Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 8.5k DC Resistance, Alnico 2 Magnet

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Britpop, electronica, Heavy Rock, Funk, Blues. Recording for Film and TV
Reason for pickup change: Curiosity.

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: I use a few very different amps, I've tried to make the evaluation focus
Comparing to a typical PAF, it's just a dash hotter. It seems to have less of the thickness in the low mids. The lows are well defined. The upper mids are more pronounced, making it kick a bit more as the literature says, making it a little 'ruder', the highs are the defining factor of this pickup; I've tried it in an LP Custom and an ash bodied strat (with a lively top end punch).
It seemed in the LP to add a clanginess to the notes, the bass strings were well defined - good for crunchy rhythm , but up the neck the notes lost depth and the treble response was too brittle. Use of the tone control reduced the sting, but what is left is a slightly brash mid range with a muddy top. All in all, it worked against what most people would say were the desirable qualities of that archetypal LP sound.
In the Strat, the tone was, in a way, more acceptable. Because what one expects from a stock strat, the lack of lower mids seem to fit in with the theme. The unit did fare quite well at some cleaner tones compared to other 'humbuckers in strats' I've tried, but you have to tease the amp. Again for me, the clang was too much.
Notably, most people retro fitting HB's into strats, are generally after a pickup that will take their bridge sound more markedly away from the typical strats tonality and dynamic response.
Personaly, for strats, I think the ground covered by this unit is performed better by one of the hotter Kinman AVn's, which have the well defined upper mids, a BIG sound, but, have a pleasing top end response - and have a kick to them.
So, if you're replacing a unit in a HB style guitar for higher gain applications, the PG needs a perfectly tailored amp/guitar setup in which to work.

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

Comments:

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 8.22K Ohms

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: 500-T/496-R combo
Other pickups on guitar: Pearly Gates
Artists using this pickup: Billy Gibbons
You musical style(s): Classic Rock/Blues
Reason for pickup change: The stock Gibsons are fantastic for modern "in your face" type music but they are way too powerful to work with the LP's natural tonal characteristics. I wanted a sweet, PAFish type sound overall. I heard that the Pearly Gates were the same as mellow PAFs but with a kick.

Perceived output level: Output wise, they are the same as stock Gibsons from the 60s and 70s.
Tone: Smooth! They have ample bass and midrange with a singing high - plenty of sustain.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Y2K Gibson LP Classic. I did however, have the shitty ABR-1 bridge changed to a Gibson Nashville. The amp is a 60s Fender Silver Faced Super Reverb. I use pedals very sparingly.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For the Peter Green, old Beck, Clapton, Page (and the like) stuff I do, this is what the Pearly Gates was made for! I use a bridge model in the neck and the bridge. There is really no style that these pickups can't handle though.

Comments: If I somehow parted company with the PGs, I'd replace them immediately. These are the only pickups I really trust. I've found them to be the closest sounding to real PAFs. I've been playing for 30 something years. What I listed above as gear is all I have (or need). I compared the PGs to anything and everything out there - Duncans, DiMarzios, Gibsons, Fralins, Lawrences, etc, etc. The PGs are simply the best! I love everything about them except the price. They are so friggin' expensive that no matter how much I wanted them, I would not pay the $85.00 each average price tag. I scouted until I was able to get them through trading. I'm totally satisfied with the Pearly Gates and I truly feel that these are THAT sound. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who wants a real vintage sounding Gibson with a little extra zing.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker. Duh.
Impedence or other specs: 8K - But don't let that fool you.

Model of guitar or bass: BC Rich Warlock Platinum
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: SD Jazz Neck
Artists using this pickup: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top (again, don't let that fool you)
You musical style(s): Death and Black Metal. Read on.
Reason for pickup change: If this would have come with stockers, I would have ripped them out and tossed Duncans or Dimarzios in it anyway. I'd planned on taking this out and putting a JB in, but...

Perceived output level: Well, in my setup, it's pretty hot, but it's no JB or Dimarzio Evolution, so middle of the line.
Tone: Probably trebly, in my bass heavy setup, it's middy. :)
Sonic evaluation: Guitar goes into a Rocktron Piranha, which I usually compare to a Mesa Boogie Triaxis, except I paid $250 for this, and sold my Triaxis for $900. :) Then to a 31 band EQ, a Lexicon MPX-500 for some reverb, a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer (it does add some color) to a POD Pro, Rectifier setting. This is probably the most flexible rig you'd ever need. I can do anything from clean to death metal. (Is there anything that is more extreme than those?) Also, I've found that pickups add a LOT to your sound. Call me crazy, but I've had a couple of USA BC Rich's, and I'd take this guitar over them, just because of the sound I can get. I will admit, this is an older Platinum, with the Floyd Rose patent trem, not the chrome springy-job one. It's my favorite trem in the world, if anyone wants to get rid of their BC Rich platinum with this trem, email me. I'd especially like a Black Platinum Ironbird with black hardware. :)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a mixture of black and death metal for the most part, but occasionally hit upon hardcore/speed mix (ala S.O.D.) Most people use this pickup for rock, but under the right conditions, you can play anything with any pickup just about. I'm still surprised about this being a perfect match for black metal though. :)

Comments: Personally, I have 15 guitars. Most of them are BC Rich's, but I do have 2 Scott Ian Jackson's. I use all sorts of different pickups.. Dimarzio Evolution, Super Distortion, Tone Zone, Air Zone.. Duncan JB, Jazz, Distortion, Full Shred... EMG 81, 85, 89. This one is definitely a keeper, it's the best pickup that I've found for black metal! It NAILS the speed-tremelo picking part of Dimmu Borgir's Mourning Palace!!

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: pretty hot

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson ES-335
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Seth lovers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: ZZ TOP, AC/DC?
You musical style(s): Classis Rock
Reason for pickup change: Needed a little more "Texas Sizzle".....

Perceived output level: Hotter than Georgia asphalt on an August day at high noon
Tone: Bassy, but not too bassy, Very trebily, balanced but very unbalanced.
Sonic evaluation: My set-up consists of my ES-335, (which happens to be one of the best guitars ever made, except for a Les Paul, or my friends 62' strat) through a DOD overdrive pedal, into a cry baby wah wah, into a chorus pedal, into a Boss hyper-metal distortion pedal, through a snarlin dogs runnin rampid on rabies wah wah, into a digital effects proccesor, through a Boss compressor, into my Crate amp. I can honestly say that with this set up, I am very UNHAPPY with the sound of these pick ups! They sound Dull. Not dull like silverware that has not been polished in a while, but dull like the oxidized finish on the Statue of Liberty. My Seth Lovers had more clarity and "honk". Not just a regular "honk", more like the honk of a 69 Chevrolet Impala. My friend always insists that the honk is more like a 73 VW Beetle, but he is wrong. I went with the Pearly Gates because I really wanted a little more "Texas Sizzle". I found that with the "Texas Sizzle", I also got a little bit of Mexican flavoring as well. Probably because they are so close to each other on the map. I am not saying anything bad about these pick-ups or Seymour Duncan, I just think that with my set up they do not sound that great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly classic rock, I think that for the right person these pick ups would be suitable

Comments: If they were stolen I would try something different. I guess I did not really want "Texas sizzle" but perhaps more of a "Nebraska sizzle". I am currently searching for a pick-up that offers this. I do not think I wil have a problem finding them. I have been playing for about 3 years now and really enjoy it. Like I said before, I compared them to my Seth Lovers, which happen to be the best pickups ever, exept for the Rio Grande Texas BBQ's. Now those things cook!! Talk about sizzle. Not sizzle like when I dump the fries in the deep frier at work, but sizzle like when the cook dumps three pounds of morning bacon on the hot grill. Look out! So.....I guess I am still searhing for "that sound" and until I find it, wish me luck.

Pickup features: PASSIVE HUMBUCKER
Impedence or other specs: APPROX. 8K

Model of guitar or bass: CUSTOM SHOP CHARVEL STRAT
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: SH6 DUNCAN DISTORTION
Other pickups on guitar: S, DUNCAN SH-2 JAZZ NECK POS.
Artists using this pickup: BILLY GIBBONS, WARREN DEMARTINI
You musical style(s): VARIETY
Reason for pickup change: I ORDERED THE GUITAR WITH AN SH-6 AND IT WAS TOO HARSH, A SUPER HIGH OUTPUT PICKUP MADE WITH A CERAMIC MAGNET IS GOOD FOR ONE TONE ONLY(HEAVY). THIS ONE IS ALOT SMOOTHER AND MORE VERSITILE AND SINCE THE GUITAR IT'S IN IS AN ALDER BODY WITH A FLOYD ROSE THE SHARP POINT ON THE HIGH END TAKES AWAY ANY MUDDINESS FROM THE GUITAR TONE(CLEAN OR DIST.).

Perceived output level: MED. OUTPUT HUMBUCKER
Tone: VERY BALANCED WITH A SHARP POINT ON THE TREBLE END OF IT'S EQ.
Sonic evaluation: I USE THIS CHARVEL GUITAR WITH THIS PICKUP THROUGH A LANEY 50W 1/2 STACK AND IT SOUNDS GREAT CLEAN OR DIRTY. MY OTHER MAIN GUITAR IS A GIBSON LP CUSTOM AND THIS PICKUP MAKES MY CHARVEL TAKE ON A FEW OF THOSE SAME QUALITIES.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: MOSTLY MELODIC HARD ROCK AND THE PEARLY GATES WORKS FINE.

Comments: I WOULD DEFINATLY REPLACE THIS PICKUP, I'VE BEEN PLAYING FOR 16YRS AND HAVE BEEN THOUGH MANY PICKUP COMBINATIONS.THE PEARLY GATES PICKUP IN THE BACK WITH AN SH-2 IN THE NECK IS THE CHOICE NO MATTER WHAT YOU PLAY(ROCK, BLUES, COUNTRY, ETC.).

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Steinberger Spirit
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG Select
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan 59
Artists using this pickup: Billy Gibbons
You musical style(s): Blues, Metal, Punk, Jazz
Reason for pickup change: EMG selects had no character

Perceived output level: fairly hotter than PAF
Tone: Balanced (creamy as hell)
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Marshall VS100 into a early 80's acoustic 4x12 with altare speakers. For effects I use a Zoom 505 and occasionaly a crybaby wah wah. i also have a mid 80's VOX concert 100 all tube head.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for blues, rock, punk, and sometimes metal

Comments: I would definately buy it again. i have been playing for a little over 3 years. I love the creamy ass tone i can get from this pu! think jimmy page in bring it on home. great harmonics too.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: no clue, don't really care

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: not applicable here
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan JB in neck position...I think
Artists using this pickup: i don't know.......me, probably many others as well
You musical style(s): Hardcore/Punk/Metal
Reason for pickup change: This pickup came on the guitar when I bought it used

Perceived output level: Fairly hot, much hotter than the crappy stock pickups on my old Epiphone guitar.
Tone: I guess it's fairly balanced. Maybe a little trebly, but adjusting the EQ on the amp accordingly solves this minor problem.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe through a Mesa Boogie Mark III 100 watt head going into a Mesa Boogie Halfback 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers...no effects. Sounds incredible with this combination. Perfect balance of tone when the EQ is properly set.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For heavier, distorted sounds, this pickup sounds wonderful. People have been saying that it is way too trebly for metal and similar styles, so maybe it is just my amp, but I think this pickup is very suitable for metal, punk, etc....even clean stuff, and i highly recommend it.

Comments: Overall, I think Seymour Duncan makes the best pickups out there, and this is certainly no exception. If it were destroyed, I would almost definitely buy another one, or perhaps I would try a Distortion pickup instead. I love everything about it, and I don't have to have my amp cranked on stage anymore. I'm very satisfied with this pickup overall. Like I said before, it may be inclined to be a bit trebly, but adjusting your amp's EQ should solve that. I think I finally have the sound I've wanted for so long.

Pickup features: Humbucker, Passive
Impedence or other specs: 8.22K Ohms

Model of guitar or bass: 98 Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: 490R
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Custom
Artists using this pickup: Who gives a rat's ass?
You musical style(s): 60s and 70s British Rock
Reason for pickup change: The 490R was mud with absolutely no dynamics or any attractive sounds whatsoever.

Perceived output level: This particular Pearly Gates is a bridge model. It is about the same output as the 490R. I wanted it there to balance with the bridge's Duncan Custom which is almost twice as powerful.
Tone: Wow, not only is it a fantastic balance across the tonal spectrum, but this puppy screams! The sustain is unbelievable!!
Sonic evaluation: My LP Studio has the dot rosewood board and also is apparently one of the last Studios which has the full size and thickness LP Standard type body. I plug it into a late 60s 50 watt Marshall with 8 10s. No boxes, pedals, gimmicks, etc.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As stated above, I guess you could further categorize it as "Dinosaur Rock". I think this pickup is great for all styles of music except Heavy Metal and Goth type stuff. It has too much high end and not overwhelming bass. Besides, it is a medium output pickup.

Comments: If it were 'compromised', I'd get another one without hesitation. I've been playing 33 years. I own 2 other Gibsons: LP Classic and '61 SG Reissue. What I love about this pickup is the range of styles you can play with it and the sustain - Unbelievable! Even when you raise and lower the volume and tone controls, it remains full bodied and dynamic. Harmonics are outstanding too. What I hate about it is that it is quite pricey. I guess Billy Gibbons has to get his cut. After all, Seymour copied this pickup from Billy's Les Paul. I've compared this pickup to all the major "PAFesque" leading pickups out there. I honestly believe that this pickup wipes the floor with them. This is absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt, the ultimate neck pickup for me. As far as a bridge pickup, I tried it. It wasn't powerful or ballsy enough for me. It also was a tad too trebly. So, as far as the ultimate bridge pickup goes, I'm still experimenting.

Pickup features: Humbucker.Slug pole on the inner side and screw pole on the outer.This ones black with the Duncan name on the screw pole side.
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: PRS CE24
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Was already put on the guitar by the former owner when I bought it, but it replaced a PRS HFS
Other pickups on guitar: PRS Vintage Bass in the neck
Artists using this pickup: I know Kurt Cobains Fender Signature Jag Stang had one in the bridge but other than that I'm clueless
You musical style(s): I play almost everything
Reason for pickup change: Was already on guitar when purchased

Perceived output level: The output is high but not too high that it seers like a alarm clock that was fitted with an equilizer with all the treble up and bass down and was sold to you by a homeless man named Skip and payed him with a sorry ass Apple II computer. P.S. I wouldn't accept the cheeseburgers
Tone: The tone is nice and trebly just like a good bridge pickup should be.It can also get pretty middy-fied with the right adjustment to the EQ. It sounds great with the PRS 5 position Rotary switch. 4 different settings for it and it blasts out some of da sweet stuff
Sonic evaluation: I use a PRS CE24 through a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, a Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, and very very rarely, a DOD rackmount EQ. Then it all goes into a 74 Fender Twin Reverb

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play lots of styles. And its agreed with almost any type of rock(Classic, Old Punk,Metal types,etc) but I'm not too sure about Blues Rock. I never did like using bridge pickups for any type of blues. The only bridge pickup that comes close to being good with blues,in my opinion,is a Strat single coil.

Comments: If it were stolen or damaged I would probably buy the origional PRS HFS pickup since I've never used one and if that wasn't better than the Gate then its into the guitar parts box with it and I'd run out to purchase the Gate. Oh yeah, I've been playing for 5 years. Yatah Yatah Yatah. Got a 69 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite 6 string and a Fender TexMex Strat. Yatah Yatah Yatah. Don't wash in the space between pubic area and buttox. Blah Blah Blah. Pickup = good. Vertical Blinds = Bad. Crack = Fun. Yatah Yatah Yatah Blah Blah Blah. I'm outies.....PEACE

Pickup features: Humbucker/Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ES-335
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: 57 Classic
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: Ask Seymour
You musical style(s): Space Roots
Reason for pickup change: Original pickups were much too hot, and much too dark.

Perceived output level: Less output, but MUCH more treble
Tone: Balanced, but much brighter
Sonic evaluation: Played through Kendrick 2410 and Gusher. The 57 Classic's did not sound bad, but they sounded so dark and bassy in my particular guitar, I simply had to make a change. The Pearly Gates almost went to the opposite extreme. Quite bright and trebly, but not in a bad way. Before the change, the tone controls stayed all the way up. Now, I can use the tone knobs like the should be used. To put it simply, these may be the perfect pickups for a 335 style guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I can play any style music with these pickups

Comments: I'm quite satisfied with these pickups. Tony Nobles tried to talk me out of installing them, but, after hearing them, I believe Tony changed his opinion. BTW, that is me talking, not Tony.