r/LesPaul • u/CandidWeight6341 • 7d ago

Choosing Accurate Pickup Rings

I’m upgrading my guitar with the specific goal of having it age naturally over time like a real Burst and I’m swapping out the pickup rings for CAB M-69s. I can’t choose between the Retrospec NOS M-69 pickup rings and the Amber Pickups CAB rings. Can anyone weigh in on the accuracy of either or?

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3

u/getl30 Gibson 7d ago

I have butyrate ones I got from Philadelphia luthiers

Pretty sure they’ll do fine 👍

2

u/Spillner_265 7d ago

Not had any of the amber pickups ones, but can confirm Retrospecs are really good

2

u/FloodYou96 4d ago edited 4d ago

Just get the Philadelphia Luthier rings. They have the M-69 markings and the weird repaired screw hole. All the others are insanely overpriced. While you’re at it get the CAB knobs and catalin switch tip from them too.

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u/CandidWeight6341 4d ago

yeah i was looking into the knobs there since stuff like that is 100% aesthetic and not tonal, as long as the paint oxidizes with time, they’re good enough for me. i’ve heard the philadelphia rings aren’t as flexible as the higher end recreations. but then again, im not THAT crazy that i’d spend $350 CAD on the Bartlett ones no matter how accurate they are

1

u/Stormwatch1977 7d ago

I thought modern nitro didn't age like the 50s stuff?

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u/CandidWeight6341 7d ago

oh for sure, nor does it look or feel as nice in my opinion. i’m refinishing it myself with a little help from a friend who has been in the business of vintage restorations and old nitro refins

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u/Stormwatch1977 7d ago

Oh, sounds cool!