Good luck with your search!

**MaxTwang** · 02-13-2016, 07:50 PM

I really like the Burstbucker 1 & 2 that come in the 50th Anniversary 1963 ES-335, not as polite as a '57 classic. The Lollars are also great.

**Rich D.** · 02-13-2016, 08:17 PM

i took pups out.. i have the PAT NO 2,737,842's.. maybe if i change out pots i can get a better sound?

**GNAPPI** · 02-13-2016, 08:24 PM

You want to change out 57 classics? It's not the pots, I think you need a new amp :-)

**MaxTwang** · 02-13-2016, 10:16 PM

What is it you don't like about the 57 Classics? What are you hoping for with the new pickups?

I find 57 Classics to be very clean, open, balanced, full, clear, etc. which makes them great for archtops, but on a 335 I prefer a more mid-emphasis (maybe it's too many years of listening to Larry Carlton).

**icr** · 02-13-2016, 11:11 PM

One reason I bought a Gibson ES-335 was that mine came with Gibson Humbucking pickups.

**neatomic** · 02-13-2016, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by icr

One reason I bought a Gibson ES-335 was that mine came with Gibson Humbucking pickups.

i don't get it..there's been dozens of different gibson humbuckers...

much room for fine tuning

cheers

**Alder Statesman** · 02-14-2016, 12:18 AM

Just my opinion, but the 57 Classic and the 335 is a match made in heaven.

**Frank67** · 02-14-2016, 03:22 AM

Duncan Seth Lover for a lot of sweetness.
also have good experience with Bareknuckle Stormy Mondays.
but I also doubt that it will be day and night relative to the classic 57s

**jkstigma** · 02-14-2016, 05:30 AM

replace the capacitors if you want...
Make a new bone nut,,,, but replace classic 57 ?

**vinlander** · 02-14-2016, 09:05 AM

Depends the year of your 335, that patent number can mean different pickups based on what I read.
I would hate having to swap the original pickups from a 3.5-4k guitar, what is it you don't like?
Sometimes simply screwing down a bit the pickup makes a difference if you have not tried.

**Rich D.** · 02-14-2016, 09:29 AM

the pick ups were adjusted to low, changed height.. also pots were scratchy.. one of the tone controls didn't work..
sounds way better..

**Alder Statesman** · 02-14-2016, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Rich D.

the pick ups were adjusted to low, changed height.. also pots were scratchy.. one of the tone controls didn't work..
sounds way better..

Before considering to a mod a guitar, always make c rtain it is properly set up. A highend guitar such as yours should sound great stock. I have as yet to have owned a guitar that did not need some adjustments that effected tone and playability.

**marcwhy** · 02-14-2016, 11:52 AM

The web site is bad, so call the Man: J. M. Rolph Pickups and Rewinding Service You're welcome.

[Plan on spending about an hour with him on the phone.]

**LtKojak** · 02-14-2016, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by Rich D.

i took pups out.. i have the PAT NO 2,737,842's.. maybe if i change out pots i can get a better sound?

Can you post a picture of your p'ups?

A harness change will definitely help with the general tone of the instrument.

Anyway, if you don't describe what exactly you don't like about your present p'ups, assuming there are Pat#s, nobody can even take an educated guess. It'll also help if you tell where are you located, as price and availability can greatly vary where you actually are.

For the record, I specialize in repairing and modding semi- and Full- hollow instruments, so if you're in Europe, I might be able to help you.

HTH,

**LtKojak** · 02-14-2016, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by MaxTwang

I find 57 Classics to be very clean, open, balanced, full, clear, etc. which makes them great for archtops, but on a 335 I prefer a more mid-emphasis (maybe it's too many years of listening to Larry Carlton).

For the record, no of Larry's 335s ever had '57 Classic p'ups.

His #1 '68 hosts its stock '68 Pat#s, and his #2, also a '68 given to him by a fan, has real PAFs.

HTH,

**GNAPPI** · 02-14-2016, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by LtKojak

For the record, no of Larry's 335s ever had '57 Classic p'ups.

His #1 '68 hosts its stock '68 Pat#s, and his #2, also a '68 given to him by a fan, has real PAFs.

HTH,

Not that I'm so fond of Carlton's tone anyway, maybe Gibson could gift him with one of his signature guitars :-(

Well the 335 Carlton signature git has them, from the Gibson site...

"Hardware A pair of Gibson’s legendary ’57 Classic pickups deliver all the warm, full tone and balanced response expected from a Gibson humbucker. "

**LtKojak** · 02-14-2016, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

Not that I'm so fond of Carlton's tone anyway

Really?

What's wrong with his tone, if you care to elaborate?

**GNAPPI** · 02-14-2016, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by LtKojak

Really?

What's wrong with his tone, if you care to elaborate?

Love his playing, just not "some" of his sound, and when he dials in distortion it sounds like a cheap pedal or little SS Fender with an overdrive channel.

**kid335** · 02-14-2016, 05:52 PM

I understand that many feel strongly about 57s, but I never could get along with them in my 335s. I like them well enough in my L5 though.

My suggestions, in order of preference:
1. Throbak SLE 101-MXV (by a country mile.)
2. Wolftone Dr Vs
3. Lollar LW Imperials

The Throbaks are more expensive but were a game changer for me.

**mr quick** · 02-14-2016, 05:55 PM

I have Gibson Burstbuckers in my ES-139. Sure as hell dials in some sweet vintage tone

**GNAPPI** · 02-14-2016, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Marwin Moody

I have Gibson Burstbuckers in my ES-139. Sure as hell dials in some sweet vintage tone

Boy, I've heard that before, and for the life of me in my guitars with burstbuckers they are "rude" by comparison to my fave 57's and 490 pairs in volume, bite, just more powerful all around. :-)

The surprising thing is, even Gibson claims that they are not "hot" These are from a pdf Gibson put out. I'm starting to wonder if the two guitars (bought new) I have with them were subbed out in the factory because they ran out of BB's.

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