Bare Knuckle Pickups Nailbomb

Submitted at: 11:20, 11/1/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16k, Alnico V magnet
Price Paid: Ł 99
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Centaura US '87
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Evolution
Other pickups on guitar: Van Zandt single coils
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): prog
Reason for pickup change: It was time for change, I didn't really like my bridge pickup I just got on with it. And one fine day I thought there was no good reason for indifference so I'd give something else a go, but something a lot different

Sound

Perceived output level: more powerful than a DiMarzio Evolution, uncomparable on all accounts
Tone: Tight, balanced and rich
Sonic evaluation: Steavens "Brick" preamp -> VHT 2/50/2 -> 2 Marshall 1912 cabinets I'll spare you the numerous pedals but some of them like a hot signal to do their stuff, and this is perfect for me.

Sounds vicious and refreshing. Ahhh... change is good... but sometimes it's... excellent. I fancied something different, and that's exactly what I got. Sometimes I'm unsure what I think at all when trying pickups but not on this occasion, I like this, a lot, and it was instant.

Certainly heavy enough, plenty heavy but that's not all there is to it it...

- Roll off the volume cleans it up superbly, still retaining it's character (as they say). - Played crunchy it's big attitude and still plenty of power. - Played clean, shockingly plenty of scope for such a fierce pickup, again volume rolled off and it's a lovely clean bridge sound. - String separation is great. - Great tone balance. Very very nice.

Versatile yet uncompromising, deadly and controllable is what I'd say. An absolute treat to drive. That's all I care about actually. I don't pay much attention to the technical stuff and all the science behind pickups in general, I can't say I understand it all but I can tell we have something very serious here and I suspect there is magic at work. I have to admit I have considerably more interest in the subject after exploring Bare Knuckle Pickups though. The Nailbomb is awesome for me. Works a treat with my setup.

Briefly... my sound is geared towards modern prog-rock, something like that, with offshoots into more experimental territories (not necessarily good). I like recording and it is now a pleasure to change strings in the view of playing this guitar. Sounds great on recordings, played heavy or not. On the chugging side, you'd have to be a robot not to be rock pouting yourself into a cramp. Utterly great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Prog, experimental and noisy rock, this pickup is clear and great

Overall Rating

Comments: The Nailbomb is awesome for me, I actually got a second one for another guitar, superb sounding too. A very worthwhile double experiment it turned out to be.

I don't even like admitting to playing guitar at the best of times, I feel awkward contacting companies or shops when I need something, and I never review anything. I am the grumpy kind. But contacting Bare Knuckle happened to be most enlightening in the gentlest possible way. I felt comfortable and the advice was nothing short of spot-on. I trust them.

I've been playing for about 20 years but it feels I'm starting all over again, that's the current level of excitement (so yes good value).

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Frédéric

Submitted at: 12:08, 10/11/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking, Chrome Cover
Impedence or other specs: 16k output
Price Paid: UK Pounds 100
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Epihone Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Kent Armstrong ceramic humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Kent Armstrong Alnico Hot Vintage humbucker
Artists using this pickup: Unknown - not really an issue anyway
You musical style(s): Hard rock, metal, blues
Reason for pickup change: The Kent Armstrong bridge pickup had a very sterile, characterless sound,particularly when running clean. It also lacked punch, and frequently got overpowered by the neck pickup (which is a great sounding pickup)

Sound

Perceived output level: Hotter than the pickup it replaced, but not overpowering. Back off the volume a little and it can do whatever you need - clean rhythym, slight dirty etc.
Tone: The tone is very crisp and clearly defined. Plenty of bass without being muddy, decent midrange and good treble, but no one facet overpowers another, they all balance very nicely.
Sonic evaluation: The guitar is runniing through a Boss GT6 floorboard into a Laney Tube Fuison 120 combo with a 12" speaker. Gives a great performance in pretty much any style i have asked of it so far. Also coil-taps down very well to give an interesting Tele-ish sound. Sounds far clearer and way more characterful than either the pickup it replaced or the EMGs in my ESP guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I'm using this pickup to play hard rock (think Nickelback, Alter Bridge, Iron Maiden), metal (Trivium, Metallica, Opeth) and blues. It copes with all of these styles very well, although for a really good blusey sound it is best to roll off the volume control a little. This pickup is calibrated for the bridge position, but the company makes neck models as well, which i may well try out at some point!

Overall Rating

Comments: If it (or more acurrately the guitar it is in) were lost/stolen, i would definitely buy the same pickup again, it does everything that Bare Knuckle promise and more. When i was searching for a new pickup i consider a few Seymour Duncan models, including the Full Shred, as Mikael Akerfelt from Opeth uses it, but the sound clips i heard didn't impress me that much,and when no-one from the compant bthered to reply to my query, i gave up and looked a bit closer to home. The level of customer service Bare Knuckle provide is almost unheard of these days - emailsare answered quickly, and the advice is always helpful and sensible. I've been playing for 11 years, and have owned this Les Paul for six. Until now,i have neverbeen totally satisfied wih the sound from the bridge position, but now it is as i want it. The search, at least as far as this guitar is concerned, is over. I am really pleased with this pickup, and will certainly be retrofitting more Bare Knuckle pickups to other guitars, the first target being the lifeless EMGs on my ESP M302.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: sld5150

Submitted at: 3:33, 9/4/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive bridge humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16
Price Paid: Ł 90
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan
Other pickups on guitar: Original Gibson neck pick up
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Punk/Rock n Roll
Reason for pickup change: Needed a higher output pickup and had heard lots of good things about BKP… so I had to get one!

Sound

Perceived output level: High, but with no lack of tone or texture.
Tone: Full, organic & responsive! This pickup has great bass response and perfect, clear highs. There are no muddy areas at all and the over all balance is perfect!
Sonic evaluation: Orange Amplifiers and Gibson Guitars.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is THE ultimate Punk/Rock/Hardcore pickup! High output and loads of tone. High output pickups are often not very suitable for cleaner sounds but this does not loose any quality across the board whether its blues, indie or punk!

Overall Rating

Comments: I ordered directly from Bare Knuckle and the service was outstanding. It’s always a good sign when the person selling you their product wants to know the purpose of purchase, you’re setup and playing style to ensure that you get the right product. Tim and his team get top marks across the board. I will certainly be back for further purchases in the near future!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted at: 5:58, 8/26/2005

Product Info

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Sound

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Overall Rating

Comments: this is just a customer surport review as i have already submitted a full review, i had a problem with the pickup last week but had no idea what was wrong with it. i emailed tim and he told me to send to him within a week (would have been quicker if the post was faster it took 5 days to get to him...) he fixed the prob it was a loose wire he said he had never came across this before, so i was prob sum fluke meh. but he fixed it and replaced the pole pieces with nice new ones, re-wax potted it, gave me some new strings and and 3-way switch so i can have lots of different sounds from the pickup now. cheers tim highly recommend buy this pickup, when it was gone i went to my back up guitar and it was ok but then the nailbomb was put through the door and it made the backup sound like a childs toy!!! 10/10 for customer support thanks tim :D

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Rob <mrrob1988@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 11:06, 7/5/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: humbucking, passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Chandler Strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: about every other pickup you can possibly name (just ask me!)
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Custom minihumbuckers in neck/middle positions
Artists using this pickup: who cares?
You musical style(s): Rock, funk, punk
Reason for pickup change: Nothing too unique here, but just really couldn't find the right tone to counterbalance the other two pickups.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot but not obnoxiously so
Tone: Punchy but soulful as hell and with beautiful articulation.
Sonic evaluation: I use this into a modified Marshall, all tube head into 2 4x12 cabs.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Can be used for what I play, though I would imagine for much more. Could you use it for death metal or straight blues? Yep, probably that, too

Overall Rating

Comments: Entirely superb pickup, start to finish. Just flushes the rest right down the crapper, and god knows, I've tried many. If you care to contact me to talk about all the others, be my guest.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Lloyd <lloben@earthlink.net>

Submitted at: 10:43, 7/5/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: 16k Bridge & 10k Neck
Price Paid: US $300.00
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle's web site

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: DiMarazzio P90 Neck & FRED Bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Satan and Myself!
You musical style(s): Atmospere to Hardcore
Reason for pickup change: Stock worked ok but lacked in the tone color deparment. I wanted something with more balls and a different sound than what are found here state side i.e Seymour, DiMarzzio,& ect... . I run my Strat through all Monster cables to a Boss Compressor and noise gate, Bad Horsie Wah, Whirlwind amp switcher to a Mesa Nomad 100 half stack and a Mesa Tremoverb Dual Recto which are run in tandem. In addition I run Lexicon effects and a Avalon Design U5 for additional tone control and increased power in the frequence bands.

Sound

Perceived output level: Neck Hot/Warm output; smooth highs and contoled mids with a round bass respones. I think of recorded David Gilmour sounds and very organic with a vowal like presence in the harmonics which are popping out of my speakers. The bridge is much hotter, but balanced with the neck 100%. The bridge offers more of a cut through the mix highs that do not come off shrill. The mid and bass both have exellent response with the tone controls that curve the tone into wonderful new timbers. A 500k pot on the tone contols will give you a wealth sonic fluid to play with.
Tone: It's hard to beleive that pickups can change a guitar so much and so much for the better. I feel I have not just a new guitar but new amps as well!
Sonic evaluation: Tim Mills makes the best pickups I have ever listened to in my life with Evans being a close second but not the same in the personality department. The pickups are hand scatter wound with 43 guage vintage cut wire with Alinco V magnets and covered with a crome top and are perfect on my guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Use these on any guitar that needs a good kick in the rear and a player that wants to put that perfect pickup in their guitar. If you want fat clean to a nasty mid crunch to pure gain that will scare Kerry King than tis is the pickup for you, if not try another Bare Knucke's pickup then, because Tim makes a wonderful selection to choose from. Go to the website and read and email him with what your set up is and then what you want and he will guide you in the right direction.

Overall Rating

Comments: I love them! There appears not to be to many bad respones to Bare Knuckle pickups, most likely because they are quality all the way around. Thanks Tim for building me such an incredible pickup!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Matt

Submitted at: 14:37, 6/4/2005

Product Info

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Sound

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Overall Rating

Comments: I accidentally hit enter before I was finished with the review. My review was for the Nailbomb set in the ESP Viper 1000. If you want to contact me with any questions about the pickups feel free to send me an email. These pickups are the sound that I have been looking for since I started (and I have been playing for about 12 years now).

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Doug Simmons <by60stu@msn.com>

Submitted at: 14:33, 6/4/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: passive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $350
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Viper Ltd 1000
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMG 85 and EMG 81 (active humbuckers)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): metal, rock, hardcore, emo, math rock
Reason for pickup change: didn't like the sterile sound of the EMG's, totally lifeless.

Sound

Perceived output level: Not as "hot" as the EMG 81 but "hotter" than just about any passive stock humbucker
Tone: Absolutely perfect!!! These pickups are "pure tone" period. The neck pickup has a really HUGE warm ballsy sound (fairly well balanced perhaps a wee little bassy but the mids and highs really cut through) and the bridge pickup has that classic crispy "skanky" sound that I just love (well balanced, very clear, mids really come through)
Sonic evaluation: For starters here is my setup: An ESP Viper 1000 (mahogany neck and body, basically an SG) played through a 100 watt Fender stage amp pushing a Carvin 2x12 cab. The only effect I use is a Rat distortion pedal, but I also use the amp distortion as well.

I originally thought that the EMG's were just going to be the shit since everyone seems to love them so much, but upon hearing them I just felt they were missing something. Don't get me wrong they are good pickups especially if you are into seething Nu-metal distortion a la a Metal Zone pedal, but other than that I think they are pretty much a one trick pony. What I am trying to say is that the sound from the EMGs has absolutely no soul, no warmth, no feeling, completely sterile and lifeless, especially when played clean. So I took a chance and bought the Nailbomb set from the guys at Bare Knuckle Pickups based mainly on the reviews on this site and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. These Nailbombs produce the best sound I have ever heard come from a guitar. Pure, warm, beautiful TONE, and lots of it! It's hard to explain but its almost as if my guitar really came alive after putting in the Nailbomb set. It's like it was dead before and I never knew it. Don't be fooled by the name though, these things aren't just distortion pickups they sound just as good clean, probably the best clean humbucker sound I have ever heard. I don't know if I can really describe how these things sound with words, you just have to hear them. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

I just got a Gison SG Gothic an was comparing the tone of the Nailbombs to the stock Gibson and the Nailbombs sounded soooo much sweeter. I can't wait to put a set of Naibombs in the SG! All I can say is BUY THESE PICKUPS NOW!!!! You won't regret it!

By the way the customer service is great. Just send an email to Tim and he'll help you out with deciding which pickups would suit you best for the particular sound you are looking for.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play heavier rock/metal (Melvins type stuff), hardcore, thrash, emo, math rock.

Overall Rating

Comments: On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion

Submitted at: 10:41, 5/2/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker set
Impedence or other specs: bridge - 16 ohm and neck - 10 ohm (aproximate)
Price Paid: Ł170
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups Online Shop

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: JacksonCustom Dinkey
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: both nailbomb calibrated set
Artists using this pickup: ME, chris george
You musical style(s): folk to thrash and anything in between
Reason for pickup change: the original lack clarity and power. bare knuckle are hand made in the UK and scatter wound making hte guitar sound bigger :D

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot - but not overpowered hot so that you cant hear anything but fuzz, its a nice clear full sounding pickup.
Tone: Balanced with a slight mid scoop i feel
Sonic evaluation: My extreamly complex setup:

Jackson custom dinky -> vox Wah -> Marshall MG30 DFX (yes i know shit amp but gunna get a Marshall full valve DSL)

it sound amazing with this set up and can play anything, i have taken it to the local guitar shop and play with these huge stacks, in a word WOW. you need to buy this pickup even if you have a crap amp this will make you get a better one.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: rock, clean, heavy you name it does it

Overall Rating

Comments: If it were stolen i would congratulate the theaf for having good taste in guitar stuff then kill him, if i didnt find him id buy 10 more so i wouldnt have to worry in future

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Rob <mrrob1988@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 23:37, 4/18/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucker set
Impedence or other specs: 16K calibrated set/ Zebra 'Rythym' Black 'lead' pickups (open coil)
Price Paid: GBP 170
Purchased from: Bareknuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul classic
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: all
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock/Blues
Reason for pickup change: I felt Gibson's Les Paul Classic pickups had a good amount of power but not a great deal in tone. Too harsh and undefined for my tastes and I required something that still had the power of the Gibson pickups but with more 'organic' sounding tone.

Sound

Perceived output level: Loud but still soulful and rich sounding, just because these are high output pickups does not mean you have sacrificed any tone.
Tone: These pickups have great bass and even highs. A good all round balance.
Sonic evaluation: Gibson Les Paul Classic through a JCM800 and 2x12 cab.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Extremely good match, highly recommended.

Overall Rating

Comments: A great product and service from the chaps at Bareknuckle, I would heartily recommended them for the product and service I have received so far. A very helpful telephone chat from Tim at BKP lead to the order of these Nailbomb humbuckers. I received these within 3 days as promised, all in al a great product from a friendly, customer orientated company.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Hugh Frizell <shugz@zoom.co.uk>

Submitted at: 7:03, 5/1/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: UKPounds 200
Purchased from: Direct from Bareknuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Aria STG005
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Aria stock
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: none known
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Alt Rock
Reason for pickup change: Poor quality stock pickups on Aria gave rather a weak sound

Sound

Perceived output level: Quite powerful (much more than stock)
Tone: Beautiful balanced tone - warm, but powerful. A real classic rock sound
Sonic evaluation: Aria STG005 into POD2

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Ideal for classic rock but quite flexible really. Suitable for bridge or neck

Overall Rating

Comments: I'm really a bass player (20 years) who decided to start playing 6 string a year ago. I bought the Aria as a starter, but although it has a very nice neck which I like, the pickups were uninspiring. The Nailbombs have completely altered the sound - a fantastic powerful but warm and balanced tone with great definition across the strings. The custom camo covers also look great.

Tim Mills at Bareknuckle is incredibly helpful and can easily guide you to the best option from his products - well worth the small premium compared with similar pickups. I also have a Telecaster and on the back of the Nailbombs I've fitted it with one of their Piledriver single coils - another fantastic pickup.

I'd recommend these to anyone, with the exception of someone wanting an EMG type sound for metal.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Mike P

Submitted at: 13:59, 4/30/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: GBP 90
Purchased from: Direct from Bare Knuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Charvel Journeyman
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan JB-4
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: None that I know of
You musical style(s): Hard Rock/Metal/Intrumental
Reason for pickup change: The Duncan wasnt providing the sound I was looking for and i had heard great things about Bare Knuckle so decided to give one a try

Sound

Perceived output level: Hotter than avarage and not muddy at all
Tone: extremely well ballanced, my tone control actually does something now!
Sonic evaluation: I run my guitar into a Marshall JCM800 50w through a Jim Dunlop wah and MXR wylde overdrive. The Nailbomb just does not compare to any other pick up I've used. It sounds killer at high gain as you would expect from the name but it also cleans up incredibly nicely

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I mostly play metal and this pickup is perfectly suited

Overall Rating

Comments: If you are looking for a new pickup look no further than Bare Knuckle. If your not shure what you want Tim at Bare Knuckle will help you find what your looking for. Best Customer Support ever!!! This pickup is the final factor in making my tone everything I wanted it to be. Bare Knuckle Rules. Simple As.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Adam

Submitted at: 3:11, 4/20/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16K
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: -

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Sambora American Strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio Paf Pro
Other pickups on guitar: Bare Knuckle Pickups, Mothers Milk Single Coils
Artists using this pickup: -
You musical style(s): Rock, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: I was looking for a thicker,warmer sounding bridge pickup.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Warm and deep with no loss of definition and clarity, great for adding depth to a bright sounding guitar.
Sonic evaluation: Marshall DSL 50 and custom made 2/12 with Vintage 30's, the only pedal is a Nobels ODR-1(green) overdrive.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Its the perfect pickup for me , i have tried all the big brands but they dont seem to deliver what they promise in there descriptions.

Overall Rating

Comments: I am very very happy with this pickups tone, there is nothing worse than trying to gig/play with a bad tone. This pickup mixed with by strat's active preamp will do all the tones ill ever need.From blues to screaming high gain it does it all. I must also add that when i record at home using a digital recorder the tone is so much more valve like and toneful than my previous pickup. Plus Bare Knuckle Pickups customer service is superb. The only thing i wish is that they were around 10 years ago so i would'nt have had to change my amps about 20 times. Check 'em out.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Steve

Submitted at: 13:59, 4/11/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: humbucker, switchable to single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Ł100 ish
Purchased from: bareknuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: epiphone les paul gothic
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: standard equipment
Other pickups on guitar: standard neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): metal/hardcore/emo
Reason for pickup change: i was looking for a pickup that would perform better live, to give better clarity and tonal variety

Sound

Perceived output level: higher level than original
Tone: awesome, the pickup is balanced beautifully, for bassy rhythm work or crystal clear lead
Sonic evaluation: i play the aforementioned epi' through a line6 ax212 and the difference in clarity is huge whilst retaining all the attack asked of a bridge pickup

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i guess i play hardcore mostly, but the nailbomb is more than happy with black label harmonics through to the delicate clean sounds of a single coil tele when wired to be switched

Overall Rating

Comments: ok, so not only does the nailbomb keep me happy aurally, it looks awesome in the black etched cover mounted on one of the blackest guitars ever, and it took me (a complete idiot/novice) no time at all to wire in, even with the new push/pull pot.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: andi <andi.j.b@gmail.com>

Submitted at: 6:35, 4/3/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking/passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Sterling Ł92.50 (unofficially!)
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: LP (Les Paul)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: EMG 85
Other pickups on guitar: At moment 81 but soon to be Bare Knuckle Mule (watch this space)...
Artists using this pickup: Urm...me?
You musical style(s): Southern Rock (to me that means BLS/Zakk Wylde), Metal etc. Blues-Rock/Fusion/WHATEVER (Pagey's way) but the Mule will soon be taking care of that.
Reason for pickup change: Wanted something with better sound quality (obviously!) Old pickup (85) was too 'easy come, easy go', too average-sounding.

Sound

Perceived output level: Slightly more than?
Tone: For me it changes from day-to-day, but for the record I'd say balanced.
Sonic evaluation: Epi- being run through Marshall MG50DFX but soon to be: Epi-being run through some sort of hi-gain tube amp (RAWWWK!) With possible pedal selection/section. But I'll let you know for sure when I get there.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play METARRRGGGHHHLLL (yeah, that kind) and these pickups are definitely good for the Zakk Wylde kind but I'd definitely say this would sound a helluva lot better through a tube amp (i.e. the Peavey-soon-to-come).

Overall Rating

Comments: Yeah, I'd either replace it with a new one or a another one (Bare Knuckle of course).

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted at: 12:34, 3/6/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: Calibrated set
Price Paid: 280 EUR
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Kritz Stradovarius
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Kritz Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: The Kritz humbuckers had too much feedback, and I wanted to replace them with something that is really good.

Sound

Perceived output level: Output is pretty hot, well, hotter than a Dimarzio PAF that is.
Tone: Really fat, rich and agressive at the bridge, and the neck humbucker sounds very full and huge.
Sonic evaluation: Kritz stradovarius (26" scale) -->Hughes & Kettner Triamp mkII, with a H&K TC412 cab.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I like to play different types of music. The pickups also sound very good when used clean (which is not the case with every pickup that is good foor use at high-gain). The bridge pickup might be too agressive for use in a shadows-coverband or something, but when you want to play Shadows, Bare Knuckle will have some other pickups that will be suitable for this. The neck humbucker is really cool; it sounds huge, and you really hear the character of your guitar. Really useful for solo's, and for clean chords. You can get very close to a jazz sound with this humbucker.

Overall Rating

Comments: The original pickups in my guitar really sounded huge. And I wanted some pickups that could give me that same huge sound, but more aggressive. The original pickups were typical jazzy humbuckers, with loose windings, which made you hear the wood of the guitar, and I didn't want loose the character of the guitar. I think it is very difficult to buy pickups without having them heard in your own guitar. I couldn't find my sound with some other pickups (I tried different Seymour Duncans (Custom, JB, Distortion), and EMG's). After looking at the Bare Knuckle Pickups website, I thought I would email them with what kind of sound I wanted and what stuff I used. I got a reply from Tim very soon, with the advise of the Nailbomb Calibrated set. I read some good things about bare knuckle pickups here, and I thought I would give it a try (also because every one already uses seymour duncan and the other large brands). When the pickups were installed in my guitar I couldn't believe my ears. Tim from Bare Knuckle Pickups really gave a good advice, because this is the sound I wanted to hear.

Also, when I use a single coil of the pickups, it also sound great, and that is something that not all humbuckers do!

If it would be stolen, I would definately buy another set.

I am thinking of changing the pickups of my other guitars to Bare Knuckle Pickups too.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9

Submitted by: Dennis <dstoots@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 7:34, 2/14/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: DC: 16k
Price Paid: GBP 100
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: 490T
Other pickups on guitar: 490R
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Mainly rock, some 2 tone and reggae
Reason for pickup change: 490T was too light sounding.

Sound

Perceived output level: This has a hot full output.
Tone: balanced tone which lends itself well to being shaped by amp EQ
Sonic evaluation: Played through Marshall DSL201 combo and a DSL50 head and 1960AV 4x12, this thing really sings and roars.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For rock and metal this thing can't be beat. Has nice warm clean too.

Overall Rating

Comments: If I ever find myself wanting another pickup, Bare Knuckle will get the call.

Tim at Bare Knuckle is an amazing guy, he speaks the language of tone with you and can connect you with what you need. He basically asked what I played, Who's sound I liked, what gear I was using and what I had tried pickup wise and my opinions and from that came with a three suggestions... I had a think and picked a corker!

I've never baught something without trying it first but I have heard other Bare Knuckle pickups (Mule, Black Dog) and been impressed and thier reputation goes before them.

By the way you can order Bare Knuckle pickups with a huge list of options. Nailbombs are offrerred as four conductor under camo covers, however I specced 2 conductor wire and chrome covers... no extra cost.

This pickup is wound with a few hundred turns less on one coil than the other. According to Gibson this is what made fifties humbuckers sound so huge. Operators would stop winding when the boobin looked full so the two coils would have imbalanced field strengths. Machines are just too good at counting! The nailbomb is also scatterwound which increases capacitance because of air gaps in the windings. Oh and all this is done by hand!!!

Just to reiterate Ł100 is not a lot of money when you consider a Seymour Duncan JB costs around Ł80 and is mass produced soul less junk.

This is an amazing product delivered and backed the best and most personal service at a great price... marks out of 10?

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Graham Dunne <graham.dunne@students.plymouth.ac.uk>

Submitted at: 12:50, 2/13/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: GBP 100
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Standard 490T
Other pickups on guitar: 490R
Artists using this pickup: Dunno
You musical style(s): Classic rock, Metal, Two tone, Reggae.
Reason for pickup change: No power in the 490T, tone was not 'round' enough.

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot, nice and powerful
Tone: Balanced, leaving unrestricted options for EQ meddling. It's all there just dial in or out what you do or don't want.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Marshall DSL201 20 Watt combo for practice/recording or a DSL50 50 watt head & 1960A 4x12 for gigs.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Classic rock, Metal, Two tone, Reggae. this pickup does it all very well.

Overall Rating

Comments: The nailbomb seems to have a very wide response maybe just a bit mid scooped. I really love it's sound. My les paul souded very tame on it's standard pickup, though the unplugged sound was very powerful for an electric, revealling the possibility for serious noise from it.

I should point out the 490T is a very good pickup. If the amp was driven really hard IT ROCKED, and the clean sound was amazingly sparkly for a humbucker, it just doesn't do metal at all, no way, no how.

With the nail bomb I've got all EQ knobs on full and it sounds great, powerful classic rock tone, that can be used for more modern metal parts too.

For my clean stuff I use the Nailbomb and the 490R together and they harmonise together very nicely.

For reggae and whatnot the 490T was a shade crisper but the nailbomb has a real warmth to it which I am loving. Sounds a bit wierd saying these things about about a pickup called a the 'Nailbomb' but there you go.

This company will have something to offer you. Just call and ask for Tim. He is a seriously experienced guitar player and can talk 'tone' with you and connect you with what you need.

In my case I was able to spec a chrome cover and 2 conductor wiring. A nice touch was a complimentary set of guitar strings in the package.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Graham <hydorah@hotmail.com>

Submitted at: 19:03, 1/31/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking F-Spaced with Camo cover
Impedence or other specs: 15.8K, Alnico 5
Price Paid: British Pounds 99
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Triple Fat Strat with Warmoth neck
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan JB, DiMarzio FRED
Other pickups on guitar: Lace Hot Gold Dually (13.2k,6k), Dragon 1 Bass
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Metal and Power Blues
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a unique sound for a unique guitar.

Sound

Perceived output level: Noticeably hotter then a Duncan JB (I guess Bill Lawrence is right on this one).
Tone: Good amount of treble, fairly mid scooped, enough bass for balance.
Sonic evaluation: A 10 pound 3H Strat into a)JCM 600 B)JCM 800 C) Laney Gh100TI. In the Marshalls it was so articulate and the note simply screamed out! especially on the bass strings. Palm mutes were round and focused which is the number 2 reason I decided to try the NailBomb. The number 1 reason was that I suspected that the harmonics would simply pop out and my hunch was right. My Laney needed a PU that would cut through the mud at high gain and the NailBomb is simply the perfect match. I strongly recommend this PU to any high gain amp players. It's simply the best matching of treble and mids in a PU I've tried.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Old School Metal with my bridge PUs so palm mutes, harmonics, tapping, fast lead runs, etc. The NailBomb is just what I was looking for while remaining faithful to Alnico magnets.

Overall Rating

Comments: Yes I would have to get another but I'm also planning on getting other Bear Knuckle PUs. If I wasn't such a PU junky I'd settle on the NailBomb for my other main guitar. I give a 10 when a PU meets or surpasses my expectations. The NailBomb met my expectations easily but it would have been hard to surpass. Although, the attention to detail and customer service definitely surpassed my expectations. Lastly, as a Fat Strat player that has gone through ever Trembucker, F-Spaced and Rail PU out there it was so refreshing to see a handwound shop that cared about my larger spacing needs. Kudos Tim!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Motorhead <flying-v@sympatico.ca>

Submitted at: 13:11, 1/30/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Ł 100
Purchased from: Bare Knuckle Pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha RGX420S D6
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Yamaha Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: 1 Stock Neck Yamaha Pickup
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues Lead
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups in this guitar don't deliver the right tonal output on high end frequencies. Nor do they delivery clarity when drive is added to the amp.

The general description is muddy.

Sound

Perceived output level: The high end is greatly improved. Clear output, leaves a slight ring when playing the unwound strings. The heavier strings react very well. Again Improved output. But when gain is added the clarity still stands. No muddy output and loss of definition in the mid and bass frequencies
Tone: Bassy and Tebly. Slightly scouped Mid.
Sonic evaluation: For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a good match for blues lead on a Baritone. General playing is greatly improved. Especially rhythm!

Overall Rating

Comments: I am ging to install one into my Jackson for metal playing! Will buy more from BAre Knuckle. Superb company to deal with

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8

Submitted at: 14:34, 1/22/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: passive humbucker + fully equiped pickguard after personal spec
Impedence or other specs: DC: 16k / DC: 9.2k
Price Paid: Norwegian krones 2600
Purchased from: bare knuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: strat plus deluxe 92
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: lace sensor
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Anything. I work with music and special effects for theater. I may be asked to produce anything
Reason for pickup change: The terrible sound produced by the lace sonsors

Sound

Perceived output level: Very high.
Tone: Very balanced / versatile. Could be used for jazz or anything esle. Maybe not the best for trash.
Sonic evaluation: Strat plus deluxe mapple / mapple neck. Mesa boogie subway blues. these pickups are very good. They are really balanced, full of shime ( very rare for humbuchers I think )and the whole products smells quality. I imagine these can be used for anything ranging from jazz to rock. The distortion is beautiful (Very powerful indeed if one wants it) . I would say these picks are among the best you can find on the market today.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play music and produce special effects for theater and stage. I play mostly jazz and rock.

Overall Rating

Comments: I am very satisfied with this product. B&K has been very helpful and I guarantee you that what I wanted was not easy. I asked for a fully equipped pickguard with splittable humbucker system. The whole system had to be able to be used on stage for concerts or for theater effects for adults or children ( I then needed a very accurate volume control since I do not have the right to harm children's ears )

The whole team has been helpful and has delivered a very fine product. After my opinion, the high cost matched the quality. The price is forgotten, the quality stays.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion

Submitted by: laurent Mourlat <victor.gaullier@laposte.net>

Submitted at: 12:54, 1/11/2005

Product Info

Pickup features: Strat H-S-S set
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $300+-
Purchased from: Bare Knuckles

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Mexican Strat
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: stock
Artists using this pickup: dunno
You musical style(s): jazz/rock
Reason for pickup change: seeking optimal sound

Sound

Perceived output level: a significant boost in output
Tone: tone is now airy, open sounding, almost like a natural compression!
Sonic evaluation: mexican strat through a Mesa Boogie F-30 (Keeley Comp stomp and Boss DD-5)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is the sound of my dreams.

Overall Rating

Comments: I'd replace this in a heartbeat. BareKnuckles is totally customer oriented and very responsive. I've been at the guitar about 40 years now. Had lots of other set-ups.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: William Whitsett <hank@hypernet.com>

Submitted at: 16:54, 12/23/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: two core cables, 16k
Price Paid: Sterling Ł90
Purchased from: BareKnuckle

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter Omen6
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Bareknuckle miracleman
Other pickups on guitar: stock diamond series
Artists using this pickup: Littlesolacecomes
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: I required a tighter pickup for enhancing the bottom end and midrange, as I use a drop 'A' tuning. These Nailbombs fit the bill....

Sound

Perceived output level: Hi output, beasts, loud and aggressive
Tone: Balanced tight bass good midrange, silky treble
Sonic evaluation: Schecter Omen6-Engl tube pre-100watt soild power amp-Marshall 1960AV 4x12.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal, (meshuggah-esque) perfect match designed for drop tunings, bridge pick-up to hot for neck.

Overall Rating

Comments: I will be ordering more to install in my second guitar an Ibanez rg540, and also in a schecter blackjack7. these pick-ups were modified with a consultation with TIM @bareknuckle, and they are the sound of heavy riffs...

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: spud sound <spudsound@engineer.com>

Submitted at: 13:10, 12/6/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 15-16k output
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: bareknuckle pickups

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: gibson les paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: burstbucker 2
Other pickups on guitar: burstbucker 2 neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock/metal
Reason for pickup change: the bridge pickup in my 2003 les paul sounded very topy and trebly through my Engl amp. i also use a 96 les paul through my set up, this one sounds great. I have been told that the burstbucker 2 pickups are less output than the stok gibson pickup in my 96 les paul. After speaking to tim at bareknuckle about my setup and style of music he suggested the nailbomb

Sound

Perceived output level: high output, i like to use low preamp gain and more poweramp gain, it suits this pickup as it really drives the amp hard
Tone: great allround tone, so much more low end punch than the burstbucker 2, not all mid scooped though, enough middle and treble to cut through nicely
Sonic evaluation: I use an Engl powerball 100w head and engl 4x12 cab

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: the band i play with are similar in style to bands such as godsmack, disturbed , metallica,dry kill logic etc, this is a good pickup, with the right set up for this type of music

Overall Rating

Comments: i have been playing for 18 years, i have various guitars, musicman, ibanez and gibson, i use diffrent guitars for diffrent reasons and use my 2 les pauls with my band. with the burstbucker2 in the bridge of my 2003 les paul it didnt suit my style of music, with the nailbomb in it has become my main guitar (the black 96 les paul will probably have a nailbomb soon! although i have to say the gibson pickup in this one isnt to bad). Tim at bareknuckle was great to deal with, he was interested in my setup and style of music so as to sell me the right pickup for the job, he certainly got it right!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: andy <awhite@lydian.freeserve.co.uk>

Submitted at: 7:38, 12/6/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: bridge humbucker
Impedence or other specs: hot paf
Price Paid: 95Ł
Purchased from: Directly from Tim

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson L.P. Stand.
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Rio Grande BBQ
Other pickups on guitar: Harmonic Design Z-90(hot P-90)
Artists using this pickup: Wait a couple of years,......you'll see!
You musical style(s): Heavy-blues,fat rock ,try to play fusion.
Reason for pickup change: BBQ is a good p.u .but to southern-rock sounding(whitch isn't bad at all).I wanted a heavier screaming leadtone,asked Tim advice,and believe me,that guy knows his products!I like Gambale's leadtone,and come very close now(no way i got his skills)

Sound

Perceived output level: Hot enough,but at the same time very balanced,not to modern sounding.Has a vintage feel,but more output,and middy-oriented.Has that"Alvin Lee I"am goin home tone"
Tone: See above
Sonic evaluation: Lespaul trough many diff.amps(ENGL Powerball, Framus Cobra,peavey 5150 II),always using same selfmade cabinet(2-vint.30 celest.+2-10 inch.weber alnic.)Boss chorus,....that's all.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For what i wanted (fat leadtone), it is a superb p.u.

Overall Rating

Comments: Playing for 15 years in several bands,i allways try to improve myself,in technical skills aswell as in tone.I've heared all the great gods live (Gambale,Petrucci,Satch,Vai,Carlton,Lukather,...),so my ears are very spoiled.Offcourse,all these guys have magic fingers,but it is the first time that i dare to say that my tone is as great as theirs.Believe me,if Tim stays with his philosophy (real handmade with top materials),he's gonna be a serious threat for the two bigones( S.D. Dimarzio)

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Haems Marc <marc.haems@pandora.be>

Submitted at: 1:49, 11/27/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: 16K DC Resistance, Alnico V, Calibrated set
Price Paid: Pounds sterling Ł204
Purchased from: PJ Walker's, Portsmouth - after e-mailing Tim at Bare Knuckle for his recommendations.

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Flying V
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Standard Gibson
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Unknown
You musical style(s): Mostly metal
Reason for pickup change: Standard Gibson humbuckers on the V didn't match the output of some EMGs I've got (Zakk Wylde active set) - just not enough balls to sound like I like 'em, although they weren't bad by a log stretch. Didn't want active 'buckers & already have a good Bareknuckle pickup (Mule) on another guitar. Tim at Bare Knuckle is really helpful & I got the Mule wound & fitted inside a couple of days, so customer service from the Bare Knuckle/PJs combination, the sound I got from the Mule & the cool "custom camo" finish on the Nailbombs sold them to me (hey, I didn't buy them JUST for the colour, alright?).

Sound

Perceived output level: Hotter than the standard Gibson fare on the V, loud as hell when played through a hot valve amp. Chug-tastic.
Tone: Balanced
Sonic evaluation: I have an old Marshall JCM800 running into a 4x12 via a THD Hotplate. Using a Line 6 DM4 for distortion/overdrive, the V is a beast. Nice. I tried the V after the new pickups were fitted (cheers Steve!) in the shop, through a Mesa Boogie Rectoverb 50W combo set on "Modern". Fan-bloody-tastic. Bought the amp as well.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For what I like to play (Ozzy, Metallica, Sabbath, Zakk, etc), these are perfect - the V with the Nailbombs is awesome.

Overall Rating

Comments: I haven't had these all that long - about a week - & haven't fully evaluated their capabilities, but based on the sound I got when I tested them in the shop (loud) they're perfect for my style. I'd definitely buy them again. They don't seem quite as hot as EMGs (active Zakk set) - maybe about the same as Burstbuckers - but I haven't done a real comparison yet as I haven't stopped playing the V long enough. As stated above, hotter than usual V pickups - certainly the ones that were on mine. I was originally looking at Miracle Man 'buckers, but Tim advised that with the JCM800/V combination they might be a bit bright & Nailbombs allowed a bit more versatility. He knows his stuff.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Wal

Submitted at: 12:06, 11/20/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 15.3K bridge 7.5k neck
Price Paid: GB Pounds Ł109
Purchased from: Direct at Music Live Show

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG550
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: Ibanez S1 singlecoil
Artists using this pickup: ???????
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups lacked tone, sensitivity volume and harmonics.

Sound

Perceived output level: Loud and proud bridge, nice and sweet neck that doesn't get muddy when playing lead or low chords.
Tone: Balanced, just the right amount of power throughout the frequency range. Gets a good bass chunck out of the lightweight Ibanez.
Sonic evaluation: Marshall JCM800 and JMP 50w heads, with Keeley 5star modded SD1, split to stereo with a Fulltone Choralflange.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for roack and metal - anyhing that requires great punch and cut without sounding hard or brittle. No ice pick highs or cardboard mids here - just huge meaty articulate tone. It'll do cleaner styles as well - it has an oversize Alnico V magnet that helps tame the highs, so it'll sound OK without the grit in the bridge. The neck sounds similar, nice with cleaner tones, tapped can get a nice mix of strat tones with the middle single. Dirty it sounds fat and juicy - no mud!

Overall Rating

Comments: Got Bareknuckles on all my guitars now - never been dissapointed with service or sound. The workmanship beats everyone else in the market - check out the covers on the Nailbombs - nobody even comes close!

Tim guides you through all of the range to help you get your tone, it really is a unique service - a lot of pickup manufacturers promise the world but don't deliver - not so with a set of Bare Knuckles!!

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: James

Submitted at: 11:47, 9/10/2004

Product Info

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 15.3
Price Paid: british pounds 90
Purchased from: Bare knuckle direct

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG 61 reissue
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio virtual PAF
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio virtual PAF
Artists using this pickup: Karl Morris from Billyclub
You musical style(s): Hardcore Punk
Reason for pickup change: Virtual Paf was a bit bright and i never stop looking for "the" tone

Sound

Perceived output level: this pickup kicks like a mule on PCP, high output with Tone
Tone: Killer bass response with a rich Midrange and fat highs, amazing rock sound due to the wind and the alnico 5 magnets, . there is no glassy highs or cardboard mids jp/u has a powerfull singing voice that crushes when driven,
Sonic evaluation: Marshall JCM800 model 2205, Marshall 100 watt 4x12, Teese RMC 3 AD9 CE2 Fulltone Fatboost and a TU2

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play heavy hard and Fast punk in Billyclub and Psychopunkabilly with the Phantom Rockers this pick up works a treat, the SG sounded good but now it just drips tone,

Overall Rating

Comments: I have tried loads of p/us from the Distortion types through the PAFs and more! I find the high output p/us are glassy with flat cardboard mids and I find the PAFs to be a bit bright and tame when driven, Tim does the scatter wind where as the big names use machines which wind very evenly or symmetrical this with the tension that is applied cause the Mid range spike or the glassy highs, Cardboard mids etc Tim Mills hand winds his p/us in fact he hand makes the whole thing, his attention to details make the difference and my ears can hear the difference and my ears love the sound!I will be putting Bareknuckles in all my guitars both neck and bridge. If you like high output and tone then Bare Knuckle packs the punch the others lack! nuff said

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value

Submitted by: Karl Morris <info@billyclub.co.uk>