pzaxtl
Gibletsologist
Got the pups yesterday and installed them last night. Played with them last night and today. Before I get to my impressions of their tonal qualities, there's a couple pointers for those that have yet to receive/install them.
First off, the magnets on these suckers are quite strong. After I installed them and set the pup height, I noticed I had fret buzz everywhere on the bottom 3 strings. Previously, this guitar had an immaculate setup, so I knew it couldn't be off just from swapping out the pickups. The string pull is incredible, much stronger than any humbucker I've ever used (I don't use really hot pups or ceramics.) I probably still don't have the height dialed in correctly but it's close.
It took me a moment to figure out the wiring -- the included HB wiring schematic didn't help. I wasn't sure if the white or black wires were V+ or V- so I guessed that white was V- and wired accordingly (black to switch, white and bare to ground). Mine were installed in a double cut tele with the standard 3-way blade type switch. Still don't know which is which but everything works and, with guitars, if it works it's most likely correct.
The cleans are without a doubt some of the best I've heard. Very articulate, very clear and precise. If you like warmer pickups you probably won't like these because they're pretty bright, almost Tele-ish. Oh, and did I mention punchy? If you're a sloppy player (like me) these pickups will cause you a little aggravation because everything comes through with great clarity. Clean, clear, snappy and loud -- great clean tones!
Overdriven... I haven't decided yet. I like them overdriven, but I haven't fallen in love with their tone when they have a little dirt on them. Generally speaking, I prefer HB's for dirty tones because of the greater harmonic complexity you get with HB's. Most likely, I'll play these enough that my ear will adapt and they'll probably be a favorite for overdriven tones. Either way, clean or dirty, these babies have incredible articulation.
First off, the magnets on these suckers are quite strong. After I installed them and set the pup height, I noticed I had fret buzz everywhere on the bottom 3 strings. Previously, this guitar had an immaculate setup, so I knew it couldn't be off just from swapping out the pickups. The string pull is incredible, much stronger than any humbucker I've ever used (I don't use really hot pups or ceramics.) I probably still don't have the height dialed in correctly but it's close.
It took me a moment to figure out the wiring -- the included HB wiring schematic didn't help. I wasn't sure if the white or black wires were V+ or V- so I guessed that white was V- and wired accordingly (black to switch, white and bare to ground). Mine were installed in a double cut tele with the standard 3-way blade type switch. Still don't know which is which but everything works and, with guitars, if it works it's most likely correct.
The cleans are without a doubt some of the best I've heard. Very articulate, very clear and precise. If you like warmer pickups you probably won't like these because they're pretty bright, almost Tele-ish. Oh, and did I mention punchy? If you're a sloppy player (like me) these pickups will cause you a little aggravation because everything comes through with great clarity. Clean, clear, snappy and loud -- great clean tones!
Overdriven... I haven't decided yet. I like them overdriven, but I haven't fallen in love with their tone when they have a little dirt on them. Generally speaking, I prefer HB's for dirty tones because of the greater harmonic complexity you get with HB's. Most likely, I'll play these enough that my ear will adapt and they'll probably be a favorite for overdriven tones. Either way, clean or dirty, these babies have incredible articulation.
