Does anyone think this might be helpful?

[Mr Ed]

I'll probably be shot but here goes... I think a user-compiled list of "what mass-manufactured pickup does each BKP sound like" might be helpful.

For example, you might want to replace a pickup and want something that sounds *like* your current one but a little more "organic" as is the tag often attributed to BKP's.

What got me thinking was... I made a thread a while back saying that I was planning on eventually replacing the JB and Jazz in my Fernandes Ravelle and wanted something with similar tonal qualities and output and the Nailbomb (set) was recommended to me but in another thread I saw someone say that the Holy Diver is in fact quite similar to the JB but better. So, I think it might help until the new website comes up with it's numberical EQ thingy so you can actually see whassup.

Anyone? Or am I barking up the wrong Bush?

[il˙ti]

We had this awhile ago and it was flammed to the ground. I think proper item descriptions, clips, and Q&As is more than enough to describe a pickup. BKPs are unique and made for certain sounds, not to resemble another brand's product.

[Mr Ed]

We had this awhile ago and it was flammed to the ground. I think proper item descriptions, clips, and Q&As is more than enough to describe a pickup. BKPs are unique and made for certain sounds, not to resemble another brand's product.

I know, but with them being quite a rare brand - ie, it's unlikely that you're ever gonna run into a guitar-toting friend who happens to have some unless you know them here too - so something like that might at least push people in sort of the right direction.

But yeah, I can imagine why people would flame something like that.

[Twinfan]

I don't think it's appropriate to say "BKP #1 is like pickup X but better".  I'm sure the other manufacturer wouldn't be happy, plus it's not Tim's style of promotion for his products.

I think we'll all just have to wait for the new website with EQ curves and clips.

[il˙ti]

I think we'll all just have to wait for the new website with EQ curves and clips.

Exactly! With that coming up, it'll be easy to make the comparisons yourself without having an official guide.

[Antag]

I don't think it's appropriate to say "BKP #1 is like pickup X but better".  I'm sure the other manufacturer wouldn't be happy, plus it's not Tim's style of promotion for his products.

I think we'll all just have to wait for the new website with EQ curves and clips.

+1, I think it's a stupid idea, which is why I voted that way.... :)

[Philly Q]

Yep, you don't want to define your product by reference to someone else's.  It has to stand on its own two feet (please specify long or short legs...)

Of course it's useful to use other pickups as reference points in discussion on the forum, but I don't think it should be formalised.

[Will]

I think its a good idea, as there are quite a few new people who post questions asking about BKP compared to other well known brands.

But... agree with the other argument as well, for example, what would you compare the JB to? NB has been compared to it, but is a bit higher output, HD, but more focus in lower mids, RY (well Steve Stevens used to use the JB), but higher mids.

It was a nice thought though

[Philly Q]

But there's also the problem of which mass-manufactured pickup do you compare with?

If you just look at vintage PAF-type pickups, Duncan has the '59, Seth Lover, Pearly Gates and Antiquity models.  DiMarzio has the PAF, Virtual PAF, Air Classic, PAF Classic.  Gibson has the '57 Classic and various Burstbuckers... it's too much.

[ailean]

But there's also the problem of which mass-manufactured pickup do you compare with?

If you just look at vintage PAF-type pickups, Duncan has the '59, Seth Lover, Pearly Gates and Antiquity models.  DiMarzio has the PAF, Virtual PAF, Air Classic, PAF Classic.  Gibson has the '57 Classic and various Burstbuckers... it's too much.

+1

+ All the "I don't think it's like that I think it's more like this"

I actually like the idea, but in practical terms it will never work.

[Chris_G]

I think this would be difficult. I only bought BKPs because I'd tried a few other brands and wasn't happy with them. Unfortunately there's no way you can make an informed decision about a pickup until you've tried it with your own guitar through your own amp. Personally speaking, I think BKPs perform better than any other brand I've tried, but there are people who swear by SD/Dimarzio/EMG/Gibson etc.

Example: I used to use the dimarzio PAF Pro. I recently got a set of Mules and although they're modelled on the same sort of pickup, they sound totally different. You couldn't make a direct comparison at all.

Unfortunately, there's only so much you can help guitarists with their gear choices and what I've often found is that when I do get a push in the direction of a particular product, be it from advertising or comparisons with other products, I hardly ever end up keeping it...

[Twinfan]

Yep, you've just got to try things and go with what your ears like hearing  :)

[Pale Rider]

Initially it seems like a good idea for new guys in BKPs, but when you try them yourself you see that you are way off thinking that BKPs sound similar to anything. They're miles ahead, but you have to try them to know. Now I know.

[_tom_]

I think it'd be a good idea just as a sticky or something just on the forum. Dont think it should say "..sounds like a better <other brand/model>" though, just put something about it being aimed at the same kind of sound just as a reference point. Besides, anyone who's interested in BKPs probably allready knows they're likely to be better quality than the mass produced brands anyway.

[kellar]

I think we should just hang out and wait for the new website. It sounds like it may answer a lot of those sort of questions.