Looks like the 78 is regular production now…

I just saw the email about this now, is this pickup identical to the cs version or different?
 
As ErikH noted, they will be the same. SD have meticulous notes on the pickups they have wound over the years. My personal opinion? These pickups became popular enough that SD could move them out to the production line.

Think about it like this, where did the JB/Jazz set originate? Yet production pups after SD moved into that market.
 
I mean, it’s something we discussed in depth on a regular basis since I got there in 2007 up until I left, and presumably continually ever since, but sure by all means you can take credit for it. :)

It’s a classic marketing dilemma, will just the perception of a change lead people to romanticize the old version? And will the new version ultimately increase profits or other economies of scale so that the company will still be better off in the long run, or is it a short term cash grab with a long term negative?

Bottom line is, they’ve always been deliberate about legacy products, so if something finally moved from the Custom Shop to production, as an average consumer I would assume they felt confident the quality wasn’t going to change, and enjoy the price break.

I'm not taking full credit for anything, just pointing out that this idea has been put out there before and SD has been urged to do exactly this by members such as myself. I'm glad you're still around to mark your territory, though ;)

Every decision is a "business decision". However, I suspect this didn't happen sooner simply because of the internal changes several years ago and the subsequent challenges related to the pandemic.

I'm slightly surprised they are marketing them as "stock" models and didn't come up with a premium designation like "SD Elite" or similar.
 
I'm slightly surprised they are marketing them as "stock" models and didn't come up with a premium designation like "SD Elite" or similar.

I would assume they want them to be more available to more people. There still is the Custom Shop for alterations to the formula.
 
Again folks, JB and '59. SD could have hidden these away, but no. I will continue to think the Custom Shop is there to help us when we need a little more.
 
I think it's great to see these as production models. Agreed, the Custom Shop is there for when someone wants a cool tweak, a full custom design, or non-shop floor options

I can only imagine how many times MJ has had to wind the same ol' "78", ha ha!
 
I am building a VH homage. Was considering a JB for it since we have learned that is what was in the 5150 guitar. Also considering a Super D as I think that was in at least one of the guitars used on VH1.

The price drop makes the 78 an option but im not sure there is enough difference between it an the 59 and Bro I already own
 
I am building a VH homage. Was considering a JB for it since we have learned that is what was in the 5150 guitar. Also considering a Super D as I think that was in at least one of the guitars used on VH1.

The price drop makes the 78 an option but im not sure there is enough difference between it an the 59 and Bro I already own

The '78 Model is pretty unique. It's not like a 59 or Brobucker. IME it sounds like a Pearly Gates with a bit less bass. It's kind of thin and bright, which makes it possible to get that VH-1 Variac / starved-plate / brown sound using just a normal Marshall amp. Has enough extra heat to get harmonics and good touch sensitivity.
 
The '78 Model is pretty unique. It's not like a 59 or Brobucker. IME it sounds like a Pearly Gates with a bit less bass. It's kind of thin and bright, which makes it possible to get that VH-1 Variac / starved-plate / brown sound using just a normal Marshall amp. Has enough extra heat to get harmonics and good touch sensitivity.

not so sure about the uniqueness of the ‘78 model.
The highvoltage bridge should be very close. I am actually wondering how different they are, because i would use the same description for the high voltage bridge: „like a pearly gates with less bass“
 
I was JUST thinking of getting a 78. Guess I'll wait when they're in stock around here.

Why not just order one from Sweetwater? I'm, sure it'll be there before somebody gets them in stock around there. Unless you live outside the continental US?

Edit: nevermind. Sorry. Didn't realize you were in Thailand.

Have you tried GuitarShopThailand.com they seem to be around Bangkok, if I'm reading correctly.


https://guitarshopthailand.com/store/index.php

I just saw the email about this now, is this pickup identical to the cs version or different?

It wouldn't make sense for them to make it differently than the one everyone has known for years. There's only like a $20 difference in price from the Custom shop to the production model, anyway. You think they're using cheaper wire and magnets to make up for that $20 difference or something?

It wouldn't make sense financially nor logically for them to change a pickup they've been building for years just because they're offering it as a production model instead of just a Custom Shop production model. The amount they'll sell as a production pickup will likely make up for the price difference.
Plus no one would want them if they're not the same as they've always been. As I said, it just isn't logical to change the pickup. It makes no sense for them to change it.
 
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I would think it is identical to the CS model, just made on the production floor. I am sure they don't want people who are familiar with how the 78 sounds to say 'it doesn't sound the same'. They do research these things.
 
The '78 Model is pretty unique. It's not like a 59 or Brobucker. IME it sounds like a Pearly Gates with a bit less bass. It's kind of thin and bright, which makes it possible to get that VH-1 Variac / starved-plate / brown sound using just a normal Marshall amp. Has enough extra heat to get harmonics and good touch sensitivity.

Not sure I buy that. Ed was using it with those things. Why would it be designed to compensate for them?
 
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