Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
- Thread starter trevorus
- Start date
stratguy23
New member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
During my cheap pickups phase, I tried their GVH-1 set, which is their Alnico V PAF. It was very decent - nice clear, open tones, though not particularly eventful with dirt.
I don't understand why people get Chibsons when the market is flooded with used actual Gibsons, but if someone is that keen on saving a buck, then, yes, the Giovanni line would probably be a good match in terms of ethos.
It's about twice the cost (but still First World affordable), but I would recommend finding used Seymour Duncan pickups. The basic 59, Jazz, JB, etc. pickups go a long way, they're easily found online (or locally if you live in a big city), and they have a proven track record that's decades long. And they're made in the USA by a company with known good workplace conditions. Then again, that kind of thing may not matter to your friend!
EDIT: I realize all that sounds a bit judgmental - things in this area aren't black and white. Do we buy import guitars? Do we drive import cars? Use phones/computers/etc. made in the country where we live? Buying a fake seems to cross a line for me, I guess.
During my cheap pickups phase, I tried their GVH-1 set, which is their Alnico V PAF. It was very decent - nice clear, open tones, though not particularly eventful with dirt.
I don't understand why people get Chibsons when the market is flooded with used actual Gibsons, but if someone is that keen on saving a buck, then, yes, the Giovanni line would probably be a good match in terms of ethos.
It's about twice the cost (but still First World affordable), but I would recommend finding used Seymour Duncan pickups. The basic 59, Jazz, JB, etc. pickups go a long way, they're easily found online (or locally if you live in a big city), and they have a proven track record that's decades long. And they're made in the USA by a company with known good workplace conditions. Then again, that kind of thing may not matter to your friend!
EDIT: I realize all that sounds a bit judgmental - things in this area aren't black and white. Do we buy import guitars? Do we drive import cars? Use phones/computers/etc. made in the country where we live? Buying a fake seems to cross a line for me, I guess.
Last edited:
stratguy23
New member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
This is something I've learned over time, and definitely with pickups. I've certainly experienced successes with cheap pickups, but I was also missing the mark so frequently that in the long run I wasn't saving money - and with all the shopping around, I was wasting time, which is more valuable than money. SD pickups are a tremendous value for me not only in general affordability, but also in time - my pickup merry-go-round has calmed down after I decided to focus primarily on SD stuff.
This is something I've learned over time, and definitely with pickups. I've certainly experienced successes with cheap pickups, but I was also missing the mark so frequently that in the long run I wasn't saving money - and with all the shopping around, I was wasting time, which is more valuable than money. SD pickups are a tremendous value for me not only in general affordability, but also in time - my pickup merry-go-round has calmed down after I decided to focus primarily on SD stuff.
elelpe
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
I have GVT-1 bridge in my #1 tele. It's my favorite tele bridge pickup and I had Nocaster, Duncans, Dimarzio, Wilde by Bill Lawrence in that tele before. I have it paired with unknown P-94 style pickup in the neck (maybe made by Artec too) and they stay. My tele is a MIK Squier. In fact this tele is my #1 although I have higher quality guitars (better grade of woods, better parts) equipped with Duncan and Dimarzio. Funny eh?
I have GVT-1 bridge in my #1 tele. It's my favorite tele bridge pickup and I had Nocaster, Duncans, Dimarzio, Wilde by Bill Lawrence in that tele before. I have it paired with unknown P-94 style pickup in the neck (maybe made by Artec too) and they stay. My tele is a MIK Squier. In fact this tele is my #1 although I have higher quality guitars (better grade of woods, better parts) equipped with Duncan and Dimarzio. Funny eh?
eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
I've heard good things about Giovanni (especially relative to other inexpensive pickups) but don't have any personal experience with them. They have another line out now also, called Keystone, which I'm curious to learn more about. These supposedly are handfed rather than computer wound, and are based on the specs of Amber pickups. Price point similar to the Giovannis.
I've heard good things about Giovanni (especially relative to other inexpensive pickups) but don't have any personal experience with them. They have another line out now also, called Keystone, which I'm curious to learn more about. These supposedly are handfed rather than computer wound, and are based on the specs of Amber pickups. Price point similar to the Giovannis.
marcello252
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
read this old thread now.
I have a set, I was curious about how they sounded.
my set is the one with filtertron like cover (I don't think they still sell it), but they are actually normal underwound pafs with alnico V magnets, not bad at all anyway but I do prefer SD
Anyway I can confirm the quality seem good, take a look at their catalogue:
http://www.artecsound.com/catalog/Pickups_GIOVANNI_2014.pdf
read this old thread now.
I have a set, I was curious about how they sounded.
my set is the one with filtertron like cover (I don't think they still sell it), but they are actually normal underwound pafs with alnico V magnets, not bad at all anyway but I do prefer SD
Anyway I can confirm the quality seem good, take a look at their catalogue:
http://www.artecsound.com/catalog/Pickups_GIOVANNI_2014.pdf
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
I got a used set of Artec Classic (from their Vintage Authentic line) buckers for cheap. Put em in a custom built semi hollow. It used to sport a set that Jon Moore custom wound for me and then a set of Seths. I was happy with both and wasn't expecting much from the Artecs, but I have to say I was very impressed. Very nice tone and quite touch responsive. It's funny, cause I've tried several buckers from the GFS line that I did not care for! I'd buy these again.
I got a used set of Artec Classic (from their Vintage Authentic line) buckers for cheap. Put em in a custom built semi hollow. It used to sport a set that Jon Moore custom wound for me and then a set of Seths. I was happy with both and wasn't expecting much from the Artecs, but I have to say I was very impressed. Very nice tone and quite touch responsive. It's funny, cause I've tried several buckers from the GFS line that I did not care for! I'd buy these again.
marcello252
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried Giovanni pickups?
Artec made pickups for GFS, i opened some and there were the Artec stamp inside
Artec made pickups for GFS, i opened some and there were the Artec stamp inside
Similar threads
