New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

Soulcrusher_X

New member
A few long weeks ago, I placed an order for a Zhangliquin Crushbucker. It's 10.3k with a UOA5 polished magnet and the widebucker poles. Instead of the usual 3/16" sized slugs, they are 7/32" I think. I think they are supposed to widen the magnetic field in a way that broadens the tone and fattens it up. (I hope I explained that correctly) And the bobbins are maybe 1/4" taller than usual humbucker bobbins. Maybe to spread the wire out more and keep it closer to the poles?

Anyway, I had been jonesing for a Brobucker for a long time, but didnt want to sped that kind of money on a pickup. I checked out the Crushbucker because the specs are close on paper, but with the 'regular' wind, it was far less cash. Well, I sprung the extra money for the widebucker slugs, and it started adding up anyway. It's not that I dont want to pay that much for a Duncan pickup. I love the Custom family, the 59s, JB and other SD pups. I am still holding onto my JB, it is one of my favorite pickups ever. I just wanted to see what one of the independent, little guys had to offer. Plus, if you look at Zhang's website, he has a lot of cool options to really customize your tones. Then, since it's just him winding them, you have a wait ahead of you. I was originally quoted 6 weeks, but it ended up being closer to 9 weeks. Was it worth it?

Yes. This is what I was looking for. I think it sits nicely in between say...the 59 and the C5. It's meaty. VERY meaty. It's got sweet highs, never piercing nor brittle. It has solid, fat lows but not much slop, just a little extra love around the edges. The mids have a lot of muscle and clarity. They don't cut through a mix as much as they push through, and hard.

At first, I thought it was too fat of a pickup to have good harmoincs, but I finally realized that the harmonics are thick and broad, but will really jump out at you after I changed my technique a bit. It's really responsive for a heavy wind, too. Cleans up decent with lighter picking and really barks and snarls when you dig in.

I haven't really gelled with my JSX in quite a while, but it's the first time in a LONG time that it sounded this good. I've never really liked the JSX clean channel, but it's so 3D now. I found myself using the Crunch more than the Ultra channel, too. It was really easy to get Sabbath and AC/DC type tones with this thing. It handled drop D pretty easily, too.

I have only played it a few times, but I am very impressed. Sometime soon, I'm going to have to order a neck pickup from him. If anyone has ever been interested in giving Zhangbuckers a shot, I highly encourage it.

Thanks David, my Les Paul is very happy.

~Jay
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

Great review. Glad you're enjoying it. How long into the honeymoon period are you?
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

Just a week. It's made me want to play again. It's been a while since Ive really tried to play anything. I was playing Down's 'Lifer' last night and before I knew it, three hours went by. Wife was asleep on the couch. lol

It's a neat pickup. It's happy doing bluesy stuff as it is doing heavier stuff. It really can cover a lot of bases.
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

A few long weeks ago, I placed an order for a Zhangliquin Crushbucker. It's 10.3k with a UOA5 polished magnet and the widebucker poles. Instead of the usual 3/16" sized slugs, they are 7/32" I think. I think they are supposed to widen the magnetic field in a way that broadens the tone and fattens it up. (I hope I explained that correctly)

7/32" is right, and that is the purpose, yes.

soul said:
And the bobbins are maybe 1/4" taller than usual humbucker bobbins. Maybe to spread the wire out more and keep it closer to the poles?

Probably more like 1/8", but I admit it's enough to cause problems for guys who want covers. The wind is a little on the fluffy side so it needs the extra room.
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

I've wanted to try some of Zhang's pickups, but then I'd have to buy more guitars. Actually, now that I've got a couple Strats, having extra guards is a very real possibility.
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

I still can't work out why I don't already have some of his Tele pickups. When I have some extra cash lying around, they're definitely on the list.

Though I've been saying that for over a year now...

Good to hear you're digging the new pup, SK. Congrats and thanks for the review. :beerchug:
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

I appreciate that Mr. Zhang does not pretend to have some proprietary mojo fairy dust formula for tone. Just straightforward slightly innovative approach to pickups.
He is a great contributor to the forum.
Always good to hear someone is on the tone. (yes I watch too much Deadliest Catch)
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

7/32" is right, and that is the purpose, yes.



Probably more like 1/8", but I admit it's enough to cause problems for guys who want covers. The wind is a little on the fluffy side so it needs the extra room.

I dont think a pickup with a name like CRUSHbucker would like to be called fluffy. :)
 
Re: New appreciation for old gear (Zhangbucker content)

I still can't work out why I don't already have some of his Tele pickups. When I have some extra cash lying around, they're definitely on the list.

Though I've been saying that for over a year now...

Good to hear you're digging the new pup, SK. Congrats and thanks for the review. :beerchug:

I said the same thing for a little over a year and then decided to stop talking and start doing. lol "Do or do not. There is no try"

It's worth it. It just sound so good. Just like atreidesheir said, it's nothing fancy, and no special tricks. Just some honest skill, a steady hand and an ear for tone. Now, I just have to decide which neck 'bucker to mate with it, and when to get it. It might sound backwards, but Im thinking I need another Les Paul to get a Pagey 2 set for.
 
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