2010 CS Burstbuckers vs modern Gibson USA Burstbuckers

[javacody]

Is there something different about Burstbuckers from the Custom Shop in 2010 vs modern Gibson USA Burstbuckers?

I just bought a 2010 R5 refin mod and the Burstbuckers in it sound way better than the Burstbuckers in my Epiphone Les Paul Lazarus and Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG.

 

[jb_abides]

Is there something different about Burstbuckers from the Custom Shop in 2010 vs modern Gibson USA Burstbuckers?

I just bought a 2010 R5 refin mod and the Burstbuckers in it sound way better than the Burstbuckers in my Epiphone Les Paul Lazarus and Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG.

Three types of BurstBucker (1/2/3), same A2 magnets, each different windings, progressive output.

Most likely, the 2010 Custom Shop has a BB 1/2 combo, especially if a Historic Reissue.

Both Epi guitars come standard with the BB 2/3 combo. 2/3 combo is hotter.

 

[EdwardR9]

I had them in my Nicky. They had black A2 and a ton of output. I think they are much maligned, but if pure power is not your think I have gotten a few superb Custom Buckers.

 

[jimmi]

I like the original versions of the unpotted Burst buckers much more than the Custombuckers that I have played. If you can find a vintage magnet and swap that in to those earlier BB, they make a reasonable PAF clone

 

[NickiC]

Well, comparing a Epiphone to a reissue… And wasn’t
a different wire used back in 2010, ‘ish?
I like the new Burstbuckers, in the right guitar. Doubt
Gibson would be able to keep track of a CS Burstbucker
from a USA Burstbucker after leaving the pickup shop. JMO

 

[jb_abides]

Well, comparing a Epiphone to a reissue… And wasn’t
a different wire used back in 2010, ‘ish?
I like the new Burstbuckers, in the right guitar. Doubt
Gibson would be able to keep track of a CS Burstbucker
from a USA Burstbucker after leaving the pickup shop. JMO

The "Inspired By Gibson Custom" (IGC) line by Epiphone uses the same pickups Gibson uses in the Gibson Custom Reissues.

Some Epiphones -- like the ones OP have -- are specified to use Gibson Made in USA pickups instead of their Epi equivalent like the AlnicoProBucker.

These two are different:
-- BurstBucker 1/2/3 -- formerly used in Custom Shop, now used in USA
-- BurstBuckerPro/Pro+ -- used in USA
... and there's also the 61 BurstBucker (aka 60s BurstBucker) -- used in USA 60s-era models

They are distinguishable since they started using the white labels.

There are no differences in the pickup design/build between Custom Shop and USA, there is only one pickup production line. Also, Custom Shop switched over to the CustomBucker.

 

[NickiC]

Regardless of a IBG or USA, one or two of a kind pickup;will sound different, in different guitars. Burstbuckers have intentional inconsistencies in windings from one, 1 or 2 or 3 to another 1 or 2 or 3. Like the originals back in the 50’s. This is not a PAF claim on BB’s. Sticking with BB’s. Despite the pickup shop label type, Gibson gets them mixed up. Not all. Not all get mislabeled. I like, play Gibson pickups; BB’s 1/2, 2/2, 3/2. All the best sounding of each that I have found and kept, from different years. It Depends on the guitar.

 

[Tommy Tourbus]

I have a CS unpotted 1/2 set from 2011 that are great. Very growly and P90-like

 

[Tim Plains]

This might be news to you but guitars don't all sound the same. You could play a different 2010 R5 refin mod with the same Burstbuckers and it be vastly differant than yours.

 

[OtisGranger]

Custom Shop Burstbuckers often use higher-grade materials and hand-winding.

 

[javacody]

This might be news to you but guitars don't all sound the same. You could play a different 2010 R5 refin mod with the same Burstbuckers and it be vastly differant than yours.

It is news to me because I was born yesterday.

Thank you for the insightful response.

I shall henceforth only ask questions you approve of.

Thank you for correcting me.

 

[javacody]

I have a CS unpotted 1/2 set from 2011 that are great. Very growly and P90-like

So I'm not crazy.

I understand different guitars as well as the Burstbucker 1 and 2 in my CS LP vs the 2 and 3 in both of my Epis.

There's just a smoother, more "growly" tone to the CS pickups.

I'm going to try some low wind Custombuckers to see if I prefer those, but I don't have any issues putting the Burstbuckers back. My only minor quibble with them is that the neck pickup seems a bit dark. Could probably fiddle with he height and see if I can improve it.

Thanks for all of the replies. Even the snarky ones. I got a good laugh.