Robben Ford Discussion

[lancheese]

Hello RF fans and great people of tone wisdom. I'm searching for suggestions...

I just bought one of the new Squire Esprit guitars modeled after the Fender Robben Ford guitar. I'd like to upgrade the pickups, but as this is my first "chambered" body guitar, not sure what might sound the best. I have a Gibson Classic '57 already on hand that I could slap in bridge position, but curious about others.

I just get confused trying to decipher PAF's, Voodoo 59s, etc.

I just want an upgrade to the "duncan designed" stock pickups that will give me an overall good rock/blues sound. Thanks!

OH! BTW...sorry it's taking me over a year to make a post since joining. I guess I've just been enjoying reading your thoughts so much that I haven't had much of my own to say! You guys are an awesome online group!
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[Red Suede]

Equipment can be a nightmare, especially pickups. I've learned through the years that it's easier to get what my favorite player is using because i've heard it already, and it must be reliable because said player uses it on the road. That said, I know Robben likes to experiment with pickups, but to get his sound on a lot of his stuff with the Fender RF's start with the Duncan 59er in the neck position and the Duncan JB in the bridge. I had a 59er in the bridge of my RF that I got from a NY session player, and immediately moved it into the neck and put a JB in the bridge, and voila!

[Aeolian]

On the black Baker he has a Pearly Gates in the neck (or at least 'had' awhile ago). It had a noticably more open and sparkling top end than the 59 in another Baker someone brought to an Ojai clinic.

It really depends on what you're looking for. Brighter, fuller, more open? RS has tremendous chops so definition and articulation really help him out. But with a solid tone so you can hear the actual notes, not by leaning on brightness to bring out note attacks. So each player is different.

Personally, I couldn't find anything to complain about with the stock pickups. I have the 59/JB set up in my '84 Esprit and other than sentimental value (Robben signed it long ago) I preferred the Squire as is.

What is it that you want to bring out?
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[greg]

I had a '59 in the neck and a JB in the bridge of one of my guitars and liked them. However, I had them in another guitar and hated them.

I've switched to Seth Lovers in one guitar and am really pleased. I have just ordered a set from High Order pickups. A lot of people have praised his pickups as being really good. And he doesn't charge an arm and a leg.

I asked him to make mine like Seth Lovers, only a tad hotter in the bridge. And they're half the price.

You might want to check them out.

www.highorderpickups.com
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[frank0936]

I got an Esprit as soon as I could find one to order. I was going to change out the pickups, too, but I find I like it the way it is. I'm going to play it for a while longer and then see if I want anything different. The other guys in the band have threatened me with bodily injury if I change anything on it except strings!
Frank

[lancheese]

[frank0936]

I agree with about the Esprit being a great axe. I gig with mine almost every weekend (It'd be more if it was up to me). I have a Duncan 59 sitting on my desk - just in case!
Frank

[Red Suede]

Like I said, welcome to pickup wars. Everyone has their own ideas about what sounds good and what dosen't. Just remember that your guitar will
sound different than the Baker,which probably has a spruce top, my RF which has a spruce top, and Aeolian's Esprit which probably has a maple top. Your guitar is all mahogany, which is usually deeper, fatter,and warmer sounding than alder.

[midc74]

Anyone care to give a update on their Squire Esprit pup choices?

I'm thinking of picking one up, and wondering if ya'll are still using the stock pickups or have swapped them out?

I totally agree that the type of wood for the body as well as the neck/fretboard must be taken into consideration when choosing the proper pups. Obviously, the woods are different from Robben's chosen RF model, compared to the new Squire. What has everyone found to be the closest match in tone/sound?

Thanks!

- Patrick

[Bluelobster]

still using the stock pup's
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[fig]

Right now mine are stock. But in comparing them with High Order pickups, the Esprit's bridge is more harsh. The HO's bridge is smoother, but pretty much the same tone otherwise.

I ordered a set of HO's for a different guitar a couple of months ago but have since decided to put them in my Esprit. I will get them next week, hopefully.

I had the neck pickup made from an A4 magnet. But that may be a bit too bright for this guitar. We'll see. I'll let you know and perhaps post a clip once I get them installed.

[enrico]

OK guys, after changing my mind 1.000 times, I finally decided to replace the stock Duncan Designed pups for SD Jazz at neck and JB at bridge on my Esprit.

First impressions; it souded like a very different guitar and couldn't really tell wheather it was positive or negative.
Althought the stock pups are supposed to be the cheap version of the ones I've got now, they are actually very different.
what I probably missed was a little bit of that deep, dark sound from the original neck pup.

Now, after a couple of days I'm really happy with the choice.
My Esprit sounds much brighter and I definetely like the bridge pups.


In a gig situation I think I'll be happier with the current pups, as before I struggled to get the mid tones across, and also found the trebles difficult to control. Hope this makes sense. Btw I play a fender hot rod deluxe amp.

At the end of the day, it's always down to personal preference. So. what I would say is that if you don't mind that slight dark sound of the stock pups, don't replace them.

I also ordered a Zendrive and I'll be patiently waiting my delivery, current wait approx. 8/10 weeks!!!

[edpesco]

enrico, the zen is worth waiting

[Aeolian]

[AndyR]

I've always thought that Robben's tone on, "Nothin' to Nobody" is a departure from his "normal" tone.

It's harsher, IMHO.

But it does make an interesting constrast to Robben's vocals on that tune, which I think are softer and more "dolce" that his other blues tunes.

Thoughts???



Andy