Disappointed (Now happy :p)

[Chezdon]

Hi guys,

I bought a Miracle Man bridge and Cold Sweat neck and tried it out today. I had a tech fit them for me, replacing the EMG 61/80 set I had - he charged £25.

I've done a few clips which aren't actually that helpful because the sound quality is awful. It actually makes the BKPs sound ok which to me they really aren't. There is basically no gain or sustain anymore, and it's really quite muddy. It's basically still like when it had EMGs but worse.

I've done one vid with my Ibanez which I really love - the bends scream and it has a chug to it. That guitar has DM Breeds in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzFilbN_g4s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBAvSzCyU8

Now I'm trying to figure out what's gone wrong. I lowered the strings because they had been set up too high when I got my guitar back and that helped a fraction. The pickups are also a lot further away from the strings on my LTD compared to my Ibanez.

Maybe it's been connected wrongly (which I would have no clue about) or maybe this is what they're supposed to sound like and I misjudged? I was worried when the tech handed me my guitar and said it sounded "very bluesy" now. Bluesy isn't what I was after - Zakk Wylde leads were.

I've got a DSL50 and using red channel 1 with a TS9 boost so there should be no problem with the amp/setup.

Sorry for the long post, but I would really appreciate some advice seeming as I've spent over £200 on this.

Thanks.

[Twinfan]

If the pickups are low, why not raise them?

They will be very different to EMGs, and sounds like not in the way you were expecting.  They will be warmer and less sterile I guess.

[syr2012]

Did you have the pots changed to 500k (or even 1meg)? Using passive pickups with active pots (EMGs use 25k, not 250k pots) will leave you with the sound that you're describing.

You might still have that problem even if the pots are 250k instead of the original 25k. The MM and CS are hot pickups, and low pot values will restrict a lot of what makes them so antithetical to disappointing.

[Will]

I can't really tell much from the Youtube quality, but it does seem to have that thick MM bottom end, but there is something wrong with the highs IMO - I think could be attributed to pot value.

What are your settings for this clip? I find balanced mids on the amp work well, other than that an all on 10 sound is still quite pleasing.

I also have mine very close to the strings, I preferred the sound

[Chezdon]

Well the tech did all this for £25 so I doubt he did change the pots. I really hope that's what it is because I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to sound like this...

Not really sure how to raise the pickup either... yeah I'm a noob!

I have everything around 5 with the gain around 7.

Even on Red channel 2 with gain on max it still isn't chunky. Gotta be something wrong...unless I've totally chosen the wrong pickup.

[syr2012]

Well the tech did all this for £25 so I doubt he did change the pots. I really hope that's what it is because I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to sound like this...

Not really sure how to raise the pickup either... yeah I'm a noob!

I have everything around 5 with the gain around 7.

Even on Red channel 2 with gain on max it still isn't chunky. Gotta be something wrong...unless I've totally chosen the wrong pickup.

Yeah, If the original pots are in there, you're gonna get an awful sound for sure. What's the guitar made of?

[Chezdon]

EC1000 - it's Mahogany I believe.

[MDV]

If the 25k pots are still in you'll hardly get ANY sound. (I think).

It may be 250k pots, it may be that its 500 and 1M would be better

Most likely, I think you just havent anticipated the amount of low end the MM has, and the guitars probably pretty acoustically bassy/generally dark as well. Amirite?

Anyway; get a screwdriver, raise the screw poles (assuming they're nearest the bridge; if they're nearer the neck, flip it round to start with).

[Davey]

raise the pickups, replace the pots (preferably connect just the volume) and be sure they are wired correctly.  depending on where you are, you may even be able to take it to a forum bro to help you with all that.

[Will]

For £25 I doubt you have the right pots then, if he has changed the pots, they probably aren't the best quality, if he hasn't then you need to.

There will be 6 screws in the pickup ring, the corner ones hold the ring down, and the middle ones adjust the height of the pickup, turn clockwise to raise.

I don't think more gain is going to make things more chunky neccesarily, play with the EQ a bit to see what it can do, they have quite a few tones.

[MDV]

To prove that it is/isnt the pots - wire straight to jack. Sound should be brighter with more attack, but not massively unrecognisably so over a decent 500k pot.

[Chezdon]

Bromley, South-East London. Anyone?  :P

Thanks Will - I'll give the pickup height a go!

[hunter]

Pickup height is important indeed.  I like most BKPs up close, very close to the strings. Miracle Man wasn't the biggest hit for me either though.

Hope you're gonna figure it out and be happy after all!

[Chezdon]

Well I've just raised the pickups and it's made quite a difference. Started to come to life and has given it some chug but still not what I thought I'd get for over £200!

I'm gonna call the tech tomorrow and ask what exactly the schmuck did.

[WezV]

get the wiring looked at but there is always the chance you chose a set that just wasnt for you, which is why it says this on the main page:

If you are unhappy with any pickup purchased directly from Bare Knuckle Pickups or would like to change it for another model, return the pickup in its original condition by registered mail within 14 days of purchase date and we will either change or refund the pickup. Please telephone to obtain a returns reference as unsolicited returns cannot be accepted. Custom ordered pickups cannot be returned for exchange or refund.

The customer is liable for all costs incurred for returned pickups. Bare Knuckle Pickups Ltd reserves the right to charge a discretionary handling and restocking fee of 15% on any refund.