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Upgrading a 2001 R7

JD Brown

New member
Joined
Sep 2, 2020
Messages
25
I hate my classic 57 pick ups sounds all over the place. I just bought a R9 2001. Very underwelhming pick ups the guitar is capable of more but i need to do a set up and all i feel.

I am open to suggestions
What type of music do you play?
I have 4 different sets in my R's
OX4 Hot Duanes in the R-7
SD CUSTOM Greenies in the R8
SD Whole lotta Hum in my R9
SD Pearly Gates in the R0
All sound different.
 

adyttaR9

New member
Joined
Jan 22, 2021
Messages
4
What type of music do you play?
I have 4 different sets in my R's
OX4 Hot Duanes in the R-7
SD CUSTOM Greenies in the R8
SD Whole lotta Hum in my R9
SD Pearly Gates in the R0
All sound different.
do you think i should give 57 classic another try i will take it to luthier tomorrow. Something is off
D string need intonation.
 

JD Brown

New member
Joined
Sep 2, 2020
Messages
25
do you think i should give 57 classic another try i will take it to luthier tomorrow. Something is off
D string need intonation.
Intonation is pretty easy on a LP. Plenty of how to vids on utube. I would do that and then see how it sounds. They are a good pick up just not what i wanted.
 

duaneflowers

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
The formula used for 57 Classics changed in about 2005... before that they were a force to be reckoned with, but after that, not so much. An early set can be made to sound good, but the later ones just do now allow the guitar to do what it is capable of doing and I wouldn't waste my time trying to make them sound good. Intonation just needs a small screwdriver and a good tuner.... no mystery there. Good tone runs much deeper though. ✌️
 

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
My '01 R9 came with '57 Classics. I thought they sounded pretty darn good. I did, however change them, to Voodoo 59s, which I really, really like.
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
While I don't know how 57 classics changed, (could you explain?) I can testify that this pickup is responsive and friendly to magnet changes, not all pickups are, due to exacting gauss and induction levels needed to provide their consistent characteristic tonal character, a change in magnet could (at least in theory) render something like a Duncan Pearly Gates, for e. g. unrecognisable when compared to other Pearly Gates 'buckers.

However my classic 57's seem to adapt musically to changes from their original alnico 2 magnets.

'Cork sniffing antics with magnets' .. It a fun and educational experience, passed down to us by distinguished forum members that bravely went before us paving the way for the rest, while avoiding the dreaded "magnet swap fever". Symptoms include the socially embarrassing "involuntary copper/cobalt shuffle" and outbreaks of "nickle prickle y front fever", (nasty) however the less said about "aluminanus magneticum dedas dornailius " the better and I'm sure on this we can all agree. 😋 Careful how you go..
 
Last edited:

duaneflowers

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
While I don't know how 57 classics changed, (could you explain?) I can testify that this pickup is responsive and friendly to magnet changes, not all pickups are, due to exacting gauss and induction levels needed to provide their consistent characteristic tonal character, a change in magnet could (at least in theory) render something like a Duncan Pearly Gates, for e. g. unrecognisable when compared to other Pearly Gates 'buckers.

However my classic 57's seem to adapt musically to changes from their original alnico 2 magnets.
Tom Holmes was a consultant for Gibson and he designed the 57 Classics. In the beginning, they followed his design, but in order to cut costs they changed to cheaper covers and changed from PE (plain enamel) wire to Poly (polyester). This change, of course, changed the tone considerably. So in order to 'fix' things they changed the wind pattern, which totally screwed them up. The tonal difference between the early ones and later ones is undeniable.
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
Tom Holmes was a consultant for Gibson and he designed the 57 Classics. In the beginning, they followed his design, but in order to cut costs they changed to cheaper covers and changed from PE (plain enamel) wire to Poly (polyester). This change, of course, changed the tone considerably. So in order to 'fix' things they changed the wind pattern, which totally screwed them up. The tonal difference between the early ones and later ones is undeniable.
I don't think any of my 57 Classics were made after 1994. Would this place them in the 'good period' regarding construction?
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
On a lighter humour laden note, I'm a little disappointed that my attempt at describing "magnet swap fever" has failed to elicit the widespread hilarity I expected.. They do say that its "all in the delivery".. Perhaps I should just stick with guitars.. One can only try.. 🤔😉
 
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duaneflowers

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Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
I don't think any of my 57 Classics were made after 1994. Would this place them in the 'good period' regarding construction?
I believe '57 Classics first came out in '93 or '94 and the changes were made in '05 or '06. ish. ✌️
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
THANKS alot
Could you update us on your visit to your luthier ? I'm curious as to any conclusions you may have reached.
Also,(If your okay with it) having read through the posts, has our thread been of any
practical benefit to you ?

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum.
 

adyttaR9

New member
Joined
Jan 22, 2021
Messages
4
Could you update us on your visit to your luthier ? I'm curious as to any conclusions you may have reached.
Also,(If your okay with it) having read through the posts, has our thread been of any
practical benefit to you ?

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum.
Its great i am not upgrading for now. Cause the 57 classics sound actually not bad once u are, aware how to make it sound good. Lol, I was playing a strat before so i feel my positioning of my hands were off for a les paul to sound good. But yea i am starting to like the 57 classics.
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
There's a lot to be said for taking the time to gain an in depth familiarity with your first/new Les Paul guitar.
Never rush your courtship with a new guitar, it will work to your benefit in the long run.
 
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