Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

You don't have to do a pickup ring (all of the 500XLs I've bought came with them.) Van Halen's Frankenstrat had a tone of room around the bridge pickup

View attachment 66279

If you can find one used then that would be the quickest way to get one. I ordered from Becky and it took about 2 months or so from when I paid to when I got the pickups–International shipping would most likely make it longer.

I agree with others that the JB is most likely not your weak point in your tone change BUT I will say changing pickups is fun and educational. Pickups react and respond differently so I would say give it a shot and have fun!

Thanks! The reason I say about the pickup ring is because the BL might look funky but you know, if you don't like it, get the funk out . I think the weak part of my signal chain is my cab, it's a cheap Harley Benton I got off Gumtree for £150 because it had V30's and it's my first cab so I went for it. Another possibility is my HT-5, I've heard people say it sounds sterile etc. but this is my first real setup that isn't a ****ty little solid state practice amp. I really want to get a Marshall 1960s, I've seen them sub-£300 on eBay, and something like a Peavey 5150/6505 but I'm not sure. I just want to experiment with different pickups at the moment because it's quite cheap and easy to do ( especially when you have one pickup, one volume, no tone like the ML1 Hotrod ).

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Oh crap, another thing I forgot to ask which is very important is does the BL clean up well with the volume knob, because I do that a lot. Also I wanted to add, I'd like to experiment with pickups at the moment cus experimenting with things like amps is a lot more expensive and have a lot of variables (tubes, speakers etc.). I've heard of people that have hated amps, changed the tubes then have loved them more than anything they've ever played.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Thanks! The reason I say about the pickup ring is because the BL might look funky but you know, if you don't like it, get the funk out . I think the weak part of my signal chain is my cab, it's a cheap Harley Benton I got off Gumtree for £150 because it had V30's and it's my first cab so I went for it. Another possibility is my HT-5, I've heard people say it sounds sterile etc. but this is my first real setup that isn't a ****ty little solid state practice amp. I really want to get a Marshall 1960s, I've seen them sub-£300 on eBay, and something like a Peavey 5150/6505 but I'm not sure. I just want to experiment with different pickups at the moment because it's quite cheap and easy to do ( especially when you have one pickup, one volume, no tone like the ML1 Hotrod ).

I honestly don't think it will be a problem–direct mounted pickups without rings always look "small" to me and I dig the look but after trying it always turn to rings.

I don't know what prices on used stuff over in the UK is, but here in the states you can get a very decently priced Peavey tube amp that really rocks. Another thing that sounds amazing (IMO) is the Roland Cube. Some folks on here don't care for Bugera but I love their stuff–contemplate getting another V22 after giving my old one to a friend who uses it in his studio.

Oh crap, another thing I forgot to ask which is very important is does the BL clean up well with the volume knob, because I do that a lot. Also I wanted to add, I'd like to experiment with pickups at the moment cus experimenting with things like amps is a lot more expensive and have a lot of variables (tubes, speakers etc.). I've heard of people that have hated amps, changed the tubes then have loved them more than anything they've ever played.

I've yet to try out my BLs, here is the progress of the guitar they are going in:

View attachment 66280

So I won't know for a little while. However, if the Dimebucker is any indication (a tad hotter) then I would say you have nothing to worry about cleaning up with the volume knob. That being said, the best pickup to respond to the volume knob that I have ever used is a Screamin Demon...like responds amazingly to the volume knob.

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

I honestly don't think it will be a problem–direct mounted pickups without rings always look "small" to me and I dig the look but after trying it always turn to rings.

I don't know what prices on used stuff over in the UK is, but here in the states you can get a very decently priced Peavey tube amp that really rocks. Another thing that sounds amazing (IMO) is the Roland Cube. Some folks on here don't care for Bugera but I love their stuff–contemplate getting another V22 after giving my old one to a friend who uses it in his studio.



I've yet to try out my BLs, here is the progress of the guitar they are going in:

View attachment 66280

So I won't know for a little while. However, if the Dimebucker is any indication (a tad hotter) then I would say you have nothing to worry about cleaning up with the volume knob. That being said, the best pickup to respond to the volume knob that I have ever used is a Screamin Demon...like responds amazingly to the volume knob.

Thanks so much and that guitar looks sexy af. I've heard mix stuff about Bugera but I might check them out, and while I do like the Roland Cube, I do want to go for a full on tube amp. Would you mind sending me a pic of the BL in the guitar without the pickup ring when you done with the finish (buffing etc), just placed in there not screwed in so I can get an idea of the size cus if they're designed to fit in P90 routes they must be a tad small.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Thanks so much and that guitar looks sexy af. I've heard mix stuff about Bugera but I might check them out, and while I do like the Roland Cube, I do want to go for a full on tube amp. Would you mind sending me a pic of the BL in the guitar without the pickup ring when you done with the finish (buffing etc), just placed in there not screwed in so I can get an idea of the size cus if they're designed to fit in P90 routes they must be a tad small.

The early Bugeras had quality issues reported but the newer ones supposedly fixed most of those. I had two and never had any quality problems with them (V22 and 333XL.) They sounded amazing and took pedals nicely from my experience. Here in the States, you can get a V22 pretty cheap compared to other all tube amps. I don't know how the market is over in the UK but I would assume you can get one used off of Craigslist or something for a decent price. Peavey also makes awesome tube amps.

Sure thing man! Its in Tennessee right now and I'm heading up that way next weekend to drop off the final parts and will try and get a pic snapped of it for ya.

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

The early Bugeras had quality issues reported but the newer ones supposedly fixed most of those. I had two and never had any quality problems with them (V22 and 333XL.) They sounded amazing and took pedals nicely from my experience. Here in the States, you can get a V22 pretty cheap compared to other all tube amps. I don't know how the market is over in the UK but I would assume you can get one used off of Craigslist or something for a decent price. Peavey also makes awesome tube amps.

Sure thing man! Its in Tennessee right now and I'm heading up that way next weekend to drop off the final parts and will try and get a pic snapped of it for ya.

Thanks a lot. Looking at Bugera's now, they are dirt cheap new, let alone second hand. Sadly craigslist is sort of unpopulated apart from very high end Gibsons and Marshalls. eBay and Gumtree have some great deals. I'm attracted to the Bugera 1960 Infinium, looks sexy at a first glance. Guess I gotta go on YouTube for some demos :bigok:

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Thanks a lot. Looking at Bugera's now, they are dirt cheap new, let alone second hand. Sadly craigslist is sort of unpopulated apart from very high end Gibsons and Marshalls. eBay and Gumtree have some great deals. I'm attracted to the Bugera 1960 Infinium, looks sexy at a first glance. Guess I gotta go on YouTube for some demos :bigok:

Most welcome! If you have some guitar stores nearby I'd give them a call and see if they have any Bugeras in stock so you can test drive one. I would just caution to take a video with a grain of salt...several variables to take into account when you watch a tone video. They are good for getting a general idea of what it will sound like but it is not your guitar nor your fingers.

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Most welcome! If you have some guitar stores nearby I'd give them a call and see if they have any Bugeras in stock so you can test drive one. I would just caution to take a video with a grain of salt...several variables to take into account when you watch a tone video. They are good for getting a general idea of what it will sound like but it is not your guitar nor your fingers.

The only (official) Bugera dealer in the UK is GAK in Brighton, which by train is 2 and half hours there and another 2 and half back From what I've heard though, the 1960 Infinium sounds great and has master volume which is a real help for a plexi style amp.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

The only (official) Bugera dealer in the UK is GAK in Brighton, which by train is 2 and half hours there and another 2 and half back From what I've heard though, the 1960 Infinium sounds great and has master volume which is a real help for a plexi style amp.

Dude! That stinks man! If you can get one used on eBay or something and shipped to your door then that would be the best thing.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Have you considered anything in the custom family?

I'm thinking SH-5 or SH-14 for bright and cutting.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Oh crap, another thing I forgot to ask which is very important is does the BL clean up well with the volume knob, because I do that a lot. Also I wanted to add, I'd like to experiment with pickups at the moment cus experimenting with things like amps is a lot more expensive and have a lot of variables (tubes, speakers etc.). I've heard of people that have hated amps, changed the tubes then have loved them more than anything they've ever played.

The Custom wind is known to take most magnet types very well if you want to give magnet swapping a try.

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Dude! That stinks man! If you can get one used on eBay or something and shipped to your door then that would be the best thing.

Yeah, I'm gonna try and get it as cheap as possible, then if I don't like it, I can just resell for around the same price. Thanks for the help bro.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

The Custom wind is known to take most magnet types very well if you want to give magnet swapping a try.

I just got my first custom in and will be putting an UOA5 in it. Have heard awesome things about it!

Yeah, I'm gonna try and get it as cheap as possible, then if I don't like it, I can just resell for around the same price. Thanks for the help bro.

You are most welcome man! I would definitely say give that 1960 Infinium a try–I think you will be pleased. Best of luck!

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

I'm thinking SH-5 or SH-14 for bright and cutting.

The Custom wind is known to take most magnet types very well if you want to give magnet swapping a try.

I do like the custom, I'll keep that as an option but I'm most likely going to go with the Bill And Becky. I would like the experiment with different magnets at one point but at the moment I think I'll leave it.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Keep the speakers, ditch the cab. Even if you have to build one yourself.

 

[official_vieira]

Re: Another 'What pickup should I get?' Thread, I'm So Sorry

Keep the speakers, ditch the cab. Even if you have to build one yourself.

Yeah, I was considering that. If so I could use my uncles workshop.