Lollar Imperial vs Seth Lover

[@EnterJustice]

00:26 Imperial Neck 00:45 Imperial Middle 00:58 Imperial Bridge 1:28 Seth Lover Neck 1:48 Seth Lover Middle 2:09 Seth Lover Bridge

[@Antoni2u]

It's all subjective. But for me, the Seth Lover's have it all the way. Let your ears, rather let your heart be the judge!

[@Turboy65]

Almost impossible to hear a difference. 0:26 Lollar neck 1:28 Lover neck 0:46 Lollar middle 1:48 Lover middle 0:58 Lollar bridge 2:09 Lover bridge There, you can click directly by time stamp yourself and skip the talking. Hearing the clips one after the other helps a lot. Even then, I can berely tell any difference at all.

[@jdl2180]

Thanks, I only heard a difference on the neck pickups and like the lollar's a little more.

[@olimon63]

@OldSlowGamer 100% agree with you. I wonder if it barely possible identify each one in a random listening.

[@rselp]

Lollar neck 0:27 Middle 0:46 Bridge 0:58 SD Neck 1:28 Middle 1:48 Bridge 2:09

[@Joseph-so6td]

My ears say Lollar Imperials; my pockets say Seth Lovers. Great comparison - thanks!

[@ericdenton6664]

BOTH were nice. The Duncan's had more bark but the Lollars we're SMOOOOTH. The guitar, amp and room sounded great. Nice touch with the playing. Everything was superb. The Duncan's can certainly hang with the Lollars. I liked both pickups for different reasons. Why choose. Buy both and a second guitar to enjoys them with. That's my reccomedation.

[@michaelappollo6770]

I liked the Lollar in the neck and the Seth Lover in the bridge. Enjoyed the clean playing, thank you!

[@daw162]

Ditto - the lollar bridge is a very polite pickup. So is the neck. Polite is good in the neck - glassy blues without bloat. In the bridge, it's sometimes hard to figure out what to do with a polite pickup. Bridge tone is already bad, bitey - making it gritty doesn't hurt.

[@Tsudkyk]

The Lollar has a wonderful creamy quality.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Thanks for doing that comparison. I don't have an accurate memory for tones, so if you do another comparison I'd love to hear them A-B A-B A-B etc for all the variations of pickup and overdrive. :)

[@kswg2009]

Seth Lovers hands down. Thanks!

[@davemontagne5982]

Great demo. A lot of people pay top dollar for Lollar, but the Seth Lovers can hang with them for sure and are much less expensive.

[@jfar3340]

the price difference is negligible

[@michaeleisenstein8511]

@@jfar3340 $129 vs 190 - 50% more!

[@jfar3340]

@@michaeleisenstein8511 for me it makes no difference, maybe for you it does. Anyhow i bought the seth because they re unpotted, potted pickups sound like shit even boutique ones

[@topografer]

@@jfar3340 Are the imperial potted? I swear that I though about that when I hear this comparison, I though that the imperials sound more potted. Could be confirmation bias. Both pickup are great

[@jfar3340]

@@topografer the imperials are 100% potted. Kills the tone IMO.

[@nerdicmem5720]

I love my lollars. They’re very full, the highs are beautiful, and the natural sustain is incredible.

[@jfar3340]

they're potted. I always go non potted

[@ThePoppinJawn]

Most of the sustain comes from the guitar itself...not the pickups

[@BwanaTube]

@@ThePoppinJawn Try telling that to someone who thinks sustain comes from the pickups. You might as well bang your head against a wall.

[@mcriff422]

Very close but the SD sounded more airy and less nasal in the bridge. Nasality in the bridge has always been a humbucker killer for me.

[@clgmafnas]

Hearing a little "air" in the notes with the Seths that are absent from the Lollars. Both great sounding for sure. For me, the Seths seem closer to the classic sounds.

[@CocoKoi321]

All opinions

[@bestplans9051]

Definitely the Seth's hands down! Much richer tone where the Lollar's to me sounded a bit tinny and very dry.

[@stephanbijl8628]

I hear exact the opposite

[@jfar3340]

@@stephanbijl8628 because they sound the same

[@kevinolson1710]

They both sound Amazing, the Seth Lovers sound much more vintage. I don’t know if these 2 pickups was a good idea to compare. Seth Lovers, sounds vintage like a 55 pickup. Woody and airy. IMHO. I actually own a guitar with a Seth Lover, in the neck position. Love it. I own a guitar with Lollars. I love it as well. Two very different pickups.

[@chrise.3814]

vintage isnt a sound, its a measure of time passed. never mind way over your head

[@piotrbalmusic]

Excellent video. I love them both. If I had only one choice, I would get Seth Lover; however, the Lollar should fabulous too.

[@michaelmatthews3027]

Lollars were wandering into single coil territory (smoother transients) , which could be just the thing for some. I prefer the tone spread of the Duncans, and they have just the right amount of attitude when you dig in. Classic bucker!

[@alejulul2379]

Did you clench your fist and bring it toward your core while bringing your knee upward as you said, "classic bucker!"?

[@toddneary]

Great demo and comparison here. You can hear the differences in voicing and response. Very useful for anybody interested 👍

[@natrelacoustix]

Currently looking at buying a set of Seth Lovers, swapping out my 57 classics on my Gold top. My main problem when listening to demo's is virtually everyone uses a pick. I haven't used a pick in 35 year's. My playing just isn't up to much with a pick these day's and I loose all dynamic that I've built in my personal playing style. That said, it means all pickups sound different under my hand to pick player's. It's interesting how many people thought the lovers were less dynamic than the lollers, when I thought dynamically they won hands down and had far more tonal character than the Imperials. Subjective you see, we all like different thing's. That's how it should be 'vive la difference' make's the world more interesting, but doesn't help my decision. I hear people say the lovers are darker sounding!? To my ear they sound anything but that here. But if they actually are, they're no good to me, I'll only make them sound darker with finger style. I desperately need to hear the Seth Lovers in person... Good luck with that I tell myself. My other Les Paul has Seymour 59's in. That sounds awesome, but is missing that Knopfler mid frequency in the harmonics that I'm looking for. The lovers seem to have that.

[@stratolestele7611]

Agree with you. I find my Seths to have an almost 'cocked wah' quality that I love. Gotta be extra mindful of facing the amp if I'm playing loud through my plexi!

[@pgong]

Interesting. The Imperials sounding more dynamic and punchy with a purer tone. Maybe a tad darker. The Seth Lovers sounded more compressed, not as loud and with more "dirty" harmonic content. Pretty lively, but maybe a bit thinner overall. Hard to say which I like more. You say you hadn't heard the Seth Lovers yet at the time of their demo. That leads me to wonder if they were dialed in to perfection adjustment-wise or not. I know that it takes me some time tweaking a pickup's adjustment whenever I swap one out. They're all a bit different and each has it's sweet spot depending on user preferences.

[@damianwayne2479]

Purer tone?

[@gillesgenete9598]

Thanks for demo. I prefered the Seth Lovers, heard more highs, harmonics, basses than with the Lollars.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Going to throw a set of Lovers in an Epi 335 project . Very versatile pickups, (As are the Imperials). Low winding and Alnico II is usually good for clarity and note separation.

[@stanislavmigra]

Was surprised how well Seths holded it there. Was not expecting to prefering them over Lollars.

[@jfar3340]

why?

[@stanislavmigra]

@@jfar3340 Lollars has "the fame" of best PAF insired pickups and Seth lovers are kinda overlooked.

[@jfar3340]

@@stanislavmigra more or less, when you go to the forums, seth lovers are all they talk about. There are 1000 threads about seth, all super positive. Just got myself a nice set of seth lovers that im putting in my 335. oh yeah

[@damonlove8]

Lollar Imperials 00:26 Seth Lover 01:28

[@fekkyb]

Seth Lovers. Hands Down. Thanks.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Definitely different sounding, but I liked both. To me, The Duncan’s sounded kinda like the P90’s in my ‘67 es330. I thought the Lollers also had a sort of P90 vibe, but more full. A bit less chime like quality. Like another comment or said, ‘the Duncan’s seemed to have a bit of air in them’. I agree. Honestly, I think I’m looking for something a little less chime-like. More mid. More Wes-like L5 vibe. But that’s just me. I’m looking to replace the stock ceramic humbuckers in a Samick RL-3. Looking for a late 60’s es335 kind of thing.

[@MDwng]

They're both good pickups. The Seth Lover isn't potted (not sure about Lollar imperials) so cranking the gain can be a problem

[@jonizefox]

neck pu 0:27 1:29 bridge pu (Alnico V vs Alnico II) 0:58 2:09

[@raphlasne]

The lollars are a bit aggressive compared to the Seth lovers.

[@MisterTee]

I like the Seth Lovers

[@dananthony6258]

I definitely hear more gmdistortion in the seth lover pickups. Maybe they're pushing the amp a little more. KZbin's compression makes it hard to hear dynamics.

[@Bentones1]

Duncan SL all the way!!!

[@DweedleDeeDweedleDoo]

The Lollars do the tele thing very well, super chimey and smooth. Those Seth Lovers however are everything I want out of a PAF!

[@losangulos]

How are they different from a SD 59?

[@paulgizelt3381]

I put Lollar Imperials in my R8 Les Paul. Irecently bought a PRS SE 245 and put Seth Lovers in that. They're both good. I didn't want to spend 50% of the price of the guitar on pickups for an import. No regrets, the Lovers are fine.

[@daw162]

The seths are a little darker sounding and missing some of the snappiness of the lollars. I think with a little more gain, it becomes more noticeable. I'm not a good player, but rather an amateur builder - I like the lollars better, but I'd bet you can find a used seth for half the price of a used lollar. Finding the latter used to put in a guitar is always a challenge for me. Backing away from this a little further - the amp is just dandy with both - the little differences between either pickup would hardly be noticed once you're playing (compared to pickups that are far away from these - either really low in output or really high).

[@Fanmusic91]

Lollar SD 0:26 1:28 0:46 1:48 0:58 2:09

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Great demo!!! Please put the Lollars back in!!! They sound clearer and better..

[@WilliamSmith-dg5re]

Back to this video just to say that the SL are such good pick ups. If you like the Lollars in the neck, just turn up the tone with the lovers and there magical. The tone knob and the Lovers go hand and hand. once you dial in your amp to the sweet spot ride the guitars tone knob and the Lovers are one hell of a pick up.

[@ThePoppinJawn]

I couldn't agree more...'magical'...big blue skys and sunshine...I had the stock pickups on my Epiphone Sheraton II changed to Seth Lovers...the only word that jumped to mind when I first played it...'intoxicating'...I walked away and let the sound sink in...I was 'intoxicated' by them for a good 1/2 hour...and this has been the effect every time I play my 'Sherry'...Seth Lovers transformed that instrument...it doesn't get better in humbucker land...than SD Seth Lovers

[@ggman946]

Seth Lovers for the win. At least in this guitar.

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

I liked the Lollar neck better but I liked the bridge and middle positions better on the Seth Lovers. The neck was close and could have been your playing was just a bit better on the Lollar neck position. The Seth Lover bridge has a cool sound. I found the middle to have a little more top end sweetness with the Lovers too. Its very hard to tell if you don't play the same licks. I'd chose the Seth Lovers but the Antiquities might be even a touch better than the Lovers.

[@MrSDFD18]

What is that sunburst Tele on the wall behind you? With the HB in the neck.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

What about the different metal compositions of tailstops and saddles arrangements I think these pieces have much influence on an instruments tonal characteristics and personality.

[@pinkmoon4211]

Put Seth lovers in my Sheraton with new electrics, vintage killer sound

[@mic310]

I like the open and airy sounding of the Seth more. May I know it's 50s wiring or just modern wiring? Thank you.

[@swimgc]

seth lovers sounds great to me. How different are they from SD 59s ?

[@ZudaVogel]

alnico 2 & 5

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

A/B'ing them by jumping back and forth in the timeline. No difference. Both really good. I own Seth Lovers and are my favorite's.

[@daviddorrian5349]

What style of pick ups are these 2? I'm totally new to after market pick ups. Are they meant to be a paf styled pick up?

[@StoneBuzzard]

Yep, both are supposed to PAFs replicas. Seth Lover created the PAF in the 50s and the Seth Lovers are based of a PAF that Seymour loved in conjunction with Seth Lover himself. The Imperials are going for a more everyman's PAF. It all depends on what you like sonically. 59s by Seymour are good PAF styles. And Lollar can underwind or overwind the Imperial as well. Check out a shit tone of pickups in a guitar similar to yours so you can get an understanding to how it will sound in yours. Rather be over prepared and narrow it down then to just choose one out of five and be disappointed

[@tracystone6115]

Seth Lover, all the way.

[@Mando4Dan]

I love CLs. But I strongly prefer the Throbak pickup upgrade (v. the lollars). With the Throbaks I can play clean straight into the amp. Through my amp, the Lollars are brighter at any setting- which could be great if you are looking for higher articulation. I favor a warmer sound. I am always impressed with how versatile a City Limits can be - the variation you can get with just a bit of adjustment to the 4 knobs. Plus they seem to hold their value very well. Highly consistent: great wood selection, finish work and playability. 10/10.

[@WilliamSmith-dg5re]

SL in all three positions

[@vincentbeast401]

Hi, does anyone know what the name of the finish is called for the two teal guitars on the wall or where to buy/spray that colour?

[@johnhan1205]

Seth Lovers.

[@johnbarber3499]

Lollars were clearer in the note separation, the bridge was more like a old PAF, and the middle position clearer and more dynamic and full, they are both great pickups and don't think you could go wrong with either one. You would need to do more testing with pedals and amps to really call this one, and what ever your personal preferences might be its just a opinion. The Best pickups being made today IMO are Stephen Design, but who can afford them, they are without a doubt as close to a PAF you are going to get without buying the originals. The last time I looked a good set was going for $2500-$3500.

[@samrush2943]

That amp just sounds killer

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Lollar for me. More airy. I have the Dirty Blonde-set in my Suhr, and that . . . "Ended my Tone Search" - right there. Phenomenal sounding pickups. oNe LoVe from NYC

[@WilliamSmith-dg5re]

The Seth's sing

[@ricmel8008]

I guess you can't beat that Seth

[@helixworld]

Interesting demo. The two bridge pickups sound identical to me - I still can't pick a difference. Neck pickup shows is a difference, because the Duncan has more mids and overall warmer balance.

[@classicrocker889]

In this video , I like the Lollers better . Alot of good sounding pickups out there.

[@crossbones911]

"I just replaced the Lollars with the Seth Lovers. I haven't heard them yet." That's how I know this comparison is flawed. You should always adjust pickup height to get the tone you want and you do that by playing and adjusting. You reiterate this until you get the best sound possible.

[@rickmilam413]

I've had Seth Lovers in two guitars. Changed both. Same thing I hear here. Too "spanky", slightly wiry on top. Frustrating because they are close for my tastes. Can't help but wonder if they did a light wax treatment if it would tame that slightly.

[@todd.goslin6190]

The seth neck was a bit disappointing to me. Both pickups were darker than the Lollars.

[@thirdroompro]

Lollar for my money. Sounded richer all the way around.

[@saz123ful]

Lollars for sure, because they have their own voice, take it or leave it.. The SD's sounds like they are trying to imitate someone's else's voice but they cannot reach it yet... Thanks for the comparison.

[@robertjoshlin8674]

If it were me I'd go with a set of Seth Haters over the Imperials and the Lovers. Haters have stronger punch to the face which really knocks me out. But then again the Bare Knuckels will do the same thing.

[@donarmando916]

I mean the Lollar's are not bad, but the Seth Lovers are from another planet. I prefer them in all three positions. Nothing more to add here.

[@BenLubin]

Duncans sound much better to my ears. Fuller.

[@livewireblanco]

Seth Lover all the way. Owned both sets and never liked the Lolar set. Just didn't have any life to it. Seth Lover has a great mid range quality to it.

[@pablumpicasso9207]

livewireblanco I have a Seth Lover set I’m about to swap out because they’re too scooped for my tastes.

[@Robowx]

I’ll go with the Seth Lovers.

[@Walkerbjj]

close but the Lollars sounded fuller to me

[@sleepyheadmusic884]

I cannot hear a difference 😅 both sound great to me

[@maximilianosilva2888]

I liked seth lovers more!

[@lydmo8287]

Very little difference. In fact, maybe no difference. What were your thoughts, I know it's easier to discern a difference in front of the amp.

[@TwangThang57]

Duncans all day, please!

[@rajkomilosevichguera4547]

Lollars. Not a hair of doubt...

[@tswrench]

When you put your time and sweat into becoming a better player, all guitars and pickups will sound better in your hands.

[@jamespaul4746]

Bridge position with Seth lovers sound better.

[@broskoone]

After 45 yrs of playing I have to say on the neck I couldn’t tell a dam bit of difference I guess I have little ears.

[@tperry5839]

Seth all day airy

[@Weily_Alcequiez]

Imperials it's kind of brighter sound... Lovers not... great pickups both

[@homonavitus6113]

seths

[@bunkerman99]

Lollars though the Seth lovers were nice.

[@kjatexas3679]

Lollars

[@rubio5000]

Lollars have more of a true PAF sound open and very smooth... were the seth lovers have more midrange sound. Both are good but one pair is more expensive then the other.....$$$$

[@chrise.3814]

Great tone starts with 1) throwing away gibson guitar, 2) aquiring guitar with single coils

[@jfar3340]

they sound pretty much the same

[@chivato666]

the Lollars.

[@topografer]

Lolar for neck SL for bridge hehe

[@unabonger777]

are you high?

[@unabonger777]

the Lollars for sure, it's not even close

[@oldschoolprepper2273]

Lollar Imperial

[@30smsuperstrat]

So many companies are pushing these placid tones that are supposed to "stand out in the mix". That's what I hears with the Lollars. Now anyone who's been around music for more then 20 years knows that those classic guitar tones were not offensive on their own, yes when eq'd in the studio, but not just played through an amp. Now I can take the Ferry out to Jason, or TV's Islands and should say I like the Lollars. Despite my hatetred of Californians invading Washington State I'll stick with the Seth Lovers, as long as Seymour stays in California 😆🤣

[@BoltRM]

Wtf? 🙃

[@ricmel8008]

I wonder how the Seymour Duncan Jazz would do in this shoot out.

[@j.l.l.]

Seth Lover

[@dsan05]

Lollar wins, but it's pretty close

[@antonioalbares]

Seth lover bridge / lollar imperial neck.. solved 🤣

[@bobaldo2339]

Lollars all the way for me. I'm surprised. I found the SL's dull and indistinct. I think even the old Duncan 59's that I put in my 67 Gibson SG sound better than these Seth Lovers did in this particular video.

[@a-tribute-tomk7306]

Seth Lovers all the way

[@Stratocastering]

Lollar

[@ericdenton6664]

Love the way you over bend certain notes. Jimmy Page was a master of that. Tasty chops bud.