Author Topic: My Mules have arrived! Pic and review... (Read 5320 times)

Twinfan · « **on:** April 13, 2007, 05:16:17 PM »

Finally finished installing my unpotted, uncovered Zebra Mules into my '96 Gibson Les Paul Standard, supplied by Chris at GuitarZone. I've also fitted a lightweight Gotoh stop bar tailpiece and TonePros locking posts courtesy of Jonathan at Feline guitars, new 500k CTS top spec pots and Hovland MusiCaps.

To quote my wife: "Wow, that sounds fantastic!"

Yesterday it was bog stock and sounded dull, thick and lifeless. Today it's bright, zingy, full, rich, sparkly - simply awesome!

The only slight negative is that I've got an earth-type buzz. It's fairly slight, and goes away whenever you touch anything metal on the guitar (bridge/strings/pots). I've double checked all wiring and everything is spot on. By comparison, my SG with fully potted Riff Raffs is absolutely silent. I'm assuming it's a consequence of having unpotted pickups and I can live with it given the tones I'm getting! SimonP had a similar problem and he didn't seem to resolve it either (see this thread: http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=72382&sid=995a779f4d8b193efd4d0a32ea5bb938).

Shame I'm going out this evening or I'd be playing it all night! I shall be having curry and beers to celebrate :D

And now the obligatory pic ;)

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:18:13 PM »

Wow. Looks killer!

Twinfan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:22:39 PM »

Cheers Ben! I prefer plain tops to flames/quilts, and the subtle wood grain with the Zebras really works I think! They look too busy with a figured top to my eyes.

As the Coke folk say - "I'm lovin' it"

:D

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:29:27 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

As the Coke folk say - "I'm lovin' it"
:D

Isn't that Macdonalds?

Looks sweet dude, though personally I think that particular sunburst on Les pauls is a bit overdone.

Philly Q · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:49:59 PM »

Ooooh, nice one Dave!

I'm really interested in the lightweight tailpiece - obviously it's hard to tell the effect on the amplified tone as you've changed the pickups and electronics at the same time, but is there a noticeable difference in the acoustic tone and sustain :?:

808 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:53:05 PM »

Looks awesome bro!!!

Now I know what my Standard would look like with Zebras! 8)

Twinfan · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:54:26 PM »

Quote from: noodleplugerine

Quote from: Twinfan
As the Coke folk say - "I'm lovin' it"
:D

Isn't that Macdonalds?

Cack. Yes it is :oops:

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:56:39 PM »

Quote from: Philly Q

I'm really interested in the lightweight tailpiece - obviously it's hard to tell the effect on the amplified tone as you've changed the pickups and electronics at the same time, but is there a noticeable difference in the acoustic tone and sustain :?:

It sustains forever and the acoustic is tone is a bit brighter. This was always a dark Les Paul and so sustained really well anyway. It's certainly got a brighter tone after the change, and in a good way!

I forgot to mention that Gibson had fitted 300k volume pots as standard. Why??? It made the guitar muddy as hell!

38thBeatle · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:37:08 PM »

Looks very nice indeed and it sounds like the tone has been transformed.

Twinfan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:38:25 PM »

Absolutely Mr38th. Can't wait to try it though my Angus rig at next rehearsal ;)

_tom_ · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:49:03 PM »

Looks great! If your wife noticed the difference in tone it must've been quite a change :lol: Mules are great, I dont know why anyone would want anything else in a Les Paul!

btw, just saw your Riff Raff'd SG the other day, it looks really good, and has got me gas'ing for an SG now :D

BloodMountain · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:50:32 PM »

looks great....what does unpotting do to the sound?

Philly Q · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:53:07 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

I forgot to mention that Gibson had fitted 300k volume pots as standard. Why??? It made the guitar muddy as hell!

I didn't realise they were still doing that! :?

I didn't check the pots on my Gibsons when I changed the pickups, just assumed they were 500K. I must have a look. Wonder if that's why I've never found the Riff Raff as bright as some say it is? I think I'll leave the RY/Abraxas setup as it is, though, regardless of pot values.

Thanks for the info on the tailpiece. I've just bought a Les Paul and I might consider that mod.

horsehead · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2007, 06:58:52 PM »

Twinfan that looks lovely, I'm looking to do the same thing but potted & with covers. Is the tone as good as everyone says it is & how do the Hovland affect the tone

Canadian Steve · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2007, 07:08:16 PM »

Very, very nice Twin! I would also go for a plain cherry sunburst as well + the Zebras really match the whole guitar perfectly! Is the tailpiece an aluminium one + are those type of tuners standard on the Standard? W-O-W!!! PDT_011

Author Topic: My Mules have arrived! Pic and review... (Read 5320 times)

TwilightOdyssey