Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: GuitarIv on April 21, 2013, 08:29:18 PM

Title: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on April 21, 2013, 08:29:18 PM
Cheers guys,

I kinda feel like a junky by now. Fact is: I own 2 guitars loaded with Bareknuckles and I had to work quite a while to get the cash to afford em, being a poor student and that all. Yet I find myself already thinking again about ordering my next set. :P

It's not like I don't like the BKPs I own, they are in fact so amazing that I can't understand how anyone could ever go back to using Duncans again (yeah I know tastes differ). That clarity, that character, that everything. I just want more of it, to see how the other models of the range perform, if I'm missing something and I find myself constantly reading through the forum, craving to try out my next set. Am I crazy? Have I developed some kind of new clinical condition? Or is it just the regular G.A.S. that strikes every guitar player once in a while (or every day) to acquire new gear?

(... this reminds me that I want that goddamn 5150 III already... dammed!)

Discuss  :D
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Toe-Knee on April 21, 2013, 08:40:37 PM
I was like this until i exhausted all of the options that interested in me. Then i went onto other brands but i am quickly running out of those too.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on April 21, 2013, 08:56:27 PM
I always think to myself I should spend less time on gear craving and more time on practising, but who wants to be the next Hendrix anyway :P
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: HairyChris on April 21, 2013, 09:53:24 PM
Stupidly I seem to have done the reverse. I use A-Pig 7s for my band rig and they pretty much lock you in if you want any sort of normality when swapping guitars! Oops. Pickup whoring denied!!
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on April 22, 2013, 02:27:09 AM
Cheers guys,

I kinda feel like a junky by now. Fact is: I own 2 guitars loaded with Bareknuckles and I had to work quite a while to get the cash to afford em, being a poor student and that all. Yet I find myself already thinking again about ordering my next set. :P

It's not like I don't like the BKPs I own, they are in fact so amazing that I can't understand how anyone could ever go back to using Duncans again (yeah I know tastes differ). That clarity, that character, that everything. I just want more of it, to see how the other models of the range perform, if I'm missing something and I find myself constantly reading through the forum, craving to try out my next set. Am I crazy? Have I developed some kind of new clinical condition? Or is it just the regular G.A.S. that strikes every guitar player once in a while (or every day) to acquire new gear?

(... this reminds me that I want that goddamn 5150 III already... dammed!)

Discuss  :D

If there is then you, my friend, have it bad.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Telerocker on April 22, 2013, 02:13:23 PM
I've BKP'd (nearly) all my guitars. I've restricted myself to my current collection, but it's tempting to buy other guitars and BKP them. Nantuckets and Abraxas are on my wishlist.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on April 22, 2013, 03:55:38 PM
I can't be the only one? Common were are the addicts? ^^
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Philly Q on April 22, 2013, 05:23:14 PM
I think it's just a specialised form of GAS, you can go into remission but it flares up from time to time. 

If I'm thinking about buying pickups, I'd certainly consider BKP first for humbuckers, P-90s, Strat or Tele pickups.  But there are things they don't make, like minibuckers, Gretsch types and hum-cancelling "single-coils".  And I don't feel any compulsion to "collect" BKPs.

I'm more addicted to Les Paul Juniors than I am to BKPs.  :P
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: MDV on April 22, 2013, 06:11:54 PM
I've tried a few, for a while.

Some of the slightly older regulars might note what an understatement that is.

I used EMGs before them, and I'm using EMGs (mainly) again now. *shrug*
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on April 22, 2013, 07:17:30 PM
How come you ended up liking EMGs more, MDV?
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on April 22, 2013, 11:14:25 PM
How come you ended up liking EMGs more, MDV?

Uh oh, there goes the BKP addiction...

 :lol:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: MDV on April 23, 2013, 09:27:23 PM
I never disliked them at any time for a start (just to be clear on that one, in case). EMGs have a tight, controlled percussive low end that lacks murk or woolliness, and generally more extended top that retains clarity in low tunings, especially in palm mutes. EMGs beat BKs in that regard for me. I play in drop A# most of the time and often round 250-260bpm, and was always flipping between BKs, none quite 'there'. EMGs do that superbly. And, I like their ultra-aggressive 'family sound' (always have).

Anywho, though I've made no secret of this, it seems in somewhat poor taste for me to go on about the various ways I think EMGs are better than BKs in the BK forum, so I'll leave it at that.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Kiichi on April 23, 2013, 10:16:34 PM
Well to each their own MDV, I think we all very much respect that. Iīve seen you helping a lot around here which is testemony to you liking BKPs. If EMGs in the end are better for most of the stuff you do in your ears that is quite fine.
One thing I really love about this forum is that other manufacturers are not put down here. In other places you get bashed for liking something, here it is "Well I found it...which made it sound rather horrible to my ears, but people like....get it to work beautifully" at worst basecally. We do love BKPs, but respect that not all ears are equal and that different things work for different folks.

After all we often ask "What do you dislike about your current PU?" cause sometimes people just wanne change cause they hear BKPs are better although they are perfectly happy with what they have.

I too am somewhat of a BKP addict (I need many more guitars so I can get more and try them all) and playing many different styles (horribly I must add) does not help that. I will only be satisfied when I own the entire range I suppose.
Yet even though I can rave on about the qualitys of BKPs for hours and tell you that they really let me sing through my axe I will still always openly admit that I also absolutly love the Dimarzio Liquifire / Crunchlab combo I got in my Dean Vendetta 7 String. Might be that it was my first guitar ever, but to this day it just does something...canīt get it with any BKP I have tried to far.

And that is the beauty of it. For that guitar those PUs just seem perfect to me. Maybe some BKP might end up being better in there, but I am so happy that I will not even attempt a change. I found a match and I will stick with it.
Just like the IT middle and RY bridge will never come out of my Ibbie S series. The mule neck I am not 100% convinced yet on though, brilliant PU, but maybe only 80% the right axe.


Anyhow, that was my little ramble. In the end it is all about respecting each other and each others tastes. And never be fooled by anyone saying something is amazing. Take it as a hint and hear for yourself, cause that is all that matters in the end.






But seriously f*ck you if you donīt like the RY bridge!
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Philly Q on April 23, 2013, 10:46:57 PM
But seriously f*ck you if you donīt like the RY bridge!

I don't like it!  :P

Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on April 24, 2013, 08:29:52 AM
How come you ended up liking EMGs more, MDV?

Uh oh, there goes the BKP addiction...

 :lol:

Nah mate, I can't stand EMGs, I just wanted to know why MDV likes them so much since I kinda think of him as a BKP veteran :P
Well there thanks for the clarification MDV! :)

Kiichi: I think you have a very valid point. One doesn't necessarily need to dislike other brands and as I said earlier, tastes differ. Lot's of killer players out there who love their Duncans/Dimarzios/EMGs/Laces etc., if there was no BKP I'd happily fall back to using Duncans again. It's just that BKP has opened up a whole new world of sound to me and that's what makes me love them soo much :)
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on April 24, 2013, 01:35:22 PM
But seriously f*ck you if you donīt like the RY bridge!

I don't like it!  :P



There's one in every crowd...
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Philly Q on April 24, 2013, 02:00:47 PM
 :lol:

I did like the RY when I first got it, and certainly there was a massive difference from the Gibson 498T it replaced.  But ultimately I think it was just too "modern" sounding for me, I'm more of a vintage/vintage hot sort of chap (although I do like the Cold Sweat, is that modern....?)
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on April 24, 2013, 02:34:55 PM
:lol:

I did like the RY when I first got it, and certainly there was a massive difference from the Gibson 498T it replaced.  But ultimately I think it was just too "modern" sounding for me, I'm more of a vintage/vintage hot sort of chap (although I do like the Cold Sweat, is that modern....?)

Technically yes, actually.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Telerocker on April 24, 2013, 11:37:39 PM
I see the Cold Sweat as a youngtimer, like the Mercedesses from the late eighties, early nineties. Also very collectible.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Brow on April 25, 2013, 01:27:34 PM
The Rebel Yells were the 1st BKPs I owned that I didn't gel with pretty much instantly.

There was always something a bit wrong with the sound of them to my ears and I've been on the verge of swapping them out a few times. I've just put the guitar they're in, Japanese Tokai Love Rock, in Eb tuning and strung it with 11s and the RYs are pretty much perfect for me now. They're bright enough to cut through a band, but not too bright like they were in standard, and just seem to work in a slightly lower tuning.

As for BKP addiction I have 17 guitars: 15 with BKPs, 1 (2 if I win something I'm looking at) with Dimarzios and 1 with Seymour Duncans.

Although saying that I'm pretty sure going forwards that any new guitars I get won't be getting BKPs as apart from the Emeralds I've got all the models that appeal to me. BKP looks to be going into more of a 'modern/alternative' direction with the extended range guitars and pickups, which is cool if you're into that stuff and that style of instrument but as I'm not, I'll have to find alternatives.

But all my guitars that currently have BKPs will ALWAYS have BKPs in them as I've found 15 or so sets that really work for me  :lol:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Philly Q on April 25, 2013, 01:53:18 PM
The Rebel Yells were the 1st BKPs I owned that I didn't gel with pretty much instantly.

There was always something a bit wrong with the sound of them to my ears and I've been on the verge of swapping them out a few times. I've not put the guitar they're in, Japanese Tokai Love Rock, in Eb tuning and strung it with 11s and the RYs are pretty much perfect for me now. They're bright enough to cut through a band, but not too bright like they were in standard, and just seem to work in a slightly lower tuning.

That makes sense - I can imagine their lack of bassiness would work well with a lower tuning, to stop it getting too boomy.

That's a decent collection of BKPs you have, I'm nowhere near 15 sets!  :D   There are probably 7 or 8 of the humbucker sets I'd like (most of the Contemporary models don't appeal).  I'd certainly like to try some of the Tele and Strat sets.  I'd also like to try most of the P-90s, but that probably won't happen as I'm really not unhappy with the P-90s on my Gibsons and I'm not inclined to mess with them.  I might put a Nantucket on one of my Japanese Juniors.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on April 25, 2013, 02:25:17 PM
The Rebel Yells were the 1st BKPs I owned that I didn't gel with pretty much instantly.

There was always something a bit wrong with the sound of them to my ears and I've been on the verge of swapping them out a few times. I've not put the guitar they're in, Japanese Tokai Love Rock, in Eb tuning and strung it with 11s and the RYs are pretty much perfect for me now. They're bright enough to cut through a band, but not too bright like they were in standard, and just seem to work in a slightly lower tuning.

As for BKP addiction I have 17 guitars: 15 with BKPs, 1 (2 if I win something I'm looking at) with Dimarzios and 1 with Seymour Duncans.

Although saying that I'm pretty sure going forwards that any new guitars I get won't be getting BKPs as apart from the Emeralds I've got all the models that appeal to me. BKP looks to be going into more of a 'modern/alternative' direction with the extended range guitars and pickups, which is cool if you're into that stuff and that style of instrument but as I'm not, I'll have to find alternatives.

But all my guitars that currently have BKPs will ALWAYS have BKPs in them as I've found 15 or so sets that really work for me  :lol:

Hmm, interesting. I also play mainly in Eb with my RY's
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Toe-Knee on April 25, 2013, 04:48:20 PM

 1 (2 if I win something I'm looking at) with Dimarzios



:D
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Brow on April 25, 2013, 05:22:42 PM

 1 (2 if I win something I'm looking at) with Dimarzios



:D

Its your fault, git!!!  :lol:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: MDV on April 26, 2013, 07:27:38 PM
Eb as a 'lower tuning'

:lol:

Sorry, carry on.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Brow on April 27, 2013, 12:35:13 AM
Eb as a 'lower tuning'

:lol:

Sorry, carry on.

There are still a few of us around that play in or around standard tuning you know   :wink: :lol:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Philly Q on April 27, 2013, 10:22:44 AM
Eb as a 'lower tuning'

:lol:

Sorry, carry on.

Yeah, alright Mr Big Balls.  Slightly lower tuning.  :P

I wonder if anyone's ever tried marketing drop-tuned Extreme Metal as a laxative?
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Ian Price on April 27, 2013, 12:39:29 PM
I wonder if anyone's ever tried marketing drop-tuned Extreme Metal as a laxative?

'Sh!t music' would be an appropriate advertising slogan.  :lol:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on May 07, 2013, 07:45:47 PM
Getting a Miracle Man with Trilogy Suites next for a Basswood guitar... although I'm a bit put of by the EQ Curve (not enough cut blabla) I still heard only good things about it. I hope this will be my last BKP purchase for a longer period of time  :oops:
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on May 07, 2013, 07:46:40 PM
And I'm still GASing for Mules and Emeralds...
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Toe-Knee on May 07, 2013, 07:53:58 PM
Getting a Miracle Man with Trilogy Suites next for a Basswood guitar... although I'm a bit put of by the EQ Curve (not enough cut blabla) I still heard only good things about it. I hope this will be my last BKP purchase for a longer period of time  :oops:

The miracle man is incredible in basswood. Don't worry about it not cutting you wont have any problems there. Unless you were meaning the Trilogy i have no experience with that.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on May 07, 2013, 08:35:13 PM
Been talkin about the MM in deed, thanks mate, I trust your opinion! :)
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: Kiichi on May 07, 2013, 10:01:30 PM
The only thing I ever heard about the MM not cutting is the fear of it not doing so. In the same way people thing it is scooped, which it is not, center and high mids are normal (they are very much there), but the low mids and highs are more pronounced, which gives it that great sound for chugs and cut while not being scooped at all.
Well, that is what I gather at least. Man I have been here too long maybe...

Last purchose for some time? Good like with that xD
Thought similary after my last ones, now I have an order for a manhattan neck and a combo of a Supermassive neck and stockholm bridge out. And yes, I will do a review.
Title: Re: Does something like a BKP addiction exist? Or is it just regular G.A.S.?
Post by: GuitarIv on May 09, 2013, 09:24:14 PM
Well, can't wait now to get myself a Miracle Man  :lol: