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.

 

[Blix]

Super happy with DiMarzio CS, I bought a DiMarzio Pre-B1 tele pickup locally at a good price. Turned out it was new in a sealed box.
When I tried to installed it I discovered the holes in the base plate were drilled to large and thus not possible to install it.
Sent DiMarzio an email totally expecting a " take it with your local dealer" corporate reply, but after sending them a couple photos of it, they just told me to give them my shipping address and they'll send me a new one. That's good CS considering I'm in Norway!

 

[Mikael Dez]

The string spacing on my hardtail PRS is 52mm. I know it’s fine to get a standard size HB, but what would you get - standard (50mm) or TB (52.6mm)? I’m thinking TB is a no brainer but the marketing has me second guessing, I guess.

 

[Warmart]

The string spacing on my hardtail PRS is 52mm. I know it’s fine to get a standard size HB, but what would you get - standard (50mm) or TB (52.6mm)? I’m thinking TB is a no brainer but the marketing has me second guessing, I guess.

Most bridge hb's are F spaced, that's what I've put in all the PRS I've swapped.

 

[Eagle]

The string spacing on my hardtail PRS is 52mm. I know it’s fine to get a standard size HB, but what would you get - standard (50mm) or TB (52.6mm)? I’m thinking TB is a no brainer but the marketing has me second guessing, I guess.

Yes get 52mm . Lining up the poles is better but not essential. The only time you start to have issues is a vintage Strat spacing and a Gibson spaced humbucker.

 

[Mikael Dez]

What are y’all’s thoughts on the Tone Zone? Is there a SD model you might compare it to?

Edit: as far as SD goes, I’ve narrowed it down to the SH-5. I’m just curious how the tone zone compares to it - looking at all options in my price range (hopefully under $150 a pickup)

 

[Eagle]

What are y’all’s thoughts on the Tone Zone? Is there a SD model you might compare it to?

Edit: as far as SD goes, I’ve narrowed it down to the SH-5. I’m just curious how the tone zone compares to it - looking at all options in my price range (hopefully under $150 a pickup)

The JB .

 

[Mikael Dez]

The JB .

Too hot - nope

 

[FuzzyAce]

I've not tried a Tone Zone yet. For better or worse, I've always heard it was on the darker side though. I'd have no idea what the Seymour equivalent would be either.

 

[Eagle]

Too hot - nope

Tone zone is slightly hotter and was designed to be a JB style pickup.

 

[Eagle]

SH 5 is ceramic and you can tell.

 

[HomespunEffects]

I've not tried a Tone Zone yet. For better or worse, I've always heard it was on the darker side though. I'd have no idea what the Seymour equivalent would be either.

Just put seven moving blankets over your speakers to get that Tone Zone tone.

 

[PLX]

Just put seven moving blankets over your speakers to get that Tone Zone tone.

Why do the blankets have to be moving ?

 

[HomespunEffects]

Why do the blankets have to be moving ?

Why you!

 

[FuzzyAce]

Why do the blankets have to be moving ?

Poor man's rotary.

 

[Mikael Dez]

New pickup day! Jazz comes in tomorrow.