Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: ztikmaen on March 28, 2011, 09:46:34 AM
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Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and it seems like the community is great here along with the pickups :D
So, I have a question. In my less mature years, I bought myself an Ibanez RG370DX (Basswood if this changes anything) and now I'm trying to convert this into a vintage classic rock machine. I want to get some nice clean sounds with good strong Mids and note definition that overdrives smoothly and clearly. I've been looking at the Black Dog and the Riff-Raff (although this one sounds quite trebley) because they have a nice rock tone. What are your thoughts on the pickups in regards to the sound and guitar?
P.S Do you guys think this guitar is decent enough to modify into a permanent workhorse or should I upgrade to a better quality sturdy mahogany guitar before upgrading pickups? If this changes anything I have a Made in America Telecaster for my single coil sounds and I promised that it would be my last workhorse but I'm a tonehead. I have a Fender Hotrod Deluxe and Hotcake overdrive xP
Lol thanks for the help guys, I'm glad I found this forum :)
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Welcome here. BKP's will make any guitar sound better, so why not upgrade the Ibbie if you like this guitar. If your guitar is on the bright side RiffRaffs could be too bright and Black Dog chime in, cause they have strong mids. If you want more oomph but vintagecharacter, look at Crawlers. Personally I would fav Mules, they cover anything from nice cleans, classic rock and (even) metal. Closest to a 59 PAF.
Upgrade your tele with Blackguards would really make it a versatile workhorse. :)
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Welcome here. BKP's will make any guitar sound better, so why not upgrade the Ibbie if you like this guitar. If your guitar is on the bright side RiffRaffs could be too bright and Black Dog chime in, cause they have strong mids. If you want more oomph but vintagecharacter, look at Crawlers. Personally I would fav Mules, they cover anything from nice cleans, classic rock and (even) metal. Closest to a 59 PAF.
Upgrade your tele with Blackguards would really make it a versatile workhorse. :)
Okay, cool thanks :)
The Crawlers look pretty sweet (can't listen to it yet because I'm on the mobile phone in bed). If I had to describe the sound I want it would have to be Rich, creamy, mid rangey, searing (but no icepick when clean). I want his to be my hotrod, ofcourse with some nice cleans too. I do need the "oomph" I guess. What was your opinion about the Black Dogs by the way?
The problem I have with my current pickups is they sound boring and they have cringeworthy treble peaks when played clean. So the Crawler may be something I'll look into. Also, I'm no technical guitar guy. So could I get a set of pickups (2 hummers) and install them easily if I keep the default single coil in the middle? Would that be hard to do? Thanks.
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I'm no expert on these pickups but the two that leapt to my mind were Crawlers and Holydivers for the sound you described.
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From my experience, the mule should be great at least in the neck for you. Bridge as well I suppose. Just has that great old school Humbucker sound with clarity and definition, warmth, great clean, great woman tone and very very versatile.
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abraxas
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Yes, Crawler, Mule, Abraxas (sort of a hotrodded Mule) deliver the tones you're after. I'm quite happy with my Crawler, but this one is in swampash, not in basswood.
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Yes, Crawler, Mule, Abraxas (sort of a hotrodded Mule) deliver the tones you're after. I'm quite happy with my Crawler, but this one is in swampash, not in basswood.
Hmm that's interesting, I want a hot vintage tone but ironically there is only one "Vintage Hot" pickup lol xD
Well all the ones you guys have described seem quite popular, especially the Mule. Will it get nice overdrive tones? Which of the three is the most clear/defined? Which has the smoothest overdrive, which has the most searing? What order do they fall into when categorized into most vintage? I can't tell TOO much from the sound clips as I haven't actually played them before, but they all sound nice. Out of the 3 listed I think I have my eye on the Abraxas and Mule
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The Mule is the best pickup I've ever played but I'm not convinced it's right for your guitar. I think they work great in mahogany but I think it would be a bit bright in yours. The Abraxas looks to have a better EQ, though I've never played one of those. I haven't played the Crawler either but it still seems like the best option to me as the EQ appears to suit your guitar better and while it's in the contemporary section, it does sound extremely PAF-like to me and the description I've read of a 'PAF on steroids' seems to certainly describe what I hear in clips.
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The Mule is the best pickup I've ever played but I'm not convinced it's right for your guitar. I think they work great in mahogany but I think it would be a bit bright in yours. The Abraxas looks to have a better EQ, though I've never played one of those. I haven't played the Crawler either but it still seems like the best option to me as the EQ appears to suit your guitar better and while it's in the contemporary section, it does sound extremely PAF-like to me and the description I've read of a 'PAF on steroids' seems to certainly describe what I hear in clips.
Hmm thanks for that feedback Slarti. Actually, I've now decided to put these pickups into my first guitar (which so happens to be made from Poplar :D). "Poplar is a stringy, dense, yet lightweight hardwood that is unusually resonant. Poplar, when used in solid-body electric guitars, has an exceptionally crisp sound, often described as "spirited" and "bouncy" - even "funky." Poplar guitars are ideal choices for players who favor single-coil snap and clean sound." is what a guitar buying guide said.
So it appears this guitar body has good high frequency sounds anyway, so I may go for creamier pickups. I want some nice ACDC and Led Zeppelin sounds that are rich, creamy, but still have clear note definition and attack. So at the moment the pickups that have been suggested are:
- Abraxas
- The Mule
- Crawler
Which is:
The most traditional Classic Rock voice (ACDC, Led Zep)?
The most versatile
The best cleans
Warmest etc...
Thanks for the help guys, I have so much to learn about this stuff lol so I love having opinions
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Hmm thanks for that feedback Slarti. Actually, I've now decided to put these pickups into my first guitar (which so happens to be made from Poplar :D). "Poplar is a stringy, dense, yet lightweight hardwood that is unusually resonant. Poplar, when used in solid-body electric guitars, has an exceptionally crisp sound, often described as "spirited" and "bouncy" - even "funky." Poplar guitars are ideal choices for players who favor single-coil snap and clean sound." is what a guitar buying guide said.
Ok. Now how does your own poplar guitar sounds (unplugged, that is) ? While there are generic, average trends for a given tonewood, there can be a lot of differences between two planks of the same wood - and there are other factors too (construction, neck and fretboard material etc).
So it appears this guitar body has good high frequency sounds anyway, so I may go for creamier pickups. I want some nice ACDC and Led Zeppelin sounds that are rich, creamy, but still have clear note definition and attack.
Given your above description and requirements, and given that poplar is usually described as quite close to alder, I think you might be happy with Crawlers. FWIW, they're now listed in the contemporary section for whatever reason I can't understand, but they really have a quite vintagey feeling - think "PAFs on steroids" - and were designed to work well on strat-like guitars. They might not be "the most traditional Classic Rock" voiced of the range (nothing like, say, the Mules) but they do indeed work JustFine for classic rock.
I'd describe them as "warm, thick yet clear and cutting" - and no it's not an oxymoron -, and they are incredibly versatile, can go anywhere from jazz to blues to reggae to rock to hard rock to almost metal, and they do it right - and that's without even splitting them, but I heard they sound great splitted too (really have to take some time and rewire these switches one day). Great clear clean tones - very sweet on the neck, more bell-like on the bridge, very nice 'quack' when both on -, great crunch tones, great overdriven tones, and the bridge is not shy when it comes to hi gain.
Oh, that's on an all-maple, going-thru neck, rosewood fretboard guitar, but from the clips and other reviews of these pups this shouldn't be too far from how they'd sound on alder or poplar or ash. They will bring some warmth and body to a bright guitar without muddying it.
FWIW, if you really want ACDC / Led Zep tones, a mahogany axe with true vintage pups is still your best option - poplar will not sounds like mahogany, period.
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These three pu's deliver classic rock in spades. No worries about the Mule with drive/distortion. Forummember Nolly plays even metal with these. Big fat crunch tones and superb leads.
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These three pu's deliver classic rock in spades. No worries about the Mule with drive/distortion. Forummember Nolly plays even metal with these. Big fat crunch tones and superb leads.
Hmm so people are leaning towards the Mule and the Crawlers. But why does nobody say anything about the Black Dogs? Are they too bright or weak or something? Just curious about that one... The description says that it's a hotrod oldschool pickup which sounds tasty when all the "muscular mids" and stuff are added in. Is it because not many people have experience with them? I'm not being biased, I just want to know :)
Also what magnet type would you guys recommend? Alnico 4 or 5?
EDIT: I have new favourite pickups lol xD I know it seems like I'm kafuffling about with my ideas, but after listening to the clean tones of the Humbuckers I've come to the decisi
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These three pu's deliver classic rock in spades. No worries about the Mule with drive/distortion. Forummember Nolly plays even metal with these. Big fat crunch tones and superb leads.
Hmm so people are leaning towards the Mule and the Crawlers. But why does nobody say anything about the Black Dogs? Are they too bright or weak or something? Just curious about that one... The description says that it's a hotrod oldschool pickup which sounds tasty when all the "muscular mids" and stuff are added in. Is it because not many people have experience with them? I'm not being biased, I just want to know :)
Also what magnet type would you guys recommend? Alnico 4 or 5?
EDIT: I have new favourite pickups lol xD I know it seems like I'm kafuffling about with my ideas, but after listening to the clean tones of the Humbuckers I've come to the decision of getting either the Mule or the (wait for it...) ...Emerald. I haven't heard anybody mention that particular one. The cleans sound really nice on it from what I can tell from the sound clips. Also the Mule sounds so awesome and balanced. I think the Emerald sounds creamier but the Mule has better definition. So I'm really not sure now xD What are your thoughts?
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We all have different tastes, I don't like AIV much! I much prefer AV! however others choose 4 over 5! I'm sure that any of the pups that have been recommended to you will knock you out! I have most of the AV range and I swing from one to another, the Black Dog bridge is for sure a favourite as is the Emerald, VHII, HD, NB and Crawler bridge, take your pick you wont go wrong with any! you will just want more! and more...
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Black Dog is quite a middy middy pu and, and as several users stated here, less versatile then a Mule. If you're guitar has a bright tone by itself, a BD would be a good choice. If you need to freshen things up, you could opt for an AV Mule. You can order that one on request.
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What type of guitar is this poplar one? That will have a big influence over what's going to work well for you :)
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What type of guitar is this poplar one? That will have a big influence over what's going to work well for you :)
Well it's only a humble beginners guitar that im looking to hotrod but after some more thinking I am now unsure whether or not I want to put the pickups into the polar one or the higher quality basswood one. The only thing that I don't quite like about the basswood one is that it's been routed for a Floyd rose bridge so it doesn't sound quite as solid. Couple this with the basswood and it sounds quite light when played acoustically. But I guess I can't hear too much affect on the sound when playing through an amplifier... (After playing my poplar guitar again, I realized that it had some intonation problems, most likely the result of a somewhat warped neck. I am seriously considering two different pickups for the bridge and the neck positions. I'm thinking something like the Emrald for the bridge and the Mule or Crawler for the neck? I don't much like the Crawler's bridge pickup though and I want some of that extra owed in the bridge that the Emerald provides (although the Mule sounds just divine!). I wish I could mix the Emerald and the Mule together :O Also I have a single coil in the middle so any ideas for that one?
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Err, what models are we talking here? Post up the names/numbers so we know what we're looking at...
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Err, what models are we talking here? Post up the names/numbers so we know what we're looking at...
Ibanez GSZ120 (Poplar)
Ibanez RG370DX BK (Basswood w/tremolo that I don't use)
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Cheers! So both are bolt on necked guitars, with similar woods used and maple necks. Essentially, they're superstrats - one with a floating bridge and one with a hardtail.
With that in mind, and the fact that you're looking for fatter sounds than these guitars traditionally give, I'd go for a matched set of the pickups with good mids:
In order of power..
Black Dogs
Abraxas
Crawlers
If you want to go a bit hotter, and cover more hard rock tones too, you could also look at:
Holydivers
Nailbombs
My own thoughts? I'd go for Crawlers or Holydivers if it was me.
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I'm with Twinfan for the most of it. These guitars ask for fatter mids, like I beefed up my swampashstrat, which is quite percussive due to the ebonyfretboard, with a Crawler. Never had such a good humbucker.
So my faves would be:
- Mules or Abraxas
- Black Dog
- Crawler
- Holy Diver
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Mules don't have mids - they'll be stupid bright in a strat-type. Fine for stratty things, but not if you're looking for fatter rock tones.
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Abraxas all day long. Here's how they sound...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDQ2twawdIk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e-vNNMyWMU&feature=related
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Cheers! So both are bolt on necked guitars, with similar woods used and maple necks. Essentially, they're superstrats - one with a floating bridge and one with a hardtail.
With that in mind, and the fact that you're looking for fatter sounds than these guitars traditionally give, I'd go for a matched set of the pickups with good mids:
In order of power..
Black Dogs
Abraxas
Crawlers
If you want to go a bit hotter, and cover more hard rock tones too, you could also look at:
Holydivers
Nailbombs
My own thoughts? I'd go for Crawlers or Holydivers if it was me.
Wow! You've been doing some homework :D Thanks for that advice man. Since I'm going 50/50 with the pickups (possibly with a single thrown in which may be a sinner buy the looks of it), maybe I could get a more middy and strong bridge pickup and a more balanced and clean neck one? I usually use neck pickups for my cleaner stuff or fuzz tones so I'll need good note definition when clean and overdriven. But what do people think about the EMERALD! xD lol personally think it sounds pretty nice but then again I need other opinions. Thanks so much guys, I feel guilty for getting so much help lol
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maybe I could get a more middy and strong bridge pickup and a more balanced and clean neck one?
That would be a good description of the Crawler set 8)
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Oh and Ill give you guys an outline of what I currently like.
Bridge:
Emerald
Black Dog
Maybe an Abraxas
Neck:
Crawler
Mule
I don't really like the Crawler's bridge all that much... Neck's nice though
Also, note that I don't get any heavier than heavy-ish rock. But mostly the hardest I get is classic rock so don't worry about chugging or shredding tones. Cleans are important to me too
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That's right. Mules have more treble then Abraxas. But I heard the Mule in my friends strat and it sounds quite good, I must say. Comes down to the amp too. Even Tim suggested a Mule for my strat, but I favoured the Crawler. Which is a good choice, so is a BD and a HD.
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Emeralds are awesome, no SERIOUSLY awesome in my McCarty Korina, but I think you'll want something a bit fatter.
If you're not digging the hotter pickups, why not go for a Black Dog set, or a Black Dog bridge and a Mule neck?
I always go for matching sets, but the choice is yours!
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Emeralds are awesome, no SERIOUSLY awesome in my McCarty Korina, but I think you'll want something a bit fatter.
If you're not digging the hotter pickups, why not go for a Black Dog set, or a Black Dog bridge and a Mule neck?
I always go for matching sets, but the choice is yours!
Hmm that sounds like a pretty good idea. I'm glad you realized that the more modern pickups aren't really my thing :D
What sort of configuration is the sound clip for the Humbuckers done it? A les Paul into Marshall or something? It would be nice to know. The Emeralds sound oh-so-nice in the clip but then again I don't know how they would fare in the basswood guitar. The cleans in the Emeralds, Mules, and Black dogs sound really nice IMO. The black dogs sound quite mid/upper endy, the Emeralds sound, well, "open and clear" as the description so well states (with enough thickness in the bridge), and the Mules sound very classic and balanced. Oh and the Crawler neck sounds great too.
The reason why I'm thinking of getting two different pickups is:
a) My budget will only stretch to one at a time (probably bridge first)
b) Also I use my Bridge and Neck for very different applications. I hardly use the Neck pickup for any overdriven solos so clean tones are important. And I hardly use the bridge fully clean so I want creamy lower midrange for that thick overdrive sound. I'll probably want an alnico 5 in the bridge and a 4 in the neck. Is there anything like an Emerald and a Black Dog put together (bridge pickup)?
Also the most "brutal" thing I play is probably things Jack White/The Black Keys. So I don't do shredding or chugging but I do do old school Fuzz. Keep in mind that I run through a Fender Hotrod Deluxe so I may need something meaty but still classic/traditional-ish
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I think that you need a Holydiver set!
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I think that you need a Holydiver set!
Reasons? Personally I want a vintage Hotrod sound that can go well with overdrive/fuzz (for the bridge pickup) and a nice clean sound for the neck that can handle a little overdrive with clarity and no excessive mud. So I think the mule is going to be good for the neck pickup. But the bridge pickups I'm interested in are: Black Dog and maybe Abraxas. I think I'm getting close to a decision :D
But as for the neck pickup, I really don't know. I'm not very good at hearing the differences between them, but I think a Mule, Abraxas, Black dog, Emerald, Stormy Monday... There's so many and I can't chose without help when it comes to the neck pickup
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I've had the Mule neck and currently use the Abraxas neck - the Mule neck is warm, but can be a little muddy on the low strings (as AIV PAFs tend to be in this position).
The Abraxas neck is AV and is a little brighter which helps it 'cut' and is nice and clear in the neck - no mud.
The great thing about the Abraxas neck is that if you WANT it to sound like the Mule neck (a bit warmer), just roll the tone back a little - job done.
imo, the Abraxas set is the most underrated and complete set BKP make - can cover LOTS of tonal ground with these.
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I've had the Mule neck and currently use the Abraxas neck - the Mule neck is warm, but can be a little muddy on the low strings (as AIV PAFs tend to be in this position).
The Abraxas neck is AV and is a little brighter which helps it 'cut' and is nice and clear in the neck - no mud.
The great thing about the Abraxas neck is that if you WANT it to sound like the Mule neck (a bit warmer), just roll the tone back a little - job done.
imo, the Abraxas set is the most underrated and complete set BKP make - can cover LOTS of tonal ground with these.
Hmm so would you say that the Abraxas in the neck sounds like a Mule but clearer and hotter? That sounds good. I've always wanted a neck humbucker without the "Waffles" and a bridge humbucker without the sharp and loud icepick. Does anybody know what pickup of end up with if I got the bridge Black Dog and rolled off some of the Mids a tad? Because it sounds a little piercing sometimes from what I can hear in the sound samples. And the only thing I have with the Bridge Abraxas bridge is that it sounds a little too "opaque". I know this adds to the thickness of tone when driven but is there anything a bit more "pliable" and "spongey" without losing the attack? A mix between the two pickups for the bridge would be awesome!
And still need neck pickup advice, I want a warm but clear tone, even single coil-y, but with enough power to cut through the mix and provide nice bell sounds up at the 12th fret
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I have never found mids to be piercing! I still think that the Holydiver set would suit you, the neck pickup is superb, and no piercing from the bridge pup.
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I just replaced a holy diver with a black dog a couple days ago
the black dog is a lot warmer and less in-your-face sounding
the holy diver was definitely tighter, more aggressive, crunchier, middier, louder and had more high end
the black dog is covered, though, the diver has open coils
boosted, they can sound similar with a small adjust (I use an equalizer), but without the boost they sound very different
if the diver sounded like Cantrell, like I always mention, the dog sounds like Thayil
wasn't impressed at first, but it's growing on me every time I play it
let's see if it will handle the band as well as the others did (this guitar had half a dozen higher output sets)
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I just replaced a holy diver with a black dog a couple days ago
the black dog is a lot warmer and less in-your-face sounding
the holy diver was definitely tighter, more aggressive, crunchier, middier, louder and had more high end
the black dog is covered, though, the diver has open coils
boosted, they can sound similar with a small adjust (I use an equalizer), but without the boost they sound very different
if the diver sounded like Cantrell, like I always mention, the dog sounds like Thayil
wasn't impressed at first, but it's growing on me every time I play it
let's see if it will handle the band as well as the others did (this guitar had half a dozen higher output sets)
Did you replace a neck or a bridge? What was the difference in high end? Was the black dog smoother in the high end? Does the Holy Diver sound vintage? Because the description says that it's a modern sort of sound but "Celebrating the 80's"? To be honest I'm starting to get a feel for the Abraxas set now. The bridge sounds nice and powerful but the neck sounds tame enough
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Please share your opinions on what I'm about to say.
My opinions so far:
Black Dog- My original choice; Rather chimey, but possibly a little too middy. Does deliver nice vintage sound and enough power. Sounds great clean too. Sounds biting, possibly too bright? Would be nice with the upper mids to be shifted into lower mids I think.
Abraxas- Strong bridge pickup means a lot of possibilities in terms of gain, nice smooth mids and nice neck pickup too. Does what a bridge humbucker should.
Emerald- Fantastic sounding bridge pickup, great vintage tone but not quite enough mids. Sounds like no icepick would occur ever
Neck pickups- Don't really have a clue... Need a clear, cutting, non-muddy, but no icepick. Can still retain shape with drive.
Oh and for the middle single coils lm considering the Sinner. Sounds thick and warm to keep up with the Humbuckers but still single coil-y. Not too bright.
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Did you replace a neck or a bridge? What was the difference in high end? Was the black dog smoother in the high end? Does the Holy Diver sound vintage? Because the description says that it's a modern sort of sound but "Celebrating the 80's"?
bridge
yes, the black dog is smoother
the diver is hotter and more modern sounding, but with some 80's feel (well, most of the "modern" famous humbuckers were released in the 80's)
think Doug Aldrich
Black Dog- My original choice; Rather chimey, but possibly a little too middy. Does deliver nice vintage sound and enough power. Sounds great clean too. Sounds biting, possibly too bright? Would be nice with the upper mids to be shifted into lower mids I think.
the dog sounds considerably darker than the holy diver in my guitar
less treble, equivalent amount of midrange, I think, smoother picking attack
compared to the riff raff (that I can't make an accurate comparison, since I had it in different guitars), feels a lot more middy and compressed, but still open sounding
sounds biting with a boost, but it's quite tamed without it, even though it has a decent sustain
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I have the idea this is going to a calibated Abraxas-set, maybe with an AV neck.
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Ok cool thanks Eric, that helps. Good to know it's tame enough and not really that bright. And @Telerocker, well I am interested in the Abraxas and Black Dog... For bridge anyway. Those are really the ONLY two I'm considering for bridge now. But I think from here I can sort that out for myself. But what about the Neck? I need help in that area as my ear for neck pickups isn't as good... And if I decide to get a sinner for my middle single coil, should I stick to a middle position sinner? And I'm trying to play dress up a little and decide what the pickup scheme should look like. My guitar is n RG370DXBK (Black with sharp horns) and I'm trying to decide what would suit it. I guess that part is pretty fun though although it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that too :D
Thanks a lot guys, would be clueless without you :)
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These are the notes I've been taking concerning my pickup choices (The "captions" refer to the neck pickup versions).
Bare Knuckle Pickups
The Mule - Neck (Single coil-y sound, but warm and transparent)
Emerald - Neck (Neck has Clear, bright definition like an acoustic guitar)
Abraxas - Bridge* & Neck (Neck has good but thick/opaque note definition. Most powerful)
Black Dog - Bridge* & Neck (Neck is warm but has good note definition in upper range. Slightly mellower than Riff Raff)
Riff Raff - Neck (Good clean note definition but with more warmth than the Emerald)
Do you agree with these observations? Would you like to add anything? Eg "The order of neck pickups out of the list in order of warmness/note definition goes as follows:"
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Every time I read this thread I can't help thinking of a Calibrated Abraxas set.
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Or calibrated Black Dog!!
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Black Dog would be my choice. The Holy Diver I feel excels more at higher gain.
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the Abraxas neck is brighter than the Mule or Crawler neck pickups and isn't very hot either - mine is around 7.6k I recall, its quite bright which makes for a very clear and unmuddy neck humbucker.
if you roll down the tone, its just like a Mule - fat and warm.
the Abraxas set has it all - love the neck AND bridge, they do everything VERY well.
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Yes I am thinking a lot about the Abraxas and Black Dog. And I'm not really considering the Holy Diver. I've decided that I'm going for an Abraxas in the bridge, but I still need a warm and clear pickup in the neck for my gentler stuff. I feel the Abraxas would work best with overdrive but my favourite clean tones for the neck pickups would have to to be the Emerald for the brighter sound, but overall I like the Black Dog and Mule for their warm and balanced character. I think the Black Dog definitely sounds more humbuckery but the Mule sounds more transparent and glassy kinda like a single coil? What do you think... I mostly use my neck pickup for cleaner stuff, but maybe that's because my current ones don't have enough bite to handle much else... Name your favourite clean neck humbucker that can also handle some gain and explain why. That would be really helpful! Thanks guys
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here's my Abraxas set clean through an AC30 I modded... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYzVdtZuYU
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here's my Abraxas set clean through an AC30 I modded... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYzVdtZuYU
Mmm that's nice! I like how it's solid but pretty warm too... However. I would prefer a neck pickup with a leeetle bit less bite and more warmth, but still enough of an edge to keep final definition. Any suggestions on that? Great video though!
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here's my Abraxas set clean through an AC30 I modded... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYzVdtZuYU
Mmm that's nice! I like how it's solid but pretty warm too... However. I would prefer a neck pickup with a leeetle bit less bite and more warmth, but still enough of an edge to keep final definition. Any suggestions on that? Great video though!
If you want less bite, turn the tone down on the guitar - I've had the Mule and Crawler neck humbuckers and the Abraxas neck sounds just like these if you turn the tone down on the guitar to around 5-7.
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here's my Abraxas set clean through an AC30 I modded... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYzVdtZuYU
Mmm that's nice! I like how it's solid but pretty warm too... However. I would prefer a neck pickup with a leeetle bit less bite and more warmth, but still enough of an edge to keep final definition. Any suggestions on that? Great video though!
If you want less bite, turn the tone down on the guitar - I've had the Mule and Crawler neck humbuckers and the Abraxas neck sounds just like these if you turn the tone down on the guitar to around 5-7.
What if I want a warmer tone? Without having to muddy it up with the tone knob? Don't get me wrong, I think the Abraxas sound awesome in both variations, but I'm looking for other options as well. I like the Black Dog too... Any opinions on that?
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I've just listened to a guitar with a Pearly Gate in the neck. It sounded really nice and chimey up at the 12th fret. What BK pickup can make this sound? A nice full, chimey sound in the neck? That would be perfect
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The Pearly Gates are AII, so Stormy Mondays are AII, you will get much the same results with AIV Mule or Abraxas.
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I would stick to a calibrated Abraxas-set. The inbetween-position will be balanced too. I think this set is best of both worlds: vintagecharacter with some balls and a balanced eq.
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here's my Abraxas set clean through an AC30 I modded... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYzVdtZuYU
Mmm that's nice! I like how it's solid but pretty warm too... However. I would prefer a neck pickup with a leeetle bit less bite and more warmth, but still enough of an edge to keep final definition. Any suggestions on that? Great video though!
If you want less bite, turn the tone down on the guitar - I've had the Mule and Crawler neck humbuckers and the Abraxas neck sounds just like these if you turn the tone down on the guitar to around 5-7.
What if I want a warmer tone? Without having to muddy it up with the tone knob? Don't get me wrong, I think the Abraxas sound awesome in both variations, but I'm looking for other options as well. I like the Black Dog too... Any opinions on that?
Your tone knob shouldn't muddy your tone - mine don't. If you have good caps installed, the top end should just smooth off very evenly and musically. Cheap caps give that muddy tone - do yourself a favour, get some decent caps so your tone pots are useful.
To be fair, I don't think there is anything else similar in the BKP range to the Abraxas neck - I'm sure its the only alnico 4 PAF type wound with 43AWG plain enamel. Closest is the Mule neck, but that is 42AWG and I found it a little too muddy on wound strings.
The Abraxas is perfect as it can be biting in the neck position, but by rolling back your tone pot is can be fat and creamy too.
I'll do a youtube clip showing this once I get a chance.
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Choosing pickups is bloody hard. I've had two sets from Bareknuckle now and I go through the tortures of hell every time yet I know where the big problem lies - I overthink it. The problem is that the more I overthink it, the harder the decision becomes because I get bogged down in tiny differences when I should just get on with it. I mention this because I get the impression the same thing is starting to happen to you and believe me, I do sympathise.
You've found the sound you want in the Pearly Gates and you described it as 'perfect' so I guess one option is to buy the Pearly Gates. Of course, like me, you know Bareknuckle pickups are better and that being the case, Stormy Mondays and PG Blues are the obvious equivilants, except that it's never that simple. What people are telling you about the Mules and Abraxas is absolutely true and as evidence I will quote Tim:
"Alnico IV is probably the best vintage tone IMHO(for humbuckers) and along with II and III was used in the earliest PAFs-this is a fact and not myth as we've had them analysed and a collegue of mine has also seen original Gibson purchase orders that clearly state AIV bar stock being purchased.The tone of AIV is balanced and extremely organic, it produces the most authentic vintage tone and sits better in slightly hotter vintage winds than AII which tends to get very soft in the bass and highs if used incorrectly."
What's more, Tim will practice what he preaches because he uses Alnico IV pickups extensively himself. I've played Mules myself and they are incredible pickups that will serve you very well indeed. It's also clear from the posts here, made by those who know the Abraxas well, that the Abraxas will serve you equally well and possibly more so. The Mules are extremely versatile, going from Blues to Rock/Metal and if the Abraxas is basically a hotter Mule, there is no reason to doubt it will do all that the Mule can and possibly a bit more. They'll both work beautifully and you'll have no complaints. If it was me, I'd go with the Abraxas set because I think they'll give that bit more versatility and I think the EQ suggests they'll be well balanced in your guitar. Hell, I'm saving for a mahogany guitar just to put Mules in it and even I'm thinking that an Abraxas set might be a better option!
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Great feedback guys, especially Slarti for sympathising. Since I have to wait till my birthday in August to treat myself, I have a lot a dreamspace to think things over in. It's becoming clear that the Abraxas are the way to go, it seems that the characteristics in the neck AND bridge suit well and don't sound ~too~ similar.
Now, pickup covers? (Petty me...)
I have an all black guitar with black components. I'm not saying I want it to stay completely black. I kinda want to break away from that metalhead image that people automatically assume when they see my guitar (unfortunately I can't shred on request :/) so some classy covers may be nice. I was thinking of maybe Aged or Brushed nickel?
Oh and if I have a single coil in the middle that splits the Humbuckers when in 2nd and 4th position, do I need a 4 conductor or is a 2 fine?
Thanks for the immense help guys, maybe you could help me decide on a new guitar by referring to the "Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special vs Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet" thread? Looking for a good middleground between the Tele and Ibbie
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Now, pickup covers? (Petty me...)
I have an all black guitar with black components. I'm not saying I want it to stay completely black. I kinda want to break away from that metalhead image that people automatically assume when they see my guitar (unfortunately I can't shred on request :/) so some classy covers may be nice. I was thinking of maybe Aged or Brushed nickel?
Oh and if I have a single coil in the middle that splits the Humbuckers when in 2nd and 4th position, do I need a 4 conductor or is a 2 fine?
Got a pic of the guitar? Will help in choosing the cover. (Note on the side: Covers take a tiny bit of edge off the PU).
And yes, I got that wiring to and I needed 4 conductors. (Got the inner bridge coil + single and the outer neck coil + single)
If Iīm not mistaken you could still order 4, even if not needed and just tape the two unnececery ones together.
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Okay thanks, is the difference with pickup covers very noticeable? Does it sound muted or warmer?
Uh well it's a black Ibanez RG370DXBK
Okay, seems like I'll get a four conductor. Yeah, I think I'll get the same wiring as you. (Neck side of neck pickup + Middle; Middle side of bridge + middle)
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The guitar may be black but what about the hardware? Is it black or chrome?
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Black black black. The blackest guitar you'll ever see
Google it: RG370DXBK (the BK stands for black)
Btw, the only non covered pickup style I'd like is the Zebra
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My guitar has black hardware too and personally, I think that limits you. A gold cover wouldn't work and without anything silver on the hardware, I think any of the silver coloured covers would struggle too. I've never really liked the camo covers so for me, that wouldn't be an option and I remember reading a thread on here about the black covers being prone to peeling problems. That only leaves you with two options; black battleworn and burnt chrome. I think you primarily need to think about how you want the tone. If you want the pickups to remain as tight as possible for that particular model, bearing in mind we're talking about an AIV Abraxas, you need to leave them open poled anyway but if you want to smooth things out more and round off the highs a bit further then go for a cover. I REALLY fancied a cover on mine but I bought them open poled because I think that was best for the model I chose.
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Okay thanks, is the difference with pickup covers very noticeable? Does it sound muted or warmer?
Uh well it's a black Ibanez RG370DXBK
Okay, seems like I'll get a four conductor. Yeah, I think I'll get the same wiring as you. (Neck side of neck pickup + Middle; Middle side of bridge + middle)
Think of the cover choice as more of a optical choice as Tim can negate the audio change with a tweaked wiring (from what Iīve heard round here). A quick note with the order, if that even is nececary, and you should be fine.
So just think what would look good.
The wiring I got I quite nice I think, especially the neck split is great. I actually am not that happy with the bridge split, so I might try the outer coil there too sometime or even just leaving middle and bridge on fully. But with my gear it doesnīt work right now.
Now my neck split is like my neck (very round and soft) with more treble, bite, dirt and in a way more standout singing. Plus a bit single coil twang and sound. Just very, very musical. They say this splitting with the inner coil is more strat like and the outer is more tele and I get what they mean. This split doesnīt seem as hollow, but more full and punchy.
In a way I have like when you have that soft and sweet solo part and then go for the power part (for more agression still I can go for either middle (single coil sound) or the bridge).
Itīs just a lovely variation on the neck sound for me. I combine a Mule neck and a Irish Tour middle in a Ibanez S for some great vintage-y rock and blues stuff.
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I'm not sure that's completely accurate as when I was talking to Tim about an A-Bomb or C-Bomb, he advised me to use a cover on the C-Bomb to tame the highs and round them off a bit but leave it open poled on the A-Bomb to maximise the tightness of the pickup. Clearly Tim felt there was going to be a difference made by adding a cover.
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So should I choose some brighter pickups if I want covers on them? I'm currently settled on Abraxas and for a classic rock tone the covers should be fine right?
Oh and in the middle I'm thinking of perhaps an Irish Tour for my clean stuff
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Don't choose brighter pu's with covers. First: the difference is not that big and Tim compensates in the windings when you go for covers.
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Don't choose brighter pu's with covers. First: the difference is not that big and Tim compensates in the windings when you go for covers.
Ok, so I'll stick to my original choices. What single coil do you recommend in the middle? Mostly will use the middle pickup positions to do my more biting clean tones (but I still want some body and grind behind it). Would an Irish Tour be good?
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The IT is a good choice. If you want fatter mids have a look at the Slowhands.
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The IT certainly has nice cleans with true single coil character. In general a very nice PU. Telerocker said the Slowhands are a good alternative, depending on how you want your single coil character. I like mine to be a little thinner and more biting, so I went with the IT.
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The IT certainly has nice cleans with true single coil character. In general a very nice PU. Telerocker said the Slowhands are a good alternative, depending on how you want your single coil character. I like mine to be a little thinner and more biting, so I went with the IT.
Ok cool, that sounds good to me. I'd like a nice vintage single coil tone.
ALSO: What's the difference in tone between a standard P90 soapbar and a Humbucker-sized P90? Because instead of getting a P90 fitted guitar then swapping it, I'd have a larger selection getting a humbucker guitar then swapping to Himbucker sized P90s. I'm thinking of an Epiphone Les Paul with Humbucker sized P90s...
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Far as I know itīs the same sound. Just different packaging.
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Far as I know itīs the same sound. Just different packaging.
Correct.
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Ok cool. In fact now I'm looking at getting a cheaper Gibson around the $1100 mark. BUT. If I get one of those It would be to swap the pickups to HB sized P90s. But then it would be a shame as I wouldn't know what to do with the standard Gibson pickups. I could putt em into the Ibbie but that would be weird. I could keep them in and change the Ibbie to P90s but that would be even weirder. Ideally I'd get a Gibson upgraded with P90s and upgrade my Ibbie with Humbuckers, but that would be expensive. But THEN I thought "Why not just get a Reverend Sensei 290?" and I was kinda back to square one... I really like the idea of a cheap Gibson though, feels like it would last me forever.
...In fact! What if I got the Sensei 290 and upgrade the Humbuckers on the Ibbie, but at a later date just transfer them into a Cheap Gibson?
Ok ok... My priority is basically a P90 guitar. Then I will be eternity satisfied. (Well not really, but Id be closer to it)
I just can't help but think that my Basswood, hollowed out guitar with a fixed up Floyd rose designed for metal has some serious lack of tone compared to a solid chunk of mahogany with a fixed bridge known as the Gibson Les Paul.
So I have an expensive dilemma to fix until I'm very satisfied
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That is a problem...thought I would be happy to even afford the thoughts you have xD
At least the "that would be weird" part doesnīt bother me too much. I have a Ibanez S 570b that I turned into more of a vintage rock than into a modern metal axe. Why? Just cause it felt right.
But I see your problem, but that is something you just need to figure out. Or you need a sign.
Like when I bought my Ibanez I had looked at a lot of other Floyd Rose 6-Strings over a perioud of several months, but none really stuck. Then I remembered that I tried to win a Ibanez through the band Protest The Hero, one of their guitarists also plays one, and had another look at it and there was something there. I went to sleep other it, needing to decide the next morning. Now my alarm clock wakes me with music every day, picking a random song out of nearly 5000. Sure enough, that morning what came on was my favourite song by Protest the Hero and I just knew that it was the right axe for me.
Same with my accoustic Ibanez. First thing that caught my eye when I walked in the store was that Joe Satriani Signature. Held it in hand and it sounded amazing. Couldnīt find a pricetag though and just asumed that it was too good to be affordable for me. Looked around, had other good guitars, but that one stuck with me. Later I asked about that one and learned that it was affordable. I knew that that was the guitar right from the start.
What Iīm trying to say is that I find it important that you feel your choice is right. In the end you got to have a relationship with your instrument and that is something I donīt think can be forced. I have one with all of my guitars. You need that feeling in your gut, that knowing that this is it for you.
Just like I name my guitars at some point. That is usually after a PU switch, when feeling and sound form a unity, a character and I find a name fitting for that special voice and character that only that axe has. But it has to feel right, looking for a name just to have a name doesnīt work for me.
I think youīll know when you know.
Just keep an waying options and if possible trying out and listening to sound clips,...
Thats my way at least. You might work different.^^
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Wow... That's a great answer :D
Well I've always wanted a Les Paul (although it's not "different"). BUT after playing my standard Ibanez clean this morning, I discovered that it sounded great. So it seems that I fall in love with my guitars every time I play them, no matter how quaint they seem when I think about them. I think the pickups change for my Ibbie can wait, I'm actually quite satisfied wig them at the moment. And I'm satisfied with my Fender. The two of them together make it seem like I don't need any new guitars. Are P90s very different to single coils and Humbuckers? The last thing I want is for them to be similar enough to replace one of my guitars... So maybe I should just replace my Teles pickups first? I'm so confused! I LOVE the idea of getting a new guitar, it's like having a new kid. And changing pickups is like growing up with that kid. If I change the Teles pickups, my single coil tone will be absolutely and utterly sorted. If I change my Ibbie's pickups my Humbucker tone will be covered. So what do I need? Possibly a semi-hollow? I guess, but they never really appealed to me somehow. I guess it's obvious, but they dont seem "solid" enough. I like a nice weighty solid guitar because it feels like it's full of tone. So I guess my question is how different is a P90 to the single coils and Humbuckers?
Oh and I think it would be weird because although you have an Ibbie S, I have a jet black aggressive metal styled Axe. So I guess it would be weird to load that with Les Pauls pickups instead of Bareknuckles. I would just love to have a Les Paul in my collection. Hopefully a Gibson too as I would hate to have the feeling of getting a not so good Gibson. At least with Fender the cheaper stuff is still called Fender although they are made in Mexico or elsewhere. I guess I have some serious working out to do. But I have 4 months to think, so it's ok. Still want opinions though!
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I think we do think similar....too similar. I too wish to own a nice Les Paul one day ( well, two, preferably one normal and one custom made with 7 strings and chambering). And I also wish every guitar of mine, with every switch position to have a own flavour.
Also your kid analogy is nice. But I feel like I need to get a kid to be able to handle its own before I get a new one. I only move on to new guitars if I am satisfied with the way the old ones are. Might be me, but when I think like: " Hey my Ibbie doesnīt sound good....oohhh thereīs a semihollow telecaster with P90s..." I first switch the Ibbie pubs, because of my relationship with it and because it might just lay around after buying the new axe, cause I donīt feel it has any use (same reason I donīt want 2 guitars sounding alike).
Plus I so far always after switching PUs felt like I had a new guitar alltogether, like a kid jumping from infant to graduate (not in a sentimental, in a good way), where you wonder how that could have once been the same person.
If you feel ok with what you have go for a new guitar and sort out which that might be.
If youīre not comfortable with what you have, feel like you donīt like to play one of your axes, have it just sitting around cause it sounds bad, but somehow still love it, concider upgrading that one. It could be like teaching your kid how to ride a bike.
Play what you have, really listen and then listen to what your heart says.
Again, my view only.
Btw, your way might have been more extreme, but still I think that this thing in red http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-S570B (http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-S570B) does not exactly scream "classic rock" at you.
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Lol, yeah I guess that guitar is still a modern axe. (Not anymore I'm guessing :D)
But I love the way you described it. You should write an story about my life! ^_^
It makes sense what you said. I still like my first guitar, BUT. It seems like it's overall quality has let it down and even though I've taken good care of it, it's starting to fall to pieces. The neck is warped, the electronics dying, and it feels like it's beyond saving. If it was in better shape I would have considered it making it my beloved Frankenstein haha
This is how I feel about my guitars.
MIA Standard Telecaster: My first properly good guitar that could stand it's own against pro level guitars. May not be super pricey but it's quality is good and it's a true and proper guitar. Love the slab-sidedness of it (although the 3 tone sunburst doesn't really make this feature stand out :/) This guitar SEEMS to be the perfect kid that creates no problems but doesn't seem to have much character because it's just good, it has no real problems.
Ibanez RG370DX: I bought this guitar purely for looks if I'm honest. I didn't expect/want to associate myself with metal music (Not that I dislike it, but people expect me to play it and now how to shred). I was very taken aback in the store when I heard the clean sounds, I really liked it! I thought it would be a one trick pony. But at the time I had Floyd Rose bridges in my things to have in a guitar. Now that I've blocked it up, it's been a LOT easier to live with. I need to raise the action a bit because the strings are buzzing a bit. But everytime I sit down next to it, I want to play it despite knowing that it's shortcomings would affect tone in some way. But I have reverse-placebo effects when I play it. It sounds good and it surprises me that despite all this is sounded nice. The only thing I don't really like is the bridge pickup I suppose. But if I replace one pickup, I may as well replace the others otherwise it may feel incomplete...
Then after that I can turn my attention to building a relationship with my Perfect son/Tele and replace it's pickups (saying that in the same sentence feels weird) Hopefully I can get some nice character out of it. Buying the MIA Tele reminds me of my Dad buying his first Upper-class European car.
What are your opinions on the Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute? It has P90s.
Also, should I upgrade the Ibbie's pickups (all) or upgrade both the Teles and the Bridge PU of the Ibbie (The bridge is the one that doesnt sound as good clean as the others)
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The Gibson Les Paul Tribute 1960 is affordable and has p90's. You could put in some Nantuckets or Supermassives.
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Good idea. But now I have a dilemma! (Not again...)
After more thinking (yes...) I realized that I will never REALLY be satisfied with my Ibbie 370DX, not as my main Humbucker guitar anyway. Maybe it could one day be my soloing guitar with hot pickups.
It's very hard to sell because when I bought it it new it was NZ$1200. But now it's NZ$800 or so... So we could only sell it for about $600 which is practically nothing. The memories of the guitar are worth more than $600.
But I really want a nice Honeyburst Humbucker Les Paul at some stage. But, I can't find a Gibson model that does that. There is the Studio Fade but it's finish is not very classic looking. Doesn't look typical Gibson. So the alternative is still the Les Paul Studio 50s/60s Tribute. NOW.
How big of a sound difference is there between P90s and Humbuckers/Single Coils? If they could sound like Humbuckers, maybe this could be my replacement in some aspects. Just needs replace the pickups perhaps. Then at some point I may make the Ibbie my soloing guitar as I said. I played my Tele and I think it's nice as is. I would probably keep the stock pickups in the Gibson if it were Burstbuckers maybe, but from what I've heard the P90s are too hot to sound authentic.
Main questions:
a) How close can a BKP P90 come to covering Humbucker tones, Classic rock voicing? Clean? (Without losing P90 essence)
b) Which BKP P90 is most vintage voiced? And can handle old school drive while retaining nice cleans too? Needs to compliment a Tele and a soloing superstrat
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P90's have more hum then humbuckers and a clearer voice, but enough fatness to growl. What you describe is the Nantucket, the P90-sound of the old Gibson Les Paul juniors en specials. They will provice good cleans too.
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Okay. So hypothetically I have a single coil, P90, and Humbucker guitar. If I have a vintage voiced P90 guitar and a typical Tele sound with a Modernish Humbucker guitar, would that cover my bases? Could I mistake a P90 for a humbucker? Does a P90 sound more like a humbucker than a single coil? Because if the Gibson becomes my main axe, it should be able to cover a lot I guess. Do you think I'll still be thinking of a humbucker Les Paul if I have a good P90 one? I remember playing on my friend's cheap P90 guitar and it sounded pretty unique and awesome. Had this creamy bell like tone. I want that, but with enough power to carry it through sustained single notes too. So I guess I want a hot vintage P90
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P90's are big fat single coils, that - bec of the bigger magnet - sound way fuller then normal single coils with remained clarity. I love them for classic rock and hardrock, but you can play a lot of styles with P90's. Theu have character and punch. If you can live with a but more hum then hb's have, look at them.
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Okay I think I will then. I'm looking at the Blue Note, Nantucket, and Supermassive. I need a versatile pickup with oomph and some humbucker-ish sounds. Kinda like a P90-Humbucker hybrid sound I guess... Well it needs enough oomph.
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The Supermassives have oomph. They are designed for modern rockguitarists and sound more modern voiced and compressed then the Nantuckets. They have a lot more mids and bass then the more vintagesounding Nantuckets and can handle a lot of preamp gain. The Blue Notes are alnico II and provice softer bass. Great for fusion and jazz, but not what you are looking for. I think the Supermassive are a dynamic alternative for any vintagehot humbucker. Don't forget that the big single coil in a P90 can provide huge massive tones. Bec they sound so open and dynamic, they will impress you. Listen some clips.
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The Supermassives have oomph. They are designed for modern rockguitarists and sound more modern voiced and compressed then the Nantuckets. They have a lot more mids and bass then the more vintagesounding Nantuckets and can handle a lot of preamp gain. The Blue Notes are alnico II and provice softer bass. Great for fusion and jazz, but not what you are looking for. I think the Supermassive are a dynamic alternative for any vintagehot humbucker. Don't forget that the big single coil in a P90 can provide huge massive tones. Bec they sound so open and dynamic, they will impress you. Listen some clips.
I wis they uploaded all pickups with Classic Rock soundclips haha xD
So what do you think of the Nantucket? I guess I want the Abraxas of P90s. Powerful enough with vintage voice. Also what I'm doing now is also looking at second hand Gibsons. I would even mind a Humbucking one, as long as the condition is good and it looks nice. For Humbuckers I'd upgrade to Abraxas. For Single Coils I'll go with Irish Tours. For P90s I'd probably go with a Supermassive, Nantucket, or a Bluenote. How do Nantuckets do with overdrive?
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Nantuckets will drive well. Listen to original version of Bryan Adams 'Run to You'. That's a Les Paul Junior. If you're after something with more hair like Matt Bellamy's sound (Muse) the Supermassive are the best choiche.
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Ok cool. What would sound like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhnUGAPJooU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhnUGAPJooU&feature=related)
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Ok cool. What would sound like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhnUGAPJooU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhnUGAPJooU&feature=related)
ahh, you found PhilX.. :-) For this you need the Nantucket.
watch this: Van Halen Eruption on a 1958 Les Paul Junior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLiD-Rp1E1Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLiD-Rp1E1Q)
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Yes, now I really love the P90 tone! It has the good sides of single and humbucker. (By the way, Phil X is crazy! Lol)
So this is what I've been thinking
Possible things to do:
Get a Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute and upgrade Ibanez to Solo guitar ($1900 + $453 = $2353)
($1900 + ($583) = $2483)
Get Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute, upgrade Tele, and upgrade Ibanez to solo guitar. ($1900) + ($290 + $583 = $873) = $2773
Get Gibson Studio Les Paul 60s Tribute and upgrade pickups. At a later date upgrade the Ibanez to solo guitar. ($1900) + ($300 + $583 = $883) = $2783
These are in NZ dollars
The thing is, I think I'll see my guitars completely differently after the pickup change. They would have world class tone so each would be unique and excel. The Tele would have that great single coil bite and snap with extra juice, the Gibson would have a nice round, creamy tone with definition to go with it, and the Ibanez would be a versatile guitar with extra power in case. The Irish Tour would give it that much more range in tone.
I'll have to see how good the standard P90s are on the Gibson. I do think the standard Fender pickups are true to that Tele tone, hopefully the P90s can do decently too. The Ibbie's pickups arent too bad, but having a Humbucking guitar sorted would be a big relief.
So the real choice is whether to upgrade the Gibson first or the Tele first. I haven't actually played the Gibson yet, hopefully it will sound good stock. I would love to upgrade the Tele. I think I might need time to settle in with the Gibson anyway.
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You told me you like the Ibbie to play, so upgrade that one first.
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You told me you like the Ibbie to play, so upgrade that one first.
Yes , sorry that's what I meant But should I upgrade the Tele or the Gibson first?
Pros about upgrading the...
Tele: Would give me the other end of the spectrum in contrast to the Ibbie. I wouldn't end up with 2 warmer guitars. I've had it longer than I would have the Gibson so a relationship has grown on me. I don't really want to go changing a new guitar
Gibson: I'll end up with a high end guitar with nice pickups, would be a good all rounder
Bleh who am I kidding, I'll upgrade the Tele first. I'll have to let the Gibson grow on me first and if I upgraded it it would be the new teacher's pet by far.
But since this thread is called Classic Rock Conversion (and the Les Paul is what I want to make a Classic Rock machine), would Nantuckets be good for a nice clean tone with a vintage drive sound too? I really like those full bell-like neck pickup tones...
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Yep Nantuckets. And it's a good thought to upgrade the Tele before the Gibson. You have the Ibbie for the heavier tones and the telecaster for everything spanky and bell-like.
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Yep Nantuckets. And it's a good thought to upgrade the Tele before the Gibson. You have the Ibbie for the heavier tones and the telecaster for everything spanky and bell-like.
Good idea thanks. Unfortunately I think I'm sorted, now I won't be doing anymore productive thinking until I get them seeing as everything is sorted out haha xD
But thanks a lot guys
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I wouldn't get ahead of yourself, you haven't even got one set of BKPs and you're already worrying about your second and third, one for a guitar you don't even own yet.
Upgrade your Ibby and then proceed from there
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I wouldn't get ahead of yourself, you haven't even got one set of BKPs and you're already worrying about your second and third, one for a guitar you don't even own yet.
Upgrade your Ibby and then proceed from there
Yes, that's what I keep telling myself. But right now I'm in a position where I'm not doing anything, or going anywhere, so the best thing I could do is find my ideals. I will upgrade my Ibbie first and see if I like it and whether or not I should go ahead with more.
You're right, but I'm a thinker/dreamer and my mind is always ticking so it might as well be about this lol xD
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You're right, but I'm a thinker/dreamer and my mind is always ticking so it might as well be about this lol xD
Oh man I can relate, I think we all can to some extent. There are few things more fun than fantasizing about what pickups to put in a guitar.
I wasn't trying to get you down, just don't lose sight of what's in front of you...