Author Topic: BK Humbuckers specially for solid state amps? (Read 7133 times)

Rich78 · « **on:** June 20, 2008, 01:03:10 PM »

Hi. Are there any humbuckers by BK that are more suited or specially for solid state amps?

Or it doesnt make any difference...?

Im have a Maverick X1 to modify. Im thinking of getting a Nailbomb.

But then I wondered the above question...

I have a 200 watt Randall.

Ill ask Tim soon. I hope to get your opinions before I do that...

Cheers. Rich.

_tom_ · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2008, 01:30:11 PM »

If you're looking to improve your tone overall I'd say an amp will have more impact.. but if you like the sound of your amp then try some different pickups.

Rich78 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2008, 02:02:25 PM »

Cheers Tom.
I should be more clear. I mean as opposed to valve amps.
I mean are the humbuckers mainly directed towards valve amps or doesnt it matter which...?

What I dont want to do buy pickups only to send them back various times.

Cheers. Rich.

Philly Q · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2008, 02:08:53 PM »

AFAIK none of the pickups are designed with a specific type of amp in mind.

Aren't solid-state amps supposed to have a faster/tighter response than valve amps (ignore me if that's totally wrong :roll: )? I think, if anything, that should widen your choice rather than narrow it.

Rich78 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2008, 02:12:16 PM »

Cheers Philly Q.

You are right about that.

Ill contact Tim soon.

He'll most likely say something similar to you...

Cheers. Rich.

ACK! · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2008, 02:29:50 PM »

Quote from: Philly Q

AFAIK none of the pickups are designed with a specific type of amp in mind.

Aren't solid-state amps supposed to have a faster/tighter response than valve amps (ignore me if that's totally wrong :roll: )? I think, if anything, that should widen your choice rather than narrow it.

I too use solid state amps. One thing I really enjoy about them is with clean sounds is you can turn it up as loud as you want and it remains clean. I just find solid state amps to be more consistent and reliable. Alot of folks find them to be sterile and lifeless, but they've really improved upon them the last few years and you can actually find alot of solid states that'll hit you right in the warm spot.

I'm interested in the responses to this thread too, because pick-ups, pedals, etc, DO react differently to SS vs. tube amps. I've had various effects sounds like garbage on my solid states yet are magical on tubes and vice versa.

Rich78 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2008, 02:41:39 PM »

Cheers ACK!

Ive got a feeling Tim will say something along the lines of what youve written.

I suppose it doesnt matter which...

Roobubba · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2008, 03:06:10 PM »

I used to use a Randall RG200G3 (which I guess is probably similar to your amp, unless you're using a head/cab). I would still be using it, if it wasn't for it having broken down on me twice, and now I'm blown away week on week by my 5150-II.

The BKPs made a definite difference when I was using the solid state amp, and they make a definite difference using the valve amp. I would suggest that you don't worry to much about the type of amp you have, BKPs will always shine through :)

Roo

dave_mc · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2008, 04:10:55 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

If you're looking to improve your tone overall I'd say an amp will have more impact.. but if you like the sound of your amp then try some different pickups.

agreed. don't get me wrong, they'll still make a difference on a solid state amp, but they'll make more of a difference (in my experience anyway) through a good valve amp. though of course if you like your current ss amp, that's probably a moot point.

Rich78 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:38:01 PM »

Cheers Roobubba.

Yep thats the same as mine. Well, mines a G2...

Peavy? Im gonna get myself a Bandit soon...

Yeah Im not too worried. Ive had my MM in my Washburn for a few months now and very happy.

Cheers dave_mc. Its all academic cos I cant afford a valve amp anyway.

Im just gonna go for it I think and just buy the Nailbomb.
I know it'll be fine. Its BKP :)

Cheers everybody. Hi to Forth Feline.

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:40:11 PM »

Well, as an 'oldie' who plays low gain pickups through valve amps, I only have two points to mention- although nothing conclusive .

1) There are some great sounding solid state amps out there. The sound being 'different' but not inferior.I.M.O. Iam thinking of some Fender amps I have played through, and one that I own. Warm but tight. I am thinking of the great sounds acieved in the 70s by the Telecaster wielding Wilco Johnson of 'Dr. Feelgood', ( a humble H & H brand solid state amp ). Then there's B.B King's love of the 'Lab series amps that where part or whole solid state - and a Yamaha head used by Doyle Bramhall II during his playing on the the Roger Waters ' In The Flesh' tour / DVD.

2) I read somewhere that a current 'Metal' player ( who's name escapes me ) likes the ultra quick response he gets from a solid state power stage. I gather from this that a reallly tight, high gain B.K.P would sound deadly through your Randall. Your existing 'Miracle Man' bridge pickup should be a taste of things to come !

I agree that B.K.P. shine through many types of amp though.I am currently jamming /playing through a Fender (solid state ) G-Dec Junior, and each of my B.K.P sound as recognisable through that - as through my all valve gear.

I prefer certain qualities of valve amps though, for what I play - and the way they replicate the sounds I am most drawn by. I have ( and would ) gig through a solid state amp though. If you can get what is close enough to your sound out of a rig, then it is doing it's job just fine. :)

Roobubba · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:48:02 PM »

Quote from: Fourth Feline

2) I read somewhere that a current 'Metal' player ( who's name escapes me ) likes the ultra quick response he gets from a solid state power stage. I gather from this that a reallly tight, high gain B.K.P would sound deadly through your Randall. Your existing 'Miracle Man' bridge pickup should be a taste of things to come !

Dime used to play through a Randall Warhead (or several!!), which are solid state. Unfortunately, he never came across BKPs, or there would be no-one out there bashing his "tone", which a lot of people do now! (but you can't knock the guy's skills, truly an inspiration to many!).

I digress.

Roo

Rich78 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:51:16 PM »

Hi FF. Cheers for that.

I will check out the names mentioned.

The MM is amazing in my highly modded Washburn.
Its a nice taste.

Im really looking forward to August. (Old load payments finish = new loan)
From what Ive read in the product page, the Nailbomb is most likely gonna be my choice....

Thankyou all. Rich.

Rich78 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:56:02 PM »

Yep, Dime is my hero.

The reason I snapped up the Randall. It was going cheap you see...

Im not really after his scooped tone though. We cant copy genius. Its best left to the kings.

All Im after, like all of us I suppose, is my unique sound through the combinations of the bodies and necks and string guages/makes and everything else that contributes to tone.

Itll probabaly be a life's work but, hey, all good fun :)

Rich78 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2008, 06:57:35 PM »

...oh, and pick ups, of course... javascript:emoticon(':wink:')
Wink