Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: HTH AMPS on September 11, 2007, 04:47:24 PM

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: HTH AMPS on September 11, 2007, 04:47:24 PM

I've been buying myself a Les Paul junior and the Fralin P90 in there now is a little on the hot side (8.5k) making the bass end loose clarity when any decent amount of overdrive is used (I'm talking AC/DC levels of OD).

So, I'm undecided on the BKP-90 or BKP-91 since they're SO close in DC resistance - I'm thinking most of the difference is in the magents.

My main concern is with the A2 magnet in the BKP-90 being too 'soft' sounding on the bass end.  

I'm after that Live At Leeds type of tone so I'm not sure which BKP is closer.  Anyone?

 :twisted:

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: Gabel on September 11, 2007, 06:15:27 PM

Well I would guess a BKP-91 would be closer, since the P90s back then were loaded with Alnico V's and had a dc resistanse of about 8K.

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: HTH AMPS on September 11, 2007, 08:28:59 PM

Did Gibson ever use A4 in P90s? -  I love the way A4 sounds in the Mules I've got.  They have the best qualities of A2 and A5 (imo).

I know the P90 in my old '67 SG jr was 8.3k (no idea what magnet) but it was WAY too dark sounding.

 :twisted:

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: PhilKing on September 11, 2007, 08:42:20 PM

They used A2 in the early ones, and then moved to A5 in the late 50's I believe.  Some of the later Gibson P-90's are very hot.  I have P-91's in the middle and neck of an HSS set and they sound great.  You will not lose clarity with an A2 P-90 though, it is still a single coil pickup.  

I also have a Fralin in a Junior, but it was a rewind that he did back in the early 90's when you could send the pickup and name the sound you wanted.  I asked for Leslie West and it is instant Mississippi Queen!  I tend to think the P-91 is that sound, where the P-90 is more Neil Young.

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: Twinfan on September 12, 2007, 08:20:49 AM

Quote from: PhilKing

You will not lose clarity with an A2 P-90 though, it is still a single coil pickup.

Agreed.  I love the A2 P-90s in my Les Paul Junior.

Title: BKP-90 versus BKP-91
Post by: HTH AMPS on September 12, 2007, 01:02:14 PM

Thanks for the replies - I've been talking to Tim (via email) and he's suggesting a BKP-91 wound to about 7.5k with an A4 magnet.  

That sounds perfect to me as I think A4 will have the punch of A5 in the low/mids and the warmth of A2 in the top end.

What about potting though?, hmm - I've had an unpotted Seth Lover that handled gain very well.  OTOH, I had an old 60s Gibson P90 that was so microphonic I had to get it potted.

 :twisted:

p.s. anyone want to buy a Fralin P90?  :wink:  :lol: