Dingus wrote:I put a pair of the GFS ones in my Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom, but they just didn't do it for me. It didn't really sound like the WRHB tones I was familiar with, so I sold the guitar.
There is a guy who reconstructs the current Fender WRHB Pickups (ones you already own) on the Classifieds Section of Telecaster.com, he charges a ton for it. No clue what they sound like though, just wanted to add another option to the mix for anyone interested.
I haven't tried the Lollar WHRB ones, but Jason Lollar makes some of the best pickups I've ever heard. He's a super busy guy, but he frequently answers his own phone. I called and ended up purchasing a P-90 (that is the pickup I believe he most known for), and it sounds amazing. It makes my cheap Epiphone Les Paul Jr. '57 Reissue sound heavenly. Maybe I'll post a demo sometime, but yeah I'd call Jason if you have any questions. He actually wrote the book on Pickup Winding (which was out of print for years and fetching up to $300 on eBay).
EDIT: I just checked the Lollar site and didn't see the WRHB on there. Is it a custom order?
Additionally it's worth mentioning (at least I didn't see it mentioned in this thread) that one of the reason these (original) pickups are so expensive, is that they use non-standard magnets made from CuNiFe (a Copper/Nickel/Iron alloy).
That's Telenator. He's a twat. They love him over at the TDPRI though.
I'm quite happy with the G + B Twangmasters I put in my Jagmaster. I'm pretty sure they're identical to the GFS 'Vintage Splits'... same factory and all. For the price I can't complain, and a massive improvement over the stock.
I just read that entire telenator thread again cause I never caught the end. I also read the offset thread where he threatens Novak and Lollar with "legal" rights.
I hate this sort of stuff, it's the worse of the internet. When some opportunist and let's face it that's all it is, seems to believe he owns something that he didn't invent. Especially when for so long he was using the freedom of information the internet provides to get so much info from people.
I just read the whole thing too, but didn't venture off to other boards. Holy fucknuggets what a disgusting show of what's wrong with people. Way to stand up for fairness, SS.
ekwatts wrote:That's American cinema, that is. Fucking sparkles.
hotrodperlmutter wrote:if you're wrong, or can't prove you're right, shortscale will let you know right quick of your misspeak/misstep. it's for teh good.
Telenator really, really didn't help himself at all, did he?
oh no no no, i am in no way defending that retard. i'm merely highlighting the fact that he was assuming everyone would be as braindead as the tdpri guys. not asking questions, a/b demo's, dude couldn't even provide fucking sound clips?
you have to be lifeless to fork over that kinda dough with no proof of punch. shortscale is like the chris hansen of the guitar world.
You could do it the same way fender does
the top being an original WRHB, the bottom being the RI. Just a regular sized Humbucker with wax soaked fiber wrap are used to bulk the coil out to the cover.
I only ask because everybody ask because everybody wants to nail the original sound of that pickup but nobody wants to make them exactly how they were made, including fender.
Option 1
Reply to the scepticism with some clear A/B comparisons to vintage pickups. Put the doubts to rest and justify the price. You don't have to justify it of course, after all you're selling the ones you've made at vintage original prices so things aren't too bad. And you don't consider yourself a business so there's no need to please the customer base here. Still if you're going to post about them on the internet and register here to discuss them then it seems worthwhile defending your product (business or not if you're making something to sell it's your product) and backing up your claims.
Option 2
Reply with a blank message to say 'I'm reading this' but don't bother with any info. The devil may be in the detail, but the mojo arrows certainly aren't.
from what i read, they sound more like just plain ol' paf's. i'll be putting one in the neck of my vista jagmaster as soon as i can get a pickguard, but i'm thinkin MikeG (?) put a set in his and loev's em.
There is a demo on their (c1992 compuserve design) website of one of their mods vs Reissue pickups. http://www.telenator.com/
They have the demo of this thing, the MOD1
Twist-rite Mod 1 - $135 (you provide donor pickup)
Get out of the mud! This mod adds sparkle and life to your Re-issue Wide Range Humbuckers! Check out our Sound Clips!
Our alnico II threaded magnets take the place of the steel screws in this pickup. We remove the bar magnet from under the stock coils since it's no longer needed and re-assemble it into a great sounding pickup.
These even more expensive options have no sound clips
Mod 2 - $250 (you provided donor pickup)
Sound Clips Coming Soon!
The mod that started it all!
Authentic vintage tone and appearance. Sparkling clarity and tight punchy lows are the hallmark of the original vintage Wide Range Humbucker. Those traits are faithfully reproduced in this modified version of the famous original.
This is a total reconstruction of a Re-issue Wide Range Humbucker with Non-threaded, stationary alnico V rod magnets.
Twist-rite Mod 3 - $350 (you provide donor pickup)
Sound Clips Coming Soon!
This is as close to the REAL DEAL as you'll get!
It looks the same as the vintage original. It sounds the same, and the threaded magnet pole pieces even adjust the same.
Here is a total reconstruction of the Wide Range Humbucking Pickup using our own custom made bobbins and threaded alnico V magnet pole pieces. The coils are hand wound to original spec and the sound is pure vintage!
Finally, an effective retro-fit that faithfully reproduces the tone and function of the vintage original! Like the original, this mod sounds best with 1 meg pots.
So there is nothing to back up these outlandish claims. Also in the clips that do exist I actually prefer the original RI pickup - their version has a really poor bass response in comparison.
Cool, I'm not a hound for the original tone or anything. I'm really after something that falls between a single coil and a humbucker, and not a P90. Twang ist gut.
And wishing no ill to young Euan, I'd add that GFS do much finer pickups than the Widerangers - have a look at some of the Retrotron humbuckers instead, the Gretch style ones. Had a Nashville in the (now) Rhysrhyscaster and that was great.
I've been meaning to buy a set of Memphis Retrotrons for my 12 string for ages but looking to bulk up the order. I even bought this for the purpose of WRHBs but it turned out to be a bag of shite...
