Author Topic: The Mule. (Read 20386 times)

Boldaslove83 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 23, 2006, 05:00:48 PM »

Oh yeah, I would deffiently get a set of the Mule's. Im just not understanding weather not i'll be able to use the in-between/middle position of them without the Calibrated thing.

You know, that Dickey Betts tone. :)

Dave Simpson · « **Reply #16 on:** July 23, 2006, 05:13:28 PM »

Calibrated set just means it's a neck Mule and a Bridge Mule as they are wound to work together. At least that's how Tim explained it to me. :D

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #17 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:13:38 PM »

Just to say "Amen " to Dave's comments. I have had uncalibrated (Gibson) sets and you could use the middle position position, but you had to put the pickups at dramatically differing heights for uniform volume and tasteful blend in the middle. This was because (apart from them not being BKPs !) the bridge pickup was several thousand Ohms higher impedance and had a much more powerful magnet than the neck.

With my calibrated sets of BKPs the magnets were identical and the impedance of the bridge p/u has been within hundreds of ohms of the neck p/u.

The result is a lovely subtle blend in the middle position and even volume across the three switch postions. All this has been achievable with the neck pickup a mere 0.5 mm lower (from the strings) than the bridge. I also fitted the middle position phase reverse switch mod and it works far better with a matched set.

It's like getting matched output valves for your amp, it is not absolutely essential but certainly sweeter and better. (Of course with the valves they last longer too ) !

Just like a pair of well balanced carburettors on a sweet engine !

Tim IS the business !

Regards,

Derek.

Boldaslove83 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:28:08 PM »

Hmm, well I want a neck Mule and a bridge Mule for my Les Paul. Both in Alnico IV.

So I want to get a Calibrated Covered Mule set, right?
http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_35&products_id=40

Now what do I do about the spacing and conducter things? Im sorry, im totally a pickup newbie. I mean, I know my brands and what to look for generally, but not when it comes down to all this good stuff. So all help is appreciated. :)

deg0ey · « **Reply #19 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:31:18 PM »

If you order two pickups at the same time, Tim will calibrate them anyway - he does this so that they give you the best possible performance. If you want 2 the same it's just easier going through the shop to order the "calibrated set"...

At least that's my understanding of it

Boldaslove83 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:36:46 PM »

Alright, good to know. :)

Ced777 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:57:30 PM »

If you buy a Mule neck now or later, it will be exactly the same pickup. But a set is cheaper than two humbuckers bought separatly.

deg0ey · « **Reply #22 on:** July 23, 2006, 09:07:40 PM »

Yes, but if you buy them at the same time, when Tim tests them he can check they are well balanced with each other - scatter winding may mean that they're not the same

I don't really know how it works, or even if it matters whether you buy two at once, just that: BKP for teh win! you get the idea :)

PhilKing · « **Reply #23 on:** July 23, 2006, 09:26:25 PM »

Quote from: Fourth Feline

Hiya Phil,

I am curious as to what reason makes you prefer the unpotted SMs ?

Just so I know for future reference, please confirm what sonic difference un-potted is expected to give.

Thanks !

Regards,

Derek.

Hi Derek, see the following thread, Tim explains it really well.

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4666

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:44:38 PM »

Boldaslove ...

It's 50mm spacing for Gibson type guitars and 52 mm spacing for Fender type guitars. It's just to ensure the indvividual strings pass over the centre of the pole pieces as they leave the bridge saddles.

As for conductor types, the 4 conductor wired pickups would enable you to later buy a switch to put the pickups out of phase with each other, or split one/both into single coils etc. This can be done without cosmetic alteration by getting a tone pot with built in switch from BKP and then when you pull up the tone pot, the switch does the trick with the pickup. Tim can/does send you the wiring schematics in either case.

Unless you want 'special effects' - the standard 2 conductor wiring looks more 'traditional' i.e one thick wire wrapped in braid.

As I said, Tim is always helpful.

P.S.

Phil king ,

Thanks for the link mate !

Regards,

Derek.

Boldaslove83 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 24, 2006, 04:01:54 AM »

Ok, so I want a set of Calibrated Alnico IV Mules in 2 conducter with 50mm spacing, right?
I dont need or want any of that out of phase/tapping stuff, so im set on the 2 conducter?

deg0ey · « **Reply #26 on:** July 24, 2006, 08:00:15 AM »

That's the one...now get yo' ass over da shop an' git dem ordered biatch! :drink:

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:33:43 AM »

Yes - those will be the ones, just colour to decide on now.

Bear in mind that in natural light nickel has a slightly yellow hue to it and chrome looks a little blue(ish). They both look the same on the BKP website pictures. Nickle also ages slowly (eventually) giving a vintage look, whereas I have had 30 year old chrome pickups that still look new. So (cosmeticaly) it's nickel for brown/red/yellow/sunburst guitars, and chrome for black/grey/blue bodies etc. The only contradiction is that if (like me) you have brown(ish) guitars and buy nickel, it looks just a little 'out' if the existing bridge and saddles are chrome. If you are going for the uncovered type the choice is perhaps easier/more obvious.

I have a 'honeyburst' Les Paul and mahogany S.G. to which I have fitted 50 mm spaced nickels, so I discovered these things previously.

Regards,

Derek.

Peter Antal · « **Reply #28 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:47:07 AM »

Raw nickel is also great! It will age very quickly. I have a few-month-old Nailbomb in raw nickel and it already looks as if I had been using it for years and never saw a polishing cloth, lol.

Boldaslove83 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 24, 2006, 03:42:40 PM »

Alright, its good to know im set now. Thanks for all the great help fella's!

As for the color, I was thinking the aged nickel. I really dig that finish. The 'pups would be going into a Goldtop Les Paul, so what do you guys think?