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Last Updated: 12/23/2009

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August 30, 2009 - Sunday

BKP FAQ BLOG

Bare Knuckle Pickups FAQs

If there's anything you'd like to know about Bare Knuckle or pickups in general email tech@bareknucklepickups.co.uk and we'll endeavour to add it to the FAQs as well as give a personal reply.

What is four conductor wiring?
What is the Bare Knuckle Four conductor colour code?
Can braided two conductor wire be changed to four conductor?
Can covers be added or removed from a humbucker?
How long is the warranty and is it transferable?
What is DC resistance?
What is resonant peak?
What is a pickup's impedence?
What does RW/RP mean?
What is polarity?
What is wax potting?
What is scatterwinding?
Are all scatterwound pickups unique?
Why do scatterwound pickups sound different to machine wound ones?
What is the difference between a humbucker and a single coil pickup?
Can Bare Knuckle Pickups be mixed with other manufacturer's pickups?
Are Bare Knuckle Pickups F spaced?
Is there an optimum height for best pickup performance?
How easy is it to install a pickup?
Does it matter which way round a pickup is fitted?
What is the correct value pot to use?

What is four conductor wiring? Individual termination of the start and finish leads from each coil of a humbucking pickup to a cable with four separate conductors plus a shield. This allows extremely versatile switching arrangments such as series/parallel, coil split, in/out of phase and so on.

What is the Bare Knuckle Four conductor colour code?
Black =start of screw coil
White = finish of screw coil
Red = start of slug coil
Green = finish of slug coil

For standard series operation solder the red to the pot tag, the black to ground(usually the back of the pot casing) and solder the green and white together.

Can braided two conductor wire be changed to four conductor? Yes, if you decided after buying a Bare Knuckle humbucker that you'd prefer four conductor wiring, we can change it over for a small charge subject to return of the pickup by registered mail. If you purchased your pickup through a Bare Knuckle Maindealer then make your return through them.

Can covers be added or removed from a humbucker? We remove covers free of charge as part of our commitment to customer service so that your warranty isn't invalidated as long as the pickup is returned to us by registered mail. A cover can be added to any Bare Knuckle humbucker and we only charge the cost of the covers, fitting is free.

How long is the warranty and is it transferable? The warranty is for life to the original purchaser subject to returning the registration form. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover damage through misuse or improper handling, normal wear to covers, installation charges or any form of modification or repair undertaken by anyone other than Bare Knuckle Pickups Ltd.

What is DC resistance? It is the resistance to the flow of Direct Current. In practice it is used as a very general indicator of a pickups power with a higher DC reading yielding more power and a darker sound. However the gauge of the wire also has enormous bearing on the sound and different wire with similar DC readings will not have the same power or sound. As always, let your hands and ears be the judge.

What is resonant peak? This is the frequency that the impedance of a pickup is at its highest. A higher resonant peak usually indicates a brighter, more open sound within a certain type of pickup, i.e. humbuckers or single coils.

What is a pickup's impedence? A measure of the resistance to the flow of AC(guitar signal!).

What does RW/RP mean? Reverse wind/reverse polarity is used with reference to a common modification to the middle pickup on a Strat. With a 5 way selector a RW/RP middle pickup will act as a humbucker when combined with the bridge and neck pickups in positions 2 and 4. The magnetic polarity and the wind direction of the pickup is the opposite to the other coils on the guitar. This enables a stock coil and RW/RP coil to be wired together in series allowing hum cancelling operation. This modification is common to Strat®, Tele®, P90 and P&J Bass coils. In fact, anywhere that hum cancelling is required from 2 or more single coils.

What is polarity? This is the relationship of positive and negative electrical current or magnetic poles to each other.

What is wax potting? When a coil has been wound it is immersed in a mixture of paraffin and bees wax to solidify the coils and help guard against microphonic feedback.

What is scatterwinding? Scatterwinding is the process of guiding fine copper wire by hand in a random or scattered pattern around a bobbin that is spun by a machine. True scatterwinding can only be done by hand and requires a degree of skill to get the required tension along with consistent results.

Are all scatterwound pickups unique? To a certain extent each pickup will be unique and have it's own character but within the boundaries of its specification. For instance no two Riff Raff humbuckers will be identical but they'll all have the same number of winds, the same wire, the same magnet and therefore similar overall sound characteristics and performance.

Why do scatterwound pickups sound different to machine wound ones? Scatterwinding by hand can be time consuming but it has many advantages over conventional machine winding, not least a far superior sound. When a coil is scatterwound, the wire isn't as close or even, layer on layer, as with a machine and this lowers the distributed capacitance that exists between the turns of the wire. Lower capacitance allows more top end through, the resonant peak increases slightly and the pickup has a flatter frequency response across its range. The result is a clearer, more open sound that has the impression of being louder purely by the amount of extra detail and dynamics present.

What is the difference between a humbucker and a single coil pickup? A humbucker consists of two coils usually wound in the same direction however the electrical path to ground travels in opposing directions in each coil and the magnetic polarity is reversed. The humbucker is designed to cancel out 60-cycle hum and has a fatter, richer sound to that of the taller, narrower single coil that can be prone to 50/60 cycle hum.

Can Bare Knuckle Pickups be mixed with other manufacturer's pickups? Yes, our pickups are suitable to be used alongside the majority of other manufacturer's pickups although it is always wise to check the polarity and wind direction, especially in the case of single coils, as occasionally the polarity or wind direction may be different. It is always best to get a coil wound correctly and the right magnetic polarity from the outset so if you are in any doubt please contact us and we'll make sure you get sorted out whatever it takes.

Are Bare Knuckle Pickups F spaced? All Bare Knuckle humbuckers are available in 50mm (Gibson) and 52mm (Fender) spacing. Single coils are 52mm spaced as standard. Pole spacing relates to the distance from the centre of the first pole screw to the centre of the sixth.

Is there an optimum height for best pickup performance? Adjusting the height of a pickup is essential to obtain the best sound and volume balance with other pickups on the guitar. More volume and power are present closer to the strings while the pickup will sound clearer further away but have less output. Start by adjusting the bridge pickup close to the strings whilst baring across the strings at the highest fret of the guitar. Adjust the pickup away from the strings until no overtones or false harmonics are heard and the best balance of power and clarity is achieved. Once the bridge pickup is adjusted for maximum performance the other pickups on the guitar can be adjusted by ear to gain optimum volume balance.

How easy is it to install a pickup? If you follow our wiring schematics, pickup installation is quite straight forward as long as you work carefully and methodically. Always use a soldering iron of at least 25 watts and make sure it is at full temperature before starting. Check all surfaces that require soldering are clean and free of grease before separately tinning all wires and surfaces to be connected with hot solder. If you have any doubts or have never installed a pickup, get a reputable guitar technician to do the job for you. As always contact us and we'll help as much as we can.

Does it matter which way round a pickup is fitted? Bare Knuckle humbucker designs feature both symmetrical and asymmetrical coils. Traditionally the screw coil goes nearest the bridge and nearest the bridge, but feel free to experiment for optimum tone.

What is the correct value pot to use? The volume pot is typically 250K or 500K, the higher the value the brighter the sound. Historically Gibson has always used 500K pots and Fender 250K pots but it pays to experiment.

12:00 PM

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August 21, 2009 - Friday

BKP USERS BLOG, SEND YOUR COMMENTS !

This is the BareKnuckle Pickups users blog...Send in your comments, talk about your gear, we want to hear from you..... the BKP users !

4:43 PM

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December 24, 2008 - Wednesday

BKP ARTIST USERS LIST

A

- Adrian Legg
- Arrowhead Guitars
- Alain Aventini Guitars
- Ardwell Guitars
- Ben Asaro (Twilight Odyssey)
- Stuart Anstis (Cradle of Filth, Bastard Son)
- Lillard Anthony (Putnam Hall)

B

- Richard Barrett (Tony Hadley)
- B & L Custom Guitars
- Charlie Burchill (Simple Minds)
- BJ & Byrne Guitars
- Bailey Guitars
- Bebop
- Stuart Bull (Total Accuracy)
- Bass Surgery
- Vinnie Burns (Ten, Dare, Asia)
- Nick Bowcott (Marshall USA, Grim Reaper)
- Gwyn Ashton (Gwyn Ashton, Band of Friends)
- Mark Briody (Jag Panzer)
- Matt Belamey (Muse)
- Bill Puplett Guitars
- Bravewood Guitars

C

- Charlie Chandler
- The Courteeners
- Mike Cahen (Benjamin Zephaniah, RogMikEnzo, Elkie Brooks)
- Pete Callard(joint head of guitar ACM, GT columnist, Spongle)
- Alex Cane (Anti Product)
- Andy Cairns (Therapy)
- Crimson Guitar Company
- Pedro Caparros (Breed 77)
- Case Guitars
- Chris George
- Chrisophe Jegou Guitars
- Phil Campbell (Motorhead)
- Joe Carrere (Malodorous)
- Mark Chapman (A)

D

- The Datsuns
- Devils Guitars - John Dailey (Nocomply)
- DNG Guitars
- DBD Guitars
- De Gier Guitars and Basses

E

- Elliot Minor (Ed Minton)
- Ethos Guitars

F

- Feline Guitars
- Fretking Guitars
- Mike Fletcher (Needleye)
- Richard Fortus (Guns'n'Roses)
- Fender Musical Instruments Europe
- Tomo Fujita
- Fuge
- Roy Fulton
- Framus Guitars

G

- Griffin UK Ltd
- Garric Guitars
- Danny Gill (Total Accuracy, Speak No Evil)
- Chris George (Marshall demonstrator, Waysted)
- The Guitar Cellar
- Marshall Gill (New Model Army)
- Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy)
- Guyton Guitars
- Marky Gumbrecht(Full Blown Chaos
- Godsized
- Paul Guerin (Quireboy's)

H

- Hayden Hewitt (Vox Demonstrator)
- Phil Hilborne (Phil Hilborne Band, Nicko McBrain, Guitar Techniques contributing editor, Marshall demonstrator)
- Dave Holmes (Vanessa Mae)
- Hurricane Party
- Steve Honest (Kathryn Williams, Uriah Heep, Billie Ray Martin, Culture Club)
- Dan Hawkins (The Darkness)
- Hailwood Guitars
- Harrison Custom Guitars
- Hybrid Guitars
- Bobby Harrison (Australian Pink Floyd)
- Ben Harper

I

- Roger Inniss (Steve Gibbons, Ruby Turner, Chaka Khan)
- Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Paul Weller)

J

- James Guitars
- John Procter Guitars
- JJ Guitars
- Mick Jones (Foreigner)

K

- Lenny Kravitz
- Ben King (The Yardbirds)
- Kim Webber Guitars
- Joe Kataldo
- Kool & Elfring

L

- Andy Lindsay (Deadline)
- Librium Guitars
- Rod Liechti (The Michael O'Neal Band)
- James Litherland (Colosseum, John Baldry, Leo Sayer, Alexis Korner, Steve Marriot)
- Legra Guitars
- Flemming C. Lund (Arcane Order)
- Howard Leese (Heart, Paul Rogers)
- Lodestone Guitars
- Lothson Guitars
- Doo Heon Lee(Five Fingers)
- Aynsley Lister
- Tom longworth (Natalie Imbruglia)

M

- Hayden Minett (Guitar instructor at Leeds University of Music, Matamp demonstrator)
- Phil Mulford (Paul Young, Steve Hackett, Lewis Taylor, Leo Sayer, Donna Summer)
- Tim Mills (Shea, Elkie Brooks, Ozzmosis, Iced Earth)
- Norm Maxwell (Fireland)
- Marshall Amplification
- Martin Dixon Guitars
- Mansons Guitars
- Morgan Custom Guitars
- Martyn Booth Guitars
- Johnny Marr (The Smiths)
- McFly
- Rob McVey (Longview)
- Gary Moore
- ME Carbon Fibre Guitars
- Misha Mansoor (Perihery)
- Paul Masdival (Cynic)
- Brian Molko (Placebo)
- Chris Mahoney
- Misha Mansoor Periphery
- Nico Mirande (session player, The One)

N

- Nathan Shepherd Guitars
- Northlane
- Norman Reed Guitars
- Hilko Nakaerts Guitars

O

- Overwater Guitars
- Organic Guitars
- Graham Olivier (Saxon)

P

- Patrick Eggle Guitars
- Ian Pellman (Happy Life)
- Pin (Sikth)
- Luke Potashnick (Rooster)
- Jay Parmar (solo artist)
- Lucky Peterson (solo artist)
- Popa Chubby (solo artist)
- Putnam Hall (Lillard Anthony)
- Patrick Alexander Guitars
- Pin (Sikth)
- Puntke Guitars

Q

-Paul Anthony Quinn (Saxon)

R

- Rockford Guitars
- R2/e Guitars
- Revolution Guitars
- Roberts Guitars
- R J Aylward Guitars
- Dean Roberts (Freefaller, MY IQ)
- Roadrunner Guitars
- Cyndi Rott (Spit Like This)
- Will Rees (Irritant)

S

- Scorpion Guitars
- Tony Smith (Roy Ayers)
- Tim Slater (Sarah Jory, Guitar Buyer, general hardman!)
- Marc Stone (Nine Days To Noone)
- Steve Schiff (Nina Hagen)
- Mick Simpson (Tokai guitars demonstrator, solo artist)
- Simon Lee Guitars
- Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Vince Neil, Michael Jackson)
- Erik Sprooten (Ancient Rites)
- Claude Samard Jean Michel Jarre
- Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow)
- Shuker Bass
- Scale Model Guitars
- John Sykes
- Mike Sullivan (Russian Circles)
- Mike Spreitzer (Devil Driver)
- Jeff Stinco (Simple Plan)

T

- Tipton Amplifiers
- Tao Guitars

U

UK Subs

V

- Martin Vowles (Wildcards)
- Vanquish Guitars
- Vintmann Guitars

W

- Geoff Whitehorn (Backstreet Crawler, Bad Company, Paul Rodgers, Procol Harum)
- Wyre River Guitars
- Wevs (Imperial Vipers)
- Will Scott Guitars
- Wunjo Guitars
- Will Scott Guitars
- Wunjo Guitars
- Matt Weed (Rosetta)
- WWR Custom Guitars

2:21 PM

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October 10, 2008 - Friday

BARE KNUCKLE PICK UPS EN FRANCAIS !

                Une gamme de Humbuckers, simple bobinages
Strat, Tele, P90 et basse: P et JP et Tele.
Le but de Bare knuckle est de fournir des micros de guitare de la meilleure qualité possible. Tous les micros sont assemblés à la main.
Le bobinage : Chaque micro est bobinée à la volée ' scatterwinding ', en procédant ainsi le fil émaillé est dispersé, contrairement à un bobinage à la machine et la résistance éléctrique entre les fils est abaissé..résultat : plus d'aigus et une réponse plus équilibré dans toutes les fréquences avec plus de détail, de dynamique et un son plus ouvert.
Bain de cire/parrafine : Afin d'éliminer le feedback microphonique les bobines sont trempés dans un mélange de cire/parrafine. Les micros avec capots subissent deux bains .
Composants : Tous les composants utilisés sont de la meilleure qualité disponible. Les entretoises sont en érable de plus de 100 ans découpés dans nos ateliers. Nous magnétisons nous meme les aimants Alnico II , V et les aimants céramiques. Les plaques de fixation et les écrous sont en nickel/argent pour éviter des pertes dans les aigus. Les plaques de fixation des micros Strat et Tele sont forbon avec des plaques de mise à terre en nickel/argent ou en laiton. Les écrous de micros P-90 sont en nickel avec des plaques de fixation en nickel/argent ou en laiton.
Les micros Bare knuckle sont garantis à vie à l'acheteur original et livrés avec un jeu de cordes et un médiator.
Les amplis Marshall sont calibrés avec des instruments équipés Bareknuckles
Bareknuckle Pickups assure le SAV de Fender UK.

Il est également possible de faire rembobiner vos micros par Bare Knuckle Pickups (Comme Gary Moore : sa Strat rouge ou Noel Gallagher : micro PAF)

HUMBUCKERS

Stormy Monday-
Le grain classique du PAF vintage, équilibré, chaud et doux. De beaux sons clairs avec juste ce qu'il faut de puissance pour pousser l'étage du pré-ampli.
D.C : 7.2K, aimant Alnico III ou IV.

PG BLUES
Micro bridge avec bobinage avec du fil émaillé AWG 42, fil émaillé Formvar lourd sur le micro neck et position sélecteur du milieu pour avoir le son légendaire hors phase de Peter Green, Aimants non polis Alnico II. Plaques de base en nickel argent vintage correct. D.C:7.4 et 7.8

RIFF RAFF-
Idéal pour retrouver le son des S.G vintage.

The MULE-
Le PAF original vintage 'chaud', avec des aigus moelleux et les basses et médiums accrues. Un coup de pied pour pousser un ampli en overdrive sans perdre le son d'origine de votre guitare. Le son Les Paul ultime. D.C 8.8K, aimant Alnico II ou IV.
Idéal pour LesPaul.
5 étoiles prix d'or dans Total Guitar

VINTAGE HOT

VHII
Pour le 'Brown Sound', un PAF gonflé qui respecte toutes les nuances du jeu du guitariste. Aimants Alnico V, DC: 9.2K

BLACK DOG
Présence dans les médiums avec une articulation dans les aigus accrue, même dans une situation de très haut gain. D.C 9.5 K, aimant Alnico V.

EMERALD
Basé sur les Humbuckers 'chauds' Gibson de la fin des années '70, avec puissance et basses accrues. Chauds, bien définis avec beaucoup de puissance. La combinaison de tours de fil d'un calibrage fin et d'un aimant crée un caractère agressif avec des harmoniques sifflantes. D.C 11.95 K, aimant Alnico V.

ABRAXAS-
Fil émaillé d'origine avec un aimant Alnico IV. Un son vintage avec de la puissance à revendre! Aimants : Alnico IV

CONTEMPORARY

COLD SWEAT
Conçu pour le guitariste de rock qui désire mélanger une attitude vintage avec un mordant rock actuel. Du fil vintage avec des aimants céramiques sur mesure.
Aimants céramiques DC 14K

PAINKILLER
Réponse tendu et serré dans les basses, des aigus hurlantes avec du punch dans les médiums pour assurer de la clarté avec des 'drop tuning'.
Aimant céramique custom DC: 15.6K

HOLYDIVER
Haute puissance de sortie pour des rythmiques massives et des solos hurlantes. Basses grasses, médiums agressifs et des aigus remplis d'harmoniques.
D.C 15.4 K, aimant Alnico V.

The NAILBOMB
'La bombe à fragmentation' des Humbuckers livré avec un capot dé-stréssé custom!
Aimants Alnico V, D.C :16K
* 5 Etoiles dans le magazine Total Guitar

MIRACLE MAN
Un humbucker à haut gain avec beaucoup de puissance et des basses serrées pour les riffs métal. Des aigus clairs avec des harmoniques médiums qui surgissent.
La puissance d'un micro actif avec le grain d'un micro passif.

D.C 17.5K, aimant céramique.

WARPIG
Haut niveau de sortie avec des médiums tranchants. Clair, articulé et gras, il n'étouffe pas l'étage du pré-ampli.
D.C 22.5 K, aimant Alnico V.
*5 Etoiles dans le magazine Total Guitar

SIGNATURE SERIES HUMBUCKERS

CRAWLER
Conçu par Geoff Whitehorn pour être à l'aise dans des guitares en aulne, frêne ou acajou. Le fruit de 30 ans d'expérience avec Back Street Crawler, The Who, Eric Clapton, Paul Rodgers et bien d'autres......D.C 15 K, Aimants Alnico V

REBELL YELL
Le humbucker signature de Steve Stevens, artiste solo, Billy Idol, Michael Jackson et Queen ! Aimant Alnico V ; D.C 14.45, 8.3

STRAT SETS

VINTAGE

APACHE
Spécifications 1954 d'origine, aimants Alnico III et fil Formvar lourd. Equilibrés avec basses amples, médiums claquants et aigus précis. Un set Strat vintage avec suffisamment de puissance pour pousser l'étage du pré-ampli. DC: 6.7, 6.6. 5 étoiles Or dans Total Guitar

The SULTANS
Le même bobinage que les Apaches mais avec le fil émaillé différent qui à été introduit au début des années '60. Une réponse dans les médiums accrue, avec des aigus plus moelleux et des basses plus chaudes. Un son articulé et sans âpreté.
D.C 6.4/5.75/5.75 K, aimants Alnico II.

MOTHERS MILK
Un set vintage Strat 'chaud'. Une puissance accrue avec les aigus et basses plus brillantes grâce aux aimants Alnico 5.D.C 6.8/6/6 K, aimants Alnico IV ou V.* Utilisé par Marshall pour calibrer les amplis.

VINTAGE HOT

IRISH TOUR
Même fil et aimants que Mothers Milk mais avec plus de bobinage. Basses amples et plus de médiums, un son clair et articulé. D.C: 7.5/6.4/6.4 K, aimants Alnico IV ou V.

SLOW HAND
Même bobinage que l’Irish Tour mais avec un fil différent pour faire ressortir les médiums. Un son Strat Anglais. Un son plein et puissant avec des médiums plus sombres. DC 7.75/6.55/6.55 K, aimants Alnico V

CONTEMPORARY

TRILOGY
Le grain ultime de micro Strat à haut gain. Des basses très serrés, des médiums graveleux et des aigus clairs. Ils retiennent le mordant Strat en dépit de leur puissance et s'éclaircissent en beauté lorsqu'on baisse le volume. D.C : 15.65/11.2/11.2 K, aimants Alnico V
Micro central avec polarité inversé/bobinage inversé en standard

SINNER
Un vrai simple bobinage à trés haut gain pour position bridge D.C 21K, aimant Alnico V profil plat

SETS TELE

VINTAGE

BLACKGUARD FLAT SET 50
Plots profil plat, plaque de base plaqué zinc, le son des Esquire, Nocasters et Broadcasters, D.C neck:5.1K.D.C bridge: 7.3K, aimants Alnico V

BLACKGUARD STAGGER SET 55-
Plaque de base zinc plaqué cuivre pour plus d'aigus, plots profilés, le grain des premières Teles, D.C neck:5.1K. D.C bridge:6.8K

COUNTRY BOY
Son vintage années '50, clairs, brillants avec du punch. Les micros Alnico 3 respectent le son d'origine du bois de la guitare mais avec assez de puissance pour pousser l'ampli. D.C : 6.4 K, aimants Alnico III.

YARDBIRD
Pour un son blues rock des maîtres Anglais.
Aimants spéciaux Alnico IV taillés à la main.
Chevalet: D.C 7.2 manche:D.C 6.9

VINTAGE HOT

BROWN SUGAR
Des tours supplémentaires d'un fil plus léger soulignent les médiums pour un son Anglais. Beaucoup de puissance pour pousser l'ampli sans que le son ne devienne compressé ou s'assombrit. D.C : 7.5 K aimants Alnico V.

The BOSS
Aimants Alnico V.
Chevalet: D.C 8.2 manche, D.C :7

PILEDRIVER
Très puissants et graveleux pour les rythmiques. Grosses basses mais avec une bonne articulation à travers toutes les fréquences. En abaissant le volume on se retrouve en territoire Tele vintage
Chevalet: D.C=14.3 Manche D.C=9.5k

BKP-90
Disponibles avec aimants Alnico III comme dans les originaux pour un grain vintage superlatif ou Alnico II pour des médiums accrus, Alnico IV très équilibré ou Alnico V pour plus de puissance de sortie. Bobinés avec du fil émaillé 42. D.C 7.5-9.5K, aimants Alnico II, III, IV ou V.
Choix de capots noirs ou crème.
Les sets sont fournis avec bobinage inversé-polarité inversé en standard.

MISSISSIPPI QUEEN
Un vrai P-90 format humbucker

The MANHATTAN
La soeur jazz du Mississipi Queen avec un capot custom, aimant Alnico III

FRANCE

MAIN DEALERS:

CUSTOM SHOP
Tel: 01 45 26 58 04
14 Rue de Douai,
PARIS
75009
E-Mail : info@customshop.fr

MUSIC DRUGSTORE
Tel: 05 62 30 08 75
33 Rue Peyrolieres
TOULOUSE
31000
E-mail: musicdrugstore@free.fr

L’Equipe MICHENAUD & Co
Tel : 02 40 35 30 42
18, Allée Baco -
NANTES
44000
http://www.michenaud.com

GUITARE VILLAGE
Tel : 01 39 91 16 63
161 Avenue Jean Rostand
DOMONT
95330
guitare-village@guitare-village.com

STEEL MUSIC
Tel: 04 94 21 18 46 - 04 94 62 50 73
ZI Toulon est
Le Panorama
151 Ave Alphonse Lavallée
LA GARDE
83130
www.steelmusic.fr

LUTHERIE GUITARES AVENTINI
Tel: 0491314290
30 rue de l'évêché
MARSEILLE 13002
E-Mail : alainaventini@free.fr

BARBE MUSIQUE
87 bis, Ave de Toulouse
31270
CUGNAUX
Tel : 0561922979
Email : barbemusique@free.fr

DEALERS

EUROPA MUSIQUE
Tel : 03 87 74 46 46
44 en fournirue
METZ
57000
info@europamusique.com

L'ESPACE MUSICAL
Tel : 02 31 92 96 69
4 Rue Marechal Foch
BAYEUX
14400
lespace.musical@cegetel.net

LUTHIERS

EDEN LUTHERIE
Didier Duboscq
Tel : 01 48 94 29 20
7 Avenue de la République
VILLEMONBLE
93250
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/wood-and-strings/

DNG
Nicolas Petitbon
Tel : 01 43 46 56 42
Site : dngguitares.com
71 Rue de Wattignies
PARIS 75012
E-Mail : dng@free.fr

CHRISTOPHE JEGOU
Tel : 02 54 89 80 15
La Mare, Chemin de César
LA FONTANELLE
41270
Site : guitares.jegou@free.fr/web

DEVILS GUITARS
Eric Boucher c/o Custom Shop, Paris

SYLVAIN BALLESTRIERI
1 Chemin de la Blanchisserie
GRENOBLE
Tel : 04 76 03 29 50
Email : Sylv1bal@yahoo.fr

XAVIER PETIT
135 Rue de la Marne
Champigny Les Langres 52200
Tel : 03 25 88 06 63
Xavier.petitguitare@free.fr http://www.xavierpetit.com

RICHARD BAUDRY
7 Rue d'Armentières
FRELINGHIEN 59236
Tel : 03 20 07 46 00
www.richardbaudry.com
richardbaudry@orange.fr

ROADRUNNER GUITARS
Laurent Hassoun
30 Rue des Eglises
NANCY 54000
Tel: 03 83 35 6403

E-Mail : info@roadrunner-guitars.com

6:10 PM

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October 9, 2008 - Thursday

MAGNET INFO

"Magnets do add to the character of a pickup although it must be understood that a magnet doesn't have a sound on it's own, it contributes by the way it accentuates certain frequencies as current is induced in the coil windings.
Alnico II is the softest and generally has a smooth bass and treble although this is more pronounced the hotter the windings get.
Alnico III is very transparent, low output and clean, sounds great for rounded fat jazz applications-typical of '50s tone.
Alnico IV is probably the best vintage tone IMHO(for humbuckers) and along with II and III was used in the earliest PAFs-this is a fact and not myth as we've had them analysed and a colleague of mine has also seen original Gibson purchase orders that clearly state AIV bar stock being purchased. The tone of AIV is balanced and extremely organic, it produces the most authentic vintage tone and sits better in slightly hotter vintage winds than AII which tends to get very soft in the bass and highs if used incorrectly.
Finally Alnico V is the hottest producing more highs and lows, great for rock applications or where power and cut are important.
Different companies use different grades for personal reasons, we use all of the applicable Alnico grades to suit the correct design, both to be historically correct but more importantly to have the best sound.
Changing magnets in a humbucker can give dramatic results, you soon find the ones that really don't sit right and others that are head and shoulders better. Obviously you can't swap out single coil magnets as they're integral to the coil form.
I've personally spent alot of time voicing all the BKP range with the correct magnets but I do tweak and swap sometimes on consultation with a customer with a specific requirement."

We use ceramic 8 as do most pickup makers-it is more powerful and essentially more efficient so the resulting tone usually has a very fast tracking bass response with a distinct cut in the highs. Some players find them cold/hard when run clean and they can cause alot of compression from their relatively hot output-again, depending on how you use them, they are capable of good clean tones too but the general consensus is that Alnicos are sweeter run clean.

Tim.

8:38 AM

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December 1, 2007 - Saturday

BARE KNUCKLE PICKUPS THE RANGE

HUMBUCKERS

Vintage

STORMY MONDAY

Renowned vintage sound, warm, rich and sweet with outstanding clarity and harmonic detail.
Original plain enamel wire, Alnico II or IV magnet, nickel silver baseplate and cover, supplied with braided two conductor wiring and double wax potted to prevent microphonic feedback

PG BLUES

The PG Blues humbucker set features Alnico II unpolished magnets, scatterwound bridge coils of 42AWG plain enamel wire and uniquely wound Heavy Formvar neck coils for the legendary out of phase mid position. Vintage correct solid nickel silver baseplates and covers along with totally unpotted coils all add to the vowel like vocal delivery, bright yet sweet highs and trademark in between tone.Neck D.C:7.4K, Bridge D.C 7.8 K

The MULE

Built to the same specifications as the original PAF humbucker, The Mule is totally unyielding in its approach to definitive tone and construction. The coils are scatterwound by hand and offset with a differing number of turns of vintage correct 42 AWG plain enamel wire resulting in outstanding clarity and extended dynamic range. Coupled with an unpolished Alnico IV magnet the tone is seriously organic with detailed bass, fat mids, great bite and more than enough power for most applications. The solid nickel silver baseplate and cover are exact replications of the original along with the butyrate bobbins, nickel plated slugs and Fillister no.5 pole screws, maple spacers and authentic braided hook up wire all made by hand for a lifetime of use

RIFF RAFF

Old school mentality with an edge. Punchy, bright and clear with just the right level of authority to make itself heard. The Riff Raff humbucker's open coils are scatterwound one at a time by hand to retain its unique character and presence. Flawlessly hand-crafted with plain enamel wire, Alnico V magnet, solid nickel baseplate, original braided two conductor wiring and wax potted to prevent microphonic feedback.

Vintage Hot

VHII

The definition of vintage hot! The ultimate in brown sound for huge, clean, overdriven tones. When it comes to massive and dynamic sound, the VHII humbucker wins hands down. Asymmetrically scatterwound coils of 42 gauge vintage plain enamel wire and unpolished, vintage cut Alnico V magnet ensure plenty of hot PAF chunk along with clear and articulate highs. Fitted with 4 conductor wire as standard for series or parallel switching and wax potted to eliminate microphonics. Individually handmade for individual players- the VHII has originality and tone on tap just waiting to erupt.

BLACK DOG

Muscular bite. Full bodied and strong with classic mid range detail. The Black Dog humbucker's open coils are scatterwound entirely by hand imparting a unique and versatile personality. Extra turns of wire together with an Alnico V magnet ensure just the right balance of power and clarity. Solid nickel baseplate, four conductor wiring as standard for series or parallel switching and wax potted to prevent microphonic feedback. There are no compromises with Black Dog, only the best sound and performance imaginable

EMERALD

Street-wise savvy, powerful, warm bottom end, rich harmonics and sustain. The Emerald humbucker has individually scatterwound open coils, Alnico V magnet, solid nickel baseplate and four conductor wiring as standard for series or parallel switching. The combination of additional turns of finer gauge wire and a powerful magnet create an aggressive character with exemplary balance and dynamics

ABRAXAS

The Abraxas humbucker features scatterwound coils of original plain enamel wire and an unpolished vintage cut Alnico IV magnet for a spirited and inspired performance. The sound is pure vintage, hot and bright with an organic, yet balanced mid range and extra power. From glorious clean to rich overdriven tones, dynamics and clarity are never compromised even when driven hard !

Contemporary

HOLYDIVER

A celebration of the original '80s customised humbuckers. Muscular yet progressive tone with contemporary power and edge. The Holydiver humbucker uses an Alnico V magnet for defined, powerful attack and classic hot rock tone. Individually scatterwound coils produce a fat midrange capable of grinding overdrive whilst retaining transparent highs and a punchy clean tone, ideal for both technically and tonally demanding players.

COLD SWEAT

The Cold Sweat humbucker is designed for the rock guitarist seeking evolved vintage attitude with a completely modern edge. Coils of vintage correct plain enamel wire are scatterwound by hand and powered by a custom sized ceramic magnet. The tone is enormous with a detailed intensity and incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. Double wax potted to prevent microphony, backed up with a full lifetime guarantee, nothing is left to chance when it comes to scorching humbucker tone. Rediscover you roots and see how hot vintage tone can really get!

MIRACLE MAN

Straight talking attitude, colossal power and trademark harmonics. The Miracle Man features individually scatterwound exposed coils and a powerful ceramic magnet for maximum drive and clarity. Tight bass, smooth mid range response and an articulate top end prove that power need not be a substitute for tremendous sound quality.

NAILBOMB

Chaos in a pickup. No nonsense attitude for huge, aggressive and harmonically rich assault. The Nailbomb humbucker was created for the player demanding a powerful pickup with exceptional organic tone and versatility. Scatterwound by hand with 43 gauge plain enamel and using a vintage cut, unpolished Alnico V magnet for balanced bass, punchy mids and excellent top end articulation

WARPIG

A true beast and heavy as hell itself. Monstrous bass response coupled with mid range grind and bite. The Warpig humbucker is clad in a hand distressed nickel silver cover with double screw coils and Alnico V magnet. Each coil is scatterwound by hand to create a brutal sound whilst the twin rows of Allen bolts retain clarity through the top end and masses of power. Double wax potted.

PAINKILLER

The Painkiller humbucker provides the defining tone for rock and metal guitarists seeking tight bass response and screaming highs coupled with a weighty mid range. Scatterwound coils and a custom size ceramic magnet ensure an extremely powerful humbucker that retains clarity across the board even down to the lowest of drop tunings. Typically British in voice and attitude, the Painkiller humbucker will always deliver the goods.

Signature Series

Geoff Whitehorn - 'CRAWLER'

Always the first call for classic British blues rock tone. Sweet, rich, full-bodied sound with power aplenty. Voiced by Geoff to be equally at home in a Strat or Les Paul type body, the Crawler is packed full of vintage tone and power reflecting years of studio and stage experience at the cutting edge of blues rock. Scatterwound with original 43 gauge plain enamel wire and using an unpolished, vintage cut Alnico V magnet, the sound is balanced and warm when clean; open up the volume and the Crawler will push the amp into punchy, fat overdrive for chunky chord work and singing lead tones.

Steve Stevens - 'REBELL YELL'

HSS
HSS (humbucker/single/single) Sets.

STRAT® SINGLE COILS

Vintage

APACHE

Hear the twang of the strings as the arrows start to fly. Full bodied, expressive and punchy; genuine '50's Strat tone. The Apache single coil set features bevelled vintage stagger Alnico III magnets scatterwound by hand with original Heavy Formvar wire. With a little extra muscle in the bridge and a reverse wound, reverse polarity middle, the wind is vintage hot for better balance and more versatile performance.

The SULTAN'S

Time honoured performance with definitive, unadulterated sound. Bright, crisp and percussive. The Sultan's set of single coil pickups feature traditional vintage stagger Alnico II pole pieces hand bevelled to focus the power of each magnet under the strings. Calibrated to provide an even balance of power, each coil is individually scatterwound by hand with plain enamel wire and hooked up using cloth "push back" cable just like the originals. Wax potted to guard against microphony, reverse-wound, reverse polarity middle pickup (hum cancelling when used with the bridge or neck pickup in position 2 or 4 of a 5 way switch) these Sultans are kings of supreme clean guitar sound.

MOTHER'S MILK

Legendary hot vintage sound, earthy contemporary style. Tight and woody character with just the right balance of power. The Mother's Milk set of single coil pickups come with vintage staggered Alnico V pole pieces, hand bevelled for authentic retro vibe and increased magnetic focus under each string. Scatterwound by hand using original plain enamel wire, the calibrated coils have a touch more power and mid range chunk over stock with a clear, detailed top end. Reverse-wound, reverse polarity middle pickup (hum cancelling when used with the bridge or neck pickup in position 2 or 4 of a 5 way switch), cloth "push back" cable, wax potted to prevent michrophonic feedback. Available with optional flat profile magnets for modern radius guitars, original stock polarity middle pickup and all sets come complete with covers.

IRISH TOUR

Take on the Texas Longhorn with real Irish passion. Gritty, bright and hot, these will cut through the smokiest of clubs night after night.
The Irish Tour single coil set comes with flat profile Alnico V magnets and extra winds of 42 gauge plain enamel wire to really drive the front end of your amp hard. Reverse wound, reverse polarity middle pickup as standard for hum cancelling in position 2 and 4 of a 5 way switch, this set is powerful yet articulate and extremely versatile with bags of single coil character. Traditional cloth 'push back' cable and fully wax potted to prevent microphonic feedback, the Irish Tour set will have you over hot coals for life – guaranteed. Available with optional vintage stagger hand bevelled magnet, original stock polarity middle pickup and all sets come complete with covers.

SLOWHAND

From the hand of God, classic midrange response, strong, clear and expressive. The Slow Hand set of calibrated single coils use hand bevelled, vintage staggered Alnico V magnets and special gauge plain enamel wire for a slightly darker sound with more power and increased midrange presence over standard pickups. Scatterwound by hand, fully wax potted against microphonic feedback, authentic cloth 'push back' cable and reverse-wound, reverse polarity middle pickup (hum cancelling when used with the bridge or neck pickup in position 2 or 4 of a 5 way switch) these beauties will sound wonderful all night. Available with optional flat profile magnets for modern radius guitars, original stock polarity middle pickup and all sets complete with covers.

TRILOGY SUITE

The Trilogy Suite set features flat profile Alnico V magnets and is scatterwound by hand with special gauge enamelled wire for increased bass response and clarity. Calibrated windings provide plenty of balanced power with a big bottom end, subtle midrange and no loss of definition. Reverse-wound, reverse polarity middle pickup (hum cancelling when used with the bridge or neck pickup in position 2 or 4 of a 5 way switch) cloth 'push back' cable and fully wax potted against microphony, we can guarantee these won't squeal - they'll shout the place down! Available with optional vintage stagger hand bevelled magnets, original stock polarity middle pickup and all sets complete with covers.

THE SINNER

High output grunt in a single coil. The Sinner single coil is scatterwound by hand with extra winds of special gauge plain enamel wire. Designed specifically for players who demand very high output without losing the character of a real single coil. Huge bass and low mid chunk combine with a smooth, clear top end that never gets abrasive Wired with cloth 'push back' cable and wax potted against microphonic feedback, this pickup will take you to hell and back in one swift ride.. Complete with a cover and available with optional hand bevelled vintage staggered magnets.

SOAP BARS

These fantastic sounding pickups truly fill the gap between humbuckers and standard single coils, being fat, gutsy and powerful whilst retaining superb clarity with outstanding tonal presence.

Alnico II
magnets with medium output. The magnets and special windings deliver just the right balance of power and vintage sound - rich and full with trademark smooth mid range

Alnico V

magnets with slightly hotter than stock windings. The brighter magnet along with extra windings serve up hot and fat single coil grind - more weight in the mid range with excellent top end detail.

Alnico V
magnets and overwound with special enamelled wire. Huge full bodied '90 sound - warm, powerful and articulate with no loss of attack or definition

Who needs humbuckers anyway!
DC: 8.6k*

Available as sets calibrated for bridge and neck or singly with black, cream or nickel covers and optional reverse wind/ reverse polarity

Humbucker sized P-90s

MISSISSIPPI QUEEN HBP90 Set

Real P90 tone because that's what's under the cover, a real P90! Scatterwound with original 42 AWG plain enamel wire and powered by unpolished vintage cut Alnico V (bridge) and Alnico IV (neck) magnets, the tone is huge with excellent definition and presence. The original PAF reproduction cover offers increased protection and screening whilst fitting any standard humbucker cavity and mounting ring. Available with either stock or RWRP neck, optional coil tap for even more versatility and a choice of solid nickel, chrome or gold covers.

TELE® SINGLE COILS
BLACKGUARD TELE SERIES

Marking the birth of solid body guitar tone, the Blackguard Tele series accurately recreates the sounds of the original 1950 flat pole and later 1955 staggered pole single coil Telecaster pickups.

The FLAT '50 set with zinc plated bridge grounding plate, flush Alnico V magnets, scatterwound coils of plain enamel wire with string wrapped bridge and authentic deep drawn neck cover characterise the bright twang, punchy mid and power of the original Esquires, Broadcasters and Nocasters.

D.C Neck:5.1K D.C bridge:7.3K

The '55 STAGGER introduces the slightly lighter wound staggered bridge coil with raised D and G poles for improved string to string balance and copper plated bridge grounding plate. Alnico V magnets and scatterwound coils produce plenty of snap and bite through the upper mids and highs as well as exceptional response in the bottom end defining the original Telecaster tone.

D.C Neck:5.1K D.C bridge:6.8K

Both sets feature stock polarity neck coils, vintage correct chrome plated brass neck covers and vintage cloth hook up wire.

COUNTRY BOY

Vintage workhorse character; articulate and refined with superb response to picking dynamics.

6:23 PM

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November 27, 2007 - Tuesday