Stock pickups
- Thread starter gripweed
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MikeS
Bengalsologist
Re: Stock pickups
I think Gibson does a pretty good job with their alnico pups (I'm not a fan of the ceremic ones they make, but that's personal preference). I'm a big fan of the BurstBuckers.
The 490/498 combo isn't bad at all. I swapped them out for some Duncans in my studio, but there are times that I miss the 498T.
Fender is another company that's been doing it for long enough that they've managed to get a few things right
On the other side of the coin, pickups I couldn't wait to rip out of axes include the stock aria pups and pups that came in my BC Rich.
I think Gibson does a pretty good job with their alnico pups (I'm not a fan of the ceremic ones they make, but that's personal preference). I'm a big fan of the BurstBuckers.
The 490/498 combo isn't bad at all. I swapped them out for some Duncans in my studio, but there are times that I miss the 498T.
Fender is another company that's been doing it for long enough that they've managed to get a few things right
On the other side of the coin, pickups I couldn't wait to rip out of axes include the stock aria pups and pups that came in my BC Rich.
hans-jürgen
New member
Re: Stock pickups
The stock Gotoh pickups in Tokai Love Rocks (old and new) are considered sounding good by most users including me which does not mean that I won't try other pickups, too... I also love the neck pickup in my old Höfner semi-acoustic (Les Paul body shape), it's in the P-90 style sounding raunchy and clear and perfect for slide playing which I use this guitar for.
The stock Gotoh pickups in Tokai Love Rocks (old and new) are considered sounding good by most users including me which does not mean that I won't try other pickups, too...
I also love the neck pickup in my old Höfner semi-acoustic (Les Paul body shape), it's in the P-90 style sounding raunchy and clear and perfect for slide playing which I use this guitar for.
Children of Bodom
New member
Re: Stock pickups
Ya jolly i thought some epi pups were nice but i changed them to duncans anyways and duncans obviously sound better so im not changing them back.
Ya jolly i thought some epi pups were nice but i changed them to duncans anyways and duncans obviously sound better so im not changing them back.
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Evan Skopp
SDUGF Founder
Re: Stock pickups
Very few guitar companies are manufacturing their own pickups. There are a few exceptions (some Fender, some Gibson, some PRS, Tom Anderson, '80s Jackson, etc.). By and large, most non-branded pickups -- and many pickups with the same brand as the guitar -- come from several large Korean or Chinese pickup factories.
Sometimes the pickup factories are affiliated with a guitar factory. Cort has their own pickup factory. So does Samick. Some are independent, like the one that makes the PRS SE soapbars. Or our factory that builds Duncan Designed and Duncan Performer pickups.
The quality from some of these factories is quite good. I'm biased, but I think you can put a Duncan Designed pickup up against several USA-made brands and it'll come out ahead. On the other hand, for some of these factories, if you look closely, you can see they cut corners in materials and production techniques.
Bottom line, stock or after-market: if it sounds good use it. But if it's not giving you what you're looking for, it's time for an upgrade.
Very few guitar companies are manufacturing their own pickups. There are a few exceptions (some Fender, some Gibson, some PRS, Tom Anderson, '80s Jackson, etc.). By and large, most non-branded pickups -- and many pickups with the same brand as the guitar -- come from several large Korean or Chinese pickup factories.
Sometimes the pickup factories are affiliated with a guitar factory. Cort has their own pickup factory. So does Samick. Some are independent, like the one that makes the PRS SE soapbars. Or our factory that builds Duncan Designed and Duncan Performer pickups.
The quality from some of these factories is quite good. I'm biased, but I think you can put a Duncan Designed pickup up against several USA-made brands and it'll come out ahead. On the other hand, for some of these factories, if you look closely, you can see they cut corners in materials and production techniques.
Bottom line, stock or after-market: if it sounds good use it. But if it's not giving you what you're looking for, it's time for an upgrade.
frehleystjohn
New member
Re: Stock pickups
Well my two cents is as follows:
The PRS pickups in the US mades are great usually.
Gibson's stock Pickups are usually spot on. Then again Gibson sells many of the same pickups seperately, so technically one might not associate those with the standard skeptical eye most folks have for stock pickups.
I keep the Pauls with the pickups they come with.
Huge fan of the Dirty Fingers pickups that came on the 84 Gibson V's. Haven't heard the newly reproduced Dirty Fingers yet.
Love the Stocks on the Gibson Nitehawk for the bluesier/country sounds you can get from this Gibson strat/tele mutation. It's sweet.
Never been into Fenders for my own style, but I've heard good things and really can't speak with any huge amount miles regarding knowledge. But if you want the classic Strat sound why look past Fender? Ofcourse I've bought newer Jacksons, so maybe Fender now fits my style in a round a bout way
Pickups, like all things guitar oriented, are all a matter of opinion and preference. Some stocks can sound cool at low volume, but things can get real thin and whistling on so many when you crank, especially live. Most lack that extra something you need when go go to "11"!!
I will say this, I'm a huge fan of Jackson guitars going way back. However if the pickup says "Jackson" on it, scoop that thing out with a melon baller and burn it. FOr the love of tone and control just kill it. Plop in the PUP of your choice and enjoy a great ride This must've been eventually realized by Jackson hence the EMG and Duncan Design OEMs.
The right pickup replacement can make a "musician friendly priced axe" stand up with the frill infested models for sure.
Well my two cents is as follows:
The PRS pickups in the US mades are great usually.
Gibson's stock Pickups are usually spot on. Then again Gibson sells many of the same pickups seperately, so technically one might not associate those with the standard skeptical eye most folks have for stock pickups.
I keep the Pauls with the pickups they come with.
Huge fan of the Dirty Fingers pickups that came on the 84 Gibson V's. Haven't heard the newly reproduced Dirty Fingers yet.
Love the Stocks on the Gibson Nitehawk for the bluesier/country sounds you can get from this Gibson strat/tele mutation. It's sweet.
Never been into Fenders for my own style, but I've heard good things and really can't speak with any huge amount miles regarding knowledge. But if you want the classic Strat sound why look past Fender? Ofcourse I've bought newer Jacksons, so maybe Fender now fits my style in a round a bout way
Pickups, like all things guitar oriented, are all a matter of opinion and preference. Some stocks can sound cool at low volume, but things can get real thin and whistling on so many when you crank, especially live. Most lack that extra something you need when go go to "11"!!
I will say this, I'm a huge fan of Jackson guitars going way back. However if the pickup says "Jackson" on it, scoop that thing out with a melon baller and burn it. FOr the love of tone and control just kill it. Plop in the PUP of your choice and enjoy a great ride
This must've been eventually realized by Jackson hence the EMG and Duncan Design OEMs. The right pickup replacement can make a "musician friendly priced axe" stand up with the frill infested models for sure.
hacker
New member
Re: Stock pickups
I like the Gibson burstbuckers 1 and 2. They're not as smooth as most Duncans, but man do they sing!
I also love the stock pickups in my Fender 50th anniversary American Series strat. All 5 pickup positions sound great (yes, even the bridge.) First strat I've ever owned that I can say that.
I like the Gibson burstbuckers 1 and 2. They're not as smooth as most Duncans, but man do they sing!
I also love the stock pickups in my Fender 50th anniversary American Series strat. All 5 pickup positions sound great (yes, even the bridge.) First strat I've ever owned that I can say that.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Stock pickups
My Charvel Model 6 who's Jackson J-200s & J-50BC will be staying right where they are. They sound incredible.
My Charvel Model 6 who's Jackson J-200s & J-50BC will be staying right where they are. They sound incredible.
Re: Stock pickups
I've had lots of Ibanez IBZUSA pickups - made by DiMarzio, but stock. Those have all been very good. Stock ones in Yamaha Pacifica (also DiMarzio) - also good. Stock Ibanez V1 & V2 in my SC620 aren't as nice, but not bad enough for me to replace. Stock Jacksons are great, too - I have a nice PAF-ish J-50C.
Actually, on good guitars the stock pups should be GOOD, even if they're not exactly what you'd prefer. Then it's just a question of how picky you are.
I've had lots of Ibanez IBZUSA pickups - made by DiMarzio, but stock. Those have all been very good. Stock ones in Yamaha Pacifica (also DiMarzio) - also good. Stock Ibanez V1 & V2 in my SC620 aren't as nice, but not bad enough for me to replace. Stock Jacksons are great, too - I have a nice PAF-ish J-50C.
Actually, on good guitars the stock pups should be GOOD, even if they're not exactly what you'd prefer. Then it's just a question of how picky you are.
Stringmachine
New member
Re: Stock pickups
PRS got some very good ones.
PRS got some very good ones.
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