Humbucker for classic AC/DC tone ?

OK, before this sound like a silly question that has not been thought about before i posted . . .

. . . here me out :


The boys from AC/DC started in the 70's.
They used what was available to them at the time. (they chose well)
AFAIK, his SG(s) at the time, came with stock pu's.

But, now he has a signature pu from Gibson, and that thing is one of the hottest in the Gibbo line-up.
(see link below)

I also saw Angus (mid 80's) using an SG with massive Twinn Rail style pick ups in the neck and bridge.
Those things can not be low out put units.

So guys, if we look at pick ups only (ignore amps - for now), where do you go and look for the Angus Young tone ?


http://media.photobucket.com/image/angus%20young%20signiture%20pick%20up/zakkwyldefan79/Guitar%20Wiring%20Diagrams/GibsonPickupsOutputChart.jpg


Talk to me

:wink:

An SG and a Marshall oughta get you pretty close. Seems like the obvious answer but I think it's true.

An SG and a Marshall oughta get you pretty close. Seems like the obvious answer but I think it's true.


True . . . but what pick-up should be in said SG :grin:

Any vintage wind AlNiCo humbucker will do. The amp is doing all the heavy lifting. Should be a Marshall of vintage pedigree.

What Fezz said. Nearly any alnico non-heavily-overwound bridge pickup in an SG with a cranked JTM45 or 1987 or 1959 will get you in the right region. Pretty sure you also need Greenbacks in a 4x12 or two. You won't get the right sound out of any of the more modern type of Celestions (G12t-75, Vintage 30 for instance).

Angus didn't use overwound (high-output) pickups or ton of overdrive to get his sound. The Marshall gave him a little bit of breakup and sustain and the stock pickups in his SG gave him the clarity, punch and crunch for that sweet rock tone. Just get yourself a SG and then find yourself a Marshall that makes it sing.

Don't go high-output on the pickups. Just look for something with an output range similar to a PAF and I think you will find you can achieve the tone you are trying to match.

Angus didn't use overwound (high-output) pickups or ton of overdrive to get his sound.
The Marshall gave him a little bit of breakup and sustain and the stock pickups in his SG gave him the clarity, punch and crunch for that sweet rock tone. Just get yourself a SG and then find yourself a Marshall that makes it sing.

Don't go high-output on the pickups. Just look for something with an output range similar to a PAF and I think you will find you can achieve the tone you are trying to match.

That is what i thought too, untill i saw this :shock:



http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85842842/Redferns

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85842757


I do not know of any low out-put Twinn Rail pick ups.
The only type i know of is stuff like this :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dragonfire-White-Chrome-Power-Rails-Pickup-Set-X2N-/140584201446?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item20bb78ace6 - 15.8K

http://cgi.ebay.com/Artec-Alnico-5-Guitar-Hot-Rail-Humbucker-Pickup-Black-/150511742027?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item230b32ec4b- 15.3K

http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-MEGA-RAILS-Hot-Humbucker-Guitar-NECK-Pickup-R20N-/200543499934?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2eb152f69e - 16.2K

What Fezz said. Nearly any alnico non-heavily-overwound bridge pickup in an SG with a cranked JTM45 or 1987 or 1959 will get you in the right region.
Pretty sure you also need Greenbacks in a 4x12 or two.
You won't get the right sound out of any of the more modern type of Celestions (G12t-75, Vintage 30 for instance).

I will moslt likely stick with my Duncan A2P's then :wink:

Good, i do NOT like the Vintage 30's at all !!!

Jack, maybe on some of the later AC/DC stuff, Angus is using hotter pickups, but on anything from the mid 80s and earlier, he was basically a stock, PAF player. It was just a stock SG, with a wound up Marshall 100 watter.

A vintage wind humbucker with an alnico 5 magnet should get you in the range. If you have a little extra to spend, call the Seymour Duncan custom shop and order a Brobucker.

Be interesting to know what he actually recorded with. I suspect the same, stock SG and Old Marshall on 10

Here is a link to a long interview with a lot of info. Most of his equipment and technique answers are in the last section.

http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdcguitarplayerfeb84.htm

a Seymour Duncan SH-1 bridge pickup should sound great for AC/DC tones.

Here is a link to a long interview with a lot of info. Most of his equipment and technique answers are in the last section.

http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdcguitarplayerfeb84.htm


Thanks for the link :wink:

Jack, maybe on some of the later AC/DC stuff, Angus is using hotter pickups, but on anything from the mid 80s and earlier, he was basically a stock, PAF player. It was just a stock SG, with a wound up Marshall 100 watter.

Hey Ellen . . . good to see you here !

How the hell are you ?

:wink:

I gotta chuckle a little when people say a PAF wind. That SG that Angus had back in the day was a late 60's SG with Patent # pickups... Supposedly the same, but having owned a Gibson from that era, I can promise they aren't quite.

However, a milder wind works wonders. I have 57 Classic and Classic + in my Les Paul and can get mighty close! I have Duncan P-Rails in my SG and in Humbucker mode, it's there in spades!

Sent from my iPhone using TDPRI

Find a used SD Pearly Gates Plus (Pearly Gates with Alnico 5 and special wind). It came stock in Fender Custom Telecaster FMT H-H. Or just buy the guitar :mrgreen:

What Fezz said. Nearly any alnico non-heavily-overwound bridge pickup in an SG with a cranked JTM45 or 1987 or 1959 will get you in the right region. Pretty sure you also need Greenbacks in a 4x12 or two. You won't get the right sound out of any of the more modern type of Celestions (G12t-75, Vintage 30 for instance).

Thoughts on speakers.
Olde school Greenbacks do not sound like the new G12M-25 Greenbacks, the old ones were much less woofy.
The G12T-75 is the classic Marshall 4x12 speaker (thump and roar), it is supposed to be a high-power Greenback. Then you have G12-60 and the G12T-100 (avoid).
The 60W Vintage30 is intended for a closed back cab and high volume.
Many of these speakers sound very different at high volume.

Thoughts on speakers.
Olde school Greenbacks do not sound like the new G12M-25 Greenbacks, the old ones were much less woofy.
The G12T-75 is the classic Marshall 4x12 speaker (thump and roar), it is supposed to be a high-power Greenback. Then you have G12-60 and the G12T-100 (avoid).
The 60W Vintage30 is intended for a closed back cab and high volume.
Many of these speakers sound very different at high volume.


I see there is 4 diff Greenbacks now.

http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/products/heritage/index.asp X3

http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/products/classic/index.asp X1




Just curious . . .

. . . i wonder if any current production Jensens and/or Eminence speakers will get close to that of classic AC/DC ?

I can say +1 to the 57 Classic. I've just got a 335 with them in and that's kicking out a whole bunch of late 70s early 80s AC/DC tones (amongst other things) right at the moment.

Also, as you've dipped into BKP pickups... they have a set called Riff Raffs. AV magnets, aimed at a late-60s to 70s type of humbucker. I've had a set for years now. They're in my SG and I love them. It's actually set up to go more in the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd direction at the moment, but it still does Angus.

Other things to consider:

Already hinted at by others, he's always been a big fan of "big amp loud" and then learn to control it - even in the studio.

He uses the bridge pickup mainly, if not exclusively, and uses the volume control a LOT.

And don't ignore Malcolm. A huge part of the AC/DC guitar sound is actually Malcolm Young. Superb player and fabulous sound. Angus (even says so himself) does an "icing on the cake" job most of the time.

I can say +1 to the 57 Classic. I've just got a 335 with them in and that's kicking out a whole bunch of late 70s early 80s AC/DC tones (amongst other things) right at the moment.

Also, as you've dipped into BKP pickups... they have a set called Riff Raffs. AV magnets, aimed at a late-60s to 70s type of humbucker. I've had a set for years now. They're in my SG and I love them. It's actually set up to go more in the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd direction at the moment, but it still does Angus.

Other things to consider:

Already hinted at by others, he's always been a big fan of "big amp loud" and then learn to control it - even in the studio.

He uses the bridge pickup mainly, if not exclusively, and uses the volume control a LOT.

And don't ignore Malcolm. A huge part of the AC/DC guitar sound is actually Malcolm Young. Superb player and fabulous sound. Angus (even says so himself) does an "icing on the cake" job most of the time.

Oh hell no :twisted:
Most underrated guitarist on this planet.
But for that, i feel TV Jones will be better suited.

L3kW4x2VTlU

Also trying to find out more about ^^^this^^^ AGL amp(s)

Without Malcolm, there is no AC/DC.

I see there is 4 diff Greenbacks now.

http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/products/heritage/index.asp X3

http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/products/classic/index.asp X1




Just curious . . .

. . . i wonder if any current production Jensens and/or Eminence speakers will get close to that of classic AC/DC ?


Right... only two of those are Greenbacks

The Original G12M-25 and the Heritage G12M-20 but there is one other*.

The G10M-30 is a really nice speaker but it is 10-in, and not woofy, more punchy. Yes I know they call it a Greenback, but it doesn't sound like one, more like the G12H-30. And yes it does sound like a 12. If you want a 12 but don't have room, this is it.

I have G10M-30 and G12M-25.
I also have an olde Greenback G12S-20 (S= small magnet), these also came unpainted. *The Signature G12-EVH-20 could be a copy of this one.

The Heritage 55Hz G12H-30 is /not/ a Greenback, it was originally a bass speaker. Made famous by Jimi in his cabs. (H= heavy magnet) Increased depth of bottom end, more punchy. I have one of these.

The box you put them in makes a lot of difference to how they sound.

Btw the OEM Eminence Pot Luck speakers that came in the Epi BC30 would not do it, and which is why that now sports G12M-25.

I can say +1 to the 57 Classic. I've just got a 335 with them in and that's kicking out a whole bunch of late 70s early 80s AC/DC tones (amongst other things) right at the moment.

Also, as you've dipped into BKP pickups... they have a set called Riff Raffs. AV magnets, aimed at a late-60s to 70s type of humbucker. I've had a set for years now. They're in my SG and I love them. It's actually set up to go more in the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd direction at the moment, but it still does Angus.

Other things to consider:

Already hinted at by others, he's always been a big fan of "big amp loud" and then learn to control it - even in the studio.

He uses the bridge pickup mainly, if not exclusively, and uses the volume control a LOT.

And don't ignore Malcolm. A huge part of the AC/DC guitar sound is actually Malcolm Young. Superb player and fabulous sound. Angus (even says so himself) does an "icing on the cake" job most of the time.

+1 to the 57 Classic, even the Epi version especially if you take their cans off, they get crisper and more touch-dynamic then.

Tonerider Rocksong which I also have will do it too, and probably a little better.

i.e. any good "PAF" or "Vintage" type. imo you do not want any huge uber-powerful thing, they get muddy and lack definition.

...just what everyone has said, a basic PAF is all that is needed.....you said to ignore amps but that is where the magic happens. You WONT even get close with a super distorto whizz bang GC/MF junk box. JTM/1987/1959 with either KT66 or 34's depending on the era, is the key....coupled with 25 watters or something similar. If you're using an amp with pre distortion you've already lost the battle.

Right... only two of those are Greenbacks

The Original G12M-25 and the Heritage G12M-20 but there is one other*.

The G10M-30 is a really nice speaker but it is 10-in, and not woofy, more punchy. Yes I know they call it a Greenback, but it doesn't sound like one, more like the G12H-30. And yes it does sound like a 12. If you want a 12 but don't have room, this is it.

I have G10M-30 and G12M-25.
I also have an olde Greenback G12S-20 (S= small magnet), these also came unpainted. *The Signature G12-EVH-20 could be a copy of this one.

The Heritage 55Hz G12H-30 is /not/ a Greenback, it was originally a bass speaker. Made famous by Jimi in his cabs. (H= heavy magnet) Increased depth of bottom end, more punchy. I have one of these.

The box you put them in makes a lot of difference to how they sound.

Btw the OEM Eminence Pot Luck speakers that came in the Epi BC30 would not do it, and which is why that now sports G12M-25.


jefrs, thank you very much for the great info :wink:

I appreciate it.

...just what everyone has said, a basic PAF is all that is needed.....you said to ignore amps but that is where the magic happens. You WONT even get close with a super distorto whizz bang GC/MF junk box. JTM/1987/1959 with either KT66 or 34's depending on the era, is the key....coupled with 25 watters or something similar. If you're using an amp with pre distortion you've already lost the battle.

I said "ignore the amps" only because i posted in the Pick Up Forum :wink:

I am looking at getting a Marshall JTM45 RI (used), or a high quality clone w KT66's. :twisted:

Hey Ellen . . . good to see you here !

How the hell are you ?

:wink:

Hi Jack! I'm doing fine! :) I just don't hang out on HC much nowadays. Oh yeah, and I have Gretsches again (2 of them - 6118 Anniversary, and a 5250 Special Jet w/Dynasonic 2000 pickups). In a couple of weeks, I will have an Esquire (I decided to get what I really wanted during this go around with Teles, than what will "just do").

F.Y.I. - I read an interview of Angus, in a 1980s issue of Guitar Player Magazine, where he mentioned that maximum gain was NOT the key to his sound. He mentioned that in his opinion, if you backed off the gain a bit, the guitar "sounded larger." At the time, his guitar of choice was a stock, 60s SG.

Don't forget the Marshall JTM45 is a knock off of the Fender Bassman, of which several clones.
- as is the Epi BC30 but hotrodded by tucking Channel 2 inside Channel 1, but I don't recommend it unless you are handy with a soldering iron. But once it's fixed it can do the business, and it's an amp that can take JJ6V6S, 6L6WGB/5881, 6L6GC, EL34, KT66, etc

Hi Jack! I'm doing fine! :) I just don't hang out on HC much nowadays. Oh yeah, and I have Gretsches again (2 of them - 6118 Anniversary, and a 5250 Special Jet w/Dynasonic 2000 pickups). In a couple of weeks, I will have an Esquire (I decided to get what I really wanted during this go around with Teles, than what will "just do").

F.Y.I. - I read an interview of Angus, in a 1980s issue of Guitar Player Magazine, where he mentioned that maximum gain was NOT the key to his sound. He mentioned that in his opinion, if you backed off the gain a bit, the guitar "sounded larger." At the time, his guitar of choice was a stock, 60s SG.

Hey Ellen, how does that Dynasonic2000's work for you ?
http://www.guitarvillage.co.uk/admin/pages/upload/Gretsch/SH_Gretsch_specjetSB_m.jpg - Looking good :wink:

What pu will go into your Esquire once you get it ?

I only figured it out last night (or maybe i am wrong) . . .

. . . is the BK Riff Raff a word play on an AC/DC song ?

http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/main/pickups.php?cat=humbuckers&sub=vintage&pickup=riff_raff

"Tight and punchy bass response with a smooth bite in the high-end define the voice of early '60s humbucker-driven rock'n'roll."


Any ways, for now, i am going with the Duncan A2Ps because i can get a GREAT deal on a set - hardly used.

I only figured it out last night (or maybe i am wrong) . . .

. . . is the BK Riff Raff a word play on an AC/DC song ?

http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/main/pickups.php?cat=humbuckers&sub=vintage&pickup=riff_raff

"Tight and punchy bass response with a smooth bite in the high-end define the voice of early '60s humbucker-driven rock'n'roll."


Any ways, for now, i am going with the Duncan A2Ps because i can get a GREAT deal on a set - hardly used.

Yep :lol: - I didn't realise you hadn't made the connection.

In the "BKP fraternity" if you want "Angus", the no-brainer choice is the Riff Raff set. There are lots of folks who think the RRs will only do Angus because of the name, like they think the Apaches will be weedy because of the Hank reference - nope in both cases! The names are only vague reference points.

In the BKP "vintage hot" PAF-type range you've got:

Stormy Mondays (reference to Allman Brother's rendition of said song) - aimed at anyone after the earlier 50s PAF vibe.
Mules (reference to Gov't Mule) - late 50s to early 60s PAF
Riff Raffs (AC/DC song) - if you're after the idea of mid/late 60s to 70s "patent received" humbuckers.

They're none of them copies, just aiming at those sorts of flavours.

I can get Angus tones out of both Riff Raffs and Mules (and Mississippi Queens, incidentally, one of their humbucker sized P90 range) - for my money it's all down to how you set your amp and how you attack the guitar. I've not tried Stormy Mondays, but I strongly suspect you can do it with those as well.

Right at the moment, the most "Angus-like" tone I'm getting is a new ES-335 with the stock Classic 59s in. (It seems to do Malcolm as well, both Youngs in one geetar! :lol:)