Username: Password:

Poll

Which single coil set is capable of the widest variety of styles and or tones.  

'59 Slab
0 (0%)
'63 Veneer
2 (15.4%)
Apache
2 (15.4%)
Irish Tour
1 (7.7%)
Mother's Milk
5 (38.5%)
The Sinner
0 (0%)
Slow Hand
1 (7.7%)
The Sultan's
1 (7.7%)
Trilogy Suite
1 (7.7%)

Total Members Voted: 13

Author Topic: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set  (Read 5332 times)

gwEm

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 7456
    • http://www.preromanbritain.com/gwem
Re: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2012, 02:21:58 PM »
I do think of mother's milks as the typical woody strat tone. i've played quite alot with a friend's strat having these and its a good balanced set.

Personally I have sinner, slow hand, sultan sets, '69 sets, with an irish tour neck and full set to come.

My own preference from strat tones is not the classic one I suppose, since i prefer them to be a bit warmer and more open to overdrive. (uli roth, ritchie blackmore)

I think we can safely rule the sinner set out of this one, it has some subtlety, but its more of a fire breather.

From the rest, I've never gone wrong with the Slowhand Strat in any situation. It is warmer and middier than a normal strat tone, but it sounds good and stratty when clean. But I think it might not be right for you based on what I've read in this thread - might be a bit too weighty.

The Sultans have A2 magnets, and 42 gauge wire. Cleans are instantly Knopfler (which may or may not be your thing) and they load up really well with drive in the way that 42 gauge pickups often do.

The'69 set is very classic strat when clean, but I don't like it so much driven. Does a good Hendrix though.

I would primarily put Irish Tours in a rosewood board strat, but people say they are good with maple too. They are brighter, and a bit less output that slow hands. It could be the sound you want, they are edgey and electric.

The set which I have less experience with (The Apaches) may actually be the one you want, since they often come up as being versatile and handling a bit of gain well.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2012, 02:24:30 PM by gwEm »
Quote from: AndyR
you wouldn't use the meat knife on crusty bread but, equally, the serrated knife and straight edge knife aren't going to go through raw meat as quickly

Telerocker

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 7433
Re: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2012, 07:56:43 PM »
Telerocker, when you turn your vol. down to get "close to" MMs; what would you say is the main distinction tonewise, from that of the ITs?

To my ears IT's are more or less overwound MM's. Turning the volumeknob a bit back - cutting of some bass and output - provides a tone close to MM's full on.
Mules, VHII, Crawler, MM's, IT's, BG50's.

Kitty

  • Strawweight
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set (RESOLVED)
« Reply #17 on: July 16, 2012, 08:03:58 PM »
After extensive research I have finally decided on the Apache set.

In the end it came down my sonic sensibilities, the amount and variety of resource material to review.
To my ear, the Apaches sound more open in the higher frequencies; conversely the ITs and MMs have a "squashed" quality on the high end. YMMV ;)

For my fellow researchers I will share links to the clips that helped me decide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Zfd_xMZvA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm-WnSbYrCA  <- I only just discovered this guy through my pickup research and I think he is awesome. This is not really a style I would normally be drawn to, but it just sounds "right" to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YZicICG5GQ  <- This clip broadens the versatility to my ears, and it helps that this guy has mastered a wide range of picking techniques, much like my own playing. The volume on this one is low, be sure to turn back down before playing the next clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qvdWxVE374  <- Here's the stretch, will they sound wimpy when heavily distorted? I think not, and this clip is proof.


More from Jim. I love his tone and playing so much I feel compelled to share these as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=401K-vKaLlA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Cm8gpeAWQ  <- This time on a maple fretboard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqYMG3KLwW4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2fv0VTxLWM   <- I love this song. Not sure which strat this one is. Anyone care to guess?

I'm going to have BKP prewire a pickguard for me, so any advice or experience you all would like to share with me I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again to you all for your input, especially 38thBeatle, without whom I would not have even looked at the Apaches. :P

Peace

Kitty





« Last Edit: July 16, 2012, 08:34:59 PM by Kitty »

38thBeatle

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 6098
    • http://www.myspace.com/alteregoukband
Re: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set
« Reply #18 on: July 16, 2012, 08:22:58 PM »
You are welcome. Funnily enough I was thinking about your quest the other night. I was playing in a pub and had my Strat and I was just so happy with the tone - everything seemed to come together that night.
I am sure you will love them.
I have never had a BKP pre wired pick guard but I am sure that others can offer an opinion- from what I have read, they are of a high quality.
Send three and fourpence we're going to a dance
BKP's: Apache, Country Boy, Slowhands.

Telerocker

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 7433
Re: Most Versatile BKP Strat Single Coil Set
« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2012, 09:58:13 PM »
That's a good choiche too, especially with a maple board. Apaches are high rated here on the forum and they can do more then the wellknown fat fifties strat tones. They are suitable for blues and rock too. When I buy my next strat Apaches are on the top of my list.

Hope you enjoy them!

Good luck in music and life!
Mules, VHII, Crawler, MM's, IT's, BG50's.