Run through 40 or so effects and models I use with my other
Strats; Fender and Marshall amps, various effects:
You read the specs and ad materials, so here???s my take:
PROS: Nice chunky neck, dark rosewood board, lots of character in the Dipper pups, vintage hardware, quality build-balance-contours, good mojo factor
CONS: Calif Strat at 3x the cost, the Dipper pups offer limited utility, you have to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod, kinda butt ugly.
CONS IN DETAIL: Well, it???s been done before, with tex-mex pickups – those California Strats are still on eBay for $500 or so. These Dippers do one thing really well, but what if you want to play anything else? The neck isn???t tinted at all, the decals look a little cheap under all that gloss, and you have to take the damn neck it off just to add a little relief. The 3 tone sunburst has a little too much red and the sunburst-brown tortoise shell, white plastics color scheme ??? well, it better grow on you over time.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epi LP Custom Black Beauty 3
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
n/a
Other pickups on guitar:
All stock HB’s
Artists using this pickup:
n e using an epi lp custom…..duh…..
You musical style(s):
rock, metal, a bit of clean stuff
Reason for pickup change:
arghh…im not!
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
erm………
Perceived output level:
Bridge is nice and bright, and goes nicely with a proper rock distortion, a bit noisy compared to other p’ips ive got on other axes, but theyre nice
Tone:
neck has a blues tone to die for with an overdrive, just sings! makes u wanna reel off an AC/DC or Kiss solo! lol
Sonic evaluation:
les paul with boss BD-2 and MD-2, into a peavey classic chorus. The bridge is great for metal rhythm, a bit muddy and lacking in treble for leads, but the neck with my overdrive pedal is incredible, especially with the sustain provided by the mahogony body and set mahonogy neck. The sweetest tone ive ever heard my guitar make, i can feel my self goin all slowhand as we speak……lol
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
A bit sorta under powered for metal, but then agen i cant shred this guitar aswell as my ibanez, so it doesnt really get used for it a lot
Model of guitar or bass:
Casino Stage Series
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
gayface ones
Other pickups on guitar:
gayface
Artists using this pickup:
smokey mcgay
You musical style(s):
blues/rock/soft rock/hard rock/metal
Reason for pickup change:
the other ones were gay in the face
Pickup features:
Humbucking, Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Nice and beefy
Tone:
Warm and Rich
Sonic evaluation:
Sounds way better than my other gay in the face pickups. They’re pretty chunky and sound good clean and distorted, but they squeal if you have it up at like 50000 decibels which is a bit gay in the face. I oonly have a gay in the face amp though, so i cant really crank it up that gay-in-the-face loud. If you get my drift. Overall, they’re a very good quality pickup for intermediate players.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
It’s good for rock, blues and jazz. Not good for gay in the face music like egyptian llama dances and stuff.
I was looking for something thick and heavy sounding without being muddy or too bassy. This is just right. The pickups are Epiphone’s new generation ones that say they are designed by Gibson USA, and are double wax potted. The specs say that the neck is a ‘57 replica and the bridge is a hot wound pickup. And this would appear so because there is good balance when switching between neck and bridge. (By the way, I went through a period where I would mod all my guitars, especially replacing the pickups, but now I’m really into keeping everything ‘all original’. As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve realized that most of the tone comes from your hands, gauge of string, and how to work the vol & tone on both your axe and amp. These pickups sound just as good to me as any Gibson or Seymour Ducan; I have no plans of ever replacing them. In fact, when using the between position with both neck & bridge pickup on, it has the best quack and 3d sound that sounds like a vintage, clean LP that I’ve heard in years on a new humbucker LP or SG.)
Also, I would like to add a little lesson here. If you read Dan Earlwine’s book, Guitar Repair & Setup, he encourages you to experiment with the height of the stop-tailpiece bar. He also adds that contrary to the popular belief that says if you screw down the stop bar all the way to the body creating the most angle and tension on the saddle, you will increase sustain — he opposes this has never actually been scientifically proven. But he does go on to say that most players experiment with the height to find the ’sweet spot’ for that particular guitar. Because I was after a thick, but very well articulated tone (more like a semi-hollow body guitar that uses a trapeze tailpiece) I have my stop bar rasied to where 3 or 4 of their bolt threads are showing. By decreasing the angle and tension over the saddle, the strings are less stiff and easier to bend, and the tone isn’t as thick and dark sounding. By doing this, I have not noticed any decrease in sustain, but I do have better string action and tone articulation — try it out!:
Not going to repeat all the standard stuff that an SG has, but this is Gibson’s mid-line* repro of an aged ‘61 SG. So, it has the full trapizoid inlays, fleur-de-lilse inlay at the headstock, and neck joins body at the 22nd fret. Also, unlike most Epi’s, this one has a one piece neck.
*Korea made Epiphones=mid-line, China made Epiphones=budget-line, U.S. made Epiphones & Gibsons=outrageous-line:
Action and intonation was okay, I lowered it about 1/64″ on both treble and bass side.
This is the vintage worn brown stained mahogany that has a satin finish and slightly lighter brown stained, one-piece mahogany set neck in satin — gorgeous! Because this is supposed to look like an old SG, it comes with real Grover tuners (because most of the old SG’s you see have had the original keystone tuners replaced with Grover’s) Frets very well dressed and smooth. The pearl trapizoid inlays have been yellowed to appear aged — very nice touch, not over done, they truly look like they have been around since the 70’s. Neck binding is also an aged cream color as well as the nut — very nice (thank you Epi for not installing those ugly, cheap looking, black nuts on this model that you seem to be slapping on almost everything these days! — knock it off, will you!) The pickup switch is supposed to be the aged dark yellow/amber that you see on old SG’s & LP’s but this one is pumpkin orange — well at least you tried, no big deal. Vol. & Tone knobs are put on straight and perfectly perpendicular to body — way to go! (on most Epi’s, they are put on the shaft crooked and appear to wobble when you turn them). Soldering and wiring of pickups and vol. & tone pots is 1st class. Neck is very straight with only about .005 relief at the 8th fret even with 10 gauge strings on. I take off a couple of points for the neck slots being a bit high. I will re-file them to lower them.
What you do, is have your distortion/OD in front, then u do the hold function and play a c, then you slam the OD on w/ ur other foot and play a pentatonic solo, when u get board, u flick off the OD, and do the hold playing a F, and then a G, and then u start again.
This makes urself a backing chord and delighful crweamy solos w/ two pedals and one guitarist. Try this one, cos it took me 5 mins to master and it sounds sweeett!! This sound for like #150 and virtually no skill (like me), its almost like cheating.
I agree with the other peeps; it is a wee bit zingy, and the max delay is too short (800ms). a coupla seconds would be nice.
It is easy as eating chocoloate.
I had it 5 mins and I understood the direct retuen and the hold thingo. I mean, i don;t know how it works but the hold is just sweet. Its easy to work out and its easy to time, but if u cant do it, then its not the pedals fault, alright?
I think i heard a story of sum1 throwing a boss out a 3rd story widow, picking it up out of the hole in the tarmac, and playing it fine.
Thats it. Its a tank. Its steel, but not as weight as a guvnor (marshall).
Of couse it sux batteries, its digi!
A weirsd thing tho, i run it off a varibale supply, and if you run it on 9v, it buzzes like guck, but if u run it off 7.5 or 5, then the light goes dim, but the pedal worx fine. what is going on????
Mail me please!
I like it that if you have it plugged in in a gig, u can stick a normal battery in so that if you go mad and oick the power suppl into the crowd it still worx…. although not for long!
Dry & not so crunchy…..Very DRY…..Muddy depending on the tone I get from certain setups:
1.)Vintage Fuzz Pedal 1969(Buzz-Saw-Harminic Wave-Shape) I feel like
saying that classic-line “Dude, where’s my fuzz?” when I’ve used
other speakers they give me that SWEEKY-FUZZ from this pedal…. I
will not turn my treble up & get another layer of distorion of treble
frequencies to get the clarity heard (YUK!)
2.)Early 70’s Fuzz (Basic Treble-Crunch Indent-Wave) It’s okay, but
still very Garage-Punk-DRYNESS! This sounds much better on other
speakers, it’s my BEST FUZZ!
3.)TUBE-PREAMP Sharp/Clear (YES SIR) this preamp has the clearest
“MEGADETH Countdown TO Extinction”(tonality) & it sounds fine with
this Speaker, but still lacking on some CRUNCH-TREBLE, but luckly
my TUBE-PREAMP has enough, but still I’d like to have more treble
in my speaker & less coming from my signal-chain!!!!, that way I
don’t overload on treble-layers as usual!
4.)Late-60’s FUZZ-PEDAL (Germanium round-wave-clip) This sounds almost
perfect, & it regfulates all the mid-frequencies…But allot less
bite as other speakers I use!!!!!
Compare to:
1.)”CELESTION G10-20″(10″paper-cone/15-Ohm) This has the MOST-CRUNCH
ever, but it lacks on 2-3KHz, the crunch is a narrow 4KHz.
2.)”RADIO-SHACK” 1516 (15″ w/ disconnected Tweeter) This has allot
of CRUNCH(3KHz) but not anything 4KHz+ but some faint hi-presence.
3.)”PRO SERIES”(brand) (8″ car-speaker/ paper-cone) This has allot of
crunch too, but it sounds too hi-end, a smooth 4KHz+
4.)”CELESTION Vintage-30″ very “Hi-Fi” if you EQ your tone to sound
like SLASH! …This has enough Treble BITE of a crunch, it’s known
for an UPPER-MID, but I don’t see that, nor do I hear that!
*I could list much more Speakers that I’ve tried, but these are the
best ones that stood-out-of-the-crowd……….
*I could list all the MICROPHONES, AMPLIFIERS, ROOMS, CABINETS, &
go on & on about the truth, but let’s keep-it-simple!!!!
***All my results have been carefully recorded using a SPECTRUM-ANALYSER*** (6-year-test LAB)
(Please do EMail me if you do not understand)
12″ Woofer/Guitar-Speaker
What? Did you think I was gonna say:
“Loaded with all kinds of features, a zipper-pouch for carrying picks, a velcro-release-pad for internal-adjustents with removable diaphragm, a steel reinforced magnet with hubcap-locking-mechanism, etc”??????????
Okay:
1.)Spade-style Binding-posts for quick-disconnect for speaker-wire,
with double +/- terminals.
2.)12inch paper-cone woofer-diaphragm with nylon-mesh inner cup
3.)Heavey magnet(I don’t know what kind of Metal)
4.)Foam insulated pads for easy speaker-wood-screws……
I can’t imagine this Speaker being anything else than a STOCK-SPEAKER for all the musicians who are picky seem to swap this one out, unless they are into simple tones that DON’T-CUT-THROUGH-THE-MIX, unless they are using some GLORIFIED-PREAMP(like mine!) & don’t change their sound GENRE throughout the performance!!!!!!!
If you want versatility, hmmmmmmmmmm, let’s just say:
use the:[CELESTION VINTAGE 30] instead!
1.)”Diamond Darrel”(aka:”Dimebag”) of “PANTERA” used these to get his
seering sharp tones when he lived! I think he caught on back then,
& stopped using whatever the Cabinets came with?
2.)”Slash” of “ROSE ‘N GUNSES” used the VINATGE-30 throughout his
entire-carreer with “GNR”
3.)”Dave Mustaine” “The American Leprechaun Metal Dude” switched
to the VINTAGE 30, probably after “Countdown”?
This list has to be truncated or else I’ll go on & on:
So use this “G12-T75″ for a MUDDY background-layer, but when you
want a well-balanced-CLEAR-CRUNCH, use the VINTAGE-30
I use this with everything you can name, (I own/owned it all!)$$
I HAVE 20-20 hearing as good as any Advanced Italian Musician:
1.)Not good for SHRED, DEATH, HEAVEY, NU, or any METAL, unless you are using a good EQ(Equalizer) pedal/rackmount or stock-amp-tone-setting.
2.)Not good for GRUNGE or PUNK, unless if using an EQ again.
3.)Not really good for anything except DRY, MUDDY, CARD-BOARD-BOX-SOUNDS, FADED BACKGROUND TONALITY.(like dubbing bad Cassette-Tapes over & over again till it looses enough fidelity)
4.)Maybe good for VINTAGE sounds if you know how to counter-balance the problem areas with the right DISTORTIONS etc.
5.)If you have allot of good “CRUNCHY AMPS” whether TUBE or not, you may not notice anything bad about this “G12-T75″ woofer-speaker. Unfortunately, not all tone can sound good on every setup, seeing how each filter-circuit-design in every AMP, PEDAL, RACK, GUITAR etc isn’t the same or always predictable, & sometimes in each mass produced model as well.
6.)Blues & even Jazz, I use this for those styles to get my tone, just not for the HEAVEY stuff anymore! It’s not the best “BLUES/JAZZ” or rather “JAZZ/BLUES” Speaker, really!(Okay, quote “SPINAL TAP”)
It really depends exactly on what you are doing, I can actually get a good sound, but if you wanna be fake about it, use an additional EQ. The BREAK-UP, I hardly notice it, I have many RARE-SPEAKERS that give quite a clearer CRUNCH without the boost of any TREBAL in any amplitude gain at all, meaning…..
LESSION:
:
“CRUNCH” means a very noticeable differentiation between each voltage-spike riding inbetween each frequency shelf, causing a very noticeable separation of wavelength rated at about 50 to 60 cycles per second (50/60Hz) depending on what power-source the guitar-distortion effect is calibrated from by AC-power-supply or DC-design, example: UK/US!(Alternating current, sound is also A.C., it’s a Frquency, right?)
IN ENGLISH:
“CRUNCH” Having nothing to do with “BIG BASS” or “THICK TREBAL” but rather a “STUDDERING” almost “VIBRATO” tonality in tonal-wise pronunciation, seeing how it doesn’t matter exactly how much frequency volume & shape is present, but rather how it is modulated into resination (I used both a SPECTRUM ANALIZER & OSCILLOSCOPE)
**Think about how you PRONOUNCE or say a word, you can almost change the meaning & style as well!
****Think about it, eat some POPCORN, especially the CARMEL-COATED kind, chew it violently as if you are very hungry, listen carefully to the particular “CRUNCH” and SEPARATION inbetween each chomping-action, it’s usually defined with enough TREBAL outlining each bite! You should try this with a variety of CERIAL too!
WARNING: This experiment must be completed with only good ears, meaning get your hearing tested, your sensitivity results had better be a flat/wide range of 20Hz-20KHz before you even think about judging what I typed!!!!
“BREAK-UP” could mean “how much CRUNCH” but when guitarists say “It has early break-up” could mean it’s more “SOFT” while the gap between each voltage-spike is shorter, being less “STUDDERING” or “CRUNCHY”… “LATE-BREAK-UP” could mean “SLOW-BREAK-UP” having the tendency to be very “CRUNCHY”!!!
*Forgive my spelling-errors, & NO!, I didn’t say I am Italian, nor did I say that I’m not, either!(don’t assume)
12″ Woofer(I don’t care if you think it should be called a “FULL-RANGE”)
8/16Ohms of Impedance etc… (then it NEEDS A TWEETER!)
Seeing how this CONE is 12 inches wide, be careful where you point your Microphone or ears, you might hear something different each time, especially with “SHURE SM57s” & “SENNHEISER MP-420s” to name a few…
Scooping mids or midrange frequencies being cut isn’t impossible for a “VINTAGE 30″ if you try one instead of this “G12T-75″, but leave the BIG-BASS for the BASS-GUITARISTS unless you don’t have a BASS-PLAYER in your BAND-SITUATION depending on your chosen genre style!
I see that “SLASH” from “GNR-I & II”/”GUNS AND ROSES” states that he uses the “VINTAGE 30″ only throughout his ENTIRE-CARREER according to the Celestion website, so if you like his sound, maybe you will like his speaker!
I see that “JOHN CHRIST”(of “DANZIG”) “DAVE MUSTAINE”(of “MEGADETH”) & “DIAMOND ‘DIMEBAG’ DARREL”(of PANTERA etc.) have either been using or switched to using the VINTAGE-30s to get their EDGY-METALNESS sounds. Pardon the lack of updated current events: “Rest In Peace BUD!”
I have changed the stock speaker about week 2 for a Jensen C8R. The stock speaker is almost atrocious (not unusual in a practice amp and nothing to be disappointed about). I felt that the amp was actually good enough to warrant a speaker change and tried it out on an educated gamble. It improved things 200% imediately noticable some strong clear bass with full mids and clear highs. Woohoo, Houston we have definition!! 
I also took out the chassis and ran a bead of black silicon along the controls area front lip where it meets the cabinet. This is because with the speaker change the fuller bass response occasionally made the chassis vibrate against the cabinet at higher volumes which sucked. Now it is good and has not had troubles.
I don’t run the amp that loud, and it actually isn’t that loud when you do. It is great sounding and respondes well to pick pressure so it is of benefit to practice through this amp.
Main axe is a Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Plus. It has humbuckers of type 490R/498T for the Gibophiles – I use the middle position, ie. nasally two humbucker twang.
Gives a great rendition of good midrange honk. Tone is clear and singing for blues this way.
Honk settings (lol)
gain:
, [bass] and [treble] all at about 10-11 o’clock.
Gives tweedish grit clean when played soft and thicker overdrive tones when digging in.
Jan2005 I believe this came out and that is when I purchased this amp.
Clean is clean, and Gain is gain and these two sounds are switched using a switch on top. It is best regarded as a single channel amp however that would only be the case if it had no switch.
It has a 12ax7 valve which is used for preamp distorsion. This was the main reason for buying this amp to get the blues cleanish/dirtyish intermediate area that is valve territory in a quiet practice platform. Yes I have a Marshall Head but that’s no good late at night etc.
I put 6 for features empirically, however it’s a 10 cause it has all I need.
playing a while sine 1985-2005 so have had some gear in that time. This is THE BEST by 100X (well at least 3-5X) practice amp over other practice amps I have had.
I love it’s size, it’s looks are nice to, the finish is OUTSTANDING. I was shocked at how much amp and nice cabinet bits you get for the money. Even the manuals are generous stuff.
I would recommend this unit stock (don’t mind my speaker changing) as a very good amp for a guitarist to use at home. With speaker change I have actually dragged it out to a small gig and it filled the room stand alone well enough, with a small PA for vocals.
Personally IMHO – stock speaker is a shocker, with Jensen C8R this amp is very impressive and offers low cost, low maintainance great practice tone.
I am still considering a little Fender Champ or a Gibson Skylark (similar) which a little 5 watt tube amps — for practice however for the money this little Behringer really is a class act and the only clear choice BY FAR in the practice amp arena.
Rock on!
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
490R and 57 Classic
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Me,
You musical style(s):
Blues based rock
Reason for pickup change:
Lack of clarity from the gibsons, lack of coil splitting ability with the stock pups and, my Alnico Pro2s are zebra striped : )
Pickup features:
Humbucker with 4 conductor wiring
Impedence or other specs:
it’s all on seymour duncan’s website…
Perceived output level:
Less than the 57/490Rs when in humbucker mode, close to my tele when in single coil mode
Tone:
Rich and complex PAF sound and a biting single coil…not quite as thick as a P90 in sinlge coil mode but great tone none the less.
Sonic evaluation:
I play old school stuff..I use a 1971 Marshall Super Lead and a 1962 Bluesbreaker reissue…I wired these new SD Alnicos up late Friday night and played a show on Saturday night…I was mesmerized by the clear, complex tone and when set in single coil they can really cut…In humbucker mode they are PAF all the way…classic, smooth but still defined…if you play a les paul through a marshall you need these thing!!!!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’m stuck in the 60s and 70s…I really like Mick Ronson, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Paul Kossoff that whole blues based rock thing and these are great..
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender Lite Ash Telecaster
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
None, this pickup was standard on this guitar.
Other pickups on guitar:
APTR-1 Rhythm (neck) pickup
Artists using this pickup:
I do not know, BUT Slash uses the Alnico II Pro humbuckers on his Les Pauls.
You musical style(s):
American music, from acoustic Blues, ancient Country, to electric Blues, Classic/Hard Rock, Alternative.
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Passive Alnico II Magnet single coil pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
This is NOT a hot pickup, this is a fantastic accurate pickup. Hot pickups have their place, BUT most amps today do the work hot pickups were intended to do in the 70s (before Gain knobs were on most amps).
Tone:
The bass is pretty balanced, it’s nice and present, but not overwhelmingly so. The mids are fantastic and full. The treble is full of that classic Tele "spank".
Sonic evaluation:
As I stated the mids are pretty upfront, BUT this is still a single coil Telecaster pickup. Unless you are a Tele fan you’ll need to get used to a responsive accurate pickup. It colors the tone exactly as an old Telecaster should be colored… spanking highs, well defined mids, and nice bass for when you want to dig in on the low E string for an almost baritone guitar kind of vibe. This pickup captured *MY* ideal of what a “classic” Telecaster should sound like (I’m sure the Ash body and non-One piece maple neck – maple neck with maple capped fretboard – helped alot too). The “beef” in the mids and uppermids have to be coaxed out of the pickup with your Amp’s EQ controls a little more than typical Les Paul, or modern ceramic pickups (single coil or humbucker) would need, but there is alot of presence and weight in the pickups if you’re patient (5 minutes tops, unless you have crap amps). The pickups are clean and clear, articulate pristinely, and are very responsive. I play these pickups through a Marshall JCM2000 all tube head and a Fender Blues Junior, with an old 70s Alnico Music Man speaker.
The Fender Blues Junior is an interesting amp. It’s tube compliment is more like a Vox AC30 – except for the Class A aspect of the Vox, but it has a beefy midrange and a distinct (sometimes muddy) overdriven sound. Overall these pickups captured the classic old vintage Telecaster sounds (Danny Gatton, Brent Mason, Buck Owens, James Burton) the best when played at clean levels. The overdriven sounds were very vintage Blues sounding (Albert King, Albert Collins, etc). Played a little cleaner it sounds similar to Muddy Waters’ Tele work. With this pickup and the neck version together you get a beautifully mellow, yet still bright and articulate sound.
Through the Marshall the pickup had a raw (Joe Strummer of the Clash) to “jangly” (Tom Petty) sound depending on how the amp was driven. The added compression of being driven was a very pleasant sound. With the volume pushed the guitar started taking on a more sustained, bordering feedback, almost Les Paul sound – a nice Led Zeppelin vibe (the first album was done with a Tele and low watt tube amp), of course pushing the “front end” of the amp (Gain or Distortion controls) sounds like it does with any guitar/pickup, thin and “buzzy”. The Tele sound and character was always in there somewhere though.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
For Country this would be THE pickup. For that certain Tele Blues sound, this would be a great choice as well. For "super gain" or metal sounds this would probably not really give you what you need.
Model of guitar or bass:
Martin OM-15
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Roots
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Stacked humbucking magnetic soundhole pick-up
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
This unit has a good amount of level once the poles have been raised for string balance.It is at least as powerful as a strat pick-up.
Tone:
A good balance with a warm bass and no squawk on the treble strings.
Sonic evaluation:
I have only used it through my home recorder.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pick-up is good for fingerstyle and strumming.
Model of guitar or bass:
Takamine AN10 (cedar/mahogany)
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other brand soundboard transducer
Other pickups on guitar:
None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
classic rock, soft pop/rock, bluegrass, contemporary fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change:
Looking for a natural sounding, no-fuss pickup.
Pickup features:
Active stacked-humbucker soundhole pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Plenty of gain. There’s no need for an additional preamp.
Tone:
Nicely balanced – But for a dread, my guitar is not overly bassy. You can adjust the balance with the pole pieces.
Sonic evaluation:
I have played this pickup through a Peavey SP-2 PA system, a Peavey SP-5 PA system, a Peavey Escort system, and a Genz-Benz Shenandoah 100. The only system that disappointed me for acoustic tone was the Escort, and that was the PA system’s fault.
Through a decent PA or acoustic amp, this pickup sounds incredibly natural with minimal EQing. I run the EQ flat with a slight boost in the treble and a slight cut in the mids. At a recent gig someone else played my guitar – so I got to listen to it through the mains. I was blown away by how good it sounded.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pickup is a good match for any style of music requiring transparent, natural acoustic tone.
Model of guitar or bass:
Alvarez Model 5065
Position:
middle
Pickup being replaced:
Dean Markley
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Beach music, jazz, blues, classic hits, etc.
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted pickup with less noise & better quality
Pickup features:
Two stacked low impedance single coil pickups
Impedence or other specs:
preamp is built & has a volume control on the pickup
Perceived output level:
The pickup is very hot requiring all volume levels to be turned low.
Tone:
The tone is balanced with much good bass & full range into the treble regions
Sonic evaluation:
Two JBL Eon G15’s with Peavey XR 600 B head mixer
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Works fine for variety of music styles
Model of guitar or bass:
Old Epiphone
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
don’t know
You musical style(s):
Rock, Country, Folk, learning to fingerpick
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Active Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
no idea
Perceived output level:
Hotter that the Fishman on my Ibanez
Tone:
Bright with good balance
Sonic evaluation:
I put this on a good old Epiphone. It’s not a high end guitar, just a workhorse. The Active M1 sounds great. I am playing through a Johnson Amplification Modeling Amp that has three channels set up for acoustic. This pickup sound great on all the clean channels and with the various effects. Doesn’t sound very good through a distorted or crunch type channel. I am still experimenting with this, only had it for a couple days but I know that I love how it performs. The M1 is very feedback resistant too. I think this pickup would work well on most kinds of gigs and certainly for recording.
The Active M1 was very easy to install. LR BAggs sends a disclaimer about self installation and that they won’t help you if you screw up your guitar. I never really thought they would.
As soon as I got strings back on it and tuned, I fired it up. I have not been that pleased or excited about how well something musical worked for a long time. This thing sounds great. It will easily pick up body noise and the sound your fingers make sliding on the strings. It seems that whatever noises you are making with the instrument get sent tot he amp.
By the way, it is totally a plug and play set up. It’s hot! No problem with signal strength at all. This is the only thing you need to buy. No extrenal EQ or preamp or anything. Just the M1.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, Country, Folk, learning to fingerpick. This pickup is excellent for the various types of playing I do.
Model of guitar or bass:
Martin HD-28
Position:
middle
Pickup being replaced:
Barcus Berry
Other pickups on guitar:
n/a
Artists using this pickup:
n/a
You musical style(s):
folk, celtic, bluegrass
Reason for pickup change:
Bought guitar used with 1970’s Barcus Berry Pickup. The Barcus Berry was feedback prone and sounded terrible.
Pickup features:
Humbucking. The Second coil picks up body vibrations.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
normal, for a passive pickup
Tone:
a little trebly, but was able to add bass by adjusting the pole magnents
Sonic evaluation:
I run the pickup through a SansAmp Acoustech DI and into the sound system. The Sansamp gives me some signal boost, and the ability to eq to the room.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Taylor
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
ES
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Many
Reason for pickup change:
I Questioned whether I was paying all this money for the the insesent humming and hissing, or the overpriced sound and excesive cracking. Then I realized, I don’t Like this system…
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker with single coil sound…
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
This pickup has the same output level as a Sunrise Pickup…
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
Tayler/M1 Through a Para DI and AER acousticube amp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Many
Model of guitar or bass:
Larrivee SD 50
Position:
middle
Pickup being replaced:
B Band AST
Other pickups on guitar:
K & K Trinity (passive)
Artists using this pickup:
No idea.
You musical style(s):
Contemporary Fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change:
Huge feedback issues at low volumes. Needed a quiet passive pickup.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Senses top vibrations and blends with humbucker signal
Perceived output level:
It’s passive: the output is medium-low
Tone:
Very “glassy” (a la single coil strat), strident mids and focused bass: very bright and clean
Sonic evaluation:
As a stand-alone pickup the M1 was not doing the job: making a mahogany guitar sound more electric than acoustic. Warmth was lacking. However, the enlarged soundhole was too big for a Feedback Buster, and I play live music. Baggs says that other passive or active pickups can be wired to the ring, so I installed a K & K passive bridge plate transducer. I am mixing the two sources using a Raven Labs PMB-1, and have gotten back the warmth and sparkle I desire. In other words: it sounds like a mahogany guitar again. To keep the feedback under control, I roll off the bass on the K&K–using it for mids and highs. The focused bass from the M1 really shines in combination with the other pickup.
Another discovery I made was that you can place a strip of cloth or cork where the pickup attaches to the soundhole. Not only does this save the finish on your instrument, but it also tones down the “glassy” personality of this pickup. At Baggs suggestion I also use their DI Box–and it helps somewhat to scoop out and focus the strong mids at a warmer frequency.
Other tricks: you don’t need the magnetic pole pieces set very high to get a good signal. In fact, they are so strong that they can cause the same kind of sustain-killing string pull that you can get on an electric guitar. Not good for acoustic playing! I have mine set 1/16″ above the face of the pickup.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Fingerstyle/Worship Leader
Model of guitar or bass:
Sigma
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
N/A
Other pickups on guitar:
N/A
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Praise & Worship, Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Needed a way to amplify my acoustic guitar
Pickup features:
Triaxial Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Magnetic Pickup; no battery requied
Perceived output level:
About average for a mag p/u. Requires a preamp before hitting the main amp.
Tone:
Adjustable pole pieces let you emphasize/deemphasize each string’s contribution.
Sonic evaluation:
I run my M-1 into a Yamaha AG Stomp for my preamp. From there, one output channel goes to a Roland KC-100 amp for monitor and the other channel feeds the house PA. I’ve also plugged it directly into a Fender Twin, and it simply sounds awesome! It’s a little weird hearing those acoustic tones coming out of a Twin! Warning: Even though this mag p/u is very resistant to feedback under normal circumstances, when you’ve got 100 watts of tube power on tap and close by, you can push enough air to set the strings into auto-vibe and it can produce some honking feedback (or sustain, if you know how to control it). When I play in a church setting, I don’t turn up my monitor loud enough for it to begin to be a problem. The AG Stomp lets me notch out up to 5 problematic frequencies with a quick stab to the FB Reducer, but I have rarely used it.
The pickup, as others have noted, does a fantastic job of translating your acoustic sound into a signal that can be amplified. For me, the appeal of a passive transducer was very strong. I have watched my bandmate delay practice to go or send someone after 9-volt batteries (not cheap, btw) too many times. On the other hand, no player in their right mind would want to sacrifice an authenic acoustic tone for the convenience of no battery.
To be honest, the M-1 is not going to sound as good as a properly positioned, high quality condenser mic. But it get’s pretty doggone close. The suspended coil (lower one) transfers the vibration from the guitar top into a signal that combines with the top coil to bring out the acoustic quality that you hear unamplified. I assume the triaxial term refers to the second coil’s configuration allowing it to transduce vibrations in three mutually perpendicular axes. I couldn’t say if that’s hype, or not. But I can testify that the sound is mighty pleasing to my ears and is a faithful representation of the pure acoustic sound.
As for how it interacts with my preamp, I like set the AG Stomp to 100% direct when I use my guitar with the M-1. That’s how much I like it’s tone! When I play through it with a piezo equipped guitar, I generally use a preset with one of the microphone models, instead of the direct tone. I also tweak the blend knob to get a mix. The cool thing about using a parametric preamp is that you can boost or cut the lows, mids, and highs to further shape your tone according to your mood and the environment. You really need an offboard preamp to take advantage of this pickup.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Praise and Worship music. The M-1 is a super value for the price.
Model of guitar or bass:
CA Guitars Legacy acoustic
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
none–acoustic
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
singer songwriter, rock, worship, folk rock
Reason for pickup change:
I bought this pickup after checking out its smart design and reading its great reviews. I wanted something that would _sound like my guitar_!!
Pickup features:
passive humbucking, body sensitive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
You should run it through a preamp–something high-impedence.
Tone:
Even, balanced tone. Natural sounding–representitive of the actual guitar. You can adjust the pole-pieces.
Sonic evaluation:
I ran this into a house system that had a preamp and mixer, coming out through a PA.
Like I said already, very natural. Works well for strumming and picking. Doesn’t muddy up, sound harsh, or sound sterile–doesn’t sound like a humbucker. Much nicer, but zero hum.
I got several comments about how beautiful and natural the guitar sound was while using this. The sound man loved it too!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
The setting I used it in was alongside a piano and a few vocalists. If running through a PA or through a preamp and mixer, I think it’d work fine with a larger/louder group.
Model of guitar or bass:
Wechter 5100
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
No
Other pickups on guitar:
Piezo + condenser mic
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Various
Reason for pickup change:
I needed sound of normal magnetic pick up, so I tried many others that just added garbage to the sound and could not mix with piezo nicely. M 1 was just my last experiment.
Pickup features:
Humbucking multilyer pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
It is medium hot.
Tone:
Very balanced. It is not usual magnetic pickup, very deep with some tricks in construction, it brings completely different sound, more like very good microphone. It means I did not found what I was looking for, but I found way better solution for my guitar and now electrified guitar sound is way better in total.
Sonic evaluation:
I use various amps and very often paly via PA. This combination is killer.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, pop.
Model of guitar or bass:
Martin 000-28ec
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
not sure
You musical style(s):
singer songwriter/ fingerpicking/ blues/folk/ latin/ jazz/ rock etc.
Reason for pickup change:
the guitar came without a pick up and I wanted something that would capture the voice of the guitar.
Pickup features:
passive humbucking (sensitive to movement of guitar top)
Impedence or other specs:
low impedance?
Perceived output level:
low
Tone:
This pick-up has a very even tone and represents the sound coming from your guitar to some degree. It also has adjustable pole pieces. So if you don’t like the sound you’re getting…switch it up.
Sonic evaluation:
using a martin 000-28ec and practice through a small practice amp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
blues/ folk/ singer songwriter. this pickup is not a ‘lead’ playing sort of item. it’s full and precise, but not ready to cut through a 10 piece drum set and a couple of full stacks. This is more for an acoustic ensemble or a solo act. Very good pickup for this purpose.
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
This product is also reviewed under “guitar effects”
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
If you play a piezo-equipped acoustic guitar, this should be in your case. Fool with it until you find your sound; I assure ou, it’s in there.
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
With the Marshall 50 watt acoustic amp, tonal posibilities are nearly endless. Less so through a PA, but every soundman in town smiles when he sees me pull this out of the gigbag. Put your tone back into your own hands, people.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I do singer/songwriter solo stuff, open mikes, small rooms, etc. I call this the “equalizer,” in that it makes every venue, every crappy PA, and every weird room “equal.” There’s nowhere that I can’t get a good guitar tone when I use this. Even through a tube guitar amp, it can be done.
Model of guitar or bass:
Martin HD-28
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Baggs M-1 Passive
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Folk, Bluegrass, Celtic
Reason for pickup change:
I was using SansAmp Acoustic DI. When the xlr jack on the SansAmp after several years or frequent use, I decided to replace it with somethign different.
Pickup features:
Pre-Amp with EQ
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Output level is hot enough to work well with a mixing board.
Tone:
The Para Acoustic DI is fairly transparent when the settings are flat.
Sonic evaluation:
This is a nice transparant box with ample signal boost and good eq.
The EQ lets you notch out frequencies that are feeding back, and roll of some of those unnatural highs that come with many pickups. I play rhythm with a heavy right hand, and I am able to get a relatively natural (for a pickup) sound that is crisp without being brittle.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This should work for all types of music.
Model of guitar or bass:
Resonator, Parlor guitar, and mini-jumbo.
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
All passive piezo pickups, they needed a preamp.
Other pickups on guitar:
Fishman Resophonic, Fishman undersaddle.
Artists using this pickup:
Don’t know.
You musical style(s):
Delta Blues. Alot of slide and fingerstyle.
Reason for pickup change:
Couldn’t get loud enough with a mic, plus feedback was an issue. Piezo quack needed some taming.
Pickup features:
Preamp/Direct Inject box.
Impedence or other specs:
Matches impedances, gain pot, etc, etc.
Perceived output level:
USE THE GAIN “SCREW” FOLKS. Active, passive, and all pickups between need to be adjusted to the loudest, “pre-distortion” point. Output is balanced if you use the damn thing right – stop crying and read the instructions.
Tone:
Smoothed out a bit of the piezo quack. REALLY HELPED WITH TAMING the high end “pings” on my reso pickup.
Sonic evaluation:
Some Mixers can add a ton of noise. Plugging the DI directly into an Active JBL PA cab resulted in noiseless happiness. Plugging it into a mixing board, then into the PA cab resulted in alot of noise. THIS IS NOT THE BAGGS FAULT. Previous posters had experienced noise… I use PASSIVE acoustic pickups and had NO noise until a cheap mixer was added to the signal chain. READ AND LEARN about Parametric type of controls. Also, listen with a hyper critical ear for the “sweet spot” on the gain… stop crying and LEARN ABOUT YOUR CRAFT PEOPLE, stop relying on manual “preset” recommendations! The manual had all pertinent info, but will not babysit retards – do your own work. When my glass, or even brass slides were missing, the DI tamed the shrillness of even harsh chrome/steel slides. Kept the top end “bite” and crisp attack of the strings, while not being to trebly or harsh. Tamed the reso pickup of it’s ultra high end harshness, but at small cost of dulling it’s brightness. I WOULD NEVER BE CAUGHT PLAYING ACOUSTIC (LIVE) WITHOUT THIS AWESOME LITTLE BOX. It is of inestimable value onstage – I will NEVER be without one ever again.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play blues with a slide. Nice mellow glass, or even brass slides. LISTEN UP YOU DAMN “CHRISTIAN” CHURCH “ROCK” BANDS AND “WORSHIP” FOLKS. Take your damn Bush voting, “everyone else’s values” hating, hippie crap and shove it. Music has it’s place in worship but “Rock” should be kept out – show God respect. Would you wear cutoff jeans and yer mullet to your cousin’s wedding (I guess them folks would)?! Rock is great, God is better, but don’t befoul them both by mixing them where they do not belong. Back to the review – this DI is perfect for getting volume and close to real acoustic sounds. Until piezo is replaced by tech that captures the sound more truly, this box should be in every acoustic guitar’s case.
Model of guitar or bass:
Simon and Patrick SP6 Spruce with K&K Pure Western (see other review)
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
This replaces the pickup that is a part of my old FIshman Rare Earth
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock/Folk and various other bits and pieces
Reason for pickup change:
“Needed” a preamp for my passive K&K. Chose this one because of the rave reviews of tone and because of the features.
Pickup features:
4 band EQ with sweepable mid, variable notch filter, phantom power, phase invert, effects loop, XLR and 1/4″ outs
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Very good… more than I’m likely to use!
Tone:
Clear. It won’t transform the sound of your guitar just from being plugged in, which can be good or bad.
Sonic evaluation:
I use this with my SP6 + K&K pickup into my Roland AC-60 and/or my church’s really good PA.
Like I said, it won’t change things all around in terms of tone. It does make it that little bit smoother, but it doesn’t really colour the tone. The EQ controls are fantastic though and really allow you to shape a difficult tone. They don’t make your guitar sound weird either, just more bassy, more defined, whatever.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Acoustic guitar – Takamine w/DSP preamp
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
N/A
Other pickups on guitar:
Factory Palathetic
Artists using this pickup:
James Taylor, Glen Frey (Eagles), John Jorgenson
You musical style(s):
50’s & 60’s rock’n'roll, crooner-tunes, modern rock, progressive jazz
Reason for pickup change:
I needed something to boost my signal level.
Pickup features:
N.A
Impedence or other specs:
N/A
Perceived output level:
Fairly hot, but with WAY too much hum & hiss @ normal mixer-level volume
Tone:
Just a tweaked version of yr original sound
Sonic evaluation:
I’m using this unit with both a Takamine Nashville Series guitar with an onboard DSP and Palathetic pickup, and also on a Fishman soundhole pickup in a Martin D-28. I play with another rhythm guitarist which leaves me to play slide, fingerstyle and lead guitar. I purchased this unit b/c my other guitarist strums very hard and I was unable to get above him volume-wise in most live situations. This level does get enable a fairly healthy signal level to get to a mixer, but despite all of my tweaking and referring to the manual (incl. returning my first unit b/c I thought it was broken), the hiss and hum levels that come out of this unit are unacceptable – even by live P.A standards ! I honestly don’t know how L.R Baggs can say that this unit is made from Class A circuitry – I’ve heard Class A boards in the Neve “Channel In A Box”, and this unit comes no where near the quietness of the Neve product.
Admittedly, it does allow some tweaking of yr signal, but do not expect it to make a cheap guitar sound like an expensive one – it won’t (from my experience anyway….)
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rhythm guitar, or solo instrumental when you are not competing with other instruments
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
I use this with my Taylor 510, Fishman Acoustic Matrix II pickup running into either the church “house” sound or into my VOX Valvetronix amp. In both cases this thing is great. I can dial in any sound I want. The controls are excellent and provide max flexibility. Here is the bottom line, if you want ultimate control of the sound leaving your guitar, then this is an excellent choice.
At first I was worried that it being a stand alone unit would present a pain in the butt. Well it hasn’t worked out that way. Its been great to use and a pleasure to hear. If your sitting on the fence wondering if you should buy it, then my vote is yes! Try Maury Ritch Music for a price far better than the other larger on-line retailers are offering… Just an innocent plug, they didn’t pay me to say that 
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Martin D-28 with active L.R. Baggs I-Beam
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Clean, solid boost to the overall level.
Tone:
Very transparent, easy to color the way you like.
Sonic evaluation:
At home – Mackie 1202-VLZ into a pair of Barbetta Sona 22s
Church sound system – Mackie board and amp, speakers unknown
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Acoustic fingerpicking – This is a very good match
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Blues King Electro, Aria Sinsonado (travel guitar)
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Direct Box and Pre-amp
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
I’d been playing a magnificent Gibson Blues King Electro with a marvelous SWR California Blonde acoustic amp. Then I bought an Aria Sinsonado travel guitar (like a SoloEtte). It needed some help. I also needed a direct box so I could plug the Sinsonado into an XLR outlet for a P.A. system. The user reviews here recommended the Para Acoustic D.I. Boy, were they right! It made the Sinsonado sound MUCH more acoustic. If I turned up the volume on the guitar, it went from sounding like an acoustic guitar to sounding like an electric. If I turn up the volume on the Para Acoustic D.I., however, I can keep the acoustic sound at higher volume. It even made my Gibson sound better, and I didn’t think that was possible. This is a terrific product, and because it’s only about 3×4″, weighs less than a pound, and is built like a tank, I can take it on the road without difficulty.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Fingerpicking.
Model of guitar or bass:
MARTIN D-28
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
USING WITH L.R. BAGGS I-BEAM
Other pickups on guitar:
I-BEAM
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
PRAISE & WORSHIP, FINGER PICKING AND STRUMMING
Reason for pickup change:
NEEDED SOMTHING OTHER THAN A MIKE TO PRODUCE THE SOUND OF THE ACOUSTIC and I didn’t want my guitar to have that fishman quack! Yeach!
Pickup features:
DIRECT BOX WITH EQ, PHASE, MID CUT XLR +1/4 OUT
Impedence or other specs:
NA
Perceived output level:
Plenty of volume, no distortion
Tone:
I can get the sound of the guitar unamplified only louder and no feedback
Sonic evaluation:
I noramally go directly into a PA but I also use an ultra sound. This set up Ibeam and the Para Di is excellent. Has killed all my feedback and consistancy problems. Pull it plug it in and get what I want.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I can’t see any problems no matter what style you play
Model of guitar or bass:
N/A
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
N/A
Other pickups on guitar:
N/A
Artists using this pickup:
N/A
You musical style(s):
N/A
Reason for pickup change:
N/A
Pickup features:
Dirct box/pre-amp
Impedence or other specs:
1/4 in. input with stereo effects loop 1/4 out and xlr out. Five band e.q., notch filter, and phase inverter.
Perceived output level:
This baby can boost your output on any type of accoustic p/u system!
Tone:
see below
Sonic evaluation:
I play a Gibson J-200 with the L.R. Baggs Dual Source through this, but, as I understand it, you can play any accoustic p/u through this direct box. This little unit makes a great sounding p/u sound even better. It allows you, with a little experimentation, to really tailor your sound. It also has a great notch filter. With this box, I am able to use a microphone based p/u system in a jumbo bodied accoustic guitar with accoustic drums, electric bass, electric guitar and keys at suprisingly loud volumes without feed back problems. I have to say that I have been totally amazed at the levels at which I can play without feed back. And I don’t have to sacrafice the quality of my sound to achieve this. Sound quality is much better then a stomp box equalizer and it is dead quiet.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This would be great no matter what style you play. In fact it would allow you to tailor your sound to your style.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Explorer
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
emg 81
Other pickups on guitar:
seymour duncan 59 (neck) DIMEBAG STYLE
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Metal/Metalcore/Hardcore/
Reason for pickup change:
didnt quite like the tone..
Pickup features:
humbucker/passive
Impedence or other specs:
about 16k
Perceived output level:
hot as fuck
Tone:
mid/trebely
Sonic evaluation:
fucking amazing…i believe this pickup is best used in drop tunings, when flipped upside down (you’ll notice many players doing that, it gives a bit more trebely sound) my guitar is in open c tuning and it sounds incredible, i play it through a peavey 6505+ and ibanez cabs loaded with celeston 90s…it sounds great for what i do, leads sound amazing, and chords sound great too,
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
metal, hardcore, etcetcetc
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson KV2 USA
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
EMG 81
Other pickups on guitar:
Really doesn’t matter
Artists using this pickup:
R.I.P. Dime
You musical style(s):
Heavy F ‘ N Metal
Reason for pickup change:
I was looking for a pickup with more warmth, crunch and clarity.
Pickup features:
2 steel blades buried in a ceramic magnet – passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
D.C resistance 16.25K ohms, Inductance 8.45 H, Resonant Frequency 5.1KHz
Perceived output level:
Really hot for a passive pickup
Tone:
Nicely balanced – ideal metal tone – punchy, poppy clean tone
Sonic evaluation:
I’m running the V through a digitech metal master into a fender frontman 25R 75 watt amp(it only costs like $175 but it’s a good little amp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Keep it heavy! It’s designed to be a bridge pickup (i wouldn’t even consider putting it in the neck)
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibanez S 1625 TKS
Position:
middle
Pickup being replaced:
Ibanez Quantum 2
Other pickups on guitar:
Ibanez Quantum 1
Artists using this pickup:
Dime.
You musical style(s):
rock to hardcore metal
Reason for pickup change:
wanted better harmonics, and my clarity from the pickup
Pickup features:
Passive. 2 stainless steel blades and a ceramic magnet, High Output,
Impedence or other specs:
D.C resistance 16.25K ohms, Inductance 8.45 H, Resonant Frequency 5.1KHz
Perceived output level:
Higher than a Quantum2 which is meant to be hotter than a dimarzio paf
Tone:
bassy with slightly less midd and quite a lot of treble (6/5/8 – low/mid/high)
Sonic evaluation:
well im going from my ibanez s 1625 into a boss tu2 and a boss ns2 into a peavey 6505+ head and a laney gs412s cab loaded with celestion seventy 80’s
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
metal – perfect!! on clean its awesome as well. ive only had it in the bridge..
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Les Paul Std.
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag (R.I.P. Brother)
You musical style(s):
Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickups were MUDDY! The output wasn’t all that bad but they were very muddy.
Pickup features:
Humbucking, Passive, you know the rest
Impedence or other specs:
D.C. resistance isn’t a reliable way of measuring output, Henry’s are, 8.45 H output, which is high.
Perceived output level:
I’d say this pup gives EMGs a run for the money, minus the battery and sterile sound!
Tone:
Very tight bass, almost no mids, good amount of treble
Sonic evaluation:
As of now, I’m playing this Epi LP Std. through a Line 6 Spider II, have also played it through a Peavey XXX. Awesome sound. Don’t be fooled by previous reviews; this pickup is neither muddy or shrilly! Maybe it’s muddy if you’re immature and you keep your gain knob set on 10. Great sound for Pantera/Metallica/BLS/Megadeth, etc. Has wonderful cleans as well, don’t let others fool you. Great lead tones as well.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play Heavy Metal, and this pickup is totally suited to just that.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epi SG 400
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
EMG HZ
Other pickups on guitar:
Duncan 59
Artists using this pickup:
who cares
You musical style(s):
Hardcore, Metal
Reason for pickup change:
Have you ever played a EMG HZ? Its mushy, not good for tight playing.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
i think its something like 16k, its hot for a passive
Perceived output level:
Hotter then the Duncan distortion and thats a hot pickup (Ive had 3 guitars with them)
Tone:
Bass and treble, sucked mids heavy metal sound.
Sonic evaluation:
Epi SG-400, Monster cable, Line 6 Flextone 3, 2 4×12 cabs.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Im in a hardcore/metal band. I need a pickup thats gonna deliver some good low end but remain clear. It delivers well. This is a bridge pickup, dont put it in the neck.
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibanez RGT-3020
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Dimarzio Paf Pro
Other pickups on guitar:
Dimarzio Paf Pro
Artists using this pickup:
Dime was, Mark Morton
You musical style(s):
Death Metal.
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a higher output pickup that gave me a tighter distortion than the Paf provided.
Pickup features:
Passive blade style humbucker.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Medium hot, about as hot as a Duncan JB.
Tone:
Piercing highs, make your ears bleed highs, OK mids, warbly lows. When you play leads or play clean this pickup is great. Single notes scream out with great sound. HOWEVER – If you play a chord wth this pickup you wont be able to tell what that chord is. Play a power chord and it sounds like distortion, total shit.This pickup has no Clarity or Definition whatsoever.
Sonic evaluation:
I use a Crate BV-120 into a BV-412 and a Genz-Benz G-flex 2×12. I thought it might be the Crate BV stuff so i tried it out on a friends Marshall stack and the same shit tone came out.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Metal. Crowbar, COB, Lamb of God, Caliban, Arch Enemy.
Model of guitar or bass:
US Schecter Avenger
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
EMG 81
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
Me, Others.
You musical style(s):
Tech Death, Grindcore
Reason for pickup change:
EMG’s were too flat sounding, no real life to them.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hot
Tone:
the mids and bass are balenced well, it has a spike in the highs.
Sonic evaluation:
I am using a Randall RG100ES into a Behringer 4×12 with Celestion Century Speakers with a modded metal zone infront of it for more chunk.
This pickup really screams through this set up. I loved my EMG’s through this but I always felt I was missing something, Then I bought this and almost died, It has the tone of an 81 but with more of an organic full feel. The EMG’s were just too flat and no matter what I did I always sounded like anyone elses using EMG’s.
I have found that this pickup really does not like GHS at all, I thought it was the pickup at first but after a switch to DR it was perfect, hugh clear crunch. It also liked D’Addario and SIT strings.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Tech Death like Martyr. It’s perfect for this, Nice and clear with alot of articulation. It sounds like a goat fart in the neck.
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
custom Strat
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
R.I.P Dimebag
You musical style(s):
Metal, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change:
wanted the dimebag sound.
Pickup features:
Humbucker(Passive)
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
hot
Tone:
Awesome, better than what other reviews said on here.
Sonic evaluation:
Crate GFX 65 (Old school) with no pedals or anything.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Metal, Rock
Model of guitar or bass:
Dime V & Dime ST pro
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
n/a
Other pickups on guitar:
SD 59
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag RIP
You musical style(s):
Everything
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
UltraHot
Tone:
On the Trebly side.
Sonic evaluation:
My Amp is Line 6 Vetta 2. The SD Dimebucker is a really great pickup, I have in 2 of my guitars. Don’t hesitate to try it. I just want to add in response to the ross j. johnson 2 below mine. He is full of shit, and he’s a salesman trying to sell a rip-off copy of the Bill Lawrence XL-500. The ONLY place to get a REAL XL-500 is directly from the man himself at www.billlawrence.com. Fuck all these con artists trying to screw people.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Fits me perfectly, except for really clean stuff. I go from Classic Rock, to Metal, and everything in between.
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibanez RG1570
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Full Shred neck humbucker
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag fucking Darrell
You musical style(s):
Heavy fucking metal
Reason for pickup change:
Fucking stock pickup
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
bleh bleh bleh
Perceived output level:
High
Tone:
Plenty of mids and treble, a bit muddy on lows
Sonic evaluation:
My gear sucks. This pickup packs plenty of punch. With my DiMarzio I play with the gain at 100%, I have to turn it down to 50% when I play with this to get clarity. Loads of harmonics, nice highs, only bad thing is the lows are a bit muddy, but probably due to my amp more than anything.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Roll back the tone on clean and you got a nice crystal tone as well
Model of guitar or bass:
ibanez rgt 42 (neck thru)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
sh-1 1959 seymour duncan
Artists using this pickup:
supposedly dimebag
You musical style(s):
rock/metal/nu metal
Reason for pickup change:
these pickups suck!
Pickup features:
humbucker (passive)
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
high gain mush.
Tone:
no highs. dark and muddy.
Sonic evaluation:
tried it on several rigs. randall, marshall, triaxis, v-amp 2, pod. THIS IS NOT DIMEBAG’S SOUND! if you want HIS sound, get a bill lawrence L-500XL! that’s what Dime used. forget the sell-out to washburn and seymour duncan, the man’s gotta pay his bills right? the dimebucker lacks the high end definition that the L-500XL’s have. the dimebucker turns to flat, bassy mushy crap!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
i play several styles and have played/shredded for over 20 years. this pickup sucks!
Model of guitar or bass:
rigged out stagemaster (strat with floyd rose)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock
Other pickups on guitar:
stock neck
Artists using this pickup:
the late dimebag
You musical style(s):
hard rock and metal
Reason for pickup change:
stock pu was crap
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
not as high of an output as i thought it would get
Tone:
i thought it was kind of bassy unless you coil tap it
Sonic evaluation:
when i installed this pickup, i gave it a puch/pull pot coil tap. this lets me use the pickup like a single coil and get very very clear tones on a clean channel. if i’m using distortion, then i flip it back into a humbucker for its heavier tone. i’m currently using a silver dragon dist. oberhiem processor, and a fender deluxe 112. i have however played many concerts with different amps.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
hard rock, kinda
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson Soloist
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
TB-4
Other pickups on guitar:
STK-S1 (stock)
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag maybe?
You musical style(s):
Blues, Rock, Metal, Jazz
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a pickup that had a lot more high end sound. This pickup is crazy trebly. You can get a lot of squealy pick harmonics from it, especially with a lot of distortion.
Pickup features:
The Dimebucker uses a powerful ceramic magnet coupled with stainless steel blades.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
It’s pretty hot. And the output is up there. Doesn’t sound as good when played with a clean tone.
Tone:
Treble. The tone really cuts through. Real abrasive like steel wool.
Sonic evaluation:
Marshall DSL100. Jackson Soloist. I have different guitars, each with it’s particular sound. My Jackson is my rock/metal guitar.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, blues and Jazz. This is strictly a bridge postion pickup. You want to have there to pick up all the treble sounds
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson SL-3 Soloist
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Seymour Duncan TB-4
Other pickups on guitar:
2 Seymour Duncan Hot Rails
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag Darrell
You musical style(s):
Metal
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a heavier sounding pickup for playing metal.
Pickup features:
Passice Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
seems normal to me, not insanely loud, definately not quiet
Tone:
has the most bass of any pickup i’ve used.
Sonic evaluation:
I’ve played it through my Line 6 POD 2 and breifly through my HD147. It sounds pretty metal to me! Excellent harmonics….which would make sense since its Dimebag’s pickup. Thats one of the reasons I purchased it. Definately a good pickup for metal.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Great for heavy metal. (black metal, death metal, ect.)
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag Darrel
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson SG Special
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
490T
Other pickups on guitar:
490R
Artists using this pickup:
Myself and of course Dimebag Darrel
You musical style(s):
Speed Thrash Death Metal
Reason for pickup change:
I heard the Dimebucker in another guitar ( Les Paul ) and loved it
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
High output Dimebag signature
Perceived output level:
About the same as my active EMG 81
Tone:
a little on the trebly side with great definition
Sonic evaluation:
My Gibson SG with a Line 6 Flextone II Head , Ampeg Celestion loaded 4×12
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Metal and thats what this pickups for , and its defanetly only a bridge pickup
Model of guitar or bass:
Kramer Elliot Easton Pro I Pacer Imperial Parts Mongrel
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
None…chosen as the initial install…
Other pickups on guitar:
Gibson “The Original HB-R”…has a circuit board for wiring on the back, came out of the neck position of an ‘88 Gibson Les Paul.
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Twin Rail Technology, Dimebag Signature Model, High Output/Hot
Impedence or other specs:
See Seymour Duncan’s Site…
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Custom ESP MII
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
EMG 81
Other pickups on guitar:
Seymour Duncan 59′
Artists using this pickup:
Not Dimebag Darrell
You musical style(s):
Everything (but this guitar is for harder rock)
Reason for pickup change:
The EMG’s i ordered were too overdriven
Pickup features:
Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
I expected Bill Lawrence tone (wrong)
Tone:
Can we say treble
Sonic evaluation:
I have a shit load of gear but the only amps i’ve played this guitar on are my Marshall JCM 900, a Line6 Flextone 2×12, and my VHT UltraLead.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Blues, Jazz, Rock, Prog, Progressive Metal, and country. No it’s not. The best position for this pickup is back in the little plastic case and back to the store.
Model of guitar or bass:
Kramer Elliot Easton Pro Special NOS Parts Mongrel
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Initial Install on Project
Other pickups on guitar:
1988 Gibson Les Paul Neck Pickup…”The Original” Made in USA “HB-R”, an unusal model that is 8.75k in output and has a circuit board layout on back of the pickup, nickel cover.
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag, Lamb of God, everyone below this review…
You musical style(s):
Distorted Bar Chords, Hot Leads, Chunky Rhythms, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, SRV, RHCP, etc.
Reason for pickup change:
Had one of these in my Kramer Elliot Easton Pro Pacer Imperial NOS Parts Mongrel and after a few months…took it out to replace it w/a SD Custom Custom, which mated up nicely w/the SD Pearly Gates in the neck position of that guitar…but I found myself missing the Dimebucker. Although I initially thought it was sort of a “one trick pony” but “good at what it was designed to do”…I found that it had a sound all it’s own and was quite usable for a few things…both leads and rhythm as well as a SWEET crystaline clear split/tapped single coil sound. So…when I decided to assemble another Kramer Twin HB Project Guitar, I decided on another Dimebucker. I’ve got other guitars w/Dimarzio Tone Zones (Gunslinger & Baretta) , Dimarzio SDS-1s (Warmoth SRV Tribute), Duncan Custom Custom (EE Pro Pacer Imperial), Duncan JBs (Venus), an old Duncan Holdsworth or Invader (Kramer Stagemaster Custom) or some odd model from the mid 80’s…but wanted this “tone” back.
Pickup features:
Twin Rail Technology, Dimebag Signature Model, High Output/Hot
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
As I said, searing leads that cut through, somewhat hot rhythm and crystal clear single coil in split/tapped mode.
Tone:
NO MIDS really…balanced Treble and Bass…can be a bit trebly dependent upon your amp/pedal settings, bridge type, body wood etc…but overall it grows on you over time as you learn it’s capabilities and how to use it. Spend some time exploring settings on your amp/pedals and you’ll find plenty of use for it.
Sonic evaluation:
Kramer EE Pro Special into Boss Metal Zone on Metal Setting into a 1978 Marshall JMP 2103 50w 2×12 Celestion Greenback 25W Speakers. Use both the High & Low Inputs depending upon how distorted/hot/heavy I want to sound. Really, this is all I need. I like the raw sound…contemplating eventually adding a Compressor Sustainer and Chorus to my sound…but I’ve been contemplating this for about 5 years.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Varies upon my mood. It suites me…but I’ll often rotate to one of my other guitar if I want a different sound. I try to rotate them regularly anyway so I can enjoy them.
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender Fat Strat
Position:
middle
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Fender
Other pickups on guitar:
2 Hot Rails
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag doesn’t…
You musical style(s):
Metal, Classic Rock, Neoclassical
Reason for pickup change:
Well I should have kept the stock in or put in a TB-2 Distortion Trembucker.
Pickup features:
Humbucking (Passive)
Impedence or other specs:
www.seymourduncan.com
Perceived output level:
It’s hot I’ll give it that but its a hot pile of shit…
Tone:
Muddy unbalanced, it has decent highs on lead but for chording it doesn’t sound good…
Sonic evaluation:
I’m using a Marshall DSL 100 Head and 1960A Cab.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Metal
Model of guitar or bass:
ESP EX-100
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Epiphone POS
Other pickups on guitar:
Epiphone POS
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag Darrel
You musical style(s):
Megadeth to Joe Pass
Reason for pickup change:
Epiphone POS
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Pole Piece Design
Perceived output level:
Pretty damn high output
Tone:
Nice highs, shitty lows/mids
Sonic evaluation:
My friend and I installed this ourselves, might have accounted for some of the following problems. The highs are soooo nice, the mids and lows are absolute shit, can’t make out any sound from all the feedback. We played some Metallica, Lacuna Coil, and Megadeth solos on it, all sounded damn nice, except for the low-note parts of Lacuna solos. We ran it straight through a Planet Waves to my Ibanez TB100R combo. I didn’t get to try it without distortion before he left with it, but I think this bad boy is meant for distortion-only riffs.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’d say best for solo work, but read below for more info…
Model of guitar or bass:
Homebrew Strat type s/s/s to s/s/h
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Hot Rails
Other pickups on guitar:
neck:cool rails, mid:vintage rails
Artists using this pickup:
???
You musical style(s):
Loud
Reason for pickup change:
Tired of the run of the mill muddy,squashy,middy,BORING offerings for bridge position.
Pickup features:
Full size passive dual blade humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Hi-z
Perceived output level:
moderately hi output
Tone:
Full range output leaning towards the high end
Sonic evaluation:
This is a high quality pickup. It is not a high output dark mid range mudpuppy often associated with a “metal pickup”. It has plenty of pick dynamic, headroom ie. no compression,and it stays together no matter what. It squeals a little when first installed, just run a stronger magnet across it a couple of times(mind the polarity!)and it will stop. I don’t know if the windings are potted or not. Then, take your guitar and set it on top of the amp turn it all the way up and let it feedback for a while. Now its properly cooked. Think BARDEN HB that is what you now have. The sound is uncolored,harmonic complex when overdriven, pick dynamic, has full range of frequecies, is loud, and it breathes. What more can you ask for? The rest my friends is up to you.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pickup is a jack of all trades. available in bridge only
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Explorer
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson 500T (stock)
Other pickups on guitar:
SD ‘59
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Metal
Reason for pickup change:
The stock pickups sounded horrible in this guitar.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
www.seymourduncan.com
Perceived output level:
About as hot as my JB’s. You can easily clean it up with the volknob.
Tone:
Bass and hights are boosted, sounds crystal clear. Great sustain. This pickup sounds best in mahogny body guitars in my opinion. Sounds a bit too trebly in alder bodys etc…
Sonic evaluation:
This is what i use (and abuse):
Line 6 POD XT
Boss GE-7
Marshall 120/120
Marshall 1960 4×12
Ampeg 4×12
Behringer FCB1010
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I mainly play hardrock/metal but it works for just about anything. It’s not as hot as most people seem to think.
Model of guitar or bass:
Peavey Firenza
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Hot Rails, Stock
Artists using this pickup:
Diamond Darrel
You musical style(s):
Black, thrash, heavy, classic metal. Rock.
Reason for pickup change:
Needed a better tone for my playing.
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Trebly
Sonic evaluation:
Peavey Firenza through a Fender Deluxe 90
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’d say it’s a good match. I couldn’t picture it not being on the bridge.
Model of guitar or bass:
epi les paul custom
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
JB
Other pickups on guitar:
Rio Grande “Bastard”
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
Hard Rock, Punk mostly “some metal”
Reason for pickup change:
The Bastard in the neck was overwelming the bridge pickup?
Pickup features:
humbucker 4 conductor wire
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
really hot!
Tone:
basically this was an awful piece of crap. I played it for hours trying to dial in the righ settings. I was playing with the tone controls, presence at 10, gain at 10, exc and I just decided just to turn the volume up. this is when it came alive. This pickup rocks if your are really puching it. I meen really pushing it. If you play at home all the time like I have been recently then it kinda sucks. Even with my VPR setting on my amp I can still not push this thing until I am playing for the whole neighborhood. Baisically this is a really good pickup at high volumes. The harmonics are amazing even at low volumes, but this pickup has absoutley no character at all until you really push it, and then it comes out. when it finally does yo find out that it is a bad ass. but I have never had to push a pickup so hard to get it to work for me. Sp sence I am not on tour or playing really big gigs I have gotta give it a 7 but when cranked I give it a 10. I will keep it in a for a while longer to see if I can find some solution for this
Sonic evaluation:
epi les paul standard through monster cables into a Marshall TSL 122 Combo
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
STP type stuff
Model of guitar or bass:
ibanez rg270dx
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Ibanez powersound
Other pickups on guitar:
Ibanez powersound single coil (middle ) and EMG 85 (neck)
Artists using this pickup:
endorsed by dimebag darrel, but he doesnt use it he uses bill lawrence 500xl
You musical style(s):
rock through to metal
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickups didnt have much edge to them, pretty basic sound to them
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
High Output, not too noisey, unless its really driven
Tone:
the tone is basically all bass and treble, but with hardly any mids, and this gives it a scooped sound, ideal for any style of metal.
Sonic evaluation:
The guitar I’m using is an Ibanez RG series and at home i run it through a v-amp , then in to a 15 watt valvestate.
Clean : on a clean setting the pickup generally has a dark and dirty tone – even on low gain clean settins the sound can break up if the strings are firmly struck. To be honest, the pickup is not very good for clean work, because thats not what it was designed for. With compression and effects it is usable, but it lacks any warmth or sweetness to be useful.
However when overdriven this pup comes in to its own, with a wide range of tones available. With the gain fairly low, and with treble rolled off, u can get some good blues tones out of it. Adding more gain and having the bass lower and the mids and treble quite high, this pup can be made to sound quite thin, with a telecaster twang – so it can in fact be blagged to sound indie!
But the true meaning of the pickup comes obvious when the bass and trebel are cranked and the mids lowered. Some truly brutal pantera esque rhthyms can be achieved, especially if u drop tune the guitar. It handles metallica like “chugs” beautifully and in solo mode, the highs realy cut it, although it has to be said high end is abundant in the pup, so watch out live – u dont want crowds ear to bleed!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mostly rock throught to metal, and these pickups are suitable across the board. They arent good for clean, simply because they were never designed to be. I wouldnt say it was a one trick pony though – like i said it can achieve blues, indeie to out and out rock and metal tones
Model of guitar or bass:
Schecter Classic
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Seymour Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
I Don’t Know who uses it. I know dimebag dosen’t use this piece of SHIT
You musical style(s):
Metal
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted a heavier sound with more output
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
This pickup is very weak. The Duncan JB, which I think is a lower output pickup, has more balls
Tone:
Very thin and a little on the trebley side. No bass whatsoever
Sonic evaluation:
Ihave a Randall V-Max head straight through a Mesa cabinet, and a schecter classic guitar. I ended up going with a Duncan Distortion, and I am really happy with it.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play thrash and speed metal, and thought this would be a great pickup for that. Boy, was I wrong. I could put a stock junk pickup in and it would sound better than this thing. I don’t know what all the hype is over it. Very overrated. I don’t believe dimebag uses it.
Model of guitar or bass:
Kramer NOS Elliot Easton Pro Pacer Imperial
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
None, had this custom built from NOS Parts…this was my choice.
Other pickups on guitar:
SD Pearly Gates Neck
Artists using this pickup:
Dime, Lamb of God…
You musical style(s):
Distorted Power Chords and Screaming Lead Noodling!
Reason for pickup change:
None
Pickup features:
Humbucker, Passive, Ceramic Magnet, Low Mass Core (?)
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hot, NO MIDS…
Tone:
Scooped Mids…Balanced Bass & Treble.
Sonic evaluation:
Late 78 Marshall JMP 2×12 Combo Tube Amp, Boss Metal Zone Pedal…playing a Custom Mongrel Kramer Elliot Easton Pro I Rosewood Board Neck bolted to an Alder Kramer Pacer Imperial Body, Floyd Rose Bridge, 3 Way Toggle, Coil Tap on both pickups.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Mostly overdriven hard rock/metal.
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson KV3
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Duncan designed stock pup
Other pickups on guitar:
Duncan designed stock pup
Artists using this pickup:
Me. . .i dont care who else
You musical style(s):
Melodic Metal, Death and a little black
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pup was good but i needed to give my guitar a bigger sound
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Its a High output pup its got all the power you need
Tone:
its bassy but in my KV3 its not muddy at all just makes my guitar sound huge with a fat tone and thats what i wanted. its got very clear string defenition when using mega distortion. my only gripe is the clean isn’t very good (but thats not what i bought this for).
Sonic evaluation:
im using a jackson KV3 >> MT-2 >> Marshall 100dfx
i dont like playing through a thousand pedals before i get to hear my guitar like everyone seems to.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play all sorts of metal and i find myself using hevay distortion and in the bridge thats what this pup is good for. i think it would bass up too much in the neck
Model of guitar or bass:
Guitar
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock BC Rich
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock BC Rich
Artists using this pickup:
None that i know of
You musical style(s):
Metal, Virtuoso Metal, Melodic metal, ne thing heavy
Reason for pickup change:
Thought it would sound “better” cuz its a “duncan”. I wanted somethin that sounded good *big mistake on my part*
Pickup features:
Active Humbucker, 2 Steel Rails, 4 Conducter, Ceramic
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Pretty high output, hot? i guess you would say
Tone:
Way too trebly, ear piercing, and muddy, not a good clean distinction of notes, noisey too
Sonic evaluation:
Im using a custom made left handed BC Rich Warlock with a Floyd Rose, hooked to a Dunlop JH-1 wah, out to a Fender Cyber-twin
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Its an alright pickup if your only a rythme player, but only if you keep the tone nob down, its really really noisey if u roll it up, and sounds pretty bad too…
Model of guitar or bass:
2003 ESP Viper
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
EMG Passive
Other pickups on guitar:
DiMarzio PAF Pro
Artists using this pickup:
….not sure, really. i know dime used bill lawrence pickups, but i didn’t want to have to wait 3 weeks.
You musical style(s):
metal, melodic thrash/death, hardcore
Reason for pickup change:
I thought the EMG lacked the amount of output i wanted a bridge pickup. They’re not bad pickups (emg passives) but they’re just not well suited for my style and demands.
Pickup features:
humbucking, ceramic magnet
Impedence or other specs:
high output pickup w/2 rails instead of pole pieces.
Perceived output level:
very hot pickup, but not overwhelming.
Tone:
pretty bassy, nice treble bite
Sonic evaluation:
i thought it sounded better than the bill lawrence pickup i used in a dean guitar, but then again, that guitar’s a hunk of wood, mine’s not that huge. im sure it made a bit of a difference in that way. other than that, i like it quite a lot. my jackson w/a floyd rose in it has a DP-100 dimarzio super distortion, which is another good pickup, IMO
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
mentioned this already.. it has ap retty versatile sound, so i dont see how it would be poorly suited for some things
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Dime does not use this. He sold (out) his name to duncan. He uses a bill lawrence L-500XXL.
You musical style(s):
www.billlawrence.com
Reason for pickup change:
DC resistance is NOT a power rating; it is the resistance of the wire in a pickup’s coil at zero hertz, something that only occurs when the guitar isn’t played. If some marketers use DC resistance as a power rating for an AC device, like a pickup, then they only show their ignorance. If we use DC resistance as a parameter, we disregard the fact that, due to Pe and other conditions that result in eddy currents, the effective resistance (Rac) is frequency dependant.
DC resistance (Rdc) tells you as much about a pickup’s tone and output as the shoe size tells you about a person’s intelligence!
Tone and output mainly depend on the relation between inductance, magnetic strength and the efficiency of the pickup, as well as the relation between the inductance of the pickup and the capacitance of the cable.
Pickup features:
humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
impedence does not mean anything about the pickup’s output.
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson PS6T Kelly
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock Jackson
Other pickups on guitar:
stock Jackson
Artists using this pickup:
I wonder…
You musical style(s):
metal: Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Fear Factory, (all tuned to B)
Reason for pickup change:
stock pickup didn’t have enough output and wasn’t very balanced.
Pickup features:
passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
a LOT more than the stock p/u.
Tone:
it has a lot of mids, powerful lows, adn good highs. it is not muddy at all if you know how to use an eq.
Sonic evaluation:
guitar into:
Dunlop 535Q
Dunlop Crybaby
Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi
Ibanez SM7 Smashbox
modified DOD Grunge
Traynor TS-200
Carvin 2×12
Traynor 2×15
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
it’s good for metal in the bridge position. i would not use it in the neck
Model of guitar or bass:
BC Rich NJ KKV Tribe to a Randall Warhead Full stack
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
EMGhz (medium gain output)
Other pickups on guitar:
EMGhz in neck (soon to be EMG 85
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag Darrell
You musical style(s):
Metal
Reason for pickup change:
The EMGhz was not hot enough for me. Weak distortion
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Wasn’t really that hot. Just a bit hotter than the EMGhz. But hotter
Tone:
This pickup was kind of muddy. I was not real impressed by it. I have a 15 year old BC Rich Platinum Warlock with a no-name pickup that sounds better than this thing. I had a choice between the Dimebucker and the EMG 81. Guess what I made the wrong choice.
Sonic evaluation:
I am using the NJ KKV Tribe direct into a Randall Warhead full stack (4X12 cab, and 2X15 cab). The pickup itself has a lot of output and sounds pretty decent. But the sound of the warhead is razor sharp with everything but this pickup. You would think using Dime’s pickup into Dime’s amp that it would crush! The Warhead destroys but this pickup does not. I am in the process of having it removed and an EMG 81 installed. I might add that I do not do the installation of the pickups. I have a professional Luthier do it, so I know that it is done right!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play metal exclusively
Model of guitar or bass:
Early ’90’s Charvel Model 2(?) Maple neck/fb,alder body,I believe,original Floyd Rose
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
YES!!!Probably stock…too brttle & microphonic
Other pickups on guitar:
NO!
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
Rock/Metal/Heavy Alt
Reason for pickup change:
P/U that was in it sucked ass.I had ordered this p/u for a Kramer Rhodes project,but it’ll be a while before that’s up & running.So it was sitting in a drawer,with nothing to do yet…
Pickup features:
Passive HB,twin blades,black coils
Impedence or other specs:
16.3 k on the meter
Perceived output level:
Very High Output
Tone:
Scooped mids,but not too much so.Boosted highs & lows,but pretty balanced overall
Sonic evaluation:
I play thru a Rocktron Voodoo Valve pre-amp,Carvin Tube 100 power amp,& 1 or 2 Mesa/Boogie 2X12 “Halfbacks”w/ Celestion Vintage 30’s in the bottom & Celestion G12T-75’s on top.Art X-15 % Dunlop 535Q on the floor.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This is a Br pos p/u for rock stylings.
Model of guitar or bass:
fernandes monterey pro
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock
Other pickups on guitar:
fernandes sustainer in the neck position
Artists using this pickup:
dimebag
You musical style(s):
crunchy, bluesy metal
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted more attack for my solos and more thumb for my rhythm playing.
Pickup features:
humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
close to an EMG-81 for ZAKK WYLDE squeels
Tone:
bassy bottom end, screaming highs. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BEEF!!!!!!!!!!!
Sonic evaluation:
I use a crate solid state gx-900h 90 watt head and a Blue Voodoo 120 WATT TUBE HEAD and the pickup boosted the levels and sound quality through the roof on both!!!!!!!!!! This thing is smokin’!!!!!!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Metal, Hard Rock, but use the SH-13 in the bridge position or else you’ll be cheating yourself..
Model of guitar or bass:
evo dean
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock dean bridge pickup
Other pickups on guitar:
stock
Artists using this pickup:
just me! dime uses the xl 500
You musical style(s):
anywhere from jazz to HAPPY DEATH HEAVYNESS
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted something with a little more balls and that would match my style of puppy eating, moshpit starting Death guitARness
Pickup features:
humbucking , passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
VERY HOT! peels paint off walls when combind with a cyclone!
Tone:
plenty of bass pretty good treble too not muddy at all!! Great for sizzleing Crunch!
Sonic evaluation:
I Use a randall cyclone with cyclone cabinet morley switchless wah and BOSS noisegate for practice and gigs and for home use I just have a 210 spider amp. Each one can get all the heavy I need and both sound good with this pick up. Though obviosly the cyclone kills anything alone. It makes a huge difrence when I have this pickup in my guitar though. The sh13 kicks ass dude!! I wouldnt listen to any bad reviews for this pickup, In my opinion it kills! Ive tried jb, duncan distortions, x2n, and the ever popular emg 81! This pickup and not only matches all of these but smashes them! I love this thing!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This thing is pretty much only for metal! and for bridge only!
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson Kelly Professional Standard
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Charvel Passive
Other pickups on guitar:
Jackson J92-C
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock n’ Roll Heavy Metal Old school style
Reason for pickup change:
The charvel pickup was wasted.
Pickup features:
Humbucker Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Ceramic Mag, Stainless Steel blades
Perceived output level:
Pretty Hot
Tone:
Not as balanced as the sh-12 or JB for sure. The Bass is pretty punchy. Highs are absolutely screamin’. Mids don’t dominate…Not muddy but sometimes a little noisy.
Sonic evaluation:
Im useing a Marshall 100w valvestate combo…I love the sounds I can crank out….Its Loud!!sometimes too loud. Harmonics scream out…Highs will make your ears bleed. Its hard to get a mid-driven hard edged grind. ..but that was expected. This pup is really responsive but not as percussive as I like. The sustain was better than what I thought it would be..
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mostly old school metal..ie priest, maiden, scorps, ratt, accept. It fits the style all exept it doesn’t have the mids…but like I said before I expected that. This pup is only for bridge
Model of guitar or bass:
various Ibanez Jems, RG and my own custom built
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
whatever i was using before, too many to list
Other pickups on guitar:
evolutions, breeds, bartolinis, screamers, my own custom built
Artists using this pickup:
ME… endoursed by Dimebag
You musical style(s):
black metal, prog metal,classical, blues, spiritual, instrumental, if i like I play it, if it sounds good in my head I play it
Reason for pickup change:
no reason for changeing just trying a new pickup
Pickup features:
passive humbucker, dual rails
Impedence or other specs:
EQ 6/5/8 low mid high
Perceived output level:
drives very hard, even breaks up the clean channels, great for modern gain and then some,
Tone:
its bass hit hard in the gut, the mids sweep nice, the treble makes your ears bleed
Sonic evaluation:
custom built amps I play through. This pickup is excellent from dirty blues to modern metal likes of frear factoy, soilwork and Cradle of Filth, the pickup can solo well too like Buckethead or vai. Excellent pinch harmonic sensitivity. Just remember nor pickup, amop or guitar can make you sound good, It all starts in the fingers….
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
it fits my versatile style of music, cause like I said it all starts in the fingers
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson Soloist
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
TB-4
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock STK-1
Artists using this pickup:
Probably not Dimebag. He uses Bill Lawrence 500XL’s
You musical style(s):
Texas Blues. Southern Fried Rock. Heavy Metal.
Reason for pickup change:
I needed a pickup that had more highs and a more punchy response. I also wanted more clarity on the treble side and less mids.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker with dual stainless steel blades.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
It’s pretty hot, but it produces a very modern sound. Don’t look for a classic rock sound here.
Tone:
It’s extremely trebly and it’s sometimes not as balanced, which is a good thing for this pickup. The sound can be annoying to some people, but it’s just a matter of personal taste.
Sonic evaluation:
Just Marshalls. All kinds.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
It’s only good for bridge position. It doesn’t have a lot of versatility, it’s only good for one kind of sound, Metal. But it sounds crystal clear with a lot of distortion. It’s not muddy at all.
Model of guitar or bass:
Jackson
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
various
Other pickups on guitar:
yes
Artists using this pickup:
Not I, but a friend of mine is.
You musical style(s):
Rock,blues, classical,metal, jazz, fusion, everything.
Reason for pickup change:
Thought I’d try it, because I had such good luck with an old rail pickup duncan made 15 years ago.
Pickup features:
dual coils, rail poles, passive
Impedence or other specs:
about17k
Perceived output level:
bright, punchy,
Tone:
Balanced and at the same time not balanced
Sonic evaluation:
lots of them…..Boogies, Marshalls, VHT, Soldano. etc.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
see above
Model of guitar or bass:
I use severel custom made guitars that sound like crap, but were expensive, so I can impress all my rich little bastard friends,even though I could have got a b.c.rich with a better sound for 1/10 of the price
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
I only listen to old badly produced blues and classical, so i dont know
You musical style(s):
old, badly produced blues, and classical
Reason for pickup change:
the gibson p-90s were to high output! they overdrove my $8000.00 non-master boutique amp to easily!
Pickup features:
Passive, Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
output is too high for my mass produced, thin sounding tophat amp
Perceived output level:
to hot! the emotional, earth moving, umm i think its called “gain” gave me a frightfull headache.
Tone:
well my kids said it was very clear, but harsh because i wouldnt crank my mids down. Infact my sound was almost all mids, so i have a fairly thin tone, cause only metal heads think its good to use alot of bass, ( Ive never heard of b.b.king, srv, or any of the softer guys who have really warm bassy sounds)
Sonic evaluation:
as I said, I have many 5,000 dollar guitars, which are made no better than a 700 dollar b.c.rich mockingbird neck-thru, and many expensive, gainless, unversatile dr. z amps that are all copying the marshall plexi, all paid for with my dads gold card. this pickup was just to clear for my recycled blues licks that only have five notes.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’m gay so i only play old stuffy, untechnical, british crap like the beatles and gainless pop shit, this pickup is so thick that it made me take to my bed!
Model of guitar or bass:
Carlo Robelli HT-10(badass little guitar light as fuck)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
stock neck pickup
Artists using this pickup:
dimebag(but not really)
You musical style(s):
Death/Black/Thrash
Reason for pickup change:
the stock pu wasnt that bad but i needed something more metal than that
Pickup features:
humbucking rails
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
very sharp,crystal clear with very heavy distortion
Tone:
a lot of treble,not a lot of bass though w/my guitar(probably cuz of the wood its extremely light)
Sonic evaluation:
smashbox through crate mx120a on clean tone
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
i play death/black/thrash metal.id recommend it for those styles,just have to turn the bass up a bit.not a bad clean tone either,a little to much crunch
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibeenhad plywood special
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
stock
Other pickups on guitar:
stock
Artists using this pickup:
Dude, Dipshit, I mean, Diamond, I mean Dimebag Darrel, dude!!
You musical style(s):
Heavy fuckin metal, dude!!
Reason for pickup change:
I needed slamin gain for my redneck, homophobe, jock rock panterrible riffs. I needed massive amounts of gain to cover up my lack of playing ability.
Pickup features:
Who knows?
Impedence or other specs:
Dude?
Perceived output level:
Dude, hella hot!! I thought my amop would explode! Tons of shrill highs and muddy bass with no mids. It’s perfect for getting lost in the mix! Total metal, dude!
Tone:
Dude, I’m a typical HC kid, what do I know about tone??
Sonic evaluation:
Ibeenhad RG 550, Crate stack (I love amps with only one tone control), Boss MetalZone pedal (because again, I know nothing about tone)
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Dude, I play slammin’ ultra heavy metal like Panterrible, shitknot, gimp triscut, I rock!
Model of guitar or bass:
Washburn WG-248
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Washburn Eliminators
Artists using this pickup:
Not Dimebag Darrel!!!!
You musical style(s):
Death Metal, Black Metal
Reason for pickup change:
Had a good reputation
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
don’t know
Perceived output level:
As much as Hot Rails
Tone:
Bassy and muddy
Sonic evaluation:
Using a 50 watt crate with a korg processor
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Not a good match for anything!
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
One of my guitar students brought in his BC Rich with this pickup in it. I did a double take. It looked awfully familiar. We were running it into a Marshall JCM800 combo that I keep here. I went and grabbed an Ibanez Artist guitar that I had just put a Bill Lawrence L-500XL into for a friend of mine. We had to compare.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Dave Mustaine
You musical style(s):
Blues, Metal, 70’s-early 90’s rock
Reason for pickup change:
I have seen a lot in my days. I own over 120 elcetric guitar. I only play my Gibson Les Paul custom.
Pickup features:
HIgh output
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
It goes high.. Really high, but it doesn’t fade or lose focus like others. It is not a roaring but a grinding sound. It somehow goes deep inside you. You can feel that your dealing with not a toy, but a damn machine. It shows power and focus at the same time.
Tone:
You can put your amp volume to lets say 6 if its a 50-100 watts. Then stick your ear next to the speaker. Then step about 12 feet back. Hit your last string on the last fret. After you done that call the ambulance.
Sonic evaluation:
Gibson Les Paul custom with a damn Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 401 combo.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play Blues with them and metal too. Unstanable i dont know where.
Model of guitar or bass:
B C RICH PLAT. WARLOCK
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
STOCK DMSD HUMBUCKER
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
HEAVY FREAKIN METAL
Reason for pickup change:
STOCK PICKUPS WHERE KINDA WIMPY
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
EXPECTED LITTLE MORE CRUNCHY DISTORTION GOT THE BADEST SOUND THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN!
Tone:
THE LOWS WILL KNOCK YOUR FEET OUT FROM UNDER YOU AND HIGHS WILL CUT YOUR HEAD INTO
Sonic evaluation:
I AM USING THIS WITH A 74 MARSHALL MARK2 LEAD AND A DIGITECH GSP 21 LEGEND ON MY B C RICH PLAT WARLOCK
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
FOR METAL THIS THING KILLS PEOPLE IN THE FRONT ROW ARE GETTING PERCUSION SICKNESS AND PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE
Model of guitar or bass:
Schecter 006 Elite
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar:
Duncan lil’ 59er
Artists using this pickup:
Me
You musical style(s):
Hard Rock———-Heavy Fuckin Metal
Reason for pickup change:
JB was not cuttin it for me, I wanted higher output w/ out having to convert to all active EMG setup. I wanted more bass response, and less glassy highs……
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
only one factor amongst many which will determine the final sound (in other words, I dunno)
Perceived output level:
pretty fuckin hot and heavy……..
Tone:
Bassy, then low mids, then higher treble…..
Sonic evaluation:
I am using a Schecter 006 Elite running straight into an AVT. I am a minimalist and don’t like to run through 20 pedals before hearing the outcome. What was the final outcome? Sweet, heavy, chunky (I can’t emphasize chunky enough) riffs. This pickup kicks ass. You have to keep a few things in mind before buying this pickup. It will not play clean very well. This is made to play metal. Listen to Pantera and you’ll see what I mean. Also, there’s a scooped mid sound built into this pickup. So, if this is not the sound you seek, either make sure you have a separate EQ to balance this out, or don’t buy this pickup. This mid scooped EQ helps this pickup to keep its clarity even at high distortion. Even using my POD running through a Soldano SLO, JCM800, or Mesa Rectifier w/ the gain on 10, each string is still distinct and can each clearly be heard. Amazing……
This pickup gave me exactly what I wanted. I wanted a larger bass response than the JB, and that’s what I got. I wanted a pickup that didn’t give me those “ice-pick to the forehead” highs, and that’s what I got. This also doesn’t give that glassy typical Duncan tone. I like that. If I want those glassy highs, I still have my 59er in the neck for that. When I want to switch to overdrive, I just toggle to the Dimebucker…..
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This is a great metal pickup, I wouldn’t even consider putting this thing in the neck, it’ll probably melt your strings, BRIDGE ONLY!!!!
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Les Paul, Ibanez.
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock.
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock Humbuckers.
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag.
You musical style(s):
Metal, Thrash.
Reason for pickup change:
Just wanted a change, thats all.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker.
Impedence or other specs:
Check site.
Perceived output level:
High out put.
Tone:
Lots of Bass, and Treble. Sucked mids sound
Sonic evaluation:
Gibson Les Paul and Ibanez. Different amps like Marshall and Boogie.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
It a mid scoop metal pickup for sure.
Model of guitar or bass:
Washburn Dime333 Dimbag Signature Model
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Washburn Eliminator Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar:
Washburn Eliminator Humbucker
Artists using this pickup:
Dimebag (duh) and me
You musical style(s):
HEAVY FUCKIN METAL
Reason for pickup change:
Lets face it…Koreans can build decent guitars at a low price…but washburn pickups are really dull and weak
Pickup features:
humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Loud….imagine Dimebag’s Sound…that kinda loud….
Tone:
Lots a treble and plenty of bass…low mids but it will still squeal like an EMG81
Sonic evaluation:
I am using a Dime333 through 2 amps via my pedal board. One of them is the Randall Warhead 300w halfstack (4×12 voice of god) and the other is a Crate GFX1200 120watt halfstack. Wow…great sound..no problem with Dimebag style obviously…you can get some killer Black Label Society Zakk Wylde tones too…
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I PLAY METAL AND IT IS ONE OF THE BEST PICKUPS. BRIDGE ONLY!!!!!!
Model of guitar or bass:
Epi Les Paul Standard
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Epi Bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock Epi Neck
Artists using this pickup:
Probably not Dimebag—the Bastard
You musical style(s):
Everything
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted something that just screamed. Stock epi’s do not do that.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
DC Resistance is around 16, resonant frequency around 5
Perceived output level:
This guy is really hot. Has to be the hottest passive duncan. Probably right around the dimarzio x2n output.
Tone:
This is a pretty balanced pickup. It’s a little more trebly than the stock bridge.
Sonic evaluation:
Holy shit. I’m playing an Epi Les Paul(I’m poor) through a crybaby, an mxr dyna comp, a danelectro fab tone, a boss eq, a boss chorus(the one with the two knobs) and a guyatone delay, into a marshall valvestate combo, a roland solid state combo, and a crate blu voodoo half stack. God damn. This pickup is hot, and it screams. Quintisential metal, but all the notes are clear. It’s incredible. And it can play clean well to, while the clean tone isn’t very glassy glassy sound. This is not a clean pickup, this is a rock, metal pickup. Think dimebag, and Zakk Wylde, and a lot of those guys using the EMG 81s
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play rock, metal, blues, and jazz. This is not a jazz pickup. Hard blues…Maybe
Model of guitar or bass:
1985 Jackson Soloist Reissue
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
None..filling an empty space while waiting for my order from Bill Lawrence
Other pickups on guitar:
Bill Lawrence L 250xl
Artists using this pickup:
Probably not Dimebag Darrel, he’s not known for actually using the products he endorses. A reputable Georgia amp tech who worked on Dimebag’s amp and knows, told me Dimebag had used a Marshall,(hidden inside a Randall cabinet), for all his early Pantera recordings and tours until Randall busted him when he needed new tubes for his amp.
You musical style(s):
Rock, Metal Heavy Blues(No SRV BS type music)
Reason for pickup change:
Put the old pickup in another guitar and ordered a new one from Bill Lawrence…well, nearly a month past since I mailed in my cake, and no pickup, so I went out and bought this Bill Lawrence copy by Duncan.
Pickup features:
HUMBUCKING RAIL POLE Pickup.
Impedence or other specs:
16+k see new products at SD website
Perceived output level:
Seems pretty loud.
Tone:
The tone was brash and middy with a treble harshness that was quite annoying.
Sonic evaluation:
I was using a Mesa Boogie 50cal+ and a Jackson Soloist
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pickup is good for hard rock.
Model of guitar or bass:
ESP M2 Deluxe
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Dimarzio X2N
Other pickups on guitar:
ESP Mini Humbucker (Hotrail type)
Artists using this pickup:
Obviously Dimebag Darrell of Pantera
You musical style(s):
Metal, Rock, Blues basically I’m a mutt player
Reason for pickup change:
The X2N was way to shrill and had no real bottom end. Not a bad pickup, actually really good for a speed metal sound but just not for me. I wanted an aggressive sound without the Spinal Tap vibe.
Pickup features:
Humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs:
Look at the website
Perceived output level:
Very powerful what the X2N should’ve been. Lots of punch, but not overbearing.
Tone:
Thick warn bottom end, crunchy mids without ANY mud, crisp clear high end without the the shriek. Beautifully balanced.
Sonic evaluation:
I’m using a Crate GX 212 with an ESP M2. This pickup really brought this guitar alive for me. I got the ESP used without a bridge pickup. Since I’m usually an EMG guy I figured slap an 81 in the bridge and an SA in the neck I’m good to go. Well the ESP hotrail neck pickup was just great. I didn’t want to lose it so I looked into some passives, hence the X2N. The X2N was ok but not great so I figured ok well I’ll just use the neck and not think about it. Enter the Dimebucker, this pickup IMHO without a doubt will become the definative metal pickup. It crunches harder than my EMG 81. I still love EMGS, but this one is definately a great new friend. The Dimebucker is a tone monster it has such a warm but agressive tone, crunchy, bassy BRUTAL, all things you could want. When I plugged this one it I could not believe my ears, it was nasty and angry but it has this great almost blues sound to it. Roll the volume down and click on the clean and you’ve got a purring little blues sound, crank the overdrive and its a trouble making headbanger. This is a terriffic pickup and I can’t recommend it enough. If you don’t want EMGS but want the power of one, this dime’s for you.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play Iron Maiden, Ozzy, mostly heavy stuff, but love to do just about anything including Country, Jazz,Blues like I said I’m a mutt. I think the Dimebucker is definaately a metal/hard rock pickup no doubt about it, but if you;re creative I think it could handle other styles depends on the player. I have no clue if it would work in the neck position, my guess would be probably not because of its hot output but what the hell, try in and see!
Model of guitar or bass:
Les Paul Historic 57 reissue (Goldtop)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
jazz, blues, country
Reason for pickup change:
Burstbuckers were good but a tad harsh – lacked smoothness in some uses.
Pickup features:
PAF Style Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Not excessively loud but not quiet for a “low output” vintage PAF-type pickup
Tone:
Balanced – plenty of top end and articulate but warm and round / sweet toned.
Sonic evaluation:
Les Paul with a Tone King Comet / Fender Vibro-King. No effects.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Great for jazz, blues, country. Probably not what a hard rocker would choose but could be used for that too.
Model of guitar or bass:
DeArmond SG
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Goldtone
Other pickups on guitar:
SD Antiquity neck
Artists using this pickup:
Me and about 1,000 others
You musical style(s):
Clean to crunch to sear
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted something in an Alnico II with a vintage vibe for this axe. The Goldtones, while really good pups, seem to be better suited for a little more gain. This axe is my woodshedder for practice. Very easy on the ears.
Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Slightly more than the Antiquity in the neck, actually rather strong for a low output pup.
Tone:
Perfectly balanced, but I like my highs, so I backed out the B screw 1/4 turn and the high E 1/2 turn. Perfect.
Sonic evaluation:
Mesa amps, with a few boost pedals to flavor the stew.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Nice and toneful, crunchy with a little OD, haven’t had any squeal at high gain, but I haven’t been on stage at Staples with these, either.
Model of guitar or bass:
PRS Santana SE, an earlier model.
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
PRS stock Santana SE pickups.
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Think of any famous player, They have probably used a Gibson PAF type before.
You musical style(s):
Blues, Surf, Classic Rock.
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickups were ok but not great. The Bridge pickup was too thin, and the neck was muddy. Don’t get me wrong, for a 500 dollar guitar the stock PRS pickups are not bad.
Pickup features:
Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Classic output level, definately not hot.
Tone:
Perfectly balanced, Singing highs, tight bass, just the right amount of mids. They really sing.
Sonic evaluation:
Marshall TSL 602, Fender Blues Jr, Vox AD60VTX modeling amp, Peavey Classic 30.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Classic rock, Blues, Clapton, BB King, Led Zepplin, Hendrix, SRV, AC/DC, VanHalen
Model of guitar or bass:
Heritage H-555
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock schaller
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock schaller still in the bridge position
Artists using this pickup:
not sure
You musical style(s):
Mostly jazz, some blues
Reason for pickup change:
Schallers were muddy on the bottom end, not very clear
Pickup features:
Humbucking, Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Similar output level to the stock pickups
Tone:
The muddiness is gone!!! Notes are crystal clear high AND low!!
Sonic evaluation:
Evaluated using a Fender Blues Junior, Fender Acoustasonic Jr. and a Polytone Minibrute II. The improvement over the stock schallers is vast in ALL cases, but is most noticable with the Fender Blues Jr…I would guess because of the tubes. For once in my life the upgrade payed off exactly like I hoped it would.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Mostly straight-ahead traditional blue-note-type jazz stuff, some blues. I don’t think it would be great for heavy metal.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson ES-333
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
490/498
Other pickups on guitar:
that would be all the pick ups on a 333
Artists using this pickup:
Picasso, monet, chagall, leonardo davinci (i think)
You musical style(s):
Blues, rock
Reason for pickup change:
upgrade
Pickup features:
Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
huh?
Perceived output level:
lower output than the 490/498
Tone:
fuller, sweeter, more touch sensitive, more responsive
Sonic evaluation:
Using a Fender Deluxe Reverb. The difference is incredible. The guitar just came alive! It was okay when i got it, but nothing to write home about except perhaps the neck pup, which is pretty good. But when i change out for the Lovers, the whole guitar just took on a whole new aura, in a very good way.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Fantastic match for anything, this is a fine humbucker, imo, perhaps the best i have ever used
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson ES-335
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Fralin PAF HB (7.5K)
Other pickups on guitar:
Fralin PAF HB (8.5K)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock, pop, a little blues and a little jazz.
Reason for pickup change:
Over time, I began finding the Fralin neck to be darker and more compressed sounding than I preferred. It was very good for clean, jazzy stuff, but somewhat muddy with overdrive.
Pickup features:
Humbucker, passive
Impedence or other specs:
7.2K nonimal
Perceived output level:
Normal for a PAF style pickup, i.e. low output by today’s moderns standards.
Tone:
Balanced with enough bite but without being harsh.
Sonic evaluation:
This pickup is a very good match to the Fralin PAF that is on the bridge position. Compared to the neck Fralin it replaced, the Seth Lover sounds more “alive,” but without being harsh. I had also tried a few different Gibson Classic 57s in the neck position, and found them to vary quite a bit from pickup to pickup in terms of resistance reading and consequently “brightness.”
Seth Lovers are not that different sounding from low reading ’57s, but they seem to be much more consistent from one pickup to the next, and have better attack. While the coils of the Classic 57s (and Fralin humbuckers) are wound the same, the Seth Lover has unbalanced coils. That imparts a different character on the pickup which I think works very well in the neck position. Note that you can get Fralin “un-buckers,” which I have never tried but have heard sound pretty good, and that Gibson now has the Burst Bucker pickups, both of which also have unbalanced coils. What sold me on the Seth Lover was that I had heard a 335 with them before, and I really liked the sound of the neck pickup.
One other observation: the Seth Lovers comes unpotted from the factory, although I am sure you can special order a potted one if you prefer. I don’t like the way unpotted pickups amplify acoustic noises (such as when the pickup is hit by a pick) and their tendency to squeal at high volumes/gain. So I potted my Seth Lover in a roughly 80/20 mix of paraffin and bee’s wax. I don’t recommend you try to do this yourself unless you’ve read about it beforehand and feel up to the job, but I do recommend you consider having a pickup potted if the fact that it comes unpotted from the factory is the only thing that’s holding you back from trying it out. Many places will pot a pickup for probably on the order of $10.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mellow(er) stuff for the most part and was not looking for a high output pickup. So for me, the Seth Lover work very nicely in the neck position. On the other hand, I have heard Seth Lovers in the bridge position and found them to be somewhat thin sounding though.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson SG Standard
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Seymour Duncan SH-1 ‘59 Models
Other pickups on guitar:
Seths on both bridge and neck
Artists using this pickup:
Lots
You musical style(s):
Rock, blues, jazz and country
Reason for pickup change:
SG with its thin body is bright. Put the Seths in to smooth out the tone and warm it up a little bit. The ’59s are great pickups though, and I put them in an Ibanez AR250 where they sound outstanding.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucking; Alnico II Magnets; Nickle Covers
Impedence or other specs:
?
Perceived output level:
Smooth. Not hot, but not anemic either. Alnico IIs aren’t the punchiest magnets, but in this SG they have plenty of volume.
Tone:
Balanced. Similar, in my opinion, to PRS McCarty Pickups. Slightly middy, but still very smooth.
Sonic evaluation:
Using my SG through a Rivera Fandango and a Pro Jr. with a Weber Alnico with a Guyatone OD2 for practicing in my living room, these pickups are just what I was hoping to find in my SG. I liked the stock pickups (490/498) but liked the ’59s better. I still found the sound to be a bit bright, so I put the Seths in as I loved the sound of my PRS McCarty. Well, after installing and adjusting the pickups to my liking, I feel I’ve hit the jackpot. These have a more organic sound over the ’59s in my opinion. They are warmer and smoother as the Seymour website says, but they still are articulate and can get crunchy. Haven’t had problems with sqealing. My thought is you have to be maxing out your gain and then cranking up the amp, but I could be wrong. These pickups make my SG a much more versatile humbucking guitar. It’s really hard to put down. I can tap on that Allman Brothers sound of old quite well with the Seths. The neck is not muddy and very useable for lead and rythm tones, while the middle position (both pickups on) sounds very sweet. The bridge pickups chimes, but is not too bright. Just a great sounding set of pickups in this guitar.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I like a lot of different types. I still can get Angus Young sounds, but can also get smooth jazz tones, as well as gritty blues among others.
Model of guitar or bass:
fender mexican telecaster
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
stock fender single coil
Other pickups on guitar:
seymour vintage stack for tele(bridge)
Artists using this pickup:
the lucky ones
You musical style(s):
mostly rhythm guitar
Reason for pickup change:
i wanted a fat tele that could still give usable single coil sounds when split
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
four conductor wiring
Perceived output level:
pretty mellow-about the same as a fender wide range humbucker
Tone:
slightly middy (like most vintage style humbuckers) great mellow treble
Sonic evaluation:
using this pickup straight into my fender blues jnr. i get a great stones type rhythm sound(great for the blues),it’s fairly flexible and with a bit of e.q tweaking i can get some stunning clean tones in particular for fingerpicking it’s great,it’s a very sweet but dynamic sound
it works excellently with pedals and with reverb and overdrive i can get everything from jeff buckley to mogwai/radiohead from this.
surprisingly it sounds great with my u.s electro harmonix big muff pi! if you are looking to play hair-metal or nu-metal i’d look elsewhere,other wise it’s a beauty.split sound is much better than most bucker’s i’ve ever played with coil taps
(still not quite as good as my amse ash tele but no bucker will get that funky sound exactly) this comes close enough.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
indie,alt country,rock ; yes it’s a great rhythm pickup for sweet sounds
Model of guitar or bass:
Les Paul studio
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock 490 / 498’s
Other pickups on guitar:
Not now
Artists using this pickup:
who cares
You musical style(s):
Jazz Blues
Reason for pickup change:
The 498 in the bridge was to hot for my liking and the neck was a little muddy on the low E string.
Pickup features:
Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Low
Perceived output level:
Low out put buckers, I can plug into either the single coil or bucker jack on my Fender.
Tone:
The neck is warm and clear, sweet even. The bridge is clear, warm, nasally, and real vintage without being sharp or harsh.
Sonic evaluation:
Here’s the point. These pickups are as good as some previous contributors have said. Thats why I bought them and I’m glad I did. They are smoother than the Burstbuckers I tried. And clearer than a potted pickup. The real McCoy for vintage tone. However the Neck pickup may not be the cure for muddieness that some are looking for. Here’s what I mean. Gibson factory sets the neck pickup at 3/32″ from the string fretted on the last fret. If a neck pickup gets closer on a short scale guitar like a Paul it contributes to muddiness. And a Seth Lover in the neck will do the same thing. So before you part with your hard earned cash make sure that the pickup isn’t to close to the low E&A strings. Also plug magnet straight cone speakers in your amp tend to be tubby as well.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Epi Les PAul Standard (w. heavy modifications)
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Gibosn Burstbucker Pro V
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Blues, Rock
Reason for pickup change:
stock pickups were low-output, neck pickup lacked the beef and smoothness i was looking for to play Blues.
Pickup features:
Humbucker, passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Pretty high, but not scorching
Tone:
Very warm, VERY smooth
Sonic evaluation:
I’ve been using an old Epi which i’ve done HEAVY mods to for most of my blues work and some of the rock work. I use a St. Louis Music/Crate V-series VFX5212 for an amp (see my review)
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Ideal for Blues and mid-low gain settings — still works great with high-gain, though
Model of guitar or bass:
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Unpotted, low output, 1955 style humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Yes, it’s very impudent..that’s what I like about it!
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
epiphone fat strat (modded)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
gibson classic 57 humbucker
Other pickups on guitar:
two single coil, not in use
Artists using this pickup:
crazy bass lady
You musical style(s):
crazy
Reason for pickup change:
i’m an idiot. don’t ever expect this thing to sound more crushing than a classic 57.
Pickup features:
passive
Impedence or other specs:
seymourduncan.com
Perceived output level:
normal humbucker, not exceptional.
Tone:
fuzzy, no bite, high isn’t brash but clear, warm, not super defined crunch on the bottom
Sonic evaluation:
added an acoustickey feel on the epiphone, i use orange ad30 and marshall jcm 2000, vintage 30 and matchless style cabs. boss md-2 mega distortion is the better pedal with the epi using this pickup. clear clean and deep/slight fuzz on the distortion, can still rock a little. keep your 57’s!!!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
hard rock/borderline metal. screw the neck, set it on treble and wail.
Model of guitar or bass:
Heritage Prospect
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
None
Other pickups on guitar:
Seth Lover neck and bridge
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
Jazzy rock… Jam band.
Reason for pickup change:
These pups are coming out!
Pickup features:
‘bucker
Impedence or other specs:
?
Perceived output level:
Lower output
Tone:
Neck is fairly muddy. This is a hollowbody guitar though.
Sonic evaluation:
I have a Heritage Prospect, which is a lot like a 335, only with a floating center block, so it’s more like a true hollowbody.
These pups are *ok*. I would imagine they may sound pretty decent in a solid body, but in my hollowbody, the neck pickup is wickedly muddy. Clean, it’s almost OK. But even with a little OD, the mud factor kicks in instantly. The bridge is a little bright, but not too bad…
The emphasis appears to be in the mids for these. I can picture one getting a pretty decent Dickey Betts tone in a Les Paul.
But, for the money… No way. I have a set of Bill Lawrence pups on order now. This guitar will sit until then.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Jazz, rock… For clean jazz, they may be pretty decent.
Model of guitar or bass:
USACG Chambered Mahogany Telecaster
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Had the guitar body built with this pickup in mind
Other pickups on guitar:
Van Zandt Tru-Vintage Flat Pole
Artists using this pickup:
??
You musical style(s):
Blues, Country, Original, Altered Tunings, Rock, Gospel, Soul, Etc….
Reason for pickup change:
It had been 20 years since I played a guitar with humbuckers. Even though I love my strat, I wanted to get away from the “stratty” SRV type sound that seemed to engulf today’s blues and find my own voice. Please don’t get me wrong….I love that sound. I just wanted something of my own. An incredible chambered mahognay tele body from USACG and the Seth Lover in the neck position has taken me to the height’s of audio ecstasy I was searching for…..well…not really, but it sounds DAMN good!
Pickup features:
Vintage style, Passive, low output humbucker.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Fairly low output for a hummer. Just what I was looking for! Balances very well with the Van Zandt Tele bridge pickup.
Tone:
Rich, woody, smokey and sensitive. Everything I wanted in a humbucker. Excellent response to playing dynamics.
Sonic evaluation:
Right now I’m running the gear like this: Guitar – compressor – blues driver – valve tone – chorus – tremolo – old analogue delay – stereo volume pedal – digidelay – running stereo out to a Roland Blues Cube 60 and an old Dean Markley RD40. Not the best gear in the world by any means. Heck, solid state, not even tube amps! But I’ll tell ya what, it sounds pretty darn good. I’m blessed to have a very nice bone stock 71 Tele and a very nice 1967 ES335 with patent # pickups. Both are excellent sounding and playing instruments. This USACG tele with the Seth in the neck sounds and plays better than both of em! I really lucked out with this guitar. The warm, rich, golden tone ( and a big part is the Seth, IMO ) of this incredible guitar has really inspired me. I expected it to sound good when I was planning it and getting the parts together. I was just floored by HOW good it sounds! I’ve had a Dimarzio Twang King, A Duncan Broadcaster and the Van Zandt in the bridge so far. All of them have matched well with the Seth. Using both pups at once is funk city! While I love a good tele bridge pickup, I figure I’ve got the tele tone covered with my 71. Since I wind up using the neck pickup 90% of the time on this guitar, I figured why not route the bridge out for another Seth. So, I found a new Seth bridge pup for $70 at a local music store, bought a humbucker bridge off ebay. My co-worker is an excellent woodworker and has agreed to route out the bridge area so the bucker will fit. I’m very excited at the prospect of having a dual humbucker guitar once again! Right now I have it wired like a standard tele with the exception of the tone pot being a push/pull. In the down position, it’s your normal tone control with a .047 tone cap. Pulled up, I wired it as a midrange cut/boost based on the Torres circut. I do find I use it quite a bit, but I may take it out and put a regular tone pot in. I also have a mini-switch between the vol and tone that puts the pups out of phase. I find I rarely use that, so I may wire the mini switch with two different tone capacitors and switch back and forth for different sonic flavours. Played clean or dirty, this guitar is very responsive. Every nuance seem to come through. It responds well to volume and tone control tweaks and I find I “play” the controls more so than on any other guitar. You hear about amps being touch responsive…well, this guitar is like that. The Seth really lets that aspect shine through. With a bit of overdrive / distortion added to the mix, it simply sings. I love to roll the tone about 3/4 back, hit the Valve Tone and the digidelay on the “solo” setting and use my volume pedal for pseudo cello, violin, ebow type sounds. I have had many, many compliments on the tone of this guitar. I always make sure to let those who have some gear knwoledge know how much the seth add’s to the equation. As you can tell, I am very pleased with the way this pickup sounds and responds to playing dynamics. Plus, I love the fact that the chrome humbucker looks so good against the natural beauty of mahogany.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Right now, ( other than at home and an occasional blues jam or acoustic duo gig ) I play on Sundays with the Worship Team at my church. When I first started playing with them about a year ago, I used my trusty old strat. I found a nice Fernandes TE2 tele copy, upgraded the pickups, and retired the strat. Since I put the USACG together however, every one of my other guitars are taking extended holidays to their respective cases. I honsetly think about taking the others for worship service, but the USACG is the one that I feel that special bond with. It has become
Model of guitar or bass:
G&L ASAT Classic Bluesboy (stock)
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
it came stock
Other pickups on guitar:
G&L MFD single coil staggered in the bridge
Artists using this pickup:
dunno
You musical style(s):
all: jazz, blues, alternative, country, psychedelic
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
medium
Tone:
balanced across a wide range
Sonic evaluation:
G&L Bluesboy into Matchless SC-30 (usually run straight in, but a Digitech RP-10 or Peavey Valverb can find their way into the setup).
This is the only humbucker I will use (P90 fan). This pickup is like a very mellow, thick single-coil with amazing thickness and bredth. I tried an early ’70s original Tele (humbucker neck, single-coil bridge) and was amazed–the Bluesboy with this pickup is its equal. In fact, Seth Lover apparently designed the original Fender Wide-Range ‘bucker in the tele I played.
Warm and soft, with wide frequency range and very balanced, this pickup is lush. Strong midrange, and very smooth highs. The sound of the maple and ash in the guitar really come through.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
a great match for anything medium-gain or clean
Model of guitar or bass:
MIM Fender Telecaster
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Little ‘59 for Tele (bridge)
Artists using this pickup:
Johnny Lang, among others
You musical style(s):
Classic Rock and Blues
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted to replicate the G&L Classic Bluesboy, which is a thinline tele with this pickup in the neck. G&L: $2,300+tax, customized MIM Tele: $1,100, including SH-55 in neck and Little’59 in the bridge, installed, with case, tax included! Oh yeah, I A/B’d them and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hotter than stock, not as much as Little ‘59 in the bridge. This provides good versatility.
Tone:
Smooth and creamy, period.
Sonic evaluation:
I use a Dr. Z Carmen Ghia and my effects are a TS-9 and a GE-7, which for this pick up are used for leads only (it is a great pup for clean stuff).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Perfect for cleaner classic rock and blues when used without effects, a good example would be Brown Sugar, so it is definitely not a single coil sound.
Model of guitar or bass:
1971 les Paul Deluxe modified into a Standard
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
a mini humbucker
Other pickups on guitar:
old PAF in neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
hard rock to heavy metal
Reason for pickup change:
looking for “that sound”
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
I don’t know
Perceived output level:
About as hot as an original PAF
Tone:
middy
Sonic evaluation:
I like it. I like the Jeff Beck model a lot too. My main gripe is the feedback at higher volumes. Seymor didn’t want to pot these pick ups and at live volumes the pick up feeds back microphonically uncontrollably. I was told I could pot the pick up if I wanted to but I will just stick an old JB pick up in there instead.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
The pick up is actually very nice for rock and metal
Model of guitar or bass:
PRS with bolt-on neck – first year for bolt-on necks
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
PRS HFS, Van Zandt Truebuckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Can’t say other than myself
You musical style(s):
Blues, classic rock, jazz, folk
Reason for pickup change:
I’ve always loved the acoustic sound of my PRS but the detail and character of it’s tone never did translate well through the stock pickups. The Van Zandts did a better job than the stockers and had good tone but it wasn’t a remarkable change – pick attack (or fingernails) still didn’t speak. The Seth Lovers are a perfect match for this guitar and my playing style.
Pickup features:
Humbucker, nickel plated covers, coil tap
Impedence or other specs:
not sure
Perceived output level:
Average for a PAF type pickup
Tone:
Balaced, harmonically rich, detailed, sweet highs, mids speaks, clear lows
Sonic evaluation:
GUITAR: 1990 (or ‘89 – not sure) Black PRS first year bolt-on w/maple binding showing (maple neck w/brazilian rosewood fingerboard – mahogany body w/maple top – two blocks of mahogany wedge the tremolo bridges tone block into a fixed position). SH-55’s in the neck and bridge positions. Controls are 3-way LP style pickup select toggle, one volume pot and one tone pot (both 500ohm), mini two position toggle selects humbucking or single coil for both pickups.
AMPLIFIERS: 1982 Fender Super Champ w/eminence speaker (clean channel at 7, mid notch off, master at 10 – great Blackface era sound) Infinitely variable gain from guitars volume pot (from shimmering ‘64 Twin’ clean to ‘64 Deluxe on 10′ distortion).
1973 Marshall JTM-50 head, 1971 Marshall 4×12 B cabinet with original Celestion 25W speakers (tone controls and presence set to 7, volume at 10 – the guitars volume pot offers what I like to call ‘infinitely variable channel switching). At full gain it is very articulate with clear individual note definition when chording. This is one of the few Marshalls I’ve played through that has pleasing, harmonically rich clean tones. I like early Marshalls at full tilt but few have appealed to me when set to cleaner tones.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pickup is not well suited to heavy metalI – searing modern high gain tone is not it’s forte’.
Model of guitar or bass:
Heritage H 550 Custom with thin 1.5″ body
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Schaller humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Jazz, blues
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a sound with greater treble response, greater clarity, balance, and character.
Pickup features:
Humbucking – passive
Impedence or other specs:
4 conductor; nickel cover; not wax potted; Alnico magnet
Perceived output level:
Bright, balanced and very mid-rangey, tremendous clarity. Not as hot as many humbuckers on the market but with a tremendous amount of character.
Tone:
Balanced tone reminiscent of a classic ’50s sound for jazz and blues. lack of wax potting provides character and depth and allows for the player to articulate nuances of pick attack, etc.
Sonic evaluation:
Installed on a Heritage H-550 Custom semi-hollow with 1.5″ thick body and played through a Fender 1965 Twin Reverb Reissue with Eminence speakers and JJ (formerly Tesla) tubes and sometimes through a backup Roland Blues Cube 30 amp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Jazz, blues. Perfect tone for jazz if you want clarity and balance in your tone; absolutely the opposite of muddy.
Model of guitar or bass:
Hamer Artist Custom
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
The Clash, The Misfits, AFI, Sabbath, Stones,Guns’n'Roses, Cream-era Clapton lotsa punk or bluesy rock
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
Active Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
not as high as something like the JB
Tone:
balanced
Sonic evaluation:
I use this or about 8 or 9 different guitars through a Mesa Boogie Subway Blues as my bedroom amp setup. I also have a Roland GP-8 for some drive. My main amp is a JCM800 from the early 80’s. the tone is very balanced and distinct. I used to play my Gibson Black Beauty as my main “blues rock” axe, but had to resort to a lot of EQ to make it sound as nice as these Duncans. The neck pickup in particular is about as close as i get to getting a real “vintage” Les Paul tone ala Clapton or Slash(sweet child is awseome on this), even moreso than my real Les Paul. it really is probably as close as one can get to a real PAF short of spending $300 for an original or whatever someone wants for one these days. but the key here is the *distinction* of tone, especially the neck position, snce its probaby the sweetest i have heard on a guitar.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
i play rock in general. for when i want to get into Faith No More territory, I usually just play my stock LP or a G&L F-100, if want something along the lines of AFI or Misfits, Ill go with a Strat with a Hot Rails. For the sweet vintage LP tone for blues rock, ill ditch my LP and pickup the Hamer with these Duncans.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson ES335 Dot Reissue
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson stock 57
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Unknown
You musical style(s):
Blues, Classic Rock,Funk
Reason for pickup change:
The original pickups were uninspiring….dull on wound strings…brittle on unwound…. muddy overall.
Pickup features:
Vintage Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Unknown…. check Duncan website
Perceived output level:
Roughly the same as the classic 57s
Tone:
Smokey… good string winding noise on wound strings…not to bright on unwound. Very balanced sound across the fretboard.
Sonic evaluation:
ES335 through Fender Blues JR & Reverend Hellhound 40/60
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Blues,Classic Rock,Funk I gig regularly and they sound great. Thick and rich !!!!I Would not be suitable for super high volume high distortion work.
Model of guitar or bass:
DeArmond S-73
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
DeA Gold Tones
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
me
You musical style(s):
rock/blues
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted some vintage PAF vibe.
Pickup features:
Humbucker Passive
Impedence or other specs:
?
Perceived output level:
normal output
Tone:
very even balanced. like I said, classic PAF in an Alnico 2 magnet config
Sonic evaluation:
I’ve been running these into a Fender DRRI. Great tone, absolutely fantastic from clean to distorted. These things are not wax potted, but I’ve had no microphonics problems. I and others think this lack of wax potting is what gives it it’s vibe. Awesome.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play blues and old rock. Plus a lot of my own original material. I love these. Great pair. Mine were used so they already had “aged” gold covers. Fantastic!!!!
Model of guitar or bass:
A great Epiphone Les Paul Classic
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Seth Lover in Bridge, which will soon be coil split, too.
Artists using this pickup:
Me, myself and I
You musical style(s):
Classic Rock, Blues, modern Rock and hopefully some day Jazz.
Reason for pickup change:
This is my third review. I just performed a coil split, which is essentially making a humbucker into a single and back again, for those who don’t know what I mean.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker and now a single coil!
Impedence or other specs:
Buck: 7.38 Coil Split: 3.67
Perceived output level:
Perfect
Tone:
Perfect. Period.
Sonic evaluation:
Epi Les Paul Classic going through a Fender Blues Jr. with a home-made speaker cabinet w/2 extra 12’s. Also use a Boss SD-2 overdrive pedal.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This pickup is perfect for whatever you want, with the right amp.
Model of guitar or bass:
Hamer Echotone (Korean )
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Fake (Seymour Duncan Design) ripoff
Other pickups on guitar:
ANTIQUITY
Artists using this pickup:
A smart musician
You musical style(s):
JAZZ will live forever! Funk, R&B, a little rock
Reason for pickup change:
Need to compliment my antiquity pickup. It was a great move, my crappy sounding guitar sounds UNBELIEVABLE. Guitar when from sounding like rusty shocks to an 50 piece orchestra.
Pickup features:
(Passive humbucker)
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
Beautiful, not muddy, not trebly, it growls yet keeps is warmth.
Sonic evaluation:
Yamaha DG100-212 is my amp and it a good combo.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
IT’s a great sounding pickup but not noisy. You can use it for any style you just may not sound like everyone else, which is a bonus.
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibanez as80 (335 copy)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Ibanez Super 58 (stock)
Other pickups on guitar:
Seymour Duncan ‘59 (neck)
Artists using this pickup:
??
You musical style(s):
jazz blues groove
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickup sounded lifeless, no personality.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
??
Perceived output level:
Slightly hotter than the Duncan ‘59, but still pretty average, I think.
Tone:
Balanced, hot reble(in bridge position)
Sonic evaluation:
Amps: Saldano Astroverb, Fender Pro Junior, Fender Princeton Reverb Blackface (1965). Let me start by saying I don’t like bridge pickups and rarely use them because I think they sound to trebly for jazz. With that said, I actually like the sound of my Seth Lover in the bridge. It has great tone, although bass is thin at times. Sounds great slightly overdriven for a John Scofield type of sound, or for playing the blues. This is a very musical pickup, and even in the bridge it has alot of warmth and character. Very lively pickup, sounds great with distortion.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
jazz blues groove
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Les Paul Classic
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock POS
Other pickups on guitar:
Seth Lover in bridge (an absolutely wonderful pickup)
Artists using this pickup:
Me, Myself and I
You musical style(s):
Classic Rock, Rock, Blues, someday Jazz
Reason for pickup change:
Epi pickups, as with all Epi pickups, are mud.
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
7.43
Perceived output level:
Perfectly Medium. Not low, not high. Just right.
Tone:
Perfectly Balanced
Sonic evaluation:
Epi Les Paul Classic into a Blues Jr. with a Boss SD-2 or Marshall Jackhammer in between. Usually the SD-2, though.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Perfect for damn near anything with the right amp. It’s up to you!
Model of guitar or bass:
Gisbons 57 Historic Goldtop
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Lindy Fralins
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Fralins just too muddy. Had Seth Lovers in another Les Paul, loved them.
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
medium
Tone:
Balanced, sweet, sparkly
Sonic evaluation:
Plug into a Fender Blues Jr, Deluxe reissue, Clark Beaufort
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
For what I like, 60’s blues (Bloomfield, Green, Beano), this nails it.
Model of guitar or bass:
2001 Les Paul Standard
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock 490R/500T
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
country-ish, indie, retro-pop
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickups were WAY too hot, uninspiring, flabby – god, you name it. About all you can say about them is that yes, they’ll push the input stage of your amp. Big deal.
Pickup features:
Replica of the 1955 Gibson humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
around 7.2k
Perceived output level:
“weak” by modern humbucker standards. About on par with a P-90.
Tone:
Very tight bass response, and a nice (pronounced) mid-range peak in the neck. Bridge is sqawky, but not biting. It has plenty of cut, but can’t be described as “Fat” really. String response is DRAMATICALLY improved over the Gibson pu’s. To sum up, if you are looking for a sweet mid-range sound, this is it. Don’t buy these for the bass!
Sonic evaluation:
I Run these using the Les Paul straight into a ‘65 Deluxe Reverb. The result is a very responsive setup, with more “chime” than an LP has a right to. It’s a very crisp sound, with an emphasis on the maple top in the LP. Whereas I didn’t hear that at all through the stock pickups.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Sounds great in both positions. This is a perfect pickup for clean styles – jazz, country, pop, etc. I can’t vouche for it in a distortion situation.
Model of guitar or bass:
Les Paul Standard
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson 490R
Other pickups on guitar:
Seymour Duncan 59 bridge pickup
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock, BLues
Reason for pickup change:
Muddy tone from the Gibson 490R
Pickup features:
Humbucker PAF
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
A correct level for a PAF type pickup.
Tone:
Extremely well balanced, detailed and crisp. Outstanding for blues soloing.
Sonic evaluation:
My setup includes an ‘88 LP Standard, and a Marshall Bluesbreaker Reissue. For quieter practice I use a Fender Pro Junior and sometimes my BluesBreaker II overdrive pedal (Great pedal by the way).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mostly old Brittish Blues, Hendrix, Zep etc. I cant think of a situation for which this pickup wouldn’t be outstanding for
Model of guitar or bass:
heritage h-535
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock schaller golden 50’s
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
british pop,blues,folk,country
Reason for pickup change:
stock pickups were pretty good,but wern’t “right there”
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
pretty low output
Tone:
extremely balanced!!
Sonic evaluation:
i was hopeing these pickups could make my electric guitar as balanced as my fave acoustic,my martin d28.well it worked!these two are kissin cousins now man.natural sounding,warm,thickbalanced and true.tight without many over/undertones.nickel covers look great.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
neck pickup best.bridge is great for my taste,probably not biting enough for a real thrasher
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Les Paul standard
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
classic rock
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
very low. reads about 7k
Tone:
balanced
Sonic evaluation:
I’m puzzled as to why i hear such positive remarks about these. It’s not that they’re bad, but i don’t find anything special about them. They seem to be to thin sounding in my paul, and this is something i find almost always in very low output buckers. I had another epiphone standard exactly like this one, and it had a couple “regular” duncans in it that sounded fat and nice. Can’t recall which ones they were for sure, but i think it was an alnico in the bridge. Anyway, i will replace them with slightly higher output models. Don’t know just what, but i find that humbuckers need to have a little more output than these to sound fat and warm. Just put a anderson H-2 in my strat and it’s great, so i may go for those. Only thing i don’t like about them is that they won’t look quite right in the paul. But tone comes 1st, so i may do it.
If you are after a real fat tone, i’d stay away from the Seths. My strat with the anderson in it sounded fatter at the last gig than the paul with the Seths !
My feeling is that pickups don’t make for great tone by thier quality or design. It’s simply a matter of the frequency curve, and if a cheap p/u has the right curve for your purposes, it’s gonna sound better to you than the most high end Duncan or any other brand. The “magic” is nothing more than the E.Q. of the p/u.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
classic rock mostly
Model of guitar or bass:
Howard Roberts Gibson
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Duncan Custom custom
Artists using this pickup:
Me ?
You musical style(s):
Blues,Jazz ,Country all the good stuff
Reason for pickup change:
No life in the stock ones!
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
7.5too much
Perceived output level:
Loud and CLEAN and SMOOTH
Tone:
Even
Sonic evaluation:
I put one in my Howard Roberts and liked it so much I stuck one in my 335.The most even neck pickup i’ve ever heard.I play all kinds of styles so I can tell you that.I’ve been doin this for a living since 1972.I think i’ve heard most of the replacements and most are too HOT.You can’t get a good tone if this is the case.This is my favourite setup.A Seth in the front and a JB in the bridge.Second choice is a 59 and a custom custom.The new PAF Gibsons sound awful.Tom Holmes makes a good sounding one but only if you are a seasoned player.His pickups really show that you have flaws.Duncans are so smooth they hide them on you.Here is another trick that i liked.Buy a used HOT pickup and steal one coil and replace one of your stock ones with it.It works!!!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Lots of clean stuff but I can Rock too.
Model of guitar or bass:
‘96 Les Paul Classic
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson 496R and 500T
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
jazz, blues, rock
Reason for pickup change:
Didn’t like old ones
Pickup features:
HB Alnico
Impedence or other specs:
low
Perceived output level:
Low output
Tone:
old
Sonic evaluation:
JCM 900 Marshall, ‘64 Vibrolux
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
496R and 500T Stock Combo
Other pickups on guitar:
None
Artists using this pickup:
It’s the ass of the rat I do not give!
You musical style(s):
Dino Rock, Blues, Funk
Reason for pickup change:
490R was muddy and useless. 500T was good for only extreme raunch.
Pickup features:
Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
7.79 K ohms Neck and 8.22 K ohms Bridge
Perceived output level:
Medium output – Regular OEM type humbucker.
Tone:
Neck pickup is smooth and sweet. Beautiful sustain. Bridge pickup is the same with a nice cutting edge to it.
Sonic evaluation:
Gibson LP Classic and Fender Quad Reverb (1968). No stomp boxes.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
See above. Perfect match! Unsuitable for HM, Goth, et. al
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Les Paul Hollowbody
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Epiphone
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
? ? ? ?
You musical style(s):
Rock etc…
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted a pickup with a bit more grr than the stock Pickups
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Moderate
Tone:
Smooth, ‘woman tone’ easily achieved on neck, Jimmy Page tone easy with bridge
Sonic evaluation:
I’m running through a Marshall JCM 900, and the tone is fat and smooth, very crisp and crunchy. It can get too trebly but the amp can just get adjusted. Not for metal, but anything else that needs a bit of distortion would benefit from this pick up
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, alternative stuff
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Les Paul Standard (?92)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson 490R/498T
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
see www.syemourduncan.com if it?s important for you
You musical style(s):
R&B, Classic Rock
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted the pure original LP-Tone which I like from my old records. It would be too much work to list all the music here.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
7,2KOhm/8,1KOhm (N/B)
Perceived output level:
A little less than sock PU?s, but not in the way I expected.
Tone:
These PU?s create a tone which I would describe with “transparent&balanced”. They sound thinner and much more transparent as the Gibson PU?s, but the reproduction of the guitar-specific part of the sound is better.
Sonic evaluation:
I use it with my Mesa Heartbreaker. You can get all sounds you want, provided you like the real Les Paul based sound. I don?t want to describe the sound in a detailled way, I find it better to give you some examples of what sounds you can get out of this instument(s).
From cool clean fenderish sounds (great for Jazz chording) via Claptons Bluesbreakers (or Peter Green) to (very authentic) Santana or Gary Moore (his blues-stuff), this combination is able to supply you with that all, with all advantages AND disadvantages (see overall rating).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play R&B, Classic Rock and the PU?s are an excellent match in both positions.
Model of guitar or bass:
epiphone g-400 (SG copy)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock epi’s (microphonic but sound great otherwise)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
I mess around with many sounds and styles. mostly rock/metal overdriven tones.
Reason for pickup change:
i’m trying to alleviate the microphone squeal from my SG while keeping the vintage tone. this was not possible with the seth lover.
Pickup features:
humbucking (retro 50’s style)
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
average output level. classic “bucker”
Tone:
well balanced tone, but very microphonic. more microphonic than the stock epiphone pickups being replaced.
Sonic evaluation:
i am using the epiphone g-400 with a line6 ax2. so basically… name the amp and i am messing with it. it has about 30 or so amp models!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
this would be a good replacement pickup for a jazz hollow body guitar, to be played at low gain and volume. way to microphonic for anything contemporary.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson L-4 CES archtop with a single pickup in the neck position
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Gibson 57′ Classic
Other pickups on guitar:
None
Artists using this pickup:
Dang, how would I ever know?
You musical style(s):
Jazz, etc.
Reason for pickup change:
So many people have told me that stock Gibson pickups suck and that I should try a Seymour Duncan. In my never-ending quest for tone improvement I’ve decided to try the Seth Lover.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Replica of a vintage Gibson
Perceived output level:
To my ears the Seth Lover seems to have a lower output than the Gibson 57′ Classic.
Tone:
On the wound strings the tone was similar to the Gibson. However, the unwound strings sounded much more midrangey and tinny. The difference was similar to the difference between teh clean sound on a Marshall and a Fender or EL34 and 6L6. The pickup sounds kind of thin on unwound strings.
Sonic evaluation:
I mainly use the L-4 CES. Th guitar goes into an Ernie Ball volume pedal and from there straight into a Mesa Boogie Mark I. I play mostly with a clean sound, sometimes with a bit more gain to get very slight overdrive when I dig in. Actually, I like very much the sound of my guitar with the stock pickup and only decided to try the Seth Lover to see if it could further improve my tone. It did not. In fact, I didn’t like it at all. To my ears the 57′ Classic sound fat and full, whereas the Seymour Duncan is midrangey and thin. Maybe it could work on different types of guitars or with heavier overdrive, but for clean sounds the Gibson pickup wins hands down. Eveything is relative however, I also have a Heritage 575 with stock Schaller pickups. I wasn’t entirely happy with the sound, so recently I purchased a pair of 57′ Classics. For some reason, however, they didn’t sound as good in that particular guitar as the original Schallers. They sounded a bit muddy – and that’s kind of strange because the guitar is made of solid maple and one would expect that it would have a brighter sound. But the L-4 is quite a bit brighter, despite the fact that the dimensions and construction of both guitars are very similar.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play jazz, R&B, funk, latin, etc. I find this pickup unsuitable if you want to get fat clean uncolored sound.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone G-400 (SG)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Epiphone
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Punk, Hardcore
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickup was too noisy on stage and in the studio it picked up too much interference.
Pickup features:
Humbucking, Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
normal (no too much different then the previous)
Tone:
balanced and clearer then stock pickup
Sonic evaluation:
I use a fender 2×12 amp and a marshall half stack. On the fender it sounds clearer then the previous. I didn’t get to try it out on the half stack yet.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’d say it’s a good match for old school punk but not hot enough for hardcore.
Model of guitar or bass:
Guild Starfire IV Thinline semi-hollow body
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Guild SD-1 humbucker (stock)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock, Alt., Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickups were noisy around computers.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Typical humbucker output
Tone:
Perfectly balanced in both positions, and combined.
Sonic evaluation:
These are the probably the best humbuckers I’ve heard: smooth, great on all tones, positions, styles (except metal, perhaps, because they don’t have a super-high output–I have a Les Paul Classic with a Gibson 500T in the bridge position for ultra-high gain). I use this guitar mainly for recording, so I initially replaced the (reasonably good sounding) stock Guild pickups, which were noisy when used around computers in a project studio. The SL’s did the trick perfectly; they’re very quiet, even in the midst of a lot of electronics. And I was pleasantly suprised by their rich, clear sound in clean, overdriven and distorted modes in both positions. They are a great match for the Starfire IV because they don’t get muddy, and they thoroughly capture the acoustic properties of the guitar. I use them through a Rocktron VooduValve preamp>Mesa 2:90 stereo amp>Marshall 1960 4×12 cabinet, and through a preamp direct into a console. They came in a 4-conductor configuration, so I had them split and wired to “push-pull” pots so I could use them as single coils as well. I haven’t found a use for them in single-coil mode (they have a very plain and boring sound that way), but it can’t hurt to have the option.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I wanted the mid-period Chuck Berry sound, as well as deep, fat blues tones, and biting hard rock. The SL’s do all that very well.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
stock Epiphone pickup
Other pickups on guitar:
stock Epiphone bridge pickup
Artists using this pickup:
Lots
You musical style(s):
jazz
Reason for pickup change:
The stock neck pickup is sooooo flat and uneven. The bass
is really muffled and atrocious while the highs aren’t very
distinctive. It really disappointed me when I plugged it in.
Pickup features:
passive humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
nearly the same output level as before, although the pickup sits lower
Tone:
Smooth! It’s sooo smooth. Basses are distinct as are the smooth highs. It sounds so perfect!
Sonic evaluation:
At jazz band I plug my axe through a Fender Twin Reverb and boy does it sound sweet now. For the last few practices before I put it in, the guitar was loud and overbearing due to the muffled low-end, but I put it in right before a concert and boy did it make a difference. So much clarity you can’t imagine. I even prefer using it for soloing than switching to the bridge like I used to.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Perfect for jazz, such an overall balanced tone you just can’t believe that it actually lives up to the name.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epi Les Paul Standard
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Jeff Beck in bridge
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
classic rock/blues
Reason for pickup change:
Cheap Korean Samsung pickups were one dimensional, lifeless,
and very, very muddy.
Pickup features:
Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
(see S.D. web site)
Perceived output level:
Normal output for a humbucker, but certainly more than the Korean ones.
Tone:
Very well balanced, warm but bright at the same time — chimey & sweet with a little quack.
Sonic evaluation:
I’m playing these through a Vox Pathfinder reissue as my stage monitor
and going to the board, and for larger venues I play through a Marshall 100 watt SLX w/EL34’s. I can get a wide variety of tones with this pickup — from jazz clean to overdriven crunch mode.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Christian rock/classic rock/blues/psychedelic
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Les Paul Classic Birdseye
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Stock Epi crap
Other pickups on guitar:
Epi Neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Blues to Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change:
Epi pickup was extremely harsh and muddy. Needed something
with good string to string definition with great tone.
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
7.88
Perceived output level:
It reads a lot lower than the stock p.u., but actually sounds louder.
Tone:
Perfectly balanced.
Sonic evaluation:
I slapped the Lover on an Epiphone Les Pual Classic Birdseye. It is a really great guitar with really horible pickups. Occasioanlly run through a Boss SD-2 Overdrive and then through a Fender Blues Jr. When overdriving the amp, the Lover does a great job at giving ‘that’ vintage tone. When I stomp on the pedals, it gets a great saturated overdrive. Sounds even better as the volume gets cranked up. It is extrememly smooth with great string articulation. The harmonics are definately great. It can go from aggressive overdrive (even though mine is a tad bit lower in the ohm ratings) to mellow and sweet.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play a lot of new and old Aerosmith, Clapton, classic rock, hard rock, blues. Perfect for all these.
Model of guitar or bass:
Mid -80’s Yamaha SA2100 (335) semi -hollow body
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson Classic ‘57
Other pickups on guitar:
Gibson Classic ‘57 at bridge
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Blues and R&B
Reason for pickup change:
A friend whose opinion I trust told me that I absolutely HAD to put one of these in my semi.I had recently put a Gibson Classic ‘57 in the neck. I liked it but was assured by my pal that the Seth Lover would be even better.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
It is about the same output as the Classic 57 ( but way less hot than the original stock pickups)
Tone:
Smooth, smoother and smoothest. The highs are extremely warm but still have great definition and clarity. The mids are smooth, not “boxy” and the lows are very tight. This an exceptionally balanced pickup.
Sonic evaluation:
This is in the neck of my mid-80’s Yamaha SA2100 (335) semi. The Classic ‘57 was a very nice pickup but not quite as smooth and balanced as the Seth Lover. I have since put the ‘57 Classic in the bridge where it sounds pretty good. It also balances pretty well with the Seth Lover when both pickups are on. But, I use the neck pickup 80% of the time and because of that the Classic ‘57 is fine in the bridge. I must say though, that if I used the bridge or combination positions a lot I would switch the bridge to a Seth Lover too.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play in a working Blues / R&B band. This pickup is a Blues delight. It overdrives my Super Reverb very, very nicely.
Model of guitar or bass:
Heritage H 150 CM
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Schallers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers)
You musical style(s):
blues, rock, alternative
Reason for pickup change:
The Schallers which came with the guitar were too hot for my tastes, and the bridge was particularly harsh.
Pickup features:
passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Medium output
Tone:
Sweet, chimey, bell like, never harsh, musical, lush, full
Sonic evaluation:
My Heritage H150 CM sounds MUCH better with the Seth Lovers. I use a Blues Jr. amp, and love the sweet, mellow sound these pickups produce. I think this is a versatile pickup, because it can really sing with distortion and high gain (it breaks up very nicely), and is gorgeous on clean settings too. There are rich, complex harmonics and good string articulation (not muddy).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I am learning to play the blues, and it is great for that, but would be good for most types of music.
Model of guitar or bass:
57 Les Paul Jr
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
P-90
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Zep, Bad Co., Rush, Soundgardn
Reason for pickup change:
P-90 was too noisy. Wanted to keep a vintage tone but needed a humbucker.
Pickup features:
humbuckng
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
weak
Tone:
very trebly, not much bottom or mids
Sonic evaluation:
I`m used to playing my Jimmy Page Les Paul a with T-500 in the bridge which some say is a trebly pickup, but this thing is all high end. I play through a Line6 so fortnately I went through the EQ and boosted the missing frequencies. After a half hour I got it to sound pretty good. I listned to it back to back with a stock Les Paul DC, my Jimmy Page, and a strat with a Custom Custom in the bridge, all straight through a Budda Twinmaster ten,(these amps don`t cover ANYTHING up), and the Seth Lover was the most shrill. So many people here say how smooth and fat this pickup is it makes me wonder if I got a defective one. I`m not going to put any more money in this guitar so I`ll just set up a bank of presets to compensate for it. If your looking for FAT tone, don`t by this pickup.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mostly classic rock and this just doesn`t work. If your into disco, this is the pickup you`ve been looking for.
Model of guitar or bass:
93 les paul special
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
p 100
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
punk rock, rock & roll, blues
Reason for pickup change:
p 100 sounds like dirt in this guitar
Pickup features:
passive humbucking- no tap
Impedence or other specs:
8.5 bridge, 7.5 neck
Perceived output level:
pretty hot, very balanced, beefy, very nice
Tone:
balanced
Sonic evaluation:
using w/ mesa dual recto & a vox 2×12 cab, no fx
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
pick-up not so god w/ clean, but very good for broken up clean
Model of guitar or bass:
Les Paul Classic
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
500T Bridge and 496R at neck
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock
Reason for pickup change:
I like the Gibson 500T and 496R high output pickups that came on my Les Paul Classic honeyburst but I like the vintage sound of “classic” PAF’s much better. The 500T in the bridge can be a tad harsh at times with a lack of string to string definition **but** the 500T is a great “hi-output” pickup if that is your thing. I also like the look of the Nickel covered Seth Lovers (especially when they tarnish)
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker 50’s P.A.F. Reissue
Impedence or other specs:
Neck is 7.49k and Bridge is 8.36k
Perceived output level:
“Traditional” output. Not hot but sweet.
Tone:
Punchy,crisp, balanced and slightly nasal in neck. Bright and articulate with nice harmonics.
Sonic evaluation:
I use a few amps. . .Through a 100 watt Marshall Plexi on 10, Peavey 5150, Fender Bassman and Laney combo.The string to string definition was really good in both the neck and bridge. There seems to be a sweet harmonic complexity that has a 3d effect. On clean settings, the neck is punchy, crisp, and warm with a round *slightly* nasal tone. The bridge (Clean settings) is also articulate, slightly thinner yet rich in tone. As the gain increases, the bridge comes alive and becomes more open. I was susprised at the smooth ripping tone achieved with the bridge pickup. The neck really smooths out and becomes more compressed, warm and slightly honking sounding as the gain is increased. I’ve compared the bridge pick-up with an original Gibson PAF (8.2K) that I bought for $30 10 years ago and found that the Seth Lover was very close to the original. I can say that I like the punchy character better than my original PAF and the Seth Lover might sound like my Gibson PAF sounded 40 years ago. My Paf is *Very* smooth, slightly less bassy, and not quite as crisp as the new Seth Lover pick-up. This is really nit picking as obviously the age of the pickup and the strenght of the alnico II magnet must be taken into consideration. Compared to my 70’s Les Paul Custom with stock Gibson Pickups, the Classic with the Seth Lover pickups sounds much more complex. Beware that the Seth Lover, like original PAF’s are not wax potted to prevent microphonic feedback. You need some distance between you and your overdriven amp to prevent this. The lack of wax potting really does make a difference tonewise and allows the tone of the pickup to “come through”.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Excellent for most rock types, country and Jazz. Not good for death metal etc.
Model of guitar or bass:
Home-made Les Paul Special Jr re-issue
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Carvin & Evans
Other pickups on guitar:
N/A
Artists using this pickup:
unknown
You musical style(s):
Brit – Rock
Reason for pickup change:
I needed a Gibson-like tone, smooth, creamy, sustainy… like the P.A.F.’s of old.
I also needed the ability to go from mellow to crunchy.
Pickup features:
passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
unknown
Perceived output level:
Better and meatier than the original setup. Hot enough but not super-charged.
Tone:
Mellow and smoothe in neck, trebly and loud in bridge, no unpleasant nasaleness.
Sonic evaluation:
Well, my setup is far from ideal: I have a LP Home-made re-issue (Warmoth neck, body cut by a local luthier, I assembled & finished it & did the wiring). Played through a Marshall Valvestate 20 – not a bad amp, but not quite a Boogie or a fender Twin, right?
At any rate, I have a guitar that looks like a Paul (a customized one that is) plays nice and sounds great. I’d be curious to try that guitar through a Boogie or a Fender Twin and test the tone there! But I accheive a good range of tones from the mellow to the raunchy with those pickups. I hate shrill tones and those babies are anything but!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
British-esque rock, neo-psychedelic music etc. I’d say those pickups are suitable for most applications!
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibcon ‘89 Les Paul Standard
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
gibson paf and stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
both are seth lovers
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
rock blues finger picking
Reason for pickup change:
This guitar came with gibson regulars 9 (what evet that was).
About 6 months later the one of the coils died in the bridge
and the store replaced it with a paf. Then the neck died a
couple of years later and was replace with a standard.
well they were mismatched and the guitar never sounded
very good. All of the gibsons sounded dull and lifeless.
I tried to split the coil in the bridge and killed a coil.
So I decided to change both and replace them with ones
that would sound good… and I did!
Pickup features:
passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs:
?
Perceived output level:
i guess medium as I am not a conasuer of pickups, but I can’t tell a volume difference in these and gibson’s. but they are not “High Gain” pickups just full rich clear harmonics un muddy bass and midsj just the way les would like them
Tone:
Rich and full of life. It makes this Les Paul sound like a great guitar finally.
Sonic evaluation:
Les Paul Mesa Boogie DC3 coombo with it slaved out to a
Peavy Stereo Chorus. Also I have a PRS-CE24 (’92 alder w/maple top),
Parker Classic Fly, and ‘65 2 pickup Melody Maker. I wish I had
replaced these sooner. The Les Paul was my first electric and
was not a very good one. So I bought the PRS and Parker because the can SIMULATE
a Les Paul. Isn’t that pityful. But noe it sounds like a real Les Pau.
Thanks Seymour and Seth.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
rock blues finger picking it distorts nicely rich harmoonics. I haven’t played
Model of guitar or bass:
Hamer Special FM
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar:
Gibson P94 (replaced a Duncan ‘59)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
rock
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
humbucking, passive.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
medium output. low for a humbucker. less output than JB bridge it replace, or ‘59 that was in neck.
Tone:
balanced
Sonic evaluation:
I play a ‘64 Tremolux, a Pro Jr., and some custom amps based on vintage designs. This pickup is great! Very balanced. Clear, chimey, sweet highs. Thinner in the mids than the JB, and doesn’t drive the amp as hard… .but it’s worth it to be able to hear each individual string winding. So much clarity and tightness. Never harsh sounding. Really cleans up nicely when the volume is rolled back.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Schecter Semi-hollow, Les Paul Standard
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Modern Gibson, PAF clone, Dimarzio
Other pickups on guitar:
Vintage (late 60s) Gibson
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Classic rock, church music
Reason for pickup change:
Tone!
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Normal
Perceived output level:
Moderate (low for humbucker)
Tone:
Complex, warm, slightly nasal-classic PAF tone
Sonic evaluation:
I play into a number of amps-Boogie, Marshall, small Fenders. The Seth Lover was
designed by the inventor of the PAF, and it’s the closest thing you’re going
to find. It has that mellow, aged tone of a good, old humbucker. I really hated
the Les Paul till I made the switch, and I haven’t found a better pickup for
a semi-hollowbody. It’s NOT potted, so it’ll get microphonic/feedback if you’re
playing at painful levels, I would not use it for metal/grunge. If you like the
almost out of control sound of old Kiss/Aerosmith/ZZ Top, you’ll like it.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Best sound for classic rock/blues.
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Riviera
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Chet Atkins; pseudo-Gretsch
Reason for pickup change:
The stock pickups had all the punch of a rusted-out Ford Gran Torino.
They made this rather expensive (for me) instrument sound like a
cheap beginner’s guitar.
Pickup features:
Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Louder by far
Tone:
Thick and muddy, lot’s of bass response without losing the trebles
Sonic evaluation:
I run my Riviera straight into an early ’60’s Fender Super Reverb,
4×12 combo. To sum it up in one word: RICH!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Fingerstyle country, old school
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Sheraton II
Position:
neck
Pickup being replaced:
Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Stock
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Blues/Jazz
Reason for pickup change:
Stock pickup was tubby and lifeless
Pickup features:
Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hotter than stock but very smooth
Tone:
Warm, rich and expressive
Sonic evaluation:
This pickup has brought this guitar to life. Great tonal variety
from soft and mellow to loud and punchy without being harsh at all.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Awesome for my style of music, very vintage sounding. Probably not great for metal, etc.
Model of guitar or bass:
Les Paul Classic
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Ceramic Gibson HB
Other pickups on guitar:
Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II HB
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Rock,Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Tone!
Ceramic is to “modern” for me.
Pickup features:
Humbucker PAF Replica
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
PAF Humbucker Low for a Humbucker
Tone:
Bassy without loosig nice Top
Sonic evaluation:
This baby drips Clasic Vibe! Smooth as butter but can crunch nice.
Volume down this honey does nice chordwork even with geeky chords.
Not the absulut screemer, but that’s not what I was lookin’ for anyway
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
All position! No big hair Metallo-Shred Pickup
Model of guitar or bass:
Ibanez AK-85 DVS (Artcore Jazz)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
neck + bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
dunno
You musical style(s):
Jazz-projects
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a more “Grant Green” like sound on this relatively cheap guitar. The upgrade with the SD P-90 Phat Cats is truly great and worth and penny. Roght now, this is real value for aoney. !!!!
Pickup features:
Single coil
Impedence or other specs:
dunno
Perceived output level:
Makes me feel that I am in control of the output
Tone:
Balanced
Sonic evaluation:
I play with a Fender Deluxe, with a few mod’s (C-12 Celestian 12″, Svetlana’s and Electro Harmonix 12 AX.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Jazz jazz jazz
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson ES-333
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson original 490R/498T
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
don’t know, don’t care
You musical style(s):
Blues, jazz, light rock
Reason for pickup change:
Already have another ES-333 with 490R/490T combination (I don’t like the 498T too well in the ES’s). Thought on this, 2nd ES-333 I’d go for a little different tone.
Pickup features:
Single coil, nickle covers, passive, humbucker sized
Impedence or other specs:
8.5k bridge, 8k neck
Perceived output level:
About the same as a Gibson 57 Classic
Tone:
Tight bottom, not boomy, very scooped mids, sparkly highs.
Sonic evaluation:
“Peabody here, with my pet boy Sherman. Sherman set The Wayback Machine to 1963, so we can revisit the root tones of the Phat Cats…..”
Both pickups are brighter than the 490/498 stock combination. Output is markedly lower than those two as well. Keep in mind, the 490 is more powerful than the 57Classic (which will be our output standard). The 498 is much noticably louder than the 490, and much louder than the 57Classic, and therefore much louder than the Phat-Cats. I’d say the Phats are about as loud, or have the same output as a Gibson 57Classic, or the same as a medium level humbucker. I’ll call the 490’s a bit hotter, more of a “hard rock” output (but considerably less than “metal” or “shred”).
There is an interesting scoop to the mids overall, and the upper mids in particular on the Phats. The result… is that they have this very appealing chime, without getting “icepick” or “brittle”. I think the “how” to this sonic effect is subtle, yet worth noting. By reducing the upper mids, you are not drowning out those sparkly chimey high end sounds. I think they’re always there, but on a heavy mids pickup – like a 490 or 498, you dont get to hear them as well because they’re getting stepped on. Those sparklies are what I’d say what makes the Phat’s signature tone, and you can hear it on the Strat, and on both pickups of the ES-333.
The low end is solid. Tight. Not muffled. Not Tele-quack either. On the neck pickup, you get a smoothness that you’d expect. With the tone control rolled off a bit, you begin to quickly lose those sparklies and here’s where finesse comes in. The tone control now gives a very wide palette of tones, and you have to be careful with the setting – there’s a lot of good flavors there. The stock 300k (250-275k really) volume pot seems well suited to the Phats, and give a good response for swells. No doubt you’d get a bit more high end with a larger pot, but I dont personally think its needed.
Playing chords, rhythmic stuff, is a pleasure and the output is controllable and predictable. Actually… as I’m thinking about it, the tone sounds very similar to the 52RI neck pickup that I have in my mahogany/maple Tele Thinline – with the solid goncalo-alves (a harder tight grained mahogany) neck… except the Phats are higher in output. They’ve also got better dynamic range, so when you’re searching for some punch with the 52RI’s… the Phats just deliver. In that way, they’re like a P90.
On the bridge side, we’ve got similar even tone with sparkly top, just a bit more treble, a bit more bite, and a bit more punch, as you’d expect from the bridge pickup (wound a bit hotter too, for compensation). No suprises here. Bell like, chimey, glistening top end, reduced mids (they make that great top end possible) and solid, non-boomy bass end. The response is smooth, even, totally predictable and comfy for the ears. One problem is the tone control. Not a major deal but it sounds good with the .022 capacitor there, but it rolls off a bit too much. Let me restate that. The capacitor value determines the corner frequency of the filter its part of. Well other things do too, its a balancing act, but we CHOOSE the capacitor value to change the corner frequency, since we cannot go about changing the impedance of the pickups. The .022uf is just fine. It sounds fine, it works fine – with one issue. When you roll off the treble fully its a bit too rolled off. This is not a capacitor issue (unless you consider ESR an issue, and it wouldn’t change things that much). Its a matter of range. The pot is in series with the cap, to ground. The range of the pot is 500k to 0k, so that when the treble is fully rolled off, the signal is shorted to ground through the cap. The fix is to add a resistor, and I dont know the size but will guess, and put it between the cap and pot. The effect is to lim
Model of guitar or bass:
1980 Gibson LP Firebrand
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock pickups–Dimarzios?
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
whatever pays the bills–rock, country, jazz, blues
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted a second “single coil” guitar and figured I’d give these a try in an old guitar I didn’t play much anymore.
Pickup features:
Single
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
seems a little hotter than the stock pickups
Tone:
well balanced
Sonic evaluation:
1980 Gibson LP Firebrand, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with Jensen C12-N replacement speaker.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play mostly in a Country/Classic Rock/Oldies band
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone Sheraton II
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
SD ‘59 neck and SD JB bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
Not known
You musical style(s):
Post rock, alternative rock.
Reason for pickup change:
The stock pickups sounded OK, but muddy so I swaped them for a SD ‘59 in the neck and SD JB in the bridge as I had these in a guitar I never play. Put them in and there just wasn’t sufficient improvement. I usually play telecasters and absolutely love the sound of single-coils – you just can’t get single coil clarity with humbuckers. Anyway. I’d seen a band play who play a similar style of music to me and one of the guitarists used a Sherton and I loved the sound so bought one… but I knew that the pickups HAD to go (I realise that I just don’t want a humbucker sound). I was looking for the tone and note clarity I get with my tele’s but warmer, with a more balanced bass response and less icepick highs (I find my teles can be a little thin at times). I looked around for single coil pickups that fit hubucker housings and considered the Fralins, the harmonic designs and the symours – I went for the seymours based on reviews I’d read and their affordability.
Pickup features:
Single Coil (P90) passive
Impedence or other specs:
Unknown
Perceived output level:
Hotter than the single coils in my teles – actually almost as hot as humbuckers.
Tone:
These pickups are very well balanced – great highs, mids and lows – nothing sounds harsh. All really cut through the mix.
Sonic evaluation:
I’m using the following rig:
Epip Sheraton II with Phat Cats > Boss DD5 > Boss RV3 > Boss OD3 > Boss Keeley BD2 > Rat II > Big Muff Pi > Line 6 DL4 > Boss TU2 > Fender Twin reverb.
Yes. Delays at the front of the chain.
It sounds incredible. I was looking for something that sounded like my tele’s – I’ve played teles for years and love their sound, but find that they can soumetimes be a little to thin and trebbly – basically not warm enough. As mentioned, I’d seen someone use a Sheraton and loved it – but as soon as I played the Sheraton with its humbuckers, I knew I had to put single coils in there. I’d never played a guitar with p90 type pickups before so it was really a case of me looking for single coil pickups that come in a humbucker housing – so I wouldn’t have to do any majore modifications… I read about these, considered a few alternatives but went for the SD’s.
They sound FANTASTIC – very tele-like but fatter, warmer, great clarity. Sound really great with overdrive/distortion – growling and you can hear every note! I am very very pleased.
I mainly use the neck pickup and find that with my tele’s, if I switch to the bridge, I really need to change my amp settings otherwise it’s icepicks allround – NOT SO with these – the two are very well balanced and usable without changing amp eq settings. Nice.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Post-rock, alternative rock. Explosions in the Sky. Mogwai, Low, Radiohead, Interpol, DO Make Say Think. These pups are beautiful for this – clean guitar parts with delay/reverb sound beautiful, add distortion and you still have the clarity – lovely sounding.
Model of guitar or bass:
epiphone g-400
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock epiphone
Other pickups on guitar:
-
Artists using this pickup:
don’t know any
You musical style(s):
blues, rock, thrash metal
Reason for pickup change:
stock pups were dull and muddy, wanted biting rock sound, heard some recordings with p-90 guitars
Pickup features:
p-90 style humbucker-sized passive single coil
Impedence or other specs:
dunno
Perceived output level:
pretty hot for a single coil, about as much output as the epiphone humbuckers
Tone:
quite the opposite of the epis… very sharp, super-twang to say the least. trebly-middy. extremely touch-sensitive. sounds much sharper and nastier than p-90s i have heard or tried. almost too brutal, but now the pots are useful even on an epiphone guitar. the sg’s dry-sounding character really adds to these already very aggressive pups, which may or may not be a good thing.
Sonic evaluation:
a) laney tf700 120w hybrid head with behringer 4×12 cab
b) behringer v-amp 2 amp modeler with roland cube-15 solid state combo
no effects, guitar goes right into amp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
awesome for blues and rock, not that good for either soft stuff or hi-gain mayhem, they’re just too nasty.
Model of guitar or bass:
70’s Cortez Les Paul copy
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Burstbucker
Other pickups on guitar:
both are phat cats
Artists using this pickup:
Me
You musical style(s):
Blues Rock jazz Rockabilly
Reason for pickup change:
cant afford a gibson let alone a 50’s gibson
Pickup features:
P 90 in a humbucker size
Impedence or other specs:
somthing like 8ohms neck 9ohms bridge
Perceived output level:
Like the old sweet 60’s gibson’s, a classy non metal hot
Tone:
Nice balance for a single coil,not to sharp yet not dead
Sonic evaluation:
Paul copy,overdrive pedal Peavey classic 30
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Not as solid souding played clean as a humbucker,however does amazing things with mild to hard overdrive distortion
Model of guitar or bass:
Epiphone ET-290
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Noisy, Jagged, Poppy, Chordy Rock
Reason for pickup change:
I don’t like Humbuckers in general, and especially the ones this guitar came with. I’m not a fan of the muddiness or smooth, warm tone of Humbuckers, but everything else about the guitar is stellar, so I had to make the switch.
Pickup features:
P-90’s for Humbucking guitars
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Much more loud and gainy than most single coil pick-ups I’ve played, which is fine.
Tone:
Very “middy”, so to speak, which is great. Intense clarity.
Sonic evaluation:
Playing through Peavey StudioPro of some variation, compression, and overdrive, which makes the guitar sound like a Fender Tele or something instead of a Humbucking guitar, which it is no longer. Excellent. Very punchy and almost clanky when thrashing, which is alright news! Gritty but clear notes with overdrive up.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Excellent match for my style: garage rock punk stuff. Sounds best with both positions going.
Model of guitar or bass:
Heritage CM150 (Les Paul)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Heritage Rendall Wall
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Classic Rock Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Heard a ‘52 Les Paul with P-90’s…
Pickup features:
Single Coil P-90
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Powerful cutting tone. Clear yet breaks up nicely when driven
Tone:
trebly, yet refined
Sonic evaluation:
I’m using a Fender Blues Jr., but I sometimes run a POD in front of it for extra tonal options
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, Blues
Model of guitar or bass:
PRS McCarty
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
McCarty Standard Pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
N/A
Artists using this pickup:
?
You musical style(s):
Blues
Reason for pickup change:
Humbuckers too ‘mushy’
Pickup features:
P-90
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hotter than a single coil
Tone:
Chimey, rude Mids
Sonic evaluation:
PRS–>TS-9 (Analog Man)–>Bogner Shiva
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Great pickup for blues, Hendrix, Arc Angels, Doyle Bramhall II
Model of guitar or bass:
rebuilt/modified kay jazzer (solid mahagany center block and neck)
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
generic P90’s
Other pickups on guitar:
all P90’s
Artists using this pickup:
The bloke in the strokes, don’t know his name.
You musical style(s):
Rock blues, and anything else i feel like
Reason for pickup change:
the old pick ups were a bit flat, no character.
Pickup features:
passive P90 in a humbucker cover
Impedence or other specs:
see web site
Perceived output level:
slightly hotter than the old ones, great variation in tone using the vol/tone pots.
Tone:
really well defined bass, great mids, biting, cutting but warm and sweet and a lovely sparkling top end with no harshness, amazing.
Sonic evaluation:
the dogs bollocks, amazingly versatile, i really can’t understand why people use humbuckers, P90’s are truly the most versatile pick ups around, ok maybe that’s abit of a generalisation, i just don’t like humbuckers.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, blues, punk (clash, ramones, greenday)P90’s really will do it all.
Model of guitar or bass:
Gibson Hawk
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Gibson 490
Other pickups on guitar:
TV Jones Tron thing
Artists using this pickup:
Picasso, Dali, Renoir
You musical style(s):
Blues, rock, roots
Reason for pickup change:
Needed more clarity and bass string articulation than a humbucker can give.
Pickup features:
P90 single coil clone in a humbucker case
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Less than the stock 490 humbucker, very similar to an *average* p90
Tone:
trebly, though balanced and clear
Sonic evaluation:
I use it with my ‘68 Super, a Mk I reissue Boogie, and a 30 watt Laney. I am not mister distortion, rarely getting past Zep or Cream levels, and I do a fair amount of roots rock. Here’s my deal: tone wise, I do just about all I want with a Tele and a cranked amp. But my Gibson Hawks are easier to play. So how do I get them to sound twangy? Yank the humbucker and put in one of these. End of story. Less twang and more snarl than a tele, sure, but still cool. Lots of killer rock from Who, Santana, the Dead, Mountain, etc. featured p90s, so if you like that, try one of these.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This works great for my weirdness, and I look forward to putting one in the neck position so as to get that beautiful both pickup sound
Model of guitar or bass:
epiphone fat-210 strat (humbucker in bridge)
Position:
bridge
Pickup being replaced:
gibson 57 classic plus
Other pickups on guitar:
2 epiphone single coils
Artists using this pickup:
yomama
You musical style(s):
pop/punk/rock/metal/blues/funk
Reason for pickup change:
want something loud like the 57 plus but with better definition. 57 plus is deafening.
Pickup features:
passive hot p-90 single coil with humbucker-sized plating
Impedence or other specs:
seymourduncan.com
Perceived output level:
extremely hot. loudest pickup next to classic 57 plus
Tone:
emphasis on high and high mids with warm low end. nice mid cut.
Sonic evaluation:
epiphone strat -> orange twin channel head -> custom mesa 2×12 cab with eminence swamp thang/cannabis rex combination.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
believe it or not this pickup is versatile and can nail any style, even metal!
Model of guitar or bass:
HAMER STUDIO CUSTOM
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
SEYMOUR DUNCAN 59 HUMBUCKERS
Other pickups on guitar:
N/A
Artists using this pickup:
DON’T KNOW
You musical style(s):
Blues, Jazz, Rock, rockabilly
Reason for pickup change:
I personally do not like humbuckers but love playing gibson and hamer guitars.
Pickup features:
Humbucker sized single coil P90ish design
Impedence or other specs:
don’t know, don’t care
Perceived output level:
seem to be quite hot to my ears
Tone:
great bottom end, clear mids and treble
Sonic evaluation:
Using a Hamer Studio Custom through a Fender deluxe reverb. Great tone!!!!!!! This is the tone I have always wanted in my humbucker based guitars. This pickup screams when required. Cuts through the mix like a hot knife, but roll of the volume and listen to a lovely jazz tone. This pickup was first fitted on Hamer Newport Semi guitars but trust me, they sound the business on solids as well. This pickup could change the Les Paul as we know it or in my preferred case the Hamer forever.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
blues, jazz, rockabilly, country, rock
Sounds have now been better evaluated by me. It’s GREAT! Dial in the right settings and it’s WONDERFUL;professional tone and immense versatility. Admittedly I don’t play much stuff heavier than the NWOBHM stuff,whish is as heavy as I go;and for everything from Fendery cleans to full-on hard rock,this amp is a serious choice. Apparrently,[so I'm told,]it has less or no diode-clipping;it certainly has a more natural,ungraunched lead-or powerchord tone than others in it’s under-A#1000 GPB price range. I’ve sucessfully nailed both Clapton’s Soldano-overdrive lead tone,and Knopfler’s overdrive sound,e.g. from Brothers In Arms; plus it does a great Sabbath impression,and gets almost any classic rock sound you want. Clean Channel-excellent.Just right,not muddy nor harsh either. Clean Overdrive-I don’t use it much,but can do nice things with certain Blues and can do Mayall-era Clapton O.K. Drive Channel,Drive 1-great;Gives a different Blues voice,[which I prefer] up to good 70’s medium-gain rock,or Who/U2 ringing chords,depends on how you set it. At full gain,in High Gain Input,my HSS Strat on bridge humbucker does a brilliant,raunchy but sweet rock’n roll tone ala a wilder Chuck Berry,or Stones/Quo style R&R. With Drive 2 switched on,this amp is in high-gain heaven;but always full and toneful. From Clapton/Santana singing sustain,to Sabbath-esque sludge,it goes almost anywhere. Quick runs and trills,and long,emotional notes too,all have a warmth and fullness,but definition too,that basically rivals the Soldano sound. A touch more Laney-ism in the sound,of course..because hey,it’s a Laney! Anyway-soundwise,nothing but praise for it. I’m very picky bout sound,too…
HOWEVER-I also agree with others here that you have to constantly watch your settings. A slight adjustment to the controls can bring a very audible difference in sound…and it’s true,I’ve sometimes nailed an incredible tone,only to lose it later after adjustments,and spent ages fiddling,trying to get it back. So…I’ve written my most favoured settings down,and taped ‘em to the amp’s sides! Plus little tape pointers to where I’ve had my settings sounding best. Well,it’s what the pro’s do,and I consider myself a pro player…just cause nobody’s discovered me except locally don’t mean the average rock star plays any better,LOL! Seriously,tho,the amp sings,with a good guitar and a sensitive touch in playing. That’s why rock stars of many different styles use it. Amps don’t give talent,but anyone WITH talent and soul in their playing will sound top-notch with this. Possibly more tricky to get modern Death/Thrash tones from it,but then I wasn’t looking for that.
New VH100R,early 2004. This is an update to a previous review I submitted a bit further down. See other reviews for main features.
More power than I may ever need,but as folks state below,it can be turned down to lower volumes with a bit of knowledge. Yes,the volume of this thing is scary…but it can be tamed too. Anyway,who knows,I might one day be in a heavy band with a drummer who will only play at stick-breaking volume…so I might just need this clout!
Wanna form a band??? LOL!:
Model of guitar or bass:
Strat Plus 1996 Fender Anniversary model
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
I bought it with the DG20 set installed
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour
You musical style(s):
Rock, Blues, Bits of everything
Reason for pickup change:
They came with the guitar
Pickup features:
Active single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
I have had these in this guitar since i bought it a year ago. This review is to let you know my experience with these. Today, the sound from these is amazing, see my comments at the end.
Tone:
Lots of option, using the EXG, SPC controls. You can dial in a nice round mid boost, or a more cutting bass/treble boost.
Sonic evaluation:
Previously: Boss GT6, Line6 Spider 212 II amp.
Today: Peavey Classic 50 2*12, lots of good effects pedals.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play in a Pink Floyd tribute band.
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender frankencaster (all american,best parts) Custom frets 65 nk
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
varoius
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
plenty
You musical style(s):
everything I can get my hands on
Reason for pickup change:
Noise
Pickup features:
single coil strat replacement
Impedence or other specs:
Low imp.
Perceived output level:
Adjustable (has a mid and bass/ treble boost respectively)
Tone:
It’s all in there, up to you
Sonic evaluation:
I use anything and everything when recording. Live, old boogie mk2b,tubed with 5781-a nos, mullard and tesla nos. Sounds the way it was desienged too, and then some.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I’m a session player, and live also. These pick-ups allow me to leave a forest of guitars at home.
Model of guitar or bass:
MIM Fender Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
All of ‘em…
Other pickups on guitar:
None…they all sucked so they all had to go.
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour, myself and everyone else who was smart enough to buy this system.
You musical style(s):
Rock, punk, pop and blues…
Reason for pickup change:
Well it’s no secret that Fender’s Mexi-guitars usually have crap stock pickups and since they don’t shield their pickup cavities there’s a TON of that annoying buzz.
Pickup features:
Active single coils
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Hot and loud.
Tone:
I usually play music with distortion ala Weezer, Green Day, AC/DC and listening to these pickups is like eating a good piece of cheesecake…rich and creamy!!!
Sonic evaluation:
My beloved Stratocaster thru a variety of Marshalls.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
This is a great match for anyone who plays anything! It’s SO versatile.
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender 50th Annv. Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Harmonic Design and Fender ’54’s
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Me.
You musical style(s):
Alt rock (clean channel stuff) to heavier rock (lead tones) Eric Johnson to Zakk Wylde to Slash to SRV
Reason for pickup change:
the noise/hum of vintage pu’s was driving me nuts.
Pickup features:
single coil, with pearl pick guard
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
they have more output than passive pickups, but the lack of noise/hum makes them seem even louder and fuller. Its so nice to have more than just 2 settings that are clear.
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
I have more gear than most people ever will. Les Pauls, Ernie Ball EVH, Zakk Marshall JCM800, early 90’s 5150, Marshall 4×12, Mesa Boogie 2×12, Vox combo, etc… I also run the music division of a Hollywood TV/Film studio. So I have a good place to compare. These pickups really give your strat a clean clear sound. The strat “quack” still there, and the crystal, bell-like clean too. With my Fulltone overdrive into my Vox combo is amazing with a warm lead. Totally able to shred and make the guitar sing, and then fade back in a super clean rhythm. The Harmonic Design Vintage Strat Plus pickups were good (way better than the 54 Fenders), but at stage volume or even in the studio I just got so tired of the hum and noise. Now, silence! The silence is overwhelming, that you think the pickups are louder. They have a little more output (20%?), but the lack of noise makes it seem like (50%). So my effects are clearly heard without the underlying noise in them. They just sound like you’re playing on a well produced record. The onboard pre-amps are just the icing on the cake. they add that strat quak attack or add a more in your face lead tone.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender American Deluxe Series Strat S-1
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Samarium Cobalt Noiseless
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour
You musical style(s):
Various
Reason for pickup change:
Wanted a nice bluesy distortion and more power from a direct replacement active single-coil pickup set. David Gilmour’s guitar solos are very smooth and silky, so either using EMGs or Lace Sensors, the result remains the same, thanks to an active mid-boost circuit which produces a good bunch of sweeping tones, ranging from classic Fender clean to scorching distortion.
Pickup features:
Active single-coils.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
These active stacked-coil humbucking pickups are hot indeed, but they are extremely low in buzz and hum which is especially important when you’re running with a lot of effects or a big rack. They use Alnico magnets which give a warmer tone with a little more midrange than the EMG-S. The low-impedance design preserves your tone quality when using a cord or wireless transmitter. Useful for Pink Floyd, Dire Straits and Clapton stuff.
Tone:
EMG DG20 pickups provide an incredibly balanced tone. You’ll get a fat, punchy humbucking output when using the SPC mid boost circuit. The EXG guitar expander adds further sparkle and clarity to the top-end and works well in conjunction with the SPC mid-boost to compensate for any lack of highs when that control is full-on.
Sonic evaluation:
I’ll opt for a 135W Silverface Twin Reverb and a big rack of cool FX. Dave uses HiWatt amps and a 1984 vintage ‘57 reissue Candy Apple Red Strat equipped with a set of active EMG single-coils. I’d like to use a maple-neck 2004 American Deluxe Strat with S-1 switching for a try. It appears that the EMG DG20 set will work perfectly with the S-1 system.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Everything. From blues to country, with dashes of pop, folk, jazz, boogie and classic rock. EMGs are suitable for use in all positions.
Model of guitar or bass:
Chinese squier strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock squier p.u.s
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Gilmour and probably somebody else
You musical style(s):
Blues, Jazz, Rock, modern and classic
Reason for pickup change:
I bought the squeir to fool around with. I tried Duncans first, and a friend had DG-20s which sounded better
Pickup features:
SINGLE COIL FOR STRAT LIKE GUITAR
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
many tone variables, active sounding, glassy, brittle, muddy bottom
Tone:
tone is variable depending on pickup and amp tuning
Sonic evaluation:
I use this with a Legacy 100Watt, a Matchless Chieftain and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. It is awful with a POD, and I use a volume pedal and sometimes a Tubescreamer.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I started using it on stage and found that it is consistent, and easy to manage. I was playing rock, but found that the guitar sound was warm, still identifiable. I was actually pretty surprised.
Model of guitar or bass:
Carvin kit guitar
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Carvin passive single coils
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour, Mike Kneally, etc..
You musical style(s):
Rock, Blues, Jazz
Reason for pickup change:
I wanted the single coil sound, but also a more muscular tone.
Pickup features:
Active Stacked Hum-cancelling Single Coils
Impedence or other specs:
Low
Perceived output level:
The output is high, but it doesn’t overpower guitar equipment
Tone:
balanced and sweet
Sonic evaluation:
I use a Marshall JCM800 combo, and a Vox AC15 with the blue Alnico speaker. I also use a Korg AX100G effects pedal.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
country pickin, rock riffin, jazz lickin
Model of guitar or bass:
I NEVER FINISHED!!!
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Pickup features:
active…
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Tone:
doesnt get too middy. with my setup anyways. gets glassy when it wants to be, but i love that. clean, it sounds amazing.
Sonic evaluation:
Lamia (guitar)>hendrix wah (bypass modded)>dod YJM 308>pre dunlop MXR Distortion+>dod EQ>old boss noise supressor (japanese made)>vintage dod chorus>Rock Amp Studio lead with crate 4×12 with greenbacks. thats only the setup with this guitar, my rig changes between guitars.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
metal, blues, and shred. does blues GREAT. does some awesome malmsteen shred…not so hot on metal, but you get the idea.
Model of guitar or bass:
gibson custom “strat”
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
original pickgaurd with stock single coils (neck and middle) and dimarzio dp100 (bridge)
Other pickups on guitar:
mmm…
Artists using this pickup:
david gilmour
You musical style(s):
blues (SRV), shred (malmsteen, vai, becker, satch), metal (megadeth, iron maiden) and well…pink floyd.
Reason for pickup change:
volume pot got thrashed, so i had to change it, or get whole new pickup system, since i had the money anyways.
Pickup features:
active…
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
well…i wouldnt say that theyre so hot. but i love that, especially for malmsteen. nearly nails his tone. i love this pickup system.
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
warmoth strat rear routed
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
new installation
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
david gilmore
You musical style(s):
blues , rock, metal
Reason for pickup change:
this was a guitar built for me and these are the pickups i chose to go in.
Pickup features:
single coil active
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
hot
Tone:
balanced
Sonic evaluation:
warmoth strat , maple neck/fretboard, fender usa bridge, line 6 ax212 amp or art sgx 2000 processor.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
i play from clean to blues to metal, i find no problems getting the right tones from any position
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender Classic Series 70’s Stratocaster
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock vintage single coils
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
DAVE GILMOUR, me
You musical style(s):
BLUES, BLUES ROck, rock, alt
Reason for pickup change:
looking for something different
Pickup features:
single coil, spc, exg
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
very high output, but the pu.s arent what i consider “hot”
Tone:
very balanced and sonic; very glassy and clean
Sonic evaluation:
took some getting use to. They come off as being sterile at first, but after doodling with my friends vintage Fenders, they do indeed sound very vintage. Compared to my uncles Buddy Guy Strat, I dont think it can pull the mids like the BG, but the BG cant get as “glassy” as the DG20 setup. Through my effects, (Jimmy Hendrix Wah, Boss eq20 eq, MXR 151, Holy Grail, Boss Chorus) it makes my distortion just sing. Can get very sonic highs and mids.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Rock, alt, (I still perfer my passive pu’s for my blues)
Model of guitar or bass:
Standard Strat US, 1989
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
standard stock
Other pickups on guitar:
no
Artists using this pickup:
Guess…
You musical style(s):
broad
Reason for pickup change:
Noise, experiment.
Pickup features:
Single
Impedence or other specs:
low impedance, active
Perceived output level:
Nice, good level.
Tone:
Clean
Sonic evaluation:
Lots of pedals, a few rack items and then into my computer.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
blues in the large sense of the word, improvisation. Like to experiment.
Model of guitar or bass:
Squier II Stratocaster
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock pieces of crap
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Davey Gilmour
You musical style(s):
rock, blues, jazz, metal
Reason for pickup change:
I liked the playability of my guitar, but the electronics SUCKED, so I just replaced everything with something with better quality. Plus, the DG approval helped.
Pickup features:
3 singles
Impedence or other specs:
extra EMG circuitry. read the other reviews for specs
Perceived output level:
CLEAN. Surgically precise. I haven’t had the chance to plug into my normal rig yet, but through my practice amp… mighty nice. You have to fiddle with the tone knobs to get the cleanest, clearest sound.
Tone:
Depends on the settings on your guitar and amp. Ranges from muddy to crystal clear. Warm and wide to thin and brittle. Really flexible little buggers.
Sonic evaluation:
I’ve so far run into my Digitech RP-100, into my computer, through Altec Lansing speakers. I have an ADA MP-1 and a Roland JC-120 that I have to get to still, but their packed away to get moved right now, so that’s out. So far, though, clean picking is very precise and dynamics are great. I used to have a horrible problem when sitting in front of my computer with hum… but that’s all gone now. I certainly like the lead tones that I can get out of it, and it makes my RP-100 actually sound decent.
Plus the pickguard makes it look pretty sweet.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
As above, there’s rock, blues, jazz, and metal. The only thing this isn’t SO great for is metallica-style rhythm work. It’s too muddy at the bottom end and to brittle when the SPC is turned down.
Model of guitar or bass:
‘03 American Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock American Pups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
Uncle Dave
You musical style(s):
Classic rock, blues
Reason for pickup change:
Liked the tone of the stock pups but really aggravating 60 cycle hum
Pickup features:
Single coil active
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Loudest single coils I have ever used
Tone:
Clear – clean – ice-pick clean.
Sonic evaluation:
Strat/Pod XT/Fender Stage 100
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Blues/Classic Rock.
Model of guitar or bass:
2003 MIA Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Stock single coils
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour (Live)
You musical style(s):
Rock, pop, blues, jazz, country, ambient, electronic, modern, experimental……
Reason for pickup change:
Single coil noise, wanted better distortion tones.
Pickup features:
Active Single coils, SPC and EXG, you know by now.
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Loud, but clear with the EXG. Turn the SPC up and it sounds very hot/slightly dirty.
Tone:
On their own, muddy. VERY muddy and flat. The SA’s are pretty poor, I must say, sound like Strat pickups with the tone rolled all the way down, only with less character. The EQ to my ears does what its meant to do, but doesnt really improve the sound and “feel” of things. The SPC turns your pickups into humbuckers, but they dont sound much like humbuckers, or any other guitar pickups really. The EXG makes things very clear and clean, FAR too much for my liking. The sound is so sterile it hurts at times. Theres no real character or definition here at all, they dont sound like guitar pickups at all, even though they cost twice as much.
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Model of guitar or bass:
Mex made Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
the stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
n/a
Artists using this pickup:
David Glimour, hence the DG
You musical style(s):
Jazz, Punk
Reason for pickup change:
My teacher raved about them, EMG pickups. Said they were the only ones he puts in any of his guitars and stands by them. He’d always bring a strat with EMGs for my lessons and when we soloed he just blew me away because his guitar was so much more powerful and had a wider range of sounds (due to the eq pots). I could also never get the right sound out of my high end and low end that I wanted when I played. Even though it is a strat I could never get the right sound for my leads from the guitar and my low end was too twangy for my taste in jazz.
Pickup features:
Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Compared to me old pickups these have a lot more force like I said, they are just louder. Not to mention it is a lot easier to do dynamics now because they pickups respond better to the strength of my sturmming.
Tone:
Crisp and clean in all positions I play.
Sonic evaluation:
I play through my own Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and my Dad’s Roland Jazz Chours – 120. The Deluxe is a tube amp and it sounds amazing on the clean channel, but the built in tube distortion leaves something to be desired (of course I haven’t really turned up that channel past about 3 yet). The jazz chours just sounds warm and welcoming, very liquidy if that makes any sense.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
I play Jazz, Punk, Rock… pretty much everything aside from very hard metal. This guitar sounds great with everything I have tried, it just requires you to set your amp up. People complain about the sound from EMGs has no soul, I found that to be the same till I played with my amp. I found a new sweet spot for all my settings and I love it.
Model of guitar or bass:
54 Reissue Fender Stratocaster MIJ
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Fat 50’s and Texas Specials
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour
You musical style(s):
Sloppy
Reason for pickup change:
Just wanted to try something new, I’ve owned a strat with Texas Specials for around 7 years, and have another strat with Fat 50’s so I was looking for something that was different. Gilmour is one of my favorite all time guitarist and I use a lot of pedals so I chose these.
Pickup features:
SA Single Coils
Impedence or other specs:
Perceived output level:
Very clean and quite to pretty warm and fuzzy. Not good for metal, mainly alternative or blue, country.
Tone:
Pretty full spectrum of tone, seems to sound more acoustic but if may be due to a Callaham trem block I’m using?
Sonic evaluation:
Two MIJ strats (Fat 50’s & DG-20’s) > Maxon (PH350, CS550, DS830, OD820, AD900), Captain Coconut II, Teese Pic Wah > Victoria Soul Cactus. I have enjoyed pretty much all my equipment but the DG-20’s would be my first pick over all the single coil pick-ups I’ve owned.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Sloppy version of Blues, Alternative and Rock
Model of guitar or bass:
Fender Mexican Strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
n/a
Artists using this pickup:
David Gilmour
You musical style(s):
Hard Rock, Progressive
Reason for pickup change:
The stock pickups sounded good, but as we all know, when you get a fender strat with standard pickups, they are going to be noisy. Also, I’ve been wanting to upgrade my strat for sometime now, and along with the pickups I added 6 sperzel locking tuners.
Pickup features:
Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:
mid boost, and presence control
Perceived output level:
Hotter then the pick ups I had in them.
Tone:
Tone is very versatile, When you have distortion, you can turn the mid boost to get a humbucker type sound, and with clean, you can turn the guitar expander up, and the tone is just really crystal clear.
Sonic evaluation:
well have a marshall 1959 SLP, with a digitech rp7, and an Ernie Ball Volume Control.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
My style is mainly Hard Rock, prog. I think it is suitable for my style of playing, but if you’re wanting to be like megadeth heavy, this may not be the pickup system for you.
Model of guitar or bass:
fender standard japan strat
Position:
all positions
Pickup being replaced:
stock?
Other pickups on guitar:
none
Artists using this pickup:
Dave gilmour I hear, so it can’t be all bad
You musical style(s):
blues/rock/jazz/prog, in other words, my own
Reason for pickup change:
came w/ guitar
Pickup features:
3 active single coils plus preamp
Impedence or other specs:
?
Perceived output level:
good strong out put, but strangely enough, not what I would call hot
Tone:
Good and clear
Sonic evaluation:
Using w/ a Trace elliot super tramp, which I’m, not extremely happy with. But the guitar itself is great,plus the preamp boost knob is great, the high end is not too trebly, but still plenty bright, the lw end is a little unclear at times, but unless you get a good combination, single coils aren’t always great or low end, unless you’re Ty Tabor of course.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Great all around single coil pickup, I like much, probably not great if you’re into slayer though
