Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: Boldaslove83 on July 18, 2006, 04:06:19 PM
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So where does it get its name/who's it based off from?
Warren Haynes/Gov't Mule, perhaps?
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Spot on. But it does so much more, its a wonderful pickup that can do any style really.
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+1 I even got it to do a little Slayer these weekend. :? :twisted:
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Ah, thats cool.
So when thinking in playing in that Blues-rock/slide style, with heavy Duane and Warren influence, does the Mule do the job well?
How does it compare to the Gibson Burstbucker?
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i dont like the gibson burst buckers at all, i do like the Mules though..
The gibson BB's have got that open airy tone and smoothness down really well but they're not quite as dynamic or responsive.
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I sold my gibson BB's straight away. they sounded harsh and brittle, i have Mules in the Les Paul now and its a monster. It does the blues rock thang great!
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Ah, thats perfect. Thanks guys. :)
Just a quick question. I honestly dont know a whole lot about pickups themselves, so when it comes to me ordering my own set of the Mule's, what do I want Alnico II or Alnico IV? And whats the difference between the two anyway?
Also, when they say Calibrated Sets, do they just mean with no pickup covers?
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I would go for Alnico IV - they have a sweeter tone. A calibrated set means that the ouput of the neck and bridge pickup are balanced, this way you can use the middle setting on the switch too.
The pickups without covers are 'open coils'.
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Hi,
I have just fitted and tested a calibrated set of nickel covered Alnico IV 'Mules' in my Les Paul Standard. Compared to my previous Alnico II 'Stormy Mondays' (which now live in my S.G.) - I would say they are tighter and more mid focused.
Bear in mind that I like a sweet tone, regardless of volume.
The Alnico IV 'Mules' have brought out more of the creamy quality of the Les Paul, Whereas the Alnico II 'Stormy Mondays' (whilst being good in the Les Paul) - have excelled at letting the thinner S.G. breathe and express it's detail better.
Thanks again to Tim at BKP for his very accurate guidance on that !
I feel it's the slightly clearer/brighter 'Stormy Mondays' for a light bodied guitar such as the S.G. or a narrow hollow body (although I have not experimented with the later) - and the sweet, focused, yet slightly more midrangey Alnico IV 'Mules' for a nice heavy Les paul.
I must say that there is no such thing (in my experience) as a bad or wrong BKP pickup. Just a better one for your guitar weight and playing style.
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From what you say, I should imagine that the the SM's would be great in a semi.
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Yes indeed,
If I had a 'semi' I would fit Stormy Mondays without a doubt. They just sound 'right' for that timbre of guitar.
I would love to hear B.B.King ditch his muddy Gibson 490R and 498Ts and join the BKP club with 'Stormy Mondays' ! :D
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From what you say, I should imagine that the the SM's would be great in a semi.
Having debated about what pickups I was going to put in my 335, I finally put the Riff Raff and mule back into the Les paul and ordered a set of unpotted Stormy Monday's for the 335. Of course in the informal way I order pickups, I am not sure what magnets Tim will use! I usually just tell him the guitar and sound I want and let him do the rest.
I think the Stormy Mondays will be brilliant in it though - Crossroads, I'm going home :wink:
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Hiya Phil,
I am curious as to what reason makes you prefer the unpotted SMs ?
Just so I know for future reference, please confirm what sonic difference un-potted is expected to give.
Thanks !
Regards,
Derek.
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I would go for Alnico IV - they have a sweeter tone. A calibrated set means that the ouput of the neck and bridge pickup are balanced, this way you can use the middle setting on the switch too.
The pickups without covers are 'open coils'.
Alright sounds like im after the Alnico IV's. Thanks guys.
Now about this Calibrated thing, are you saying that without them being Calibrated I cant use the middle position?
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When Tim winds neck and bridge pickups for the various models he winds them so they will sound the best in there separate positions as well as together. Not to say you couldn't use a different neck or bridge model together, they just might not get along as well as the neck and bridge set from the same type. :wink:
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Oh yeah, I would deffiently get a set of the Mule's. Im just not understanding weather not i'll be able to use the in-between/middle position of them without the Calibrated thing.
You know, that Dickey Betts tone. :)
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Calibrated set just means it's a neck Mule and a Bridge Mule as they are wound to work together. At least that's how Tim explained it to me. :D
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Just to say "Amen " to Dave's comments. I have had uncalibrated (Gibson) sets and you could use the middle position position, but you had to put the pickups at dramatically differing heights for uniform volume and tasteful blend in the middle. This was because (apart from them not being BKPs !) the bridge pickup was several thousand Ohms higher impedance and had a much more powerful magnet than the neck.
With my calibrated sets of BKPs the magnets were identical and the impedance of the bridge p/u has been within hundreds of ohms of the neck p/u.
The result is a lovely subtle blend in the middle position and even volume across the three switch postions. All this has been achievable with the neck pickup a mere 0.5 mm lower (from the strings) than the bridge. I also fitted the middle position phase reverse switch mod and it works far better with a matched set.
It's like getting matched output valves for your amp, it is not absolutely essential but certainly sweeter and better. (Of course with the valves they last longer too ) !
Just like a pair of well balanced carburettors on a sweet engine !
Tim IS the business !
Regards,
Derek.
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Hmm, well I want a neck Mule and a bridge Mule for my Les Paul. Both in Alnico IV.
So I want to get a Calibrated Covered Mule set, right?
http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_35&products_id=40
Now what do I do about the spacing and conducter things? Im sorry, im totally a pickup newbie. I mean, I know my brands and what to look for generally, but not when it comes down to all this good stuff. So all help is appreciated. :)
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If you order two pickups at the same time, Tim will calibrate them anyway - he does this so that they give you the best possible performance. If you want 2 the same it's just easier going through the shop to order the "calibrated set"...
At least that's my understanding of it
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Alright, good to know. :)
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If you buy a Mule neck now or later, it will be exactly the same pickup. But a set is cheaper than two humbuckers bought separatly.
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Yes, but if you buy them at the same time, when Tim tests them he can check they are well balanced with each other - scatter winding may mean that they're not the same
I don't really know how it works, or even if it matters whether you buy two at once, just that: BKP for teh win! you get the idea :)
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Hiya Phil,
I am curious as to what reason makes you prefer the unpotted SMs ?
Just so I know for future reference, please confirm what sonic difference un-potted is expected to give.
Thanks !
Regards,
Derek.
Hi Derek, see the following thread, Tim explains it really well.
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4666
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Boldaslove ...
It's 50mm spacing for Gibson type guitars and 52 mm spacing for Fender type guitars. It's just to ensure the indvividual strings pass over the centre of the pole pieces as they leave the bridge saddles.
As for conductor types, the 4 conductor wired pickups would enable you to later buy a switch to put the pickups out of phase with each other, or split one/both into single coils etc. This can be done without cosmetic alteration by getting a tone pot with built in switch from BKP and then when you pull up the tone pot, the switch does the trick with the pickup. Tim can/does send you the wiring schematics in either case.
Unless you want 'special effects' - the standard 2 conductor wiring looks more 'traditional' i.e one thick wire wrapped in braid.
As I said, Tim is always helpful.
P.S.
Phil king ,
Thanks for the link mate !
Regards,
Derek.
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Ok, so I want a set of Calibrated Alnico IV Mules in 2 conducter with 50mm spacing, right?
I dont need or want any of that out of phase/tapping stuff, so im set on the 2 conducter?
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That's the one...now get yo' ass over da shop an' git dem ordered biatch! :drink:
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Yes - those will be the ones, just colour to decide on now.
Bear in mind that in natural light nickel has a slightly yellow hue to it and chrome looks a little blue(ish). They both look the same on the BKP website pictures. Nickle also ages slowly (eventually) giving a vintage look, whereas I have had 30 year old chrome pickups that still look new. So (cosmeticaly) it's nickel for brown/red/yellow/sunburst guitars, and chrome for black/grey/blue bodies etc. The only contradiction is that if (like me) you have brown(ish) guitars and buy nickel, it looks just a little 'out' if the existing bridge and saddles are chrome. If you are going for the uncovered type the choice is perhaps easier/more obvious.
I have a 'honeyburst' Les Paul and mahogany S.G. to which I have fitted 50 mm spaced nickels, so I discovered these things previously.
Regards,
Derek.
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Raw nickel is also great! It will age very quickly. I have a few-month-old Nailbomb in raw nickel and it already looks as if I had been using it for years and never saw a polishing cloth, lol.
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Alright, its good to know im set now. Thanks for all the great help fella's!
As for the color, I was thinking the aged nickel. I really dig that finish. The 'pups would be going into a Goldtop Les Paul, so what do you guys think?
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Just make sure you age the Gold Top to match the pickups. :D
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For some reason Goldtops and bursts look best with aged hardware... but that's just my taste.
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I have aged nickel on my goldtop. They match with the guitar perfectly.
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Peterku, why the name change? :)
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Perfect. :)
Thanks for all the wonderful help so far fella's, I appreciate it.
Now I have one last question.
Since I live over sea's in Minnesota (Maple Grove, MN to be exact), I dont think I have the best access to getting these pickups. I believe theres a shop around here, not too far away, that deals in BKP, but I dont quite remember.
From my understanding, it appears to be the best bet to order straight from Tim, is there any way for me to do that considering where I live? How do I convert American dollars into European? And how much would shipping be, and all that good stuff?
Basically, whats my best option for getting exactly what I want?
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There is a dealer in MN- here is the link ( you will find it on the dealers page):
http://www.solidbodyguitar.com/
Alternatively you have to remember that the prices quoted in £ sterling- (By "European" I assume you mean "Euro" which is a currency that some EU countries have but in the UK we still have £ - no further comment upon that :) )The prices include VAT ( value added tax) which you don't have to pay and so the prices are actually lower.Just get the surrent rate of exchange- easier to use the £ to $ rate as you can then convert the £ price to the $ equiv ( allowing for the VAT of course) but check with BKP's first so that you know exactly how much you are paying.
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Just went through the purchasing stage while putting in a US address, and discovered that it would cost you £169.65 to get a covered, calibrated set of Mules shipped to you in Americaland. Just stick that number into www.xe.com before you order to see what you're paying in $$s (currently $313.93)
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Peterku, why the name change? :)
To look like a serious musician, lol... j/k. I thought my full name would be more relevant here in the long run. What's more, the name 'Peterku' was originally given to me by an ex-gf of mine a few years ago, it was a funny mixture of Polish and Hungarian. Time to grow up, I thought... :roll:
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Yes, but if you buy them at the same time, when Tim tests them he can check they are well balanced with each other - scatter winding may mean that they're not the same
Here is how I understand it : the specs are the same if you buy them together or not. The scatterwinding is reproductible. Tim can control perfectly the number of turn of wire. The scatterwinding is just a way of wiring that allow you to control the pattern of the winding (a spec of the model). Tim don't plug the first pickup to hear it then wire the second to match it.
A set is matched because the specs of the two pickups are balanced to produce a good tone. But if you buy a bridge model one day, and a neck model the other day, it would identical to buy a set. (except if the design has changed of course, during the period. For example: a old holy diver neck with a new HD bridge).
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In theory the pattern of the scatterwinding could affect DC resistance as you might need a different length of wire for the same amount of turns, if you use a different pattern. But that's just maths and I'm sure Tim has a favourite pattern for each model. :)
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Ok, i'll check out Solid Body Guitar this weekend hopefully, and see whatsup there.
Quick question though, does it matter weather I order straight from Tim, or by a set already together at Solid Body? Which is the best option?
And what currency is used over there? Euro's or Pounds?
Im guessing Pounds?
And say I order from Tim, how does my $313 get transfered into pounds?
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A set is matched because the specs of the two pickups are balanced to produce a good tone. But if you buy a bridge model one day, and a neck model the other day, it would identical to buy a set. (except if the design has changed of course, during the period. For example: a old holy diver neck with a new HD bridge).
Yeah, that does make sense - much more sense than what I thought...
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In addition to the other questions I asked earlier, I have just but one more. I dont see the need in making a new thread, so i'll just ask it here.
Alright, so I have an Epiphone Casino, and I too would like to swap the pickups. As you know, it has P90's, but it the "dog-ear" (I believe thats what they are refered to as) form. I do see BKP make P90's, but im not sure if any come like they are on the Casino. Now..
1) Does it matter if I put new P90's in the slots, but arent dog-ear?
2) Is there anyway to get dog-ear P90's?
3) Keeping in mind my musical taste, what set would you again reccomend?
Also, sorry for all the quesions! Im a curious one. :)
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Yes we have pounds in Great Britain and therefore the prices on the web site are in £ sterling ( Great British Pounds).
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And say I order from Tim, how does my $313 get transfered into pounds?
I (from ordering from America and assuming it's the same the other way) believe it is done by your bank or credit card company. They see that you're buying stuff in a different currency, and therefore convert your money for you so that you can pay them - So you don't have to worry about doing anything yourself
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So basically, when it comes down to it, its just like buying something in a regular fashion? They take care of all the important stuff?
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Yup :)
All the important stuff is done for you :)
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Just to add to the "Yups", I've ordered internationally into the US when living there and into the UK while living here, and as long as the company from which you're buying does international shipping (which, clearly BKP does), you're golden (barring occasionally getting stung by customs for extra charges if you import something pricey).
There is a single currency, and it's VISA ;)
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Perfect, perfect fella's. Thanks for all the wonderfull help, its been much appreciated!
Just a quick question, how do I let them know I want Alnico IV Mules?
And does BKP make a "Dog-ear" P90? You know, for a Casino?
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Another Yup to the p90, there's a picture of a PIGged one in the gallery but of course you can get standard covers too.
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Just a quick question, how do I let them know I want Alnico IV Mules?
I think Mules are Alnico IV stock but just to be sure, you can write something like 'Alnico IV please' in the Comments box. :)
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^Alright, sounds good. Thanks for all the help fella's, I cant wait to get my hands on a set of these bad boys.
:)
As for the P90 thing, so basically I can get any of the models in a dog ear form?
What would you reccomend? For Blues, Soul, and Blues/Rock. I wouldnt be using a lot of distortion, mostly just clean sounds. As distorted as I need is around Zeppelin or ZZ Top, even that is pushing it. Too much Feedback coming from the Casino with a lot of gain.
Play a lot of Oasis stuff, too.
And I have another Paul that I wouldnt mind puting new pickups in too, and as much as the Mules sound appealing for two sets, I really would like some variety. Sticking to my musical preferance, what set would you recomend?
The questions just keep coming! :P
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Tim can re-wind a dog ear if you have one, or you could get a cheap one and have Tim work his magic on it.
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I did get lovely results from a set of Alnico II 'Stormy Mondays' in my Les Paul, before moving the SMs to an S.G and fitting Alnico IV 'Mules' to the Les Paul - also (as you said) done to achieve some subtle contrast. The SM's are an even more open and detailed pickup than the slightly more mid focused 'Mule'.
Both these pickups sit right next to each other in the 'Vintage' category, the SM's being cleaner and more 60's blues/soul orientated and the Mule bridging the blues/rock zone.
Perhaps a pair of superbly detailed SMs, but with a slightly stronger Alnico IV magnet might be the best option in another Les Paul. Alnico II SM with thier low impedance seem to work best in a lighter thinner guitar, but the clarity,sweetness and seperation is divine. I therefore think the best of both worlds (whilst still sweet) would be Alnico IV SMs, because you are fitting them to another Les Paul. Others may guide you to one 'hotter' than my suggestion. I just feel they would fit your description of tonal desire. The trouble with BKPs is that they are ALL good !
If in doubt ask Tim. He has always 'got it right' for me ! :D
Regards,
Derek.
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Just to add to the "Yups", I've ordered internationally into the US when living there and into the UK while living here, and as long as the company from which you're buying does international shipping (which, clearly BKP does), you're golden (barring occasionally getting stung by customs for extra charges if you import something pricey).
slightly off-topic i know but....
when they charge you for customs, do they just send you a bill randomly or what??
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The way I understand it is that they keep hold of the item you've bought and send you a letter telling you that fact, and that you need to pay charges. Then, after the charges have been paid, they send the item on to you...although I've never actually done it myself, so I could be wrong...
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The way I understand it is that they keep hold of the item you've bought and send you a letter telling you that fact, and that you need to pay charges. Then, after the charges have been paid, they send the item on to you...although I've never actually done it myself, so I could be wrong...
Sometimes they hold the item until you go down to the office and hand over the fee, then you get your stuff. Other times they knock at your door and have the item and you have to pay the fee on the spot.
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As for the P90 thing, so basically I can get any of the models in a dog ear form?
That's right, sir. :)
And I have another Paul that I wouldnt mind puting new pickups in too, and as much as the Mules sound appealing for two sets, I really would like some variety. Sticking to my musical preferance, what set would you recomend?
I think it would be best to wait till you hear the Mules in your LP then you'll probably know what else you need for the best variety.