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Are Custombuckers 2018 potted “better” than unpotted pickups 2019/20?

boola1

New member
Joined
Jan 10, 2017
Messages
23
I prefer the potted Custombuckers. They have more mids so sound better and more like PAFs IMHO. They are a bit higher output and they don't squeal as easily.

Yes, the unpotted Custombuckers are a bit more touch sensitive and glassy which makes them fun to play clean but with some dirt on the amp, too bright and not enough meat. It's potted all the way for me.

I have swapped out the unpotted Custombuckers in my 2020 R8 with potted Custombuckers.
 

Cranknfrank

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
64
I understand the theory that potted pickups don’t squeal with high gain amps, and unpotted pickups are vintage correct, more clear, sensitive and microphonic.

I’ve got a Les Paul R0 2018, with Custombuckers potted pickups. I find that potted 2018 Custombuckers are sensitive, clean very well, very versatile to play hard rock, blues and even high gain.

Now LP R0s 2019..21 have the unpotted Custombuckers. I don’t know if I am really missing something.
I am looking for versatile pickups covering from vintage blues/rock to progressive metal,

Has anyone tried and tested potted vs unpotted Custombuckers?
Should I upgrade to unpotted pickups?
IMHO, asking a pickup to do everything from blues to progressive metal is a big ask. I can't even imagine finding one amp that would cover that kind of ground so finding a pickup that could do it seems unlikely to me. If you're going to play one guitar to try to do all of that, I would think staying in potted land is your best bet since those types of pickups came along later in order to work with higher gain and volume styles of playing.
 

boola1

New member
Joined
Jan 10, 2017
Messages
23
IMHO, asking a pickup to do everything from blues to progressive metal is a big ask. I can't even imagine finding one amp that would cover that kind of ground so finding a pickup that could do it seems unlikely to me. If you're going to play one guitar to try to do all of that, I would think staying in potted land is your best bet since those types of pickups came along later in order to work with higher gain and volume styles of playing.

Potted custombuckers can do it all. IMHO, Les Paul with custombuckers and Mesa Mk MkIV and you've got all bases covered!
 

Tommy Tourbus

Active member
Joined
Jan 1, 2005
Messages
871
No, these pickups are hit or miss and being potted or unpotted hasn't seemed to matter. I prefer unpotted for PAF style pickups in general, but the 2 best CB sets I've had have been potted
 

GreenBurst

Active member
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Messages
748
I have LPs with Throbaks and CBs both unpotted. Also have an Explorer with Duncan JoeB 1959 pickups, unpotted.

I play with a JCM800 and a Friedman PT20. I also use a Tubescreamer at times (solos).

Never had any unpleasant tone issues with these pickups, even with fairly high gain. Unpotted pickups give a lively tone with great high end harmonics.

They also allow you to position yourself with the amp to get musical feedback and extra note sustain. Very cool.

I think the trick for high gain music is well made unpotted pickups. After all, in the day the 70s rocks guys used PAFs.
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
I have LPs with Throbaks and CBs both unpotted. Also have an Explorer with Duncan JoeB 1959 pickups, unpotted.

I play with a JCM800 and a Friedman PT20. I also use a Tubescreamer at times (solos).

Never had any unpleasant tone issues with these pickups, even with fairly high gain. Unpotted pickups give a lively tone with great high end harmonics.

They also allow you to position yourself with the amp to get musical feedback and extra note sustain. Very cool.

I think the trick for high gain music is well made unpotted pickups. After all, in the day the 70s rocks guys used PAFs.
This.

Agreed.
 
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