Lipstick single-coil - Duncan vs Armstrong vs GFS?

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I'm looking for a little further info on lipstick pickups; there are no audio samples on the website so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before spending any money ; ]

I only know the basics re these: they were originally fitted in surplus lipstick tubes, their design is quite different to other single-coils and they're relatively bright and jangly. I've also read that Kent Armstrong's are even more highly regarded than Mr Duncan's in some circles.

In this instance I'm looking for one to try in the middle position of a LP MIII and it needs to be RW/RP; so far they all look pretty close to me, the Duncan lipstick is wound to 4.3K with A5, the GFS is A2 and wound to 4.9K and the Armstrong is also 4.9, but Armstrong don't confirm what grade of alnico is used. I know the CD readings aren't set in stone.

As it happens I can get hold of a GFS for about $50, an Armstrong for about $100 and a Duncan for around $130; I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me the GFS ones are surprisingly as good as the others?

What say you?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Lipstick single-coil - Duncan vs Armstrong vs GFS?

I'm looking for a little further info on lipstick pickups; there are no audio samples on the website so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before spending any money ; ]

I only know the basics re these: they were originally fitted in surplus lipstick tubes, their design is quite different to other single-coils and they're relatively bright and jangly. I've also read that Kent Armstrong's are even more highly regarded than Mr Duncan's in some circles.

In this instance I'm looking for one to try in the middle position of a LP MIII and it needs to be RW/RP; so far they all look pretty close to me, the Duncan lipstick is wound to 4.3K with A5, the GFS is A2 and wound to 4.9K and the Armstrong is also 4.9, but Armstrong don't confirm what grade of alnico is used. I know the CD readings aren't set in stone.

As it happens I can get hold of a GFS for about $50, an Armstrong for about $100 and a Duncan for around $130; I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me the GFS ones are surprisingly as good as the others?

What say you?

I have two of the GFS lipstick tube pickups. I have the neck and middle pickups. I am not sure how the GFS pickups compare to the originals? The middle is ok but the neck was far too weak. They are clean and clear sounding and very transparent, which depending on the guitar can be a good or bad thing. They are quiet in terms of hum and feedback. They are also pretty low output.

 

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Re: Lipstick single-coil - Duncan vs Armstrong vs GFS?

I have two of the GFS lipstick tube pickups. I have the neck and middle pickups. I am not sure how the GFS pickups compare to the originals? The middle is ok but the neck was far too weak. They are clean and clear sounding and very transparent, which depending on the guitar can be a good or bad thing. They are quiet in terms of hum and feedback. They are also pretty low output.

everything i needed to know.
thanks man, i'll probably try one of those in the slot for now and see

you posting reminded me of the "GFS?" threads a while back, i'll re-read those too

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Lipstick single-coil - Duncan vs Armstrong vs GFS?

everything i needed to know.
thanks man, i'll probably try one of those in the slot for now and see

you posting reminded me of the "GFS?" threads a while back, i'll re-read those too

They have their own vibe which may or may not work for your style. Even with distortion they are pretty clean.