how hot is the l500xl?
- Thread starter jkdavis76
- Start date
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
It's hot from a DCR standpoint (~12.7k) but the first thing you learn about Bill Lawrence is that he doesn't like DCR as any sort of measure for pickup tone or output, and for good reason. The Bill and Becky L500XL may have really high DCR, but it's output is much higher than you would think for that level of DCR. It also has much more clarity than you would think, it definitely doesn't sound hot. It's really open and transparent, more so than a lot of PAFs.
It's hot from a DCR standpoint (~12.7k) but the first thing you learn about Bill Lawrence is that he doesn't like DCR as any sort of measure for pickup tone or output, and for good reason. The Bill and Becky L500XL may have really high DCR, but it's output is much higher than you would think for that level of DCR. It also has much more clarity than you would think, it definitely doesn't sound hot. It's really open and transparent, more so than a lot of PAFs.
Ayrton
New member
freefrog
Well-known member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
If we consider that Inductance and Gauss levels define the "hotness" of a pickup...
A vintage L500XL that I've here measures "only" 14k but has a higher inductance that most other pickups with 9.4H. Despite of a modest Gauss level, this inductance is high enough to make it spit more than 1v when all strings are strummed.
For comparison: a L500L would measure 12.5k and 6 to 6.4H, depending on the kind of magnet in it (6H being the inductance that I've archived for a BL "USA" and 6.4H, the value for a Wilde L500 with A5). Their output level is also able to exceed 1v.
Other values, for a wider comparison:
-a SH13, would measure something like 16.2k but "only" 6.8H of inductance.
-a DiMarzio Super Dist = 13k and something like 6.9H.
-a Gibson 500T = 15.5k and 7.7H.
Etc.
IOW, a L500XL is hotter than many other passive pickups already considered as hot.
FWIW.
If we consider that Inductance and Gauss levels define the "hotness" of a pickup...
A vintage L500XL that I've here measures "only" 14k but has a higher inductance that most other pickups with 9.4H. Despite of a modest Gauss level, this inductance is high enough to make it spit more than 1v when all strings are strummed.
For comparison: a L500L would measure 12.5k and 6 to 6.4H, depending on the kind of magnet in it (6H being the inductance that I've archived for a BL "USA" and 6.4H, the value for a Wilde L500 with A5). Their output level is also able to exceed 1v.
Other values, for a wider comparison:
-a SH13, would measure something like 16.2k but "only" 6.8H of inductance.
-a DiMarzio Super Dist = 13k and something like 6.9H.
-a Gibson 500T = 15.5k and 7.7H.
Etc.
IOW, a L500XL is hotter than many other passive pickups already considered as hot.
FWIW.
Last edited:
Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I've been installing and playing Bill Lawrence stuff since the late 70's, and the info posted so far is correct. Bill Lawrence pickups have a hot output, yet have the clarity and definition of a clean pickup... with enhanced treble. As an added bonus, since their design has basically not changed in decades - all the tooling and development costs were paid for last century. They are less money than many Duncan or DiMarzio units that come close in performance. In fact, they rival many active pickups like EMG's for quietness and performance. Doesn't matter what type of music you plan on playing, a Bill Lawrence can deliver a sound that will work and that you will love. They are the original boutique aftermarket pickup - in the market before Larry DiMarzio made it cool to swap out stock units. Back in the 70's Joe Perry used nothing but Bill Lawrence stuff. Lawrence stuff from either company (there are two.... long story), is good stuff and I recommend them to any client who asks about upgrading stock pickups.
Speaking of development, I think the market is ripe for Bill Lawrence pickups for 7, 8, 9, and 10 string guitars. Don't be afraid to install any set of their pedal steel pickups which are extra wide....
I've been installing and playing Bill Lawrence stuff since the late 70's, and the info posted so far is correct. Bill Lawrence pickups have a hot output, yet have the clarity and definition of a clean pickup... with enhanced treble. As an added bonus, since their design has basically not changed in decades - all the tooling and development costs were paid for last century. They are less money than many Duncan or DiMarzio units that come close in performance. In fact, they rival many active pickups like EMG's for quietness and performance. Doesn't matter what type of music you plan on playing, a Bill Lawrence can deliver a sound that will work and that you will love. They are the original boutique aftermarket pickup - in the market before Larry DiMarzio made it cool to swap out stock units. Back in the 70's Joe Perry used nothing but Bill Lawrence stuff. Lawrence stuff from either company (there are two.... long story), is good stuff and I recommend them to any client who asks about upgrading stock pickups.
Speaking of development, I think the market is ripe for Bill Lawrence pickups for 7, 8, 9, and 10 string guitars. Don't be afraid to install any set of their pedal steel pickups which are extra wide....
Last edited:
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
Just a question, does anyone have any experience with the other Bill and Becky pickups that they sell on their "Wilde" website?
Just a question, does anyone have any experience with the other Bill and Becky pickups that they sell on their "Wilde" website?
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
Not personally, but I know Buck Dharma [Donald Roeser of Blue Öyster Cult] has used the L-90 and L-45. He's gotten a sound somewhere between an L-500 and a P-90 out of the L-90. Worked great live on "The Black and the Silver".
I've heard good things about Wilde's microcoils and conventional single sets, too.
Not personally, but I know Buck Dharma [Donald Roeser of Blue Öyster Cult] has used the L-90 and L-45. He's gotten a sound somewhere between an L-500 and a P-90 out of the L-90. Worked great live on "The Black and the Silver".
I've heard good things about Wilde's microcoils and conventional single sets, too.
Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
As I mentioned above, I've purchased and used units from BOTH companies - and recommended units from BOTH companies to my clients. Personally, I can't tell the diff between them, although some folks claim to detect a diff. I think the products of BOTH companies are WINS.
As I mentioned above, I've purchased and used units from BOTH companies - and recommended units from BOTH companies to my clients. Personally, I can't tell the diff between them, although some folks claim to detect a diff. I think the products of BOTH companies are WINS.
Dave Locher
New member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I tried an L90-8H last year. Had it in my guitar about 10 minutes. Too thin, too bright, too clean for my rig. Sold it to ITCGoober, bought an L500XL that I really like.
Output of the 500xl seems about the same as a Dimarzio Super Distortion to me, but much more clarity, tighter and punchier sound, and totally hum free.
I tried an L90-8H last year. Had it in my guitar about 10 minutes. Too thin, too bright, too clean for my rig. Sold it to ITCGoober, bought an L500XL that I really like.
Output of the 500xl seems about the same as a Dimarzio Super Distortion to me, but much more clarity, tighter and punchier sound, and totally hum free.
freefrog
Well-known member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
Sorry if ever my previous answer seems to suggest something else: there was more to say to compare fairly these pickups. More later if time permits.
I still remember our first comparison between a DP100 and a Bill Lawrence, here, circa 1980. If memory serves me, there was not yet L500L & 500XL; the "L500L" of the 80's was the contemporary L500XL...
Anyway: the DP100 was as loud and distorted as much but in a very midrangey way. The Lawrence smoked it in palm muting and yes, it sounded much clearer despite of its way more percussive attack.
IME, Wilde models have a slightly different resonant peak and sound warmer. Now and obviously, I've not compared ALL of them so, other people's experience might differ.
But I agree, L500's are excellent humbuckers ... although I'd more spontaneously recommend Wilde than BL USA, since "Bill Lawrence" as a designer (Willi Lorenz Stich, R.I.P.) was behind Wilde PU's (& was not only a living encyclopaedia but also a charming man, according to my friend retired luthier who was the first importer of BL's in my country... So, it doesn't seem bad to maintain his biz alive now that he's gone).
Sorry if ever my previous answer seems to suggest something else: there was more to say to compare fairly these pickups. More later if time permits.
I still remember our first comparison between a DP100 and a Bill Lawrence, here, circa 1980. If memory serves me, there was not yet L500L & 500XL; the "L500L" of the 80's was the contemporary L500XL...
Anyway: the DP100 was as loud and distorted as much but in a very midrangey way. The Lawrence smoked it in palm muting and yes, it sounded much clearer despite of its way more percussive attack.
IME, Wilde models have a slightly different resonant peak and sound warmer. Now and obviously, I've not compared ALL of them so, other people's experience might differ.
But I agree, L500's are excellent humbuckers ... although I'd more spontaneously recommend Wilde than BL USA, since "Bill Lawrence" as a designer (Willi Lorenz Stich, R.I.P.) was behind Wilde PU's (& was not only a living encyclopaedia but also a charming man, according to my friend retired luthier who was the first importer of BL's in my country... So, it doesn't seem bad to maintain his biz alive now that he's gone).
Last edited:
Dave Locher
New member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I also agree with your assessment that their volumes are very similar but the Super Distortion is much heavier in mids and low mids and not as tight in the lows as the 500xl. That is exactly why I switched. The 500s also hum less and the two I have never squeal but two different Super Distortions would at volume with my amp. The signal to noise ratio is astounding on the Wildes.
I did not take your comments that way. I just used the dp100 as a reference because I have a lot of experience with them and so do plenty of other players.
I also agree with your assessment that their volumes are very similar but the Super Distortion is much heavier in mids and low mids and not as tight in the lows as the 500xl. That is exactly why I switched. The 500s also hum less and the two I have never squeal but two different Super Distortions would at volume with my amp. The signal to noise ratio is astounding on the Wildes.
Spyder328
New member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I have only ever had the Wilde version but from the moment I installed it, it has become one of my favorite pickups. It has such an aggressive sound but cleans up so nicely. It has clarity but also has kind of a grittiness to notes (not quite the right term but I can't find the words for the kind of sizzle it has)
Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I had an LP Custom with 3 X2Ns installed... It was stoopid on an industrial scale. All grinding honk, with the clarity of mud. About as subtle as a flying hammer. Absolutely useless for anything resembling music.
I had an LP Custom with 3 X2Ns installed... It was stoopid on an industrial scale. All grinding honk, with the clarity of mud. About as subtle as a flying hammer. Absolutely useless for anything resembling music.
shredi
New member
Re: how hot is the l500xl?
I have my X2N in a swamp ash superstrat, which has very little bass on its own. I tried a duncan custom and it sounds super thin.
X2N has huge bass response so it just works in that guitar. Even then it would sound muddy without a treble bleed. So yes, I can imagine it would sound like muddy mess in a Les Paul.
I have my X2N in a swamp ash superstrat, which has very little bass on its own. I tried a duncan custom and it sounds super thin.
X2N has huge bass response so it just works in that guitar. Even then it would sound muddy without a treble bleed. So yes, I can imagine it would sound like muddy mess in a Les Paul.
Similar threads
