92 Legacy - which pickups

[KenS]

Hi,

I have a 92 Legacy which currently has a DiMarzio Humbucker in the bridge, and two unknown single coils in the neck and middle. I'm pondering replacing them with three single coils and am currently considering options. The three I come up with (I know there are more):

1. Install current model CLF-100 Alnico Vs. I also have a 2011 Legacy with stock pickups and I definitely love the sound. I've had the tone control wiring re-worked to th current standard PTB configuration (the previous owner had changed it to a Fender type tone system) - so I'm thinking the CLF-100's would be a good match.

2. Install the highly-regarded Fender 57/92 set.

3. The most radical idea (at least it seems so to me) would be too install a set of S-500 MFDs. This would be the priciest option, but would probably give the biggest contrast to the 2011.

Thoughts?

thanks
Ken

[Boogie Bill]

I have Legacys, S-500s, Comanches and Legacy Specials.

Your guitar came with Duncan SSL-2s. For vintage tones, the CLF100s are fine pickups, very close to the Duncans. My other favorite single coils are the Duncan Texas Hot Antiquitys. I have these in two Legacys. I use the Custom Power Bridge and the RW/RP middle. The are a little hotter and warmer sounding than the stock pickups...beefy...great for blues and rock. The S-500 MFDs are also great, very high output, yet definitely single coil sounding. Lots of highs and lows...wide frequency range. Can be a bit edgy with bad tubes or a bad amp design.

I also really like the Gotoh Dual Blades set in the Legacy Special. If you've ever wanted a Legacy with a PAF-ish tone, this is it. They have better clarity than many Buckers, but with the PTB controls you can go from thick and meaty to something really close to vintage alnico tones. My Number One is a Legacy, but when I gig, I take a Legacy, a 2HB like a Les Paul, and a Legacy Special. The LS work great because it can back up both Legacy AND Les Paul. Great guitar.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these.

Bill

[KenS]

Thanks, Bill. I'm leaning toward the CLF100s - I really like them in my 2011. I'm not terribly wild about the humbucker in the bridge in this guitar and I'm not sure what pickups are in the other positions. They don't look like the original SSL-2s going by the pictures I've seen.

I appreciate the answer.

Ken

[CSVeteran]

The G&L factory AlNiCo Vs are some of the best production pickups I have heard and sound very much like the vintage pickups I grew up with. In place of the Fender 57/62s, I would look at the Wilkinson WVS AlNiCo V, also wound with heavy formvar. They exhibit rich sonic characteristics and have that sparkle and shimmer. I actually prefer them over the Duncan SSL-1s, which is another phenomenal sounding pickup, I would go with, over the 57/62s. The main difference being, the Wilkinson’s are under $75 per set.

Happy hunting.

[KenS]

Thanks! I'm on the fence about whether to change them or just leave it as it is (and maybe apply the money to another guitar).

ken

[CSVeteran]

Ken - myself, I would go with the G&L AlNiCo Vs, as you are going to be hard pressed to find a better sounding vintage coil .

Enjoy your Legacy.