Robben Ford Discussion

jazzyblues · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 8:06 am Post subject:

You know, the more I listen to the clips of WCR pickups and talk to people who have them, I'm leaning towards getting a set.
Some LP owners have said they blow Burstbuckers away.
Perhaps Robben should check them out. Smile

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Bill Morgan · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:01 pm Post subject:

jazzyblues · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:00 pm Post subject:

That's my problem - deciding on which set to get.
I told Jim Wagner I want it smooth when clean (like Larry Carlton), and I want a nice bite when doing fusion, and he recommended either the Darkbursts or the Fillmores, saying the Fillmores have more of a Seymour Duncan JB attack when turned up.
So I just need to decide. People who have tried them say they're both great pickups.
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nineacres · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:38 am Post subject:

I had a LP Custom "Black Beauty" for about 10 years and could never get anything other than mud out of the neck pickup. I tried a pickup made by a local pickup maker here in the NE of England, but the results were pretty much the same. In time the LP went to make room for a Heritage 535 to which I fitted Barden Two-Tones Very Happy

(but that's another story). I recently bought an Indie Guitars ILP523, (think Aria LP as far as the body shape is concerned). Same mud problem with the stock neck pickup. Also, since the neck is maple, I noticed that the tonal "center of gravity" was just a tad too high. Then I read about Bare Knuckle pickups and decided to investigate their products, viz: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data2/Bare_Knuckle_Pickups/The-Mule-01.html I gave them a ring and spoke to the owner, Tim. I mentioned the tonal issues I had with the guitar, initially with regard to the bridge pickup and he suggested the Mule humbucker with a few extra winds. He asked me whether I wanted just the bridge pickup or the neck too, and what sound I was after. I mentioned that I particularly liked Warren Haynes' sound - nice, almost flutey neck pickup sound with no mud. "Why do you think I call them the Mule?" he asked. (After the first hundred years I understand everything immediately Wink

) I now have both neck and bridge Bare Knuckle Mules on the Indie and I am over the moon with them. This thing sounds much more like that Les Paul sound I've always had in my head than the LP Custom ever did (although I suppose the ebony fingerboard had a lot to do with this) I cannot speak too highly of these pickups. Check out the reviews on Harmony Central. I've yet to read a bad one. (Oh and by the way, I am in no way affiliated with, and blah, blah)
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jazzyblues · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 9:47 am Post subject:

I emailed Bare Knuckles, and they quickly emailed me back. I told them what I was looking for, and they suggested the Mule pickups also.
They're $275, including shipping, which isn't bad.
I read the reviews and they all pretty much say the same thing - i.e., they're really good.
More choices. Confused

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bek · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 22 Location: California

I've always wanted to try pickups from SK Guitars and Vintage Vibe Guitars. Those guys will wind them according to what tone you're after, and guarantee your satisfaction.
http://www.vintagevibeguitars.com/
http://www.skguitar.com/
The Wagner stuff is supposed to be good, but they seem a bit pricey. I've heard good players swear by the Voodoo pickups, too, but it's all so variable (as others have pointed out).

jazzyblues · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 6:35 am Post subject:

On one forum I occasionally visit, quite a few players have compared the WCR pickups to the Voodoo's, and they all say the WCR's are a lot better. I agree that they're a little expensive. That was one reason I've hesitated.
There's just nothing I see from SD that I want, and I've looked at quite a few other pickups, but nothing grabs my attention, except the WCR's. I'm just trying to decide which set to get.
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jazzyblues · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 1:07 pm Post subject:

Well, I ordered the Darkbursts from WCR pickups. I told Jim what I was looking for, and he recommended the Darkbursts. He's a really nice guy to deal with.
So hopefully I'll have them installed in less than a week. I'll let you know what I think of them.
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bek · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 22 Location: California

I didn't see the Darkburst pickups listed on Wagner's site. What is the deal with them?

jazzyblues · Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 1:05 pm Post subject:

Jim doesn't have them listed yet. You should email him or call him about them. He's been selling them word of mouth.
They cost the same as the Crossroads. I just installed the Darkbursts and like them alot.
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jazzyblues · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 12:47 pm Post subject:

Well, I have the Darkbursts installed in my LP. And they are better by far than what I expected. They are really fat with a great bite to them.
I'm glad I didn't go with any other pickups.
In my opinion, Robben would love these... Very Happy

I may put the Fillmores in my other guitar that currently has Seymour Duncans '59 and a JB.

Here's the website of WCR pickups, if anyone is interested.

http://www.crcoils.com/
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