Seymour Duncan SHPG1B Pearly Gates Bridge

Seymour Duncan SHPG1B Pearly Gates Bridge Originally designed as a recreation of the pickups in the '59 Les Paul Standard that defined the raw, rebellious sound of Texas blues-rock. The Pearly Gates is sweet, but slightly rude, with great sustain and a bright top end that make harmonics jump out of the guitar. Comes with four-conductor hookup cable. Price: $119.00 Order Online Here UPC: 800315001422 SKU: 46388 Part No: 11102-49-B

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Comprehensive Review of Seymour Duncan SHPG1B Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup

The Seymour Duncan SHPG1B Pearly Gates Bridge pickup is a highly regarded electric guitar pickup, initially designed to emulate the iconic sound of the '59 Les Paul Standard. This pickup is particularly well-suited for musicians who are passionate about Texas blues-rock and are seeking a tonal palette that combines warmth with a bit of edge.

Key Features

• Design: Modeled after the original '59 Les Paul Standard pickups to capture that classic sound.
• Sound Profile: Offers a sweet yet slightly rude tone, characterized by excellent sustain and a bright top end.
• Harmonics: The design allows harmonics to resonate and "jump out" of the guitar, providing an expressive playing experience.
• Four-Conductor Hookup: Allows for coil-splitting, series/parallel switching, and other wiring options for enhanced versatility.

Benefits

The Pearly Gates pickup excels in delivering a rich, dynamic sound that is perfect for lead guitarists who want to cut through the mix. Its ability to produce clear highs while maintaining a robust midrange makes it ideal for a range of musical styles beyond blues-rock, including classic rock and hard rock. The four-conductor cable offers extensive wiring options, enabling players to customize their tone even further.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Pearly Gates pickup is celebrated for its sound, some players may find it slightly less versatile compared to other pickups designed for a broader range of styles. Additionally, the brightness of the top end may not appeal to those who prefer a darker, more subdued tone.

Comparison to Similar Products

In the realm of humbucker pickups, the Pearly Gates competes with models like the Gibson Burstbucker and the DiMarzio PAF series. While all these pickups aim to replicate the classic PAF sound, the Pearly Gates stands out for its unique balance of sweetness and slight rudeness, particularly suited for expressive playing. In contrast, the Burstbucker tends to lean more towards a vintage tone, while the DiMarzio models often offer a more aggressive output.

Practical Tips and Insider Tricks

1. Coil Splitting: Utilize the four-conductor wiring to coil-split the pickup for a single-coil tone; this can add versatility to your sound, especially for cleaner passages.
2. Pickup Height Adjustment: Experiment with pickup height to find the sweet spot that maximizes sustain and harmonics without sacrificing clarity.
3. Amplifier Settings: Pair this pickup with an amp that has good headroom to prevent distortion at higher volumes, allowing the pickup's character to shine through.

Complementary Products

Customers often pair the Pearly Gates Bridge pickup with the Seymour Duncan SHPG1N Pearly Gates Neck pickup to achieve a cohesive sound across the guitar. Additionally, using a quality overdrive pedal, such as the Ibanez Tube Screamer, can enhance the tonal characteristics, providing that extra bit of warmth and grit that complements the bridge pickup beautifully.

Current Trends and Innovations

The trend in electric guitar pickups is leaning towards versatility and customization. Players are increasingly seeking pickups that can be easily modified and offer a range of tonal options. The Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates fits well within this trend, thanks to its four-conductor wiring and adaptability to various playing styles. Furthermore, the rise of home recording and live streaming has led to a demand for pickups that excel in clarity and definition, making the Pearly Gates an excellent choice for modern musicians.

In conclusion, the Seymour Duncan SHPG1B Pearly Gates Bridge pickup is a stellar choice for guitarists looking to invoke that classic Texas blues-rock sound while retaining the flexibility to explore various tonal landscapes. Its unique characteristics and customizable wiring make it a worthwhile investment for any serious musician.