Author Topic: New pickups wanted, but unsure what to buy. Help appreciated (Read 2123 times)

.50 Caliber Bob · « **on:** May 16, 2006, 04:01:48 PM »

Hi all,
Okay, having played guitar for 4 years now, and having gone through a whole bunch of low/moderate end moddeling stuff, I am fed up! I am in the process of getting a whole new rig, and need a bit of help.
I recently ditched my Line 6 Spider II, bought a lil 5 Watt Epiphone Valve combo, and am in the middle of buying new pedals (I have an Ibanez TS-808, a Boss Compressor, and a Danelectro EQ pedal).

Being a student who graduates this summer, I want to treat myself to a spangly new Fender Strat as a graduating present :) I had my heart set on one of the Deluxe American series, until I heard rave things about BK Pickups. So I am now considering getting a American Series (not deluxe) and swapping out the pickups.

I play mainly classic rock stuff, so need as much versatility as possible, but I really want to be able to get as authentic a Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits tone as I can. Which I presume means getting the Apaches/Sultans. How do these take to overdrive? Everyone agrees they are the dogs b*llocks for cleans. I am a little bit lost in this world of complex decisions, any help at all would be fandabidosy!

Thanks for reading, I know this was a long post!!!

Bob

lifted · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2006, 04:27:05 PM »

Are you going humbucker or single for the bridge? If you go to the players section, page 3 listen to the Apache/vsIrish Tour/vs Mother's milk clips and you can hear the same riffs clean and dirty and filthy. It helped me alot to decide. Also for knopfler, there is a dude named StefanPrice that nails his tone impeccably with Apaches If you go HB for Bridge I would suggest the Mule.

.50 Caliber Bob · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2006, 09:33:56 PM »

Well initially I wanted classic strat style 3 single coils, except I have been thinking and really I am not going to be able to afford another guitar any time soon, so maybe I will need a humbucker in the bridge for versatility.

I mainly play Dire Straits, RHCP, but I also like my slightly harder classic rock, Free, AC/DC, Guns & Roses, the Darkness (not classic rock, but you get the drift).

Looking at the sets I am thinking 2 apaches and a Stormy Monday in the bridge.

Would this be suitable?

lifted · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2006, 04:03:54 AM »

I think You are dead on with that decision, as you probably can't get more Knopfler tan Apaches and Tim said The AlnicoII mag of Stormies nail Slash's tone. Get THEM NOW BEFORE YOU START LISTENING TO CLIPS AND REALIZE THEY ALL SOUND GOOD and can't make up your mind!! :!: :!:

38thBeatle · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2006, 07:40:27 AM »

I used my Strat loaded with Apache's live just about avery week. I don't play heavy stuff so distortion is not used a great deal but I can say that when cranking things up, they are excellent. They retain clarity in terms of notes not being lost in a distorted mush. Very dynamic and I can compare them to stock Fender pups ( I have 2 Strats) favourably. I can't comment on humbuckers sadly as I dont have a h/b guitar.....yet ( Mrs 38th take note- I am deprived!).

Elliot · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2006, 09:22:28 AM »

What type of fretboard - rosewood or maple - if you were going rosewood board i'd get a crawler/mother's milk combo for versatility. If Maple - maybe an A2 Stormy Monday (although I have never heard one) with Apaches.