Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Plexi Ken on January 09, 2010, 02:55:13 PM
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As alluded to in Twinfan's thread, after several years of indecision, I'm upgrading my Baja Telecaster. What pickup to choose was a tough one but since I'm mainly a fan of '50s & '60s music, I favour vintage output pickups. So it was a toss-up between '55 Blackguard, Country Boy and Yardbird. And what came in the post yesterday...
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Nice one Ken . :)
If I had B.K.P'd my Baja, I would have leant towards the Country Boys. I'm looking forward to your review of those lovelies !
Are you leaving the 5 way pickup switching in, or tempted to install a traditional heavier duty 3 way control panel - such as the Callaham ?
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Aha! :D
For me, it was a toss-up between Country Boys and Blackguard 50s for my Baja... and the latter won.
I'm very happy with the BG-50s in mine, but I'll be very interested find out how the CBs go for you - I have Yardbirds in a MIJ Custom and another set of BG-50s in a CIJ 52, and I do find myself wondering whether the CBs should've found their way into the second one...
Nice one :D
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Great stuff- I look forward to the review.
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Thanks guys, not sure when I'll get round to fitting them. Unfortunately I can be dreadfully slow at times but hopefully I'll find some space tomorrow :) (I've taken weeks in the past :oops:)
I have thought about a new control plate, it's all a bit flimsy especially the volume with s1 switch but I have no plans presently. I will replace the bridge and saddles... more information to come when I get them :wink:
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... and they're in :D
This is tough as I find it very difficult to describe small changes in sound. The overall sound change isn't huge, the Baja's stock CS pickups are above average, so things were never going to be night & day. The first thing that strikes me, I was expecting a drastic drop in output (due in part to the AIII magnets) and was prepared for a weaker (but warmer) sound. Not the case, I find the CB's to be only slightly less aggressive than the pickups they replace. This maybe down to 'feel' rather that 'measurable' output. Some folks might be put-off by the name, any idea that the CB's are wimpy is totally wrong.
The CB's are sweeter and have a 'roundness' in them that just shouts '50s Telecaster. It also takes a little edge off the 'ice pick', not removing it (that would mean it wasn't a Tele any more). It's like it smooths it, making it more pleasant :) You could play any style of music with this set bar Heavy Metal.
The neck is interesting, the 'Twister Tele' that it replace has gained a reputation for one of the best Tele neck pickups (one went on ebay for £60 the other month) and being very strat-like. Well IMO the CB neck is quite similar (as with the other position) but sweeter and warmer. Those who think Tele neck sound terrible should try one of these.
I've currently got both pickups at 3/32 treble and 1/8 bass, which I think is Fender's recommended settings. Not sure if I'll experiment as they sound good at this setting, all advice welcome.
The poles on the bridge are flat. I've only played though my Cornell Plexi 7 so far.
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nice review! 38th always said Country Boys can deliver the rock goods when they needed to
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Yep, nice review, and quicker than I was expecting! :D
I've heard that about the Twisted Tele in the Bajas as well - but I much prefer the BKP necks I've tried (both the Blackguard and the Yardbird) to it.
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Thanks for that very interesting review Ken ; It was kind of good news in both directions, being a fellow Baja owner. It still makes me think that if I did B.K.P that guitar, the Country Boys would still fit the bill.
Cheers ! :)
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Great review!
I've currently got both pickups at 3/32 treble and 1/8 bass, which I think is Fender's recommended settings. Not sure if I'll experiment as they sound good at this setting, all advice welcome.
Good to know, do you know the other height usually recommended for other guitars?
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Nice review. Maybe I should get me another tele, though as a BG52 user (old BG50- set) I'm more drawn to the BG50 and the Yardbird.