The Pickups Thread

[Jarick]

What do you like better about the Thornbuckers?

I have the Wolfetone Dr. Vintage pickups in my Heatley Tradition and really like those.

Got a set of both in my PRS, Thornbuckers in my CE-24 and Wolfetone (DR Vintage neck, Marshallhead bridge, both A2) in my McCarty. I also had both in my Les Paul.

They are in the same ballpark IMO, both excellent pickups.

In the neck position, the Thornbucker has a bit more clarity where the Dr Vintage has a bit more warmth and squish to it, but they are close. The TB maybe more like a fat single coil where the Dr V is more like a bright humbucker?

Bridge position, the Thornbucker is a bit hotter than the Dr V and less hot than the Marshallhead. The TB is not a big sounding humbucker, has good clarity, a little warmth up top so it's not harsh. I have the Marshallhead now and it's a little hotter and fatter than the TB, but it also has a little top end roll off so not harsh. I'm planning to swap the TB+ for the TB 2 which will probably be closer.

Thornbucker and Thornbucker Plus bridges are very similar sounding, just a little more output on the Plus. I haven't installed the Thornbucker II yet but expect that to be a little hotter, fatter, and warmer.

I would easily pick either for a humbucker guitar, not picky about which one. To me they are two of the best sets I've tried, along with BKP Mules and Lollar Imperials.

 

[Frankencat]

Got a set of both in my PRS, Thornbuckers in my CE-24 and Wolfetone (DR Vintage neck, Marshallhead bridge, both A2) in my McCarty. I also had both in my Les Paul.

They are in the same ballpark IMO, both excellent pickups.

In the neck position, the Thornbucker has a bit more clarity where the Dr Vintage has a bit more warmth and squish to it, but they are close. The TB maybe more like a fat single coil where the Dr V is more like a bright humbucker?

Bridge position, the Thornbucker is a bit hotter than the Dr V and less hot than the Marshallhead. The TB is not a big sounding humbucker, has good clarity, a little warmth up top so it's not harsh. I have the Marshallhead now and it's a little hotter and fatter than the TB, but it also has a little top end roll off so not harsh. I'm planning to swap the TB+ for the TB 2 which will probably be closer.

Thornbucker and Thornbucker Plus bridges are very similar sounding, just a little more output on the Plus. I haven't installed the Thornbucker II yet but expect that to be a little hotter, fatter, and warmer.

I would easily pick either for a humbucker guitar, not picky about which one. To me they are two of the best sets I've tried, along with BKP Mules and Lollar Imperials.

This is a good description of them. Another one to consider is the Dimarzio PAF ‘57, a very nice set in this style, maybe just a touch hotter and brighter but very sweet. They have replaced the old Seth Lover set for me. Also Lollar Imperials are very nice.

 

[Eagle]

I'm wondering if I'm now in trouble.

Since I've received my Aristides (aka 'Tiddie'), with BKP Stormy Mondays, I'm judging my other pickups. Hopefully just a phase, been through enough of those!

These guitars have serious clarity and note separation. They also require the intonation to be set perfectly because of this . I used the 3rd and 15th fret reference for intonation to fretted notes only. Also critical on a multi scale. BKP makes great stuff and Tim is very helpful.

 

[Warmart]

These guitars have serious clarity and note separation. They also require the intonation to be set perfectly because of this . I used the 3rd and 15th fret reference for intonation to fretted notes only. Also critical on a multi scale. BKP makes great stuff and Tim is very helpful.

Intonation is 'close' but if there's one complaint, it doesn't look enjoyable to set on this bridge.

 

[Eagle]

Intonation is 'close' but if there's one complaint, it doesn't look enjoyable to set on this bridge.

Err no that’s right.