Looking to put Some Cheap Pickups in a Cheap Guitar

[Mincer]

There are probably a lot of people taking stock pickups out of their guitars and selling them for the price you want to pay. They may not be bad pickups at all, just not what that person wanted.

 

[Artie]

There are probably a lot of people taking stock pickups out of their guitars and selling them for the price you want to pay. They may not be bad pickups at all, just not what that person wanted.

Ditto. Case in point: It's been several months since I bought the Psyclones for my Gretsch. But I still haven't installed them yet because the factory Gretsch pups sound great. There are some sweet sounding stock pups out there.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Jackson pickups sound similar to the Distortion, too. You can usually pick up a set under $40 on Reverb. Their underrated and cheap.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Ibanez Quantums are pretty good too.

 

[Calsip]

You haven't mentioned what style of music you play, but I've got a set of DD HB102's, (JB/Jazz), in gold covers I'd let go for $50 Shipped.

The big thing I play is metalesqu type genres. General rhythm (lots of chugs, trim picking, gallops, open thumps sounds and riffy type of songs) late and mid 2000’s and early 10’s metalcore type things is the normal stuff for me. I don’t really need this guitar to mail that as much as I want something to just have fun with. I have a lot of other guitars that are a little higher end that do this stuff fine. My goal really is something cheap and off the wall. I am interested in the DD pickups though as I’ve heard them sound good in the past.

 

[Artie]

I am interested in the DD pickups though as I've heard them sound good in the past.

They sound great. I don't think I've ever heard "bad" DD pups. But, I've inadvertently morphed your thread into a "Trading Post" thread. I didn't mean to do that. I'm getting ready to head down to one of my son's birthday party. When I get back, I'll post these two sets in the Trading Post section. We can go from there, but you get 1st dibs.

I didn't mean to hijack this thread, whose subject is probably of interest to other people. Film@11.

Artie

 

[TGD]

How about Dragonfire pickups? https://dragonfireguitars.com/Humbucker-Sets_c383.htm

I've used their regular screamers, phuries, and standard alnico singles. They got some new models in the last month that are a bit unique but are in the $65-100 range. If you don't want metal pickups, there are the Gate buckers (pearly gates type), A2 buckers (8k,16k A2 hot vintage), phuries (8k, 10.5k screamin demon style), or the regular screamers which cover lots of styles.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

How about Dragonfire pickups? https://dragonfireguitars.com/Humbucker-Sets_c383.htm

I've used their regular screamers, phuries, and standard alnico singles. They got some new models in the last month that are a bit unique but are in the $65-100 range. If you don't want metal pickups, there are the Gate buckers (pearly gates type), A2 buckers (8k,16k A2 hot vintage), phuries (8k, 10.5k screamin demon style), or the regular screamers which cover lots of styles.

I got a set of Phat Screamers a couple of years ago. Good sounding and responsive pickups, though with that slightly stiff ceramic feel.
Well suited for higher gain playing. Their prices have gone up - used to be $29.95 for the set.

 

[Aceman]

If by DD you mean Duncan Distortion - the HB103 set. Or - find a Duncan Detonator; Its basically a Distortion with Invader caps in the Duncan Designed Line.

 

[Artie]

If by DD you mean Duncan Distortion - the HB103 set. Or - find a Duncan Detonator; Its basically a Distortion with Invader caps in the Duncan Designed Line.

That's interesting. So, if I replaced the screws on my HB103, with Invader caps, I'd have a Distortion/Detonator hybrid?

 

[Adieu]

You can also find Detonators badged Duncan Designed HB108 (turn of the millenium Jackson guitars) or Duncan Performer iirc

 

[BluesIsBlood12]

See if you can find some used Toneriders or some of the 85/15 copies that come in current PRS SE/S2. You might be able to find used ones in your range. Maybe.

 

[Securb]

There are probably a lot of people taking stock pickups out of their guitars and selling them for the price you want to pay. They may not be bad pickups at all, just not what that person wanted.

I find 498Ts on the secondary market all the time for around $50 because of the bad wrap they get online. For me they work I have them in a few guitars.

 

[Ascension]

Have a bunch of Carvin pickups that aren't bad at all. Would do a say black C22B/C22N or T set for $75 shipped. PM me in interested. Cleaning out some stuff in the closets during the COVID positive lock down and found a box I didn't know I had today of stuff.

 

[donaldr]

I have an SSS set of Rose pickups on my Fender Strat. I paid $80, hand-wound, custom maid (spacing, radius, colour, etc.), maid in USA. I like them as much as my Seymour Duncan. Very affordable and great sound.

 

[The Dali]

Agree 100% on the Harley benton. Great bones, hate the electronics.

What about a small builder? I used bootstrap pickups and they were great and affordable.


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