Author Topic: Bareknuckle the Mule For my Gibson R9? (Read 4684 times)

dorrus · « **on:** February 15, 2008, 01:27:00 PM »

Hi guys
Im new to this Forum.
I,m Dorrus from Holland and want some good pickups for my Gibson les paul R9 59 reissue
I dont like the Busrtbuckers 1 & 2 that came standard with my Les Paul.
I dont like a thin sound with a lot of treble, but a Fat thick tone with Balls.
Do the Mule Humbuckers sound more Fat and thick as the Burstbuckers ?
Perhaps ther's someone who knows how the Mules compare to the old 1980/81 Tim Shaw Pafs ( came with the 80 heritage series)?
Thanks and geratings
Dorrus

MDV · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2008, 01:30:05 PM »

I know nothing about the vintage end of the BK spectrum, but

Welcome to the forum!

Henk · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2008, 02:21:45 PM »

Welcome!

There is a clip on youtube i think will give you a rough idea on the Mules

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-6Q293ZA5U

Stormy mondays clip (clean at the end)

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

I think both pickups would fit an R9 well, BKP PAF's pretty much sound quite raw like they used to originally, im very happy with my Mules set.

I have them covered and unpotted by the way, they have a very clear PAF tone, not nearly as warm sounding than the Stormy's though.

If you want a very hot PAF BKP makes the VHII which is as hot as one can make them without sacrificing too much high end.

When you use the search function around here youll find countless clips on these.

kellar · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2008, 02:54:55 PM »

If you want a fat, punchy, PAF sound than I would most definitely suggest the AIV Mules. They are the best PAF's I have ever heard and I have tried just about all of them. In a Gibson Les Paul they sound simply incredible. Very versatile, great for classic rock and blues.
The Stormy Monday is excellent for the neck position and I actually prefer it over the Mule for the neck because I like to use the neck for blues and rythmn. The Mule has a bit more low end in the neck. The Stormy Monday is incredibly tight and punchy in the low end, very articulate. Perfect for blues and jazz type applications. My Stormy Monday is the alnico IV version and is super clean. Great neck pickup.
It's hard to go wrong for PAF tones with an AIV Mule set. But if you are looking for something a little different..........
I have a Stormy Monday/Riff Raff set in my Les Paul and love it. The Riff Raff is a little hotter in the bridge than the Mule. They are very similar in tone, the Riff Raff just has a bit more bite. As I said before, the SM in the neck is a bit tighter and cleaner than the Mule if your are looking for something really smooth.
Regardless of what you choose, BKP has the most extensive selection of PAF's I have seen. All are incredibly versatile pickups.

Doctor X · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2008, 03:13:42 PM »

Hello!

I replaced the burstbucker 1 & 2 on my Gibson Custom Shop '58 VOS with a set of unpotted alnico IV Mules and there was a massive improvement in the clarity and articulation of the guitar. They're certainly not thin sounding pickups and I would say they're suitable for many different application, from great cleans to classic rock tones.

It depends on what you like playing though as BKP offer many fat sounding 'buckers. Have a listed to some clips of Crawlers, Rebel Yells etc in the players room. I'm sure others will be able to offer more specific advice if you tell us what your muscal tastes are?