Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: goldfinger on February 01, 2013, 11:07:35 PM

Title: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 01, 2013, 11:07:35 PM
Hi, I'm new to the forum but thought I'd post my initial reaction having fitted a new set of Mules to my Rainbow Sg Zoot suit (a marmite of an sg if ever there was one!).
I had BK pots fitted (push pull tone to coil split) and a NOS Russian Paper and oil cap. I was going to fit a BK cap but there's was no way it would fit in the small control cavity of this guitar. Feline guitars in Croydon did the work for me and made a lovely tidy job of it, highly recommend them!
The guitar sounds awesome with these pickups and I'm over the moon with the sound. I'll get some recordings posted when I have a spare moment. Here's a pic for now.....
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on February 01, 2013, 11:31:16 PM
Looks great, hope it sounds as good as it looks. What made you go with the BKP engraved covers?
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 02, 2013, 12:03:08 AM
Originally I was going to get multi coloured bobbins and go rainbow crazy but decided against it, engraved pickups was just a way to keep it flashy looking I guess.
It was a tricky choice to find what would suit it looks wise but I'm pleased with result. Most importantly though, it sounds great!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Telerocker on February 02, 2013, 02:07:30 AM
Nice you like them. I play a lot of different styles with Mules. Great pickups.
Thread should be in Users Gallery I think.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 02, 2013, 02:21:21 AM
Wow, that is a remarkable looking SG!  I don't know if I like it or not (sorry!), but it is a bold statement.  Glad you're happy with the Mules.  :D
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 02, 2013, 09:34:53 AM
Ah sorry, if this is in the wrong place, i posted from my phone....always a potential c--k up! Will the mods move it?
@Philly Q -  Ha, no worries...I've had less diplomatic reactions it that that!
I've always had a soft spot for crazy looking guitars, not sure why....maybe it makes up for mediocre playing?!


Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 02, 2013, 09:53:30 AM
@Philly Q -  Ha, no worries...I've had less diplomatic reactions it that that!
I've always had a soft spot for crazy looking guitars, not sure why....maybe it makes up for mediocre playing?!

Ha!  If that was the case I'd have the craziest looking guitar collection ever, instead of my rather conservative hoard of plain jane LP Juniors etc.  :lol:
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: richard on February 02, 2013, 12:25:47 PM
I remember the mixed reactions to the Zoot Suit when it came out but that one looks really good and the engraved pickups look great, a really good match.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 02, 2013, 02:25:00 PM
Thanks, I'm pleased I went chrome rather than anything too crazy.
I was a little confused as to what pickups to go for as I had no reference points of what guitars of this construction sound like, i just new that the 500t and 498r pickups that were in there originally were way too hot for my taste.
I was planning on the Mississippi Queens but after chatting with the Bareknuckle guys the Mules were ordered.
They suit my style and the guitar really well. Loving the both pickup split coil sound at the moment!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: ericsabbath on February 02, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
is it gay that I wanna lick that lollipop?
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: itamar101 on February 02, 2013, 04:24:51 PM
is it gay that I wanna lick that lollipop?

Yes.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Telerocker on February 02, 2013, 05:11:03 PM
I wonder how heavy this SG is. Looks like a heavyweight with all these glued layers.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 02, 2013, 05:53:22 PM
It's definitely heavier than a standard sg but it's not a crazy back breaker. The nice thing about the slightly heavier than normal body is that the guitar balances perfectly rather than having the neck trying to point to the ground all the time.
I've never weighed it but it feel similar in weight to my Mexican Fender Cabronita (bin gay colour scheme!).
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 02, 2013, 06:11:57 PM
What's it made of, laminated birch was it?  I guess there's almost as much glue as wood, so no idea what effect that has on tone.

I imagine the neck must be very rigid and stable, though.  No dead spots!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: 38thBeatle on February 02, 2013, 07:13:01 PM
Well I think it looks kind of groovy. Not one I'd pick but but I can see the appeal. I am glad that you have got the tone you are after.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: ericsabbath on February 03, 2013, 01:48:08 AM
is it gay that I wanna lick that lollipop?

Yes.

:(

lsd flavour is my favorite
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: blue on February 03, 2013, 03:13:38 AM
i really like the Zoot suit guitars, they appeal to me a lot.  never actually seen one in person though.  i see they've done a zoot Les Paul now too.

lovely looking guitar, and i'm glad you're loving the Mules
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 03, 2013, 09:15:59 AM
What's it made of, laminated birch was it?  I guess there's almost as much glue as wood, so no idea what effect that has on tone.

I imagine the neck must be very rigid and stable, though.  No dead spots!

Yup, it's all laminated birch. I find it difficult to describe the tone of guitars, but i if it I was playing it blindfolded I don't think I'd hear much difference between this and any other similarly equipped solid wood body guitar of an equal weight. I'd say there's a bit brightness to the tone and it sustains for a pretty long time, I guess that due to the density of the body?
You're right about the neck, it's never moved or needed adjustment since It left the shop!

@blue I'd really recommend checking one of these or the Les Paul model out. The negative comments about these aren't justified (unless you don't like the look, which is fair enough) and generally come from people who haven't played one.
Not sure what pickups they're running in the new LP versions but I hope it's something a little less hot than the 500t and 498r as I don't think they're the best choice for potential users of these guitars.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: richard on February 03, 2013, 04:45:17 PM
Just looked at some pics of the Zoot Suit Les Paul. I think the more symmetrical nature of the SG lends itself far better to this design than the LP shape.  I don't like the look of the LPs.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: BigB on February 03, 2013, 06:37:15 PM
(...)
Yup, it's all laminated birch.
(...)
@blue I'd really recommend checking one of these or the Les Paul model out.

 The negative comments about these aren't justified (unless you don't like the look, which is fair enough) and generally come from people who haven't played one.
[/quote]

Well, part of the negativity may come from the fact these guitars are not made "the right way" with "the right woods" - and indeed, if you're looking for the canonical LP or SG then you want mahogany (+maple cap for the LP), not laminated birchwood, but then you shouldn't even consider these birchwood models  :lol:.  I never played a Zoot Suit (nor even saw one IRL), I don't think I'd buy one (they are, well, a bit too flashy to my taste), but if I could tried one I would at least judge it on it's own merits (or lack of), not based on what I'd expect from a canonical SG / LP, and FWIW I'd be curious to find out by myself how a laminated birchwood solid body can sound and react.

Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 03, 2013, 08:19:50 PM
That's pretty much spot.
I think maybe there's a fear that a company with a rich heritage like Gibson has gone crazy or is ripping people off by trying to sell laminates or robot guitars or a plexiglass guitar etc etc.  I'll never understand it as there will always be a classic LP or SG.
Hate the way it looks - fair enough. Hate the entire concept before experiencing it - Wrong.
Even though i do have a soft spot for 'crazy' guitars my other favourite guitars are pretty standard, teles and 335. I did have a pink paisley Strat and a Dano Longhorn, both purchased solely on looks!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 03, 2013, 11:01:52 PM
I wouldn't say Gibson are ripping people off, I just think a lot of their "new" ideas are misguided.  I can't imagine there's any real demand for the robot guitars.  And as for the Firebird X....  :|

But I'm no Gibson hater.  Most of my own favourite guitars are Gibsons!

Even though i do have a soft spot for 'crazy' guitars my other favourite guitars are pretty standard, teles and 335. I did have a pink paisley Strat and a Dano Longhorn, both purchased solely on looks!

Good job you didn't say pink paisley Tele, a certain occasional visitor to this forum would have gone into meltdown....  :lol:
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 04, 2013, 08:57:54 AM
Good job you didn't say pink paisley Tele, a certain occasional visitor to this forum would have gone into meltdown....  :lol:
[/quote]

Ha, would that be an envious type melt down or hate based?!?!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: gwEm on February 04, 2013, 11:37:55 AM
The engraving works well with the Zoot look as you say. But I'm not sure about plywood guitars(!)
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on February 04, 2013, 11:58:21 AM
Good job you didn't say pink paisley Tele, a certain occasional visitor to this forum would have gone into meltdown....  :lol:

Ha, would that be an envious type melt down or hate based?!?!
[/quote]

We did a lovely refret on one of those last week as well.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 04, 2013, 02:55:41 PM
Ha, would that be an envious type melt down or hate based?!?!

Most definitely hate based!  :lol:
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Cpt_Gonzo on February 04, 2013, 04:52:48 PM
I just noticed how nice everyone here is.

Post that guitar over in any Gibson related forum and people will go nuts.
Actually, they did when I said that I put Holydivers in my Les Paul. How can I even dare to. Pff.

Nice guitar, enjoy it! It's not my taste, but I can appreciate something different and not yet another heritage cherry SG.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: BigB on February 04, 2013, 06:39:12 PM
I just noticed how nice everyone here is.

Yes indeed - we're mostly educated gentlemen here, aren't we ? Hey, we won't even go mad if you post that you replaced your BKs with Gibson or SDs or whatever other inferior brand - we will just feel sad for you :mrgreen:
 
Post that guitar over in any Gibson related forum and people will go nuts.
Actually, they did when I said that I put Holydivers in my Les Paul. How can I even dare to. Pff.

And they were right - holydivers deserve something better than a Les Paul :lol:

sorry couldn't resist...
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 04, 2013, 07:19:44 PM
I just noticed how nice everyone here is.

Post that guitar over in any Gibson related forum and people will go nuts.

I probably did slag it off when Gibson introduced it.   :wink:

But it's different when an actual person comes on the forum and says "here's my guitar", I'm not going to be rude to them.

And in this case, I honestly think that particular guitar in that particular colour scheme looks really cool.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Cpt_Gonzo on February 04, 2013, 07:57:49 PM
Shush you, my Lester is something special, it's the first guitar I've built myself! :P It deserves the best pickups, and only the best!

And no, I wasn't too fond of Gibson releasing them either. That being said, I'm no longer really fond of Gibson at all.
Yep, it does look really cool. Somehow. It's like Claptons SG, it's really cheesy but somehow cool because it is just that. Like hair metal. Cheesy as hell, but that's why I like it :D
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: goldfinger on February 05, 2013, 08:13:38 AM
Ha, would that be an envious type melt down or hate based?!?!

Most definitely hate based!  :lol:

Ha ha, I'm guessing they're a Cure fan with a wardrobe containing clothes that are exclusively black!
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Philly Q on February 05, 2013, 12:43:13 PM
Ha, would that be an envious type melt down or hate based?!?!

Most definitely hate based!  :lol:

Ha ha, I'm guessing they're a Cure fan with a wardrobe containing clothes that are exclusively black!

 :lol: :lol:  Not even close!  I really hope he (Roobubba) reads this.
Title: Re: BareKnuckle Mules Gibson Sg Zoot Suit
Post by: Dave Sloven on December 02, 2013, 09:02:08 AM
One of these Zoot Suit SGs has come up for sale in ebay, and I have to admit I'm sorely tempted by it.

How does the sound compare to your regular SG Standard? What would it sound like with Warpigs?