I know there used to be a Nokie Edwards, neck and bridge, IIRC, and I think there was something called a Hawkbucker. I was thinking there might have been at least one other. Now, there's only the Dime, El Diablo, Slug, and half of a Fuglybucker. Anyone know why they stopped producing the others?
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What happened to the "other" rail pups?
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
Originally posted by Dave Locher View PostLow sales?
Everyone associates rail humbuckers with metal and those were not metal pickups. Just guessing.
Edit: Oops. I may need to back-pedal a bit on that position. I just checked the DCR of the Slug. 48k! Yowsa. That ain't "surf" guitar.Last edited by ArtieToo; 10-26-2018, 10:51 PM.
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
Maybe it is associated with metal because it looks more menacing? I mean, the rail idea is good, although with guitarists wanting everything to look a certain way, I can understand why a '59 or other vintage-output pickup wouldn't use them. But there is no denying that they are great for string balance.Administrator of the SDUGF
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
Image issues.
People see rail, think L500xl/Dimebucker or X2N... can't sell a non-extreme output pup with rails. Target audience won't buy it, and people who buy it by mistake instead will be dissatisfied customers"New stuff always sucks" -Me
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
As someone lucky enough to have bought a guitar with Bardens in the bridge they certainly have an appeal outside of metal. I was quite fond of vintage rails I had in a Yamaha RGB as well so I am glad that Duncan still makes this.
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
I may not be using the right terminology. The Dime, and Hot/Cool/Vintage Rails definitely look like little railroad tracks. And those pups are popular. I'm referring more to the big blade pups like the Slug and El Diablo. Pups like the NE and Hawkbucker that have gone missing.
Although, I realize I'm the one who brought up the Dimebucker as an example.
Edit: I'll be danged! I just found the old Hawkbucker. Now it's listed under "Bass pickups".
http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/hawkbucker/Last edited by ArtieToo; 10-27-2018, 08:01 AM.
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
I get that rails don’t look traditional, but I think it’s sad that people largely associate rails with metal. From my experience they tend to be super articulate and clear.
$160 for the Hawkbucker...expensive to try one.
My suggestion would be to try the Bill Lawrence EB50 for $55. I have it in my Iceman bass and it’s amazing. A lot of guys on the Bill Lawrence forums say it makes for a killer guitar pickup. It has thicker and wider/longer rails than the L500s but it’s the same size housing.
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
I don't think the "bars" in those are the magnets. But I'm not positive. And just to be clear, I love the look of all of the rail-style pups. I also like the PATB series. But it's mainly due to their sound. Great unappreciated pickups.
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Re: What happened to the "other" rail pups?
I think they are constructed with a normal humbucker magnet...and 2 rails that are magnetized.
To be fair, the Custom Shop can make anything you'd ever want. I think in order for things to be production pickups, they'd have to be associated with a famous artist, or come out in a guitar that everyone universally loves so the pickup sales will make more money than it costs to produce on a grand scale.Administrator of the SDUGF
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