335 pickups. OK, now I am confused...

[elavd]

Well, today I got my ES335 back from a local guitar tech, with my new Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays AIV on!!!



I haven't played with them more than 1-2 hours so I'll try to share with you my first impressions:

The first thing that I noticed was that the sound of my guitar became more open sounding (with less midrange) and with more acoustic character :)

The balance between the 2 pickups is now excellent in comparison to my previous (Classic 57 pickups). Now I can switch between the 3 positions and have an even sound as far as output and frequencies are concerned...
I loved this from the first chords that I tried on the guitar :)

I liked very much the detailed sound and the response of the 3 high strings. Crystal bright, without any harshness!

And now the "bad" news:
I didn't like very much the response of the lower 3 strings...They sound somehow rounded and they have not so much detail like the higher 3 strings do have.
Also they are less percussive compared to the sound I had with the Classic 57s...

Fourth Feline had mentioned earlier on this thread:

You will notice a precise , firm but pleasant presentation on the top three strings, but you will also notice that when he hits the bass strings, they lack the authority / detail of the top three strings, almost like someone has reduced the volume on bass notes - and increased it on treble notes.

and I think that this is the best description of the SM sound on the bass strings.

I don't know if this is in my mind, or if I'll have to experiment with the pole screws in order to get them right, but I didn't like much that...:(



Also, I am not yet sure if this is good or not, but the SM AIV sound pretty compressed.
When I tried them at first on my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, I had the feeling that I was playing with a compressor pedal on.
Maybe this characteristic will be helpful in a live situation, but I am not pretty sure if I like it or not...It sure felt strange when I first heard it...

That's enough for now :)
I'll try them more, and experiment with their heights in order to find their "sweet spot" and I will return with a more mature opinion about them ;)

[Twinfan]

elavd - the quote from FF was referring to AII SMs, not the AIV SMs that you have.  I would try raising the bass side of the pickup a little for a better string balance.

My starting point for pickup heights is 2mm all round from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string on the top and low Es, when string is fretted at the last fret.  I then adjust from there  :)

[Fourth Feline]

Hi  Elavd  :)

Excellent advice from 'Twinfan' , but if that still does not satisfy - I found the Mississipi Queens were perfect to my ears.

 If your tech has left the leads at the original length, there is still time to swap.  I am however biased, as for me the M.Qs are my favourite pickup in my 335 copy.  For me, they just 'hit the spot' in a Semi-Acoustic.  8)

Don't feel bad about it though ; as it is often trial and error. I tried Gibson 490R / 498Ts, AII Stormys - and AIV Stormys, before discovering the Mississippi Queens where the nicest for me.  At least meanwhile, you have heard how B.K.P. compare to stock pickups.

[elavd]

If your tech has left the leads at the original length, there is still time to swap.I am however biased, as for me the M.Qs are my favourite pickup in my 335 copy.  For me, they just 'hit the spot' in a Semi-Acoustic.  8)

Don't feel bad about it though ; as it is often trial and error. I tried Gibson 490R / 498Ts, AII Stormys - and AIV Stormys, before discovering the Mississippi Queens where the nicest for me.  At least meanwhile, you have heard how B.K.P. compare to stock pickups.

Actually, I am not sure if I do want to swap them with another set, basically because I am afraid that the next set maybe less good to my ears... :?

However, where can I hear good audio clips from the M.Qs?

[badgermark]

I just got a Line 6 toneport GX, and a les paul with MQs. What kid of clips would you like?

[elavd]

I'd like to hear the clean sounds of the MQs (all 3 positions), without any effects, using a flat EQ.
I want to focus on how the bass strings sound and how they blend with the high ones.

I don't know if the Line 6 has a Fender amp simulation, but if it has I'd appreciate if you could use it...

Thank you very much in advance!!! :)

[Fourth Feline]

Sorry I cannot help with the recorded samples of the M.Qs Elavd.   I just wish you lived in the U.K. so you could borrow my ( copy ) already loaded.

The main reason for this post is to remind the good people of The B.K.P forum, - that you are desirous of the Larry Carlton ( Sapphire Blues Band era ) 335 tones.  The Mississipi Queens are so versatile , that they can do almost anything ; so please record something for Elavd with them in this mellower style.   The controled power, fatness  and clarity being ( on this occasion ) tamed to produce a soft 'purr' ...  8) .

For me it is the available power you don't use , that gives them the authority and yet sweetness, that you cannot get by pushing a weaker pickup harder, especially in the bass strings.

I hope this in some way helps.  :)

[badgermark]

I'd like to hear the clean sounds of the MQs (all 3 positions), without any effects, using a flat EQ.
I want to focus on how the bass strings sound and how they blend with the high ones.

I don't know if the Line 6 has a Fender amp simulation, but if it has I'd appreciate if you could use it...

Thank you very much in advance!!! :)

I'll do it tomorrow if that's ok, all 3 positions and i'll find a fender amp sim (there are a few, blackface, tweed and a bassman i think) that sounds as 'realistic' as possible to the live tone. They really are awesome, i do love my set and they have totally transformed my les paul.

[elavd]

Thank you guys...

The bad news is that tommorow is my 14th day of owning these pickups (although I have them installed only the last couple of days).

I am afraid that Tim, will not exchange them with another set, in case that I decide to replace them...:(

[Philly Q]

I don't want to make promises on behalf of someone else, but I think BKP are quite flexible on the return policy.

It might be worth phoning Tim to explain the situation and see what he says.  :)

[kellar]

I agree man. Tim is top-notch when it comes to customer service and will likely do everything he can to ensure that you are happy with the end product and get exactly what you are looking for.
I also swapped out a set of Mules that weren't quite what I was looking for. After a conversation with Tim, we were able to narrow down what I wanted and I was extremely happy with the result. I suggest that you give him a call.

[badgermark]

Sorry its a bit late, i'll try more when i have more time.

Tweed bassman patch, bridge pickup then both then neck. Open chords then 7ths.

[elavd]

Badgemark thank you very much for your clip!!!

I must admit that I've waited to hear some clean sounds from the MQs (without any dirt or "breakup"), because that's the way I can judge a pickup's sound ;)

However, thanks to your clip, I now have a reference to their sound  ;) :)

[badgermark]

The bridge position is a little break-uppy, the pickup is pretty high to the strings and is a bit beefier than it should be. If you want more unofficial clips let me know, I plan to get some good transparent tones out of this thing and record all my BKPs this weekend.

Glad it helped.

[elavd]

Today I got a new webcam and I've recorded some guitar noodling with my ES335 over a backing track...

The audio quality is AWFUL but I think that you can get an idea of the SM's sound ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0-nrNYdbp0

I promise that I'll record a new clip with better audio sound (and playing...;D)

ΥΓ: Sorry of all you ZZ-Top lovers out there... :-\