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what was Gibson thinking when they designed the Burstbuckers ?

CK6

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Feb 5, 2020
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449
I missed this whole thread. I have an '02 Standard with those first year BB Pro's in it. I have PAF's, Wizz, Thro's etc....and I would agree, these first version BB's are right up there with the others. I have no desire to change them out. Using CTS 500k pots FWIW.
I also have a 2002 Les Paul standard and the BB’s sound awesome
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I actually have no problems with the BB’s, its that i cant leave shit alone. Always screwed with everything, guitars, handguns, amps , you name it. Nature of the beast.
You certainly are not alone as I do the same thing and sometimes I break my stuff from messing with them . Have you ever broken stuff by messing with them ?
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
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5,657
From my own research the ThroBak KZ-115 is very well thought of by those familiar with many of ThroBaks PAF creations.
I heard that the guys behind Historic Makeovers (have I got that right?) rate the KZ-115 as their current favourite.

I'm personally considering these for my 2004 R7, but it's a lot of money and I keep procrastinating to avoid committing.
Jon, at ThroBak is well known for being an approachable, friendly guy. I've just emailed him myself, and suggest you do the same, what's to be lost by talking ?
Very Friendly and very accommodating and so very helpful in achieving your tone goals . I highly recommend all things ThroBak www.throbak.com
 

latestarter

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Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
ThroBaks are great. Treat them like an investment. You might sell the guitar but you’ll keep the pick ups.

which reminds me. I must do some sort of review on my thoughts between Wizz and ThroBak pick ups, now I’ve had both in the same guitar. There are differences to note, but at this end of the cork-sniff spectrum we’re talking nuances.
 

Cranknfrank

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
64
I used to have an R8 that had BB's. They sounded great in that guitar. I just never got comfortable with the neck shape and sold it. But, it was a great sounding instrument....I'd try another set of BB's if needed.
 

latestarter

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Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
I have another older Gibson coming and I know it has Classic 57's. It's been a long time since I heard what those sound like...but I do know I never liked them in the past! I find myself more objective as I get older so I'll be keen to give them a real good try.

Back to BB's. Is there a definitive thread on them re the specs? Because not all BB's and BB Pro's are the same over time. Early Pro's are quite a different beast to what they have been in more recent times (magnet, wax, output)....we need an expert!
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I have another older Gibson coming and I know it has Classic 57's. It's been a long time since I heard what those sound like...but I do know I never liked them in the past! I find myself more objective as I get older so I'll be keen to give them a real good try.

Back to BB's. Is there a definitive thread on them re the specs? Because not all BB's and BB Pro's are the same over time. Early Pro's are quite a different beast to what they have been in more recent times (magnet, wax, output)....we need an expert!
Also the same as with the Classic 57's as many say there is a difference between the early version from the 90's to today . I think somewhere along the line costs were cut and different materials were replaced and hence the difference . I don't have first hand knowledge as I have read folks who post here have reported this . I also don't think this is exclusive to Gibson as I have heard the same about other companies pickups .
 

latestarter

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Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
Also the same as with the Classic 57's as many say there is a difference between the early version from the 90's to today . I think somewhere along the line costs were cut and different materials were replaced and hence the difference . I don't have first hand knowledge as I have read folks who post here have reported this . I also don't think this is exclusive to Gibson as I have heard the same about other companies pickups .
Cool - these will be 1991 Classics, so maybe a year from initial release. If they read early mid 8's, they might be winners...based on not-so-objective reviews I've read ;)
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
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Cool - these will be 1991 Classics, so maybe a year from initial release. If they read early mid 8's, they might be winners...based on not-so-objective reviews I've read ;)
If I remember correctly the 57 Classic + is around 8.3 , where the 57 Classic I think is 7.5 give or take a few, both use A2 magnets . I used to use these when I had my Fender rig prior to going with Marshall 2555X's . These worked very well with my Fender rig , also these are wax potted .
 

Billy Hiwatt

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Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
35
I have an '07 Cloud 9 CR8 that I finally swapped out the BB's for Dimarzio 36th Annies a few years ago. The BBs weren't bad, just uninspiring and bland. The 36s don't cost an arm and a leg and really woke the guitar up. I have Lollar Low Wind Imperials in my Grosh Set Neck, and Throbaks in my Collings City Limits. They are all winners...it is good to find what works for you and your guitar, and call it a day.
 

corpse

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Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
One of the best vintage tones on a reissue was a Nicky- those are BB’s. JD Simo was playing it.
 

MrNubs

Active member
Joined
Nov 2, 2019
Messages
153
i have low wound wildwood pickups in my 60 and 62 les pauls
think they measure 6.8 to 7.0 K ohms
don't have anything else to compare them too

so, anyone have them and compared them to the new alnico 3 pickups in the 20-22 historics?
 

Wizard1183

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Joined
Jan 20, 2018
Messages
781
In 2008 I bought an R9 from Vic Dapra. I loved the fat neck it head on it. It’s was a nice a guitar. Had BBs in it. I was around 30 and I’d play rock with distortion. Those burst buckets were so damn muddy they sounded like crap to me. But I never really tried to see how they were with gain down. They could’ve been great? I’ll never know? I enjoy my TH59. Though it’s a little on the bright side for me. I wish it had a little more mid range. I still experiment with it time to time when I can play it.
 

Wizard1183

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Jan 20, 2018
Messages
781
Texas...now there's a 'country' that everybody should visit at least once.

Best looking women in the whole of the USA...
That’s an opinion. They have nice women there. Probably more than most? Due to how large the state is. But I’m unsure if they’re the best looking?
 
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