Gibson '57 Classic Plus

Humbucker PAF
I'm not a tech, and I don't read the boxes much so I have no idea about the specs.

2002 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Bridge Position
I replaced the stock 498T
I also replaced the neck pickup with a '57 Classic
I don't know of anybody else using this really, I just wanted a vintage sound.

I noticed a dramatic difference in the output immediately. Definitely louder.
I'm using it through a Crate Palomino V16 112 15 watt amp, and a Peavey Delta Blues 210 30 watt amp at the same time using a Whirlwind A/B Box.
Amazing tone and clarity, I can hear every note in my chords now.
I play classic/hard rock and blues. I can't think of a better pickup for a Les Paul, though I've never tried another pickup other than the stock one.
It sounds great in the bridge position, but I wouldn't try it in the neck. At least I've read it 's not suitable for that spot.
Probably wouldn't be suitable for metal or country.

This is truly a great pickup. Before I put it in I was very unhappy with my tone. I wanted a Les Paul for so long and when I finally got one it just sounded so muddy. If it was destroyed I would definitely buy another, and I've had it in for about a year now so I've grown accustomed to having great tone. I just could not go back to the stock pickups. I'm totally satisfied with my tone. This is how a Les Paul is supposed to sound. The only drawback is the price, but great tone is worth it.

Passive humbucker, don't know exactly about impedance and tech stuff. It's made as a faithful 57 PAF replica, but kind of an overwound slightly hotter output.

PRS SE singlecut
bridge
Stock humbucker
Gibson 57 classick
Too many to mention
The stock pick ups were not bad sounding, but my ears wanted something more...

Output level quite the same as the stock HB, but the difference is TONE, all the way!
I use the guitar into a T-Rex Dr.Swamp > Tech21 Boost DLA > Marshall 1974X. The sound is clear, crisp and well balanced, rich in harmonics and sustain when overdriven and this is the most dynamic bridge Humbucker I ever played.
I mostly play Blues and Southern Rock, but sometimes have a ride in harder territories (EVH, EJ, AC/DC) and this baby seems to like everything!

Been playing for 35+ yrs, I never heard a bridge HB better sounding.
It's not on the cheap side, but worth the money! I'd replace it in a heartbeat, if something should happen.

Humbucker.
Alnico II.

There aren't two with the same identical impedance.
I don't know what is the reason for a specific impedance.
I see pickups with low output and other with high, ones with higher impedance, other with lower.
The sound?
Depends more about guitar, wood, cables, amps, cabinets, and your hands.

Ibanez Jem.
Yes, Ibanez Jem mirror with classics '57 nickel.

For neck I put a classic.
The brigde pickup sounded a bit muddy and without sparkle and I thought that I would need a bit more of output and harmonics.
The Plus is the perfect pickup if you have a classic in the neck.
Now they are balanced. The bridge pickup (Plus) sounds amazing. Dirty or clean. The best definition in one PAF. I love Seymour Duncan Pickups. The JB sopunds great, but these classics and Plus have more definition, more clear sound, and velvet.
I must give a 10 because there is not dude that with this pickup have benn recorded really beautifull songs. This is a warranty of quality, isn't it?

I use other Seuymour duncan pickups.
Phat Cat are great for single coil or P-90 sound.
JB sound heavies and fat for rock stuff.
59 is sweet.
But with Classic 57 plus you will have a great sound, always (well, I said before, your fingers and guitar is important too).
Sorry I must give other 10 here.
The pickups is very well made and sounds wonderfull.

57 Classic Plus humbucker (nickel cover).

Play a Les Paul Standard...been going through pickups like MAD!! until I found this (THANK YOU GIBSON!!!!...I should have known better than to look elsewhere for a quality kick-ass pickup). This is in the bridge position and it's replacing about 10 others before it including: Burstbucker Pro, 500T, Seymour Duncan Custom, Custom 5, 59, Pearly Gates, Seth Lover (if this was wax potted it would be cool), Dimarzio PAF Classic, Virtual PAF etc.....NOTHING EVEN COMES CLOSE TO THE 57 CLASSIC PLUS!!!! I also have a Burstbucker pro in the neck postion (Alnico V...came stock with guitar...sounds good enough for me).

I'd say this pickup is Medium/Hot. I'm using a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, Rectifier 4x12 Cab, NO EFFECTS AND I DON'T USE THIS RIG AS A HIGH GAIN METAL MACHINE like most do...I go for more of the BIG OPEN AC/DC type sound but a little heavier. For me the quest is over for the perfect pickup..the tone is exactly what I've always heard in my head...This thing does ACDC to a tee but will also handle many other types of rock with ease and probably even metal, especially old school stuff. This pickup is so FULL..every frequency is so damn CLEAR, you hear every note no matter how much gain you use (no NU-Metal please..as clarity isn't even an issue there)..oh, and the cleans are fantastic. This pickup has made my rig finally sound what It's worth!!
I play classic rock, hard rock, and a bit of metal and I do it all professionally (I'm not just a bedroom player here). In my opinion THE BEST ROCK PICKUP EVER MADE!!!!!!

Would definitely buy this baby again..in fact it's going in all my guitars. Been playing for 25 years and have been doing it professionally for at least 15. I love everything about this pickup the only thing I don't like is the price (but you get what you pay for). I personally prefer covered pickups...I like what cover do to the mid range, but that's my personal taste. Like I mentioned above no other pickup that I've tried have compared to this..I've got the AC/DC but heavier sound I was looking for...Totally happy...Kudos Gibson, you out-did yourselves on this one.

humbucking, passive, dc res @ 8.65k alnico II

Gibson LP Classic P Plus, bridge, replacing stock 500T ceramic p/up measured dc res @ 15k.
Other p/up Classic '57 replacing the neck stock p/up.
Stock p/u's too aggressive and hot for my taste/music and unable to capture the classic vintage vibe.

Output level moderate to hot without being harsh, chimey clean and great when overdriven. Nice PAF nasal, fat, great use of tone controls now. Neck Classic '57 sounded too powerful til adjusted p/u heights. I like both p/u's in their resp positions.
Style of music: ethnic, psychedelic, experimental. Influences Hendrix, Page, Beck, & other. At the mom playing on Fender Champ 30 as Marshall DSL100 is for repair. Hopefully getting Fender Bassman soon.
Suggestions: take into consideration the whole signal path not just p/u's. I went all the way and replaced:
Kluson tuners with the new Tonepros Klusons (better quality, smooth);
P/u's (as above).
Tailpiece to Gotoh aluminium one (original too expensive);
Tailpiece studs to Tonepros steel locking (went for steel not brass);
ABR1 saddles to KTS titanium (original saddles worn out. Got a guitar repairman to notch the KTS's for 10's gauge strings);
Pots to 500k CTS audio taper (original 300k vols & 500k tones, and harsh);
Caps to Hovland's 0.022uF (replacing the ceramic disc types).

Difference from night to day, i really enjoy playing the guitar now. I tune one semitone flat and glad i switched from 9's to 10's gauge strings. Incredible sustain and rich harmonic overtones. Rings out unplugged. Can't wait to try out on Fender Bassman LTD. I think the mods really helped take the guitar to another level! And playing with the fingers makes a whole difference in tone, feel and dynamics.
Been playing 20+ yrs. Other gear Fender HWY1 strat i'm modding out, Yamaha acoustic, Boss ME50, J Dunlop Wah, Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808, Boss OC3, Boss Line Selector, and a sitar. Overall satisfied with this product, slightly expensive.
If i had another LP, would put Lindy Fralin/J Lollar/Bare Knuckle p/ups for sonic variety (alnico IV's).

Humbucker '57 Classic Plus.

2006 Gibson Explorer '76 Reissue, bridge and neck, replacing the 498R and 500T. Reason for the change: the 500T is only suited for Metal, and I play almost anything EXCEPT Metal and Country.

The output seems just about right, maybe erring on the hot side of town. I use various Marshall and Peavey amps - nopthing expensive, mostly combo amps. This pickup seems to suit just about anything except Metal. It may even do old school metal, which, if you think about it, this pickup might be similar to what was coming stock on guitars of the late 70's/early 80's. My store only had two Classic Pluses, so I bought them both and stuck them in my Explorer. I would say that in the neck it's certainly hot, but nothing that can't be solved by lowering the height to match the bridge. Actually, both the bridge and neck are set to 1/16" from the bottom of the strings, and they seem pretty balanced to me. I don't understand the thought behind a lower output neck PU anyway. Shouldn't it's output match the bridge PU?

Anyway, the tone for the bridge is simply astounding; clear, singing highs and clear but deep lows. Produces nice feedback. There's a definate bit of that PAF midrange "vowel" happening, but I don't hear anything close to a midrange peak in this. There's no mud, and it's not overly bright. The brighness is more like "clarity". No sharp edges anywhere. No Metal edge to speak of. The pick attack is more in the midrange to upper-midrange, and nowhere in the highs. Produces nice swelling feedback when using an amp with higher gain settings.

Overall these pickups produce a really well rounded rich balanced tone. The neck does decent jazz too, if one can do that on an Explorer.

I would definately buy these again, and may stick asnother set in a cheaper guitar I have. They're a bit pricey, but if you're happy in the end, well then I guess it's moeny well spent. The 500T just never suited my style. I had that PUP in a Les paul Classic and to me they just sound thin, brittle, and shreddy. The Classic Plus leaves me wanting nothing, and I can't imagine a better replacement for Classic Rock. Cleaner players would probably be better to consider the regular '57 Classic, but my guess is that you can just lower the Pluses height to get a similar output.

Like the 57...only hotter!!

I put this pickup in the bridge position of a brand new Fender HWY 1 Strat HSS alon with two Fender Vintage Noiseless single coils in the middle and neck.
I am replacint the crappy humbucker and single coils Fender gives you with the guitar.
Sorry Fender.....I love you....but your humbuckers bite ass!!

This thing is unbelieveable sounding!!! Perfect for what style I play...Blues-Rock/Classic Rock.
It's sounds UNGODLY through my amp...a Fender Hot Rod Deville 4x10 60 watt combo.
The tone is all classic rock!!! Everything you heard and loved as a kid is all HERE!!!

I'm dime-ing this baby all the way!! 10!!!!!!!!!!

I would absolutely buy this pickup again!!

This is a 1957 reissue, but a little hotter.

I put this in the bridge position only on my Carvin SC-1. I was replacing an old stock pickup that really didn't do anything for me. I also installed a Duncan Antiquity in the neck.

I'm running this through an Analog Man modded TS-808 into a Marshall JCM 900 SLX. This pickup sounds exactly how I wanted. It really has a crisp, crunchy distortion. It is as far away from muddy as you can get and, for how hot it is, it's not really too noisy either.

My band is something similar to a modern day Boston or Scorpions, with a lot of dual leads and plenty of chugging and palm muting mixed in. This pickup really handles both pretty well. I wouldn't exactly consider this a pickup for straight up shredding, but it's perfect for rhythm because of how crisp palm mutes come through. I, also, wouldn't consider this pickup for clean. I switch up to my neck pickup (Antiquity) when I want clean.

Destroyed or stolen? I wouldn't stop myself from shopping around a bit, but this would be at the top of my list.

I've been playing for something around 8 years, but just recently got dedicated to my tone since I got hired in over at Guitar Center and I have the cash and the discount.

Pickup features: Gibson's recreation of the Patent Applied For-with a little extra wind...
Impedence or other specs: ??

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Faded
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: 490T
Other pickups on guitar: SD 59-Neck-Awesome
Artists using this pickup: Lots of
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Blues
Reason for pickup change: The original 490R/490T in this guitar were not too my liking. 490R was muddy, and the 490T thin and weak sounding yechhh. 490T was OK distorted, but totally unable to handle clean..whadda you expect from a $500 guitar. Started kicking around the idea of swapping the bridge out for a 57. Guitar came back with a 57 Plus in the Bridge and a SD 59 in the Neck-thanks to a sharp guitar tech. My SG faded now sounds incredible. I'd put it up against some very expensive guitars, including my more expensive Fenders. I really love this pickup combination! Talk about an upgrade, wow-new guitar.

Perceived output level: Definitely Hot. Pickup is sitting high near the strings, which I love-great volume match to the neck.
Tone: 57+ Handles clean tones so much better than the 490T, night and day. Surprising Bass response, outstanding mids and highs-absolutely screams through a Marshall. Think Angus.
Sonic evaluation: Straight into an old Marshall. Very little gimmicks-just smash your teeth in crunch. Played clean through a buddy's Fender Hot Rod and sounded like a bell (although not as nice clean as the SD 59-which has unbelievable harmonics...) Through a Vox Valvetronix, great sounds in AC-30. Who needs single coils???

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Classic Rock, Blues, some slide (different guitar)

Comments: 10. Plain and simple. This pickup (along with the very nice SD 59) just put my Strat in the closet. I haven't put the guitar down all weekend-Just looking at it makes me want to play. Sure a huge upgrade to a $500 guitar, but man-you would think I'm playing a $2000 piece of equipment. The sound is BIG.

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 8.0 to 8.4k

Model of guitar or bass: gibson les paul
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock 490's?
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): various
Reason for pickup change: not satisfied with stock units

Perceived output level: clear when laid back, big & singing when pushed
Tone: clear & fat to loud and screaming with a slight nasal Paf quality
Sonic evaluation: Assorted amps
deluxe reverb, older marshalls, & AC30, some tweed stuff

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: all styles ( shred free since 1989)

Comments: I have bought several sets and have them in most of my humbucking guitars. I have a couple of extras stashed in case they decide to change them (yes I'm nuts) for the record i also have tom holmes, fralins, and burstbuckers, but like these in the bridge position best. Don't forget to test your volume pots on a multimeter when changing pickups and replace anything that isn't 500k

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Who cares?

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone
Other pickups on guitar: 57 Classic (not plus) in neck position.
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues, Fusion.
Reason for pickup change: Didn't like to Epiphone stock pickups. They were too crispy. The Gibson-designed models they use on Epiphone LP Customs are much better.

Perceived output level: Without doubt, this pickup is hotter than the Stock Epiphone, but not as hot as some other pickups that are available.
Tone: Balanced. Absolutely classic Les Paul sound. Nice lows, great mids, non-sqeaky highs. I love this pickup. If you don't think this pickup has dead-on classic LP tone then you either installed it wrong or your tech is a dope.
Sonic evaluation: I run this pickup through several different setups:
* Line 6 Spider II with no external effects.
* Marshal JCM-800 Combo with no external effects.
* Z00M GFX-5 modelling effects processor straight into a mixing console.
* Z00M Fire-15 practice amp.
The Classic Plus sounds a little less calssic when running through the Z00M GFX-5 or the Line 6 Spider II. I don't mind that so much because I use the Z00M or the spider intending to create some artificiality in my sound. Through the Marshall, this thing just oozes with classic Les Paul goodness.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock, blues, ambient, and some fusion. This pickup suits all of my needs for these styles. I have it in the neck position and I like it there. Never tried it in the neck position but I think it might be a little too hot.

Comments: If it were lost or stolen, I would replace it. I have been playing for 36 years and own 3 strats, 2 Epi Les Pauls, and a Gibson Iommi signature SG. I love everything abouth this pickup. If you have an Epiphone Les Paul and don't believe it can produce awesome, classic Les Paul tone, then have one of these installed and see for yourself.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 9.3K??

Model of guitar or bass: 2001 Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500 T
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Gibson
Artists using this pickup: Don't know or care
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues and some Metal
Reason for pickup change: the 500T was too hot and did not sound good clean, the true sound of the instrument could not be heard...

Perceived output level: 1/3 to 1/4 less than stock
Tone: Very well balanced, one of the best sounding pickups I have heard
Sonic evaluation: Mesa Boogie DC-10 100 watt combo(These amps are awesome and a hidden treasure if you find one) running through a Mesa Boogie Rectifier 4X12, Celestion Vintage 30's. One word can describe the rectifier cabinet - Thunder!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, Blues and some Metal. This pickup sounds excellent in all styles, some people have said that this is not a good pickup for Metal, but it sounds great to me.

Comments: I have been playing for 20+ years and I have heard 100's of different pickups/guitars/amps and I think the 57 Classic plus is a perfect match for the Les Paul.
This is a follow up comment on the Ceramic 500T pickup installed at the Gibson factory; The ceramic 500T pickup is designed for Metal and pretty much nothing else...the sound is just too harsh and 'tinny' especially if you are playing clean or semi-clean. If you don't believe me and own a Les Paul Classic, try a 57 Classic plus and you will be simply amazed!!

Pickup features: open coil black passive humbucker, 4-conductor wire
Impedence or other specs: don't know

Model of guitar or bass: epiphone fat-210 strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: sh-6 duncan distortion
Other pickups on guitar: 2 epiphone single coils
Artists using this pickup: your mother
You musical style(s): pop/punk, hard rock
Reason for pickup change: sh-6 is too trebly

Perceived output level: super hot output, you'll need to roll down your volume to not go deaf.
Tone: balanced, enhanced bass depth, bright highs, mids ok.
Sonic evaluation: orange ad30tc twin channel 30 watt head, custom mesa 2x12 vertical cab with an eminence swamp thang/cannabis rex inside (hemp cone! alright!)........sg-style guitars made by esp-ltd from korean woods.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: super hot output is disturbing. almost too deep on the bass.

Comments: i'm ripping this out so i don't go deaf. and yeah i got my volume running lower than usual too. compared to other guitars this is almost ridiculous. i want to hear what's going on, and i want to live. the best pickup you can buy is the sh-5 duncan custom, loud PAF feel, like a regular classic, clean and breaks up nice. buy one today and get rid of your other humbuckers. if you want head exploding tone buy a classic plus, but all your friends will be dead. i want to live.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: RJ - PRS Santana II model
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson '57 Classic
Artists using this pickup: Don't know....me I guess...
You musical style(s): latin, blues, rock and some jazz and metal
Reason for pickup change: I wasn't in the TONE WARS like most accomplished musicians, I bought them because I wanted a better looking pickup and I read most of the reviews here and I just made a decision

Perceived output level: BRAVO HOT!!!! and along with the '57 Classic, it's a match made in heaven!!!
Tone: gives you a ver balanced and warm tone but treble is boosted becuase it's in the bridge (I guess)
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Dean Markley K20X and a Zoom 707II and I have gotta say that it is something out of this world! Total response and tonal quality is what you get from this pickup ad quite frankly I feel like it juiced my set-up more than a car fitted with NOS!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play the typical styles and genres of music and I'd have to say, this baby gives you all you need. The only draw back is that it isn't quite as heavy enough if you want to go for the metal or death metal characteristics...you might want to add a gadget or two there to juice the sound up, but I guess it's up to you.

Comments: Definitely would buy it again even if were stolen or lost. I haven't had so much fun playing a guitar with these kinds of power-packed pickups:) As an extremely passionate guitarist (like many others, I'm sure) I definitely would recommend the '57 Classic on the neck and '57 Classic + on the bridge. It didn't matter to me at first but once I tried them out, I realized that it's the perfect pickup for any guitarist IMHO. This pickup is stronger (in terms of output) than the '57 Classic that's why it's the perfect pickup for those who are looking to spin everyones mind and make everyone's jaw fall to the ground when they play. again it is an awesome pickup and an even more powerful force when paired with the '57 Classic but the one thing most of us would hate is the price tag. It's a bit too pricy for an amatuer like me but I guess when you get quality this great and satisfaction of epic proportions, it's a cost worth spending for.

Pickup features: Humbucking, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Sheraton II
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar: 57' Classic
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Modern rock
Reason for pickup change: Based on recommendations. Also, an overwhelming desire to spend $$.

Perceived output level: Lower output than stock pickups
Tone: Balanced, but slightly midrangey
Sonic evaluation: I am using this with a Behringer V-Amp Pro modeler with a pair of closed-back cans. Had a Fender Champ but sold it due to noise complaints (damn you, you know who you are). There seems to be some added noise to this pickups over the stock pickups. I think it's because of the lower output, so when I turn the volume higher to match levels, the noise floor is higher. Nonetheless, the tone is improved. Particularly, it is smoother when using distortion/overdrive. The stock pickups tended to sputter out a bit when holding notes, but the Classic '57 fades out cleanly. That was the major improvement. I think Epiphone has improved their stock pickups over the years so there was less improvement than I expected in terms of pure tone. I'd like to think the Gibsons crushed the Epiphones but I can't compare them side by side, and I'd be writing another "justify my $200 purchase" review.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock

Comments: I would probably try another 'bucker for my next purchase (Burstbucker or SD '59). Not that there's anything wrong with these, just for variety. These Gibsons are keepers in my Sheraton. The gold covers look great, darker and richer in color than the rest of the hardware. My musical tastes are constantly changing but at the moment I'm satisfied with the sound I have.

Pickup features: passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 9.75

Model of guitar or bass: custom guitar
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: stock
Artists using this pickup: me!!!!
You musical style(s): Hard rock, blues, bit of metal
Reason for pickup change: just for the heck of it

Perceived output level: Not too hot not too soft I'd say medium to high
Tone: balanced with good bass and mellow highs, very warm but not muddy (I think it needs a lil bit of treble to be perfect for me)
Sonic evaluation: custom guitar with mahogany body maple top, set neck with rosewood fretboard. run through a Fender Bassman 10 amp. Like the ad says, paf sound with a slightly hotter output. this pickup has enough output to drive my amp but it still retains its singing quality. not a distortion class pickup

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play zep, deep purple, black crowes, lenny kravitz... classic rock!! this pickup is great for it. has a lot of character. and it sings and can still growl if you want it to

Comments: I love the covers on this thing it does'nt color the tone at all but I think I'll purchase another one without covers for the bridge and switch this thing to the neck. I believe that covers take away some of the output and treble from the pickup. maybe if I do that I'll get perfect balance

Pickup features: /
Impedence or other specs: /

Model of guitar or bass: 93 Les Paul Studio
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: /
Other pickups on guitar: /
Artists using this pickup: /
You musical style(s): /
Reason for pickup change: /

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Hi, I recently had a 57 Classic and a 57 Classic Plus put into my 93 LP Studio. I asked the tech to install the 57 Plus into the bridge position because it is supposed to give a hotter output. But I am noticing that I have to raise the bridge pickup almost up to the strings and lower the neck pickup as far as it goes so I can get an equal volume. This doesn't make sense to me because the 57 Plus is supposed to give a hotter output. I am assuming that the tech messed up and switched the pickups by accedent.

Pickup features: Humbucker, Passive
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Flying V 58 Korina
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone (designed by Gibson
Other pickups on guitar: -
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Hard rock, 80?s Metal, AoR
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickup didn?t sound right comparing it to my original Les Paul (with the same pickups)

Perceived output level: Classic, vintage PAF-sound with a little more bite without messing up the vintage tone
Tone: Very balanced, as to my ears
Sonic evaluation: Modified Marshall 2203. More gain, more bass. I want the amp to do the work, so the guitar should have a true tone, just a blend of "overwinding" so to speak

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Think Kiss, Black Sabbath, Pride and Glory and so forth.

Comments: I?ve been playing for 25 years. I own several guitars and i?ve tried most of the pickups out there, within the PAF range. DiMarzio PAF Pro, Seymour Duncan Custom 5, Rio Grande BBQ, DiMarzio Air Classic, Gibson 57? Classic and more. I keep coming back to this one. Great sound. Vintage HOT. Everey pickup i?ve tried that is said to have a PAF tone with balls just have disgusting mids. These don?t. They maintain the wonderful balanced sound of the 57?Classic but with more sweet, meaty gain. I was never i fan for high output pickups (except for the DiMarzio Steve?s Special, which sounds pretty nice. Since i own a couple of guitars with different wood in the body, i?ve always tried to get the same/simular sound from each and every own. As you can read, i?ve tried a lot of pickups, but i have finally surrendered. These are by far the best sounding pickups i?ve laid my hands on. Haven?t tried the Lindy Fralin?s. They sound quite interesting. But when you get your hands on something that works. Why bother looking further? Great vintage sound with bite! Love this puppys. Was thinking about getting a 57?Classic in the neck, but i?ve got one in the neck on my Les Paul, and i?ve always wanted more bite. So i stuck a 57?Classic Plus in the neck too, and the tone is awsome. You just have to lower it a bit to balance it to the bridge PU. If you want a great sounding , hot PAF pickup. Stop looking. Or maybe... try the Gibson Bluesbucker #3. Never tried it, but i?ve heard it sound great. Mind you. The Gibson Custom shop uses the 57 Classic in there 58 Les Paul?s, Explorer?s and V?s so there you go!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Unkown

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin SC90S
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: M22N
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson Tony Iommi
Artists using this pickup: Unknown
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a better clean sound.

Perceived output level: Fairly Hot, louder than the Iommi
Tone: Quite bassy unless the guitar's volume is turned all the way up. Even then, the emphasis is definately on the lower mids and bass. Treble is quite pleasant, however, being somewhat rounded.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a VHT Pitbull 50/st through a celestion T-30 loaded 4x12. I bought this pickup for a good clean sound. Clean, this guitar has a warm, woody sound. Not bad, but it is far from outstanding or life altering. Overall, the clean is a very good, jazzy type clean. It can be very bassy, though (but never muddy). The distorted sound is also good. Again, nothing really out there, just a very nice distorted sound. At really high gain settings it does lose some definition, but nothing major. No feedback.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a great choice for a jazz pickup. For rock, there are better pickups out there (see my review of the Iommi), but this is a good match for one of these. I can't say how it would do in the bridge.

Comments: I got this pickup to compliment what is, in my opinion, a great bridge pickup. The 57+ does this admirably. It is warm and spongy, and quite transperant. I think it could have a little more life of its own, but if it weren't so standard sounding (albeit, it is a high mark of the standar PAF sound), it probably wouldn't be a prime choice for an unusual bridge pickup.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: 1 of many
Other pickups on guitar: classic 57 at the bridge
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Middle of the road , most rock styles , and fusion
Reason for pickup change: Searching for my tone, plus I already had the pickup laying around.

Perceived output level: Slightly hot
Tone: Strong upper mid emphasis , but in the neck position on this guitar that seems to be okay.It sounds good here , lots of sustain.It gives me a late 60s early 70s rock sound for chords for slightltly overdriven rhythm . Its okay clean , but I prefer a little more brilliance.It sounds great really overdriven , its a little dark , but thats an okay sound for an overdriven tone.
Sonic evaluation: I use a Line 6 AX2 212 mostly with the Dumble preset for clean and Marshall presetfor the more driving distorted souds

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Reading the Gibson info youd think that this pickup should go in the bridge,but I found with the 57+ in the neck and the 57 in the bridge it is a much better balanced sound.The 57 is deeper in the bass and more brilliant in the highs,that extra range compensates for the naturally weak sounding bridge position, the 57+ does not sound muddy in the neck like the 57 can in that position.So for all you Gibson purists if youve got a 57+ in the bridge and a 57 in the neck, switch them around I think youll be surprised.As for me Ive got a SD Pearly Gates on order for the neck position,I like more treble in that position (my favorite is a mini hum in the neck).Id give this pickup an 8.Did I mention the great sustain?Im still looking , Maybe the Pearly Gates will do it.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: DeArmond X 155 fat archtop hollow body
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DeArmond
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson Classic 57
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Jazz & Fusion (with this guitar)
Reason for pickup change: Looking for a better tone

Perceived output level: slightly hot
Tone: This pickup was not meant for this position on this type of guitar! It definiteley is midrangey with emphasis on upper mids week in the bass and highs are average.Inthis guitar in this position it sounds very anemic.I was looking for more of a bassy and middy sounding p/u for this position , and subsequently put an SD Invader which sounds pretty good, but now Im thinking maybe a SD Custom/Custom.This is a good pickup though , I stuck it in my Les Paul in the neck and it sounds great there.Ill write a different review for that.
Sonic evaluation: I use a Line 6 AX2 212 mostly on the Fender Deluxe preset clean.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: On this guitar jazz and fusion.

Comments: This p/u might sound good in the neck of this guitar , but the Classic 57 sounds awesome there,so it found its way into the neck of my Les Paul,where it sounds real good.This is a good sounding pickup, just dont stick it in the bridge of an archtop jazz guitar!!!!!!

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 9.3 Ohms

Model of guitar or bass: Fernandes Monterey
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Carvin C22
Other pickups on guitar: Both are now Classic +
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Soul, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Carvin Pickups had sweet tone but not enough output

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than a normal PAF
Tone: Balanced tone, with emphasis on mids
Sonic evaluation: These pickups sounds very good through anything I've played them through. My stage rig is... Mesa Boogie Studio 22+ (EL-84's), Matchless Hot Box, Dan-Echo, Visual Sound volume. I've also tried them with my 65 Fender Dual Showman (6L6), 95 Fender Blues Deluxe (6L6), 63 Ampeg Mercury (6V6), etc. To be totally honest I've strayed away from the Gibson Humbucker Sound as it's usually to thick for the type of music I normally play, and the E string response was always a little to muddy for my tastes. Normally, I use Gretsch guitars and their Filtertrons are considerably lower in output (7.4 Ohms), they crunch nice, but lack for lead guitar lines. Well, I got these pickups for an unbelievable price so I slapped them in the only guitar I had with Humbuckers, a Fernandes Monterey. It's single cut, solid alder, bolt on neck, with Badass style bridge. These pickups make this guitar a player. I've been told the regular Classic 57' would have been better in the neck position, but I like the Classis +
just fine. The bass response is just right for me, and it blends perfectly with the bridge pick-up (I just had to balance the pick-up heights accordingly). When I crank the volume on these things the amp sings! The notes are distinct through the distortion. Other reviewers have said the Classic + can get harsh, but I like the raunch and this pickup reacts well with tone controls. This is a great pick-up for Mick Taylor era Rolling Stones. It sounds great for open tuning rhythm/slide guitar sounds. I'm sure it would be great for Allman Brother style leads too. It's funny but this pick-up reminds me of the mid range tone found in P-90s. I was playing Mississippi Queen and the pickups sounded great for that, didn't Leslie West use a Les Paul Junior for that song? Enough said, I like this Pick-up.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rhythmic Rock, Soul, Blues.

Comments: Overall I like these pick-ups, and they will stay in this guitar. I've been playing pro and semi-pro for at least 20 years. I normally use Gretsch and Fender guitars and have learned how to get solid lead tones from clean guitars, but these pick-ups have opened my ears back up to PAF style tones. This guitar will now be incorporated into my stage rig. Not to replace, but to add to my tone choices. At their normal price these pick-ups would be worth the money, but I'm glad I found them at a clearance price, otherwise I wouldn't have tried them. Oh yeah, use 500K pots with these.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: dunno

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Flametop
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Epi stock 'bucker
Other pickups on guitar: Classic '57 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: IRRELEVANT
You musical style(s): Lead Guitar!
Reason for pickup change: Epi stock pickups are microphonic in high-gain situations. They're too ordinary sounding, even on clean channel. Everybody replaces Epi stock pickups. Epi should just sell their guitars w/o pickups! ;-)

Perceived output level: These aren't especially hot. Who said it's necessarily a good thing, anyway? These are valued for sweetness, not "hotness".
Tone: Pure lead tone. More trebly than the neck position '57, but whadda ya want in bridge? Cuts through.
Sonic evaluation: I play my LP through my Tech 21 Trademark 60 amp, sometimes through friend's Fender Rock Pro half-stack.
This pickup sounds very well, sweet, lotsa [good] feedback and harmonics. Not as "liquidy" as the '57 in neck, but that could be position. Cuts through though. Still plenty of lows. Very complex sounding, musical, rich. Good sustain.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play lead guitar. These pickups are a great mod to my Epi Les Paul. As close to the real thing as it gets.

Comments: I've been playing guitar and bass about 4 years. I like everything about this pickup (except price, too expensive). This is a good replacement for guitars emulating Gibson Les Pauls, SG's, hollowbody jazz guitars, etc. Of course regular '57 would probably be a better match for hollows, the Plus is more for higher gain applications. Great pickups.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Not sure. I hear around 9.8 or 10k?

Model of guitar or bass: '98 Epiphone G-400 ('61 SG copy)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone piece of garbage
Other pickups on guitar: The other stock Epiphone piece of garbage
Artists using this pickup: No idea. Anyone using vintage LPs or SGs I guess
You musical style(s): Rock, Metal, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock Epi pickups blow goats

Perceived output level: MUCH hotter than the stock Epi pickup
Tone: Pretty balanced. A little more emphasis on upper mids.
Sonic evaluation: I put this in my Epiphone G-400. I play through a Line 6 Flextone. It eats the stock Epiphone pickup alive. I was looking for a vintage SG-esque tone for this guitar, and this pickup fits the bill nicely. It's very smooth, has good definition even when chording with gobs of distortion, and gets downright crunchy when necessary. It also cleans up very nicely by rolling back the volume. Using the Rectifier mode on the Flextone, it goes from a dirty growl to flat out saturated all to hell distortion with a roll of the knob. The tone doesn't disappear when you roll the volume off either. Nice.
I compared it to my 1988 Gibson SG which I think has a 490T at the bridge. The '57 isn't louder, but it is much stronger & smoother. Really well rounded.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I use this guitar primarily for classic rock, vintage metal, and bluesy stuff. It's ideal for that application in the bridge position. Probably too hot for the neck position though.

Comments: Would I buy it again? Damn happy right I would. I really like this pickup - at least for the application I intended it for. It isn't really well suited to modern metal, but that's why I have my Ibanez RG. I usually play a lot of Sabbath, Zeppelin, and some blues & general classic rock on this guitar so that's not a big deal. I have tried it with some really heavy distortion though, and it does a really good job if you're not looking for a really scooped tone. I kinda like it.
The only thing it doesn't have it 4-conduction wiring. But, it is a hot-wound vintage re-issue really, so that's cool. Made it a piece of cake to install at least. I didn't want coil splitting or phase inversion anyway in that guitar, so no biggie for me.
I noticed that a couple of previous reviews mentioned that this thing tends to squeal in high-volume situations when running heavy distortion. I haven't had that problem thus far. It definately doesn't squeal like the Epi pickup did (it would go microphonic at very low volumes with heavy dist).

Pickup features: This is a passive electronics humbucking pickup with an Alnico II magnet.
Impedence or other specs: 9.3K Ohms

Model of guitar or bass: 1998 Gibson LP Classic
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson 500T
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 57 Classic
Artists using this pickup: I'm stumped
You musical style(s): Blues and vintage British Rock
Reason for pickup change: The 500T was just too ballsy with no sweetness. It belched midrange and really didn't have any "hi-fidelity".

Perceived output level: It is of a higher output but not to excess where all dynamics are lost.
Tone: It is very nicely balanced. It is definately not muddy, yet has a full bottom end. The midrange is very smooth without being overbearing. The highs are crisp and definately not tinny.
Sonic evaluation: The amp is a 1970 Marshall 100 Watt Super Lead (4x12 bottom).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I've tried every decent pickup on the planet. Needless to say, the sound of the 57+ is a "maxi" Gibson PAF sound. It is great for the bridge with a 57 Classic in the neck and great for the neck with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. For the style(s) I play, you cannot get a more faithful pickup. The match is absolutely perfect. This pickup would not be suitable for newer rock and pop material however. It doesn't have the excessive low end and midrange chunk/crunch which appears to be the requirement for most of today's stylings.

Comments: If something happened to it, I'd replace it without hesitation.
I've been playing 32 years. I also own the 3 mini-humbucker Gibson SG Deluxe and a smaller Marshall. What I love about the pickup is the tone and output. What I hate about it is Gibson's nasty price for it and all their products. I've compared this pickup with predominantly Duncans and DiMarzios. The closest thing to it is the Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup. The P.Gates output and high end is slightly less and the midrange is slightly more. DiMarzio's PAF has much more bass and midrange and much less high end. Again, the 57+ has a hi-fidelity" the others just don't. The 57+ is one of the most versatile pickups I've ever owned. As a matter of fact, this pickup can be used for any style of playing with a little tweak of the amp's settings.
I've finally found the sound I was looking for and I've stopped searching.