Author Topic: Vintage-style humbuckers - The right decision? (Read 5690 times)

Paladin2019 · « **on:** May 22, 2006, 07:06:14 PM »

Hi everyone

I'm looking for a humbucker set to go into my japanese les paul (a Tokai LS-200). I've got duncan alnico 2 pro's in there at the moment and I'm very fond of their warmth and clarity, but lately I've been wondering if I'd be happier with a little more clout - a tad more output and fatness, possibly a little brighter too.

I've been looking at the vintage sets available here and I'm thinking Mules with alnico 2 magnets might get me where I want to go; something similar to the A2P's but a little thicker. Does this sound right, or would I be better off looking at the stormy monday or riff raff?

Do BKP charge extra for 4-conductor cables, and how do you order mismatched colours (eg. one zebra, one black)?

Thanks for any input. :idea:

38thBeatle · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2006, 07:30:47 PM »

Welcome to the forum- I cant be of much help as I am a single-coil player but I am certain that the guys will chime in with some excellent suggestions soon.

jt · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2006, 08:16:36 PM »

:D Welcome to the Forum !!

I`ve got a set of Mules. There a versatile P/U they can handle anything you throw at`em. Mine are A5 the tone is warm but with just a hint of grunt. Highly recommended !!

What type of styles do you play ?

There`s a price list on the order pages. Mine are Zebra 4 conducter.

:D 8)

Ced777 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2006, 08:39:43 PM »

I would say stock Mules with Alnico IV. Alnico IV has just a touch more mids and output, just as you asked.

Paladin2019 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2006, 09:02:20 PM »

Thanks for the welcome!

I play mostly blues and classic rock, and my perfect les paul tone is probably Spoonful by Cream (or anything on that first album really... gorgeous!).

I'm playing through a Cornford Hurricane occasionally supplemented with a BYOC tubescreamer 808.

Hmm, alnico ii or iv... toughie. It sounds like I'm on the right track with the mules, but any further thoughs or advice are still appreciated.

Cheers.

froglord · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2006, 09:24:18 PM »

I'd recommend Alnico IV Mules as well. One of BKP's most popular and versatile pickups. They'll do anything from jazz to old-school metal, but blues/rock is their bread and butter.

Incidentally, where did you get the kit for your BYOC pedal? Is there a distributor in Britain? (Apart from GNT, who only stocked them briefly.)

Underground_Player · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2006, 09:31:41 PM »

Can't really help with the pups but...

Quote

my perfect les paul tone is probably Spoonful by Cream

...bloody good choice mate, that's probably my favourite guitar tone ever!

PDT_003

Paladin2019 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2006, 10:48:39 PM »

Quote from: froglord

Incidentally, where did you get the kit for your BYOC pedal? Is there a distributor in Britain? (Apart from GNT, who only stocked them briefly.)

There's a european distributor listed on their site that you could contact, but I'm not aware of anyone stocking them in the UK yet. I got mine back when they were still selling direct, before the owner decided that all the international paperwork was too much hassle for a one-man operation (fair enough I guess). They were incredible bargains in those days - now they've got the middle men they're more expensive but still worth a go.

I built the old point-to-point rangemaster, the 808 and a fuzz face but the 808 is the real standout IMO.

Quote from: Underground_Player

...bloody good choice mate, that's probably my favourite guitar tone ever!

Hehe, I'd kill to hear that tune played in an ill-lit, smoky 60's jazz bar. 8)

Are there any sound clips on here of mules doing blues/rock at low to mid gain? I've had a look but I can't seem to find anything.

Skybone · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2006, 10:56:45 PM »

Hey there Paladin, good to see another Tokai user coming over... ;)

All my BKP's are 4 conductor wiring, and it is a non-cost option. I'd always recommend going with 4 conductors, as you never know if or when you may want to use it.

If you're after a warmer pickup than the standard PAF type, you can't go wrong with any of the "Vintage Hot" range IMO, they're definitely a fave of mine, and really suit the Love Rock.

Paladin2019 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2006, 12:51:09 AM »

Quote from: Skybone

Hey there Paladin, good to see another Tokai user coming over... ;)

All my BKP's are 4 conductor wiring, and it is a non-cost option. I'd always recommend going with 4 conductors, as you never know if or when you may want to use it.

Hey Skybone, good to see ya

I've got the Jimmy Page control suite on my LP so 4-conductor is pretty much a necessity - good to see it's a free option here. Still not sure how to order my colour preference though - one all-black pickup and one reverse zebra. I love the mismatched look but I want to order a calibrated pair.

Elliot · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2006, 09:49:23 AM »

You can do that - either type what you want in the order box or phone BKP up and ask them - they're very helpful.

carlaz · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:17:53 AM »

Chiming in late, but A4 Mules do sound like they could be a way to go. Actually, even A4 Stormy Mondays might fit the bill ....

sgmypod · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:55:04 AM »

How about a bit more bite...but still retaining LP sound.....the Emeralds

PhilKing · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2006, 01:04:58 PM »

I am sure that you will be happy with a Mule set. I have finally got a full set of mules on the way - they are the new 'unpotted' ones that were on Tim's Morgan at London. I have a mule in the neck position of my goldtop (with the Emerald), but this is the first time that I'm getting the full set!

Paladin2019 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2006, 06:47:21 PM »

Thanks for the input fellas. I haven't made a decision yet but I've got a much better idea of my options, and it looks like a choice between A4 Mules and A4 SM's but leaning towards the mules. Maybe I'll wait for those 'official' sample clips before I splash out.

I'll let you all know how things turn out!