Johtosotku
New member
As in Deathbucker, Nitro Hemi or Drop and Gain? How do they compare to Duncan and EMG offerings? The few reviews I've found have been pretty positive.
Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
- Thread starter Johtosotku
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Hairmail
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
Check out Fluff(aka Ryan Bruce)'s channel he's got quite a few demos of a variety of Lace pickups, including the newer Mastodon sig models. In the most recent ones he talks about them a bit too.
This is his Lace playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gffKm0tqiJ1l4pY32GtwtukmFSH40UQ
Check out Fluff(aka Ryan Bruce)'s channel he's got quite a few demos of a variety of Lace pickups, including the newer Mastodon sig models. In the most recent ones he talks about them a bit too.
This is his Lace playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gffKm0tqiJ1l4pY32GtwtukmFSH40UQ
Johtosotku
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I've listened to those clips. Some of them do sound pretty nice. I'd just prefer comparison clips between the lace models and the duncans and emgs.
I've listened to those clips. Some of them do sound pretty nice. I'd just prefer comparison clips between the lace models and the duncans and emgs.
speed2dirt
Butterball
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I played the Bill Kelliher signature explorer, so my opinion is based on 20 minutes at Sam Ash. That said, the guitar sounded great. The Laces were hot and clear. The tone seemed very polished and produced. They were very versatile and could do metal/hard rock down to a mild clean all by using the volume knob. My biggest complaint, which isn't a negative necessarily, is that they didn't have the bite and cut that Duncans have. I viewed it as another flavor to have in the arsenal. That said, if I bought the guitar, I probably would have eventually changed them out since I like the raw, crunch that other pickups give.
I played the Bill Kelliher signature explorer, so my opinion is based on 20 minutes at Sam Ash. That said, the guitar sounded great. The Laces were hot and clear. The tone seemed very polished and produced. They were very versatile and could do metal/hard rock down to a mild clean all by using the volume knob. My biggest complaint, which isn't a negative necessarily, is that they didn't have the bite and cut that Duncans have. I viewed it as another flavor to have in the arsenal. That said, if I bought the guitar, I probably would have eventually changed them out since I like the raw, crunch that other pickups give.
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Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
Finally got the Brent Hinds "Hammer Claw" bridge installed in my #1 last night, along with an SD Liberator pot, but it was too late to play with much volume. I'll let you know what I think after the weekend is up, but I can already tell I'm going to have some fun with it.
I used the Drop & Gains extensively when they first came out. They are very direct, hi-fi sounding pickups with a super-tight bottom end, lots of midrange presence and a sharp attack up top. Very "modern" sounding for sure and very much a "cut through the mix" type tone. They sustained very well and worked great split. Both positions have highly mis-matched coils, so you can do some fun things by splitting different ways. I liked the clarity and brighter attack of the neck when clean and the middle position was very nice, as well. Unfortunately, I grew a bit tired of the overall compression and general stiffness of the pickups (I had a similar experience more recently with the AHB-3 EMTY Blackouts actives), along with the particular way the upper mids were being emphasized through my rig at the time. The D&Gs are very crunchy and have incredible articulation that makes them ideal for drop tunings. If you're after that "EMG 81 in a passive" thing, they might be worth checking out, but I'd probably look toward the Wino "Lifer" set, which is a modified version of the Drop & Gains, before I went back to the regular D&Gs.
Finally got the Brent Hinds "Hammer Claw" bridge installed in my #1 last night, along with an SD Liberator pot, but it was too late to play with much volume. I'll let you know what I think after the weekend is up, but I can already tell I'm going to have some fun with it.
I used the Drop & Gains extensively when they first came out. They are very direct, hi-fi sounding pickups with a super-tight bottom end, lots of midrange presence and a sharp attack up top. Very "modern" sounding for sure and very much a "cut through the mix" type tone. They sustained very well and worked great split. Both positions have highly mis-matched coils, so you can do some fun things by splitting different ways. I liked the clarity and brighter attack of the neck when clean and the middle position was very nice, as well. Unfortunately, I grew a bit tired of the overall compression and general stiffness of the pickups (I had a similar experience more recently with the AHB-3 EMTY Blackouts actives), along with the particular way the upper mids were being emphasized through my rig at the time. The D&Gs are very crunchy and have incredible articulation that makes them ideal for drop tunings. If you're after that "EMG 81 in a passive" thing, they might be worth checking out, but I'd probably look toward the Wino "Lifer" set, which is a modified version of the Drop & Gains, before I went back to the regular D&Gs.
Johtosotku
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I've used EMGs extensively in the past and I've always liked them. I've also nearly always prefered the 85 to the 81 as I've found it fuller and thicker. I'm sure I'd love a passive 85 with increased dynamics and clarity. I'm a bit wary of the D&G if it's modeled after the 81. Maybe the Nitro Hemi is more to my taste if I decide to go the Lace route.
I've used EMGs extensively in the past and I've always liked them. I've also nearly always prefered the 85 to the 81 as I've found it fuller and thicker. I'm sure I'd love a passive 85 with increased dynamics and clarity. I'm a bit wary of the D&G if it's modeled after the 81. Maybe the Nitro Hemi is more to my taste if I decide to go the Lace route.
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
My friend put a set of the dirty heshers into his firebird build, I've heard that axe now between his rig and mine and was impressed both times....his bird is all maple, body, neck, fretboard.... I might be able to twist him into posting some youtube clips, he's been dying to record his stereo rig....
My friend put a set of the dirty heshers into his firebird build, I've heard that axe now between his rig and mine and was impressed both times....his bird is all maple, body, neck, fretboard.... I might be able to twist him into posting some youtube clips, he's been dying to record his stereo rig....
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
The D&Gs are not voiced the same as the 81. However, there are a lot of similarities in their response and character. Personally, I prefer the 81 between the two, but I haven't tried the Wino "Lifer" versions yet, so maybe those cure some of the D&G's ills.
When I think of an EMG 85 with more dynamics and clarity, I think of the EMG 57 which is, obviously, not passive. There's no exact passive equivalent, but you might enjoy something like the DiMarzio D-Activator "X" series.
The Deathbucker is a medium output pickup and isn't as punchy as the others mentioned. While it's fairly "crunchy" under gain, single notes still have this "tubular" quality that is unique to the Alumitone design and lack a certain edge that the EMG 81/85 and D&Gs have.
The Matt Pike's Dirty Heshers are one of LACE's top selling models, though I haven't tried those or the Nitro Hemis yet. Since Bill Kelliher used the Nitro Hemis and they came in his signature Explorer, you can find plenty of examples online.
The D&Gs are not voiced the same as the 81. However, there are a lot of similarities in their response and character. Personally, I prefer the 81 between the two, but I haven't tried the Wino "Lifer" versions yet, so maybe those cure some of the D&G's ills.
When I think of an EMG 85 with more dynamics and clarity, I think of the EMG 57 which is, obviously, not passive. There's no exact passive equivalent, but you might enjoy something like the DiMarzio D-Activator "X" series.
The Deathbucker is a medium output pickup and isn't as punchy as the others mentioned. While it's fairly "crunchy" under gain, single notes still have this "tubular" quality that is unique to the Alumitone design and lack a certain edge that the EMG 81/85 and D&Gs have.
The Matt Pike's Dirty Heshers are one of LACE's top selling models, though I haven't tried those or the Nitro Hemis yet. Since Bill Kelliher used the Nitro Hemis and they came in his signature Explorer, you can find plenty of examples online.
Johtosotku
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I wonder how different some of the signature pickups are from the stock pickups. The specs look identical on lifers and d&g:s, the same can be said for hershers and nitro hemis. Could it be just the covers?
I'll probably pull the trigger on some of them later this week.
I wonder how different some of the signature pickups are from the stock pickups. The specs look identical on lifers and d&g:s, the same can be said for hershers and nitro hemis. Could it be just the covers?
I'll probably pull the trigger on some of them later this week.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
Honestly, you might want to direct some of your questions at LACE. They can give you specific details about some of the more obscure models and help you make a decision based on your needs.
I will say that I am digging the Brent Hinds' bridge in my #1 at the moment. I didn't get back to it this weekend as I had hoped, but I did spend some time with it today. Time will tell if it's a keeper or not. So far, I can tell you that it is very dynamic and punchy. The bass is bouncy, but holds together well under gain (although it's not the "tightest" pickup by a long shot), the mids really stand out and the top end is prominent, but pleasant (not too warm and not too brittle). Notes are a bit compressed, but the pickup still feels quite lively and it has a unique chime to it (not sure what else to call it!). Harmonics ring out cleanly and the sustain is great. All in all, it's a very clear sounding pickup, with notes and chords retaining great articulation. I was also surprised at how well it cleans up with the volume rolled back. I need to play it a few more times, but it seems way more versatile than the D&G set if you're the type, like me, who goes from classic rock to heavy metal and back all the time. I'll keep everyone posted.
Honestly, you might want to direct some of your questions at LACE. They can give you specific details about some of the more obscure models and help you make a decision based on your needs.
I will say that I am digging the Brent Hinds' bridge in my #1 at the moment. I didn't get back to it this weekend as I had hoped, but I did spend some time with it today. Time will tell if it's a keeper or not. So far, I can tell you that it is very dynamic and punchy. The bass is bouncy, but holds together well under gain (although it's not the "tightest" pickup by a long shot), the mids really stand out and the top end is prominent, but pleasant (not too warm and not too brittle). Notes are a bit compressed, but the pickup still feels quite lively and it has a unique chime to it (not sure what else to call it!). Harmonics ring out cleanly and the sustain is great. All in all, it's a very clear sounding pickup, with notes and chords retaining great articulation. I was also surprised at how well it cleans up with the volume rolled back. I need to play it a few more times, but it seems way more versatile than the D&G set if you're the type, like me, who goes from classic rock to heavy metal and back all the time. I'll keep everyone posted.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I just just did a quick & pretty damn rough
laugh2 demo between the Lace Deathbucker, Blackout Metal (AHB-2) & EMG 81 I have in 3 of my guitars.
Description in the link (Soundcloud) https://soundcloud.com/destinedtofester/chugs-alder-deathbucker-basswood-blackout-metal-mahogany-emg-81
Jackson DK2M (Deathbucker) first, Cort X6 VPR (AHB-2b) second, BC Rich Ironbird Pro (EMG81) third for each riff. (some riffs are different/in a different key because I forgot what I was playing before
)
I just just did a quick & pretty damn rough
laugh2 demo between the Lace Deathbucker, Blackout Metal (AHB-2) & EMG 81 I have in 3 of my guitars.Description in the link (Soundcloud) https://soundcloud.com/destinedtofester/chugs-alder-deathbucker-basswood-blackout-metal-mahogany-emg-81
Jackson DK2M (Deathbucker) first, Cort X6 VPR (AHB-2b) second, BC Rich Ironbird Pro (EMG81) third for each riff. (some riffs are different/in a different key because I forgot what I was playing before
)
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Johtosotku
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
Thanks for the clip. Out of those I clearly prefered the Jackson with the Deathbucker. It sounded good. I have a couple of mij dinkys myself.
I just just did a quick & pretty damn rough
Description in the link (Soundcloud) https://soundcloud.com/destinedtofester/chugs-alder-deathbucker-basswood-blackout-metal-mahogany-emg-81
Jackson DK2M (Deathbucker) first, Cort X6 VPR (AHB-2b) second, BC Rich Ironbird Pro (EMG81) third for each riff. (some riffs are different/in a different key because I forgot what I was playing before
Thanks for the clip. Out of those I clearly prefered the Jackson with the Deathbucker. It sounded good. I have a couple of mij dinkys myself.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
No problem...just something quick for a general idea..
Yeah, I love my Jackson/Deathbuckers...the AHB2b is great too ..sounds vicious in a mix with it's snarl/mid-hump & cut's right through as well. The EMG is fine but I'd like to swap it for a Deathbucker I have around..the problem is weight. If the EMG comes out/Deathbucker goes in..it's going to make my Ironbird's neck-dive problem a whole lot worse
(running the EMG with the 18V mod/two 9V batteries.....ie lots of weight to counter that neck-dive there :laugh2
No problem...just something quick for a general idea..
Yeah, I love my Jackson/Deathbuckers...the AHB2b is great too ..sounds vicious in a mix with it's snarl/mid-hump & cut's right through as well. The EMG is fine but I'd like to swap it for a Deathbucker I have around..the problem is weight. If the EMG comes out/Deathbucker goes in..it's going to make my Ironbird's neck-dive problem a whole lot worse
(running the EMG with the 18V mod/two 9V batteries.....ie lots of weight to counter that neck-dive there :laugh2
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Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
I actually think the demo he did of the Hammer Claws is one of his best. He should play a PRS more often.
I actually think the demo he did of the Hammer Claws is one of his best. He should play a PRS more often.
Gplayerzzz
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
How does the drop compare to the Duncan Distortion, or Dimarzio EVO. My two favs.
Gplayerzzz
New member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
This is what Lace said about the Lifers compared to the Drop n gains
"The highs are rolled off more on the Lifers, they have a little less initial attack and are a little smoother over all".
This is what Lace said about the Lifers compared to the Drop n gains
"The highs are rolled off more on the Lifers, they have a little less initial attack and are a little smoother over all".
Demanic
PenultimateTone Member
Re: Anyone tried the Lace metal humbuckers?
A few years back, I put a pair of Deathbuckers into a Korina Epi Explorer. They absolutely nail early Metalica depending on how you eq your amp. I have never heard them mud out, no matter how much gain they were in front of.
A few years back, I put a pair of Deathbuckers into a Korina Epi Explorer. They absolutely nail early Metalica depending on how you eq your amp. I have never heard them mud out, no matter how much gain they were in front of.
