This channel deserves way more views and subs. Excellent content! I think you made a good choice with the ReWind pickups. I own four sets of their humbuckers and love them. The '58 bridge and low output A5 neck would be an excellent combo. In my 335 I went with the '64 Patent Decal set. I also have a low output a5 neck paired with a Creme Brulee bridge in a Les Paul. The low output sounds perfect in the neck position. Really like the midrange on that '58 set.
@@YeatzeeGuitar They have a bit less mids and are not quite as thick sounding as the standard PAF sets. But it's not a drastic difference in character. Lots of top end clarity and a very tight bass response. The EQ curve really suits a semi-hollow, especially in the neck position. They're not lacking in mids, but having a bit less than a standard PAF gives some needed clarity in the neck. I think sometimes 335's can get a bit boomy in the neck but this set has good clarity throughout. Tom Bukovac in his rig rundown was playing a vintage PAF equipped 335 and he was using an eq pedal any time he went to the neck position just to dial out some of the mud and boost the top end slightly. I have not found that to be necessary with this set.
@@Guitar5986 Very interesting! A part of me was hoping ReWind would send their 64 set for the test since the guitar is a "64 reissue" but they decided on the 1958, low output A5, and High Offset sets for the comparison. Maybe I'll try them some day :)
@@YeatzeeGuitar Kinda surprised they didn't do that as well. Maybe because it's a straight PAF comparison James was picking the best PAF options for a semi-hollow to compare with the others? When I was looking for pickups in my 335, James said he often recommends the Pat Decal set because it suits the guitar model really well and just so happens to match up with Clapton's '64 335 which is a pretty common tone for people to chase after. But it's not like you'd be missing anything with the sets you currently have. That '58 sounds killer in the bridge and the low output a5 might give you all the clarity you need in the neck. I don't think Tom Bukovac is that concerned that he sometimes needs to kick on an eq pedal for his neck position. His 335 sounds incredible.
Massive delay on getting this video out, my computer decided it no longer wanted to work, and my hard drive containing all the source files also decided it wanted to die so it's been a process to get this out. Anyways, these are my thoughts on the 7 PAF's tested. Let me know what you think and if you agree or disagree with any of my assessments :) *reminder, if you appreciate all the work that went into this PAF comparison consider sponsoring a coffee for all the late nights this project caused! lol www.buymeacoffee.com/YeatzeeGuitar
Excellent review! You covered a lot of bases. I was disappointed that you didn't comment on the Holmes cosmetics. Tom Holmes came at pickup making from the direction of a tool and die maker and his attention to detail is incredible. People talk about how Gibson's pickup covers just don't look right; that's because Gibson cuts corners to save a buck anywhere they can. I have several sets of Tom Holmes humbuckers, and I would suggest that they are a versatile, refined PU. If that makes them boring, so be it. I have a '99 335 with Tom's PUs (A2, 5K turns/5250 Turns) and they are wonderful. Also, I tried the Lollar low winds in a 2013 "50th anniv. 1963 RI 335 and was disappointed, replaced them after about a month with a pair Throbak "JW" PUs. They are loud and bright but in the right setting they are also wonderful. I heard some really great pickups in your review. I'm certain everyone could find the right PU for them in the ones you tested. Thanks for posting.
Really well done. I agreed with all your comments for the most part. My favorite was the Rewind 58 and it sounds like you liked it also. Overall another stellar job and proves why I subscribe to your channel. Just great, thoughtful and intelligent reviews.
They’re all good man. I’m partial to a set of “Shaw era” pups I have. I have a set of original PAF’s I picked up 30 years ago and I have ink stamped Shaw’s too. But this one set I have (which I’m pretty sure are actual Shaw’s from the readings and what they came out of) are the best pickups I’ve ever had.
Throbak did a limited run of some of their PAFs with some 60s or 70s enamel wire they dug up from some warehouse somewhere they were probably the closest you will ever get to the original PAF sound.
Such amazing comparisons with this and the LP shootout! thanks so much for taking the time with these! Have you looked into 8bomb custom's PAF pickups by any chance?
Great job! I've had a set of regular Wizzes for a while and I've been really happy with them. I'm considering a set of the Wizz Duane Allman Cherryburst set, which are a lower output, for a 335. I'm also interested in the Wolfetones, Tyson Tone, 8Bomb, and Ron Ellis...sooo many choices! I have a set of WB's and had a set of OX4's and RS Fralins FYI. Thanks for your efforts, well done!
Appreciate it! I've not heard of that Wizz set before, but based off the regular set I'm sure they'd sound great! As for the others, I feel like I remember reading Tyson Tone was out of business or maybe severely behind on orders or something. I've never heard of 8bomb or had experience with Wolfetones, but I will say I have a friend that ordered two sets from Ron Ellis and his experience was the worst customer service I've ever seen. I'd avoid them at all costs unless you can get a set used and skip the wait.
I also liked the Rewind 58's best because of that special awe vowel midrange. You have good taste as they were very vintage. Still love the Wizz too though. I think those two sets were the best to my ears. I did like the other Rewind set but nothing really stood out about them other than clarity....which is always something I look for. I think you are onto something trying the low wind Alnuco 5 rewind neck pickup and keeping the 58 Alnico 2 in the bridge. I'm curious how that works out. Now I want a set of the 58s.
Wonder if you've ever tried OX4 pups. They are reasonably priced (roughly $300 for a new set) and used by players like Sadler Vaden and Jason Isbell. Might be worth throwing in your 335 if you are still looking for the "right" set.
That was an excellent comparison. I appreciate all the hard work. Thank you. As for my favorite sets, I really liked the Wizz set. I wasn't as thrilled with them in your les paul paul but, in this guitar they sound excellent. I liked the Lollar set but, definitely a bit spikey at times. My favorite set though. Rewind 1958. The Holmes had a too much smoothness for my tastes and the Throbaks weren't a good match for this guitar in my opinion. Now I have heard them in Allen Hinds Les Paul and his tone sounds wonderful. Oh and btw, I'm also a worship guitarist as well. But im also into jazz fusion. I have been making melodic progressive house music but, i have decided to go back to more guitar based music. The guitar bug has bitten me again and I feel God is leading me away from house music. But, again thank you for making this video. Blessings
I wanted to watch/listen to and comment on the actual comparison before I know your opinions on the pickups. I think we're pretty close. The Holmes's are as you said very smooth (clinical) and your analogy to PRS guitars is accurate. Don't get me wrong, I think PRS guitars are great, but they're not a Les Paul which has that particular raw character that's lacking in a PRS. Although very early McCarty Models are really good. After the Rewind 1958's, the Wizz would be my next favorite. Pickup cover aging can be a "sticky" subject though!
It would be very interesting, if you can do comparisons between these and real vintage such as pafs, numbereds,ttops. Anyway love your vids and you got a sub
Killer reviews amazing amount of work bravo! Maybe when the smoke clears throw a set of Lindy Fralin Pure Paf in the shootout Thanks again for all your hard work and great reviews
Just found your channel and man these are some seriously great videos. Super thorough and detailed along with some fantastic playing and tones. I just scored a sweet 2004 Heritage H-535 myself and while I am digging the stock Schaller humbuckers, I've always wanted a PAF style set. Now that it's a little over a year later, what is your favorite/recommended PAF style set for a semi-hollow 335 type guitar? Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words! Hmmm, honestly they're all good it just depends on what I want the guitar to do. Since doing this video it's had a couple other sets in there, and then for the es345 comparison I did with this guitar vs two vintage examples (64 and 65) I installed a T-top replica set which have stayed in the guitar since doing that video. They're a good balance in this guitar, and probably my favorite of the bunch at this point.
@@YeatzeeGuitar Hey thanks for the feedback man! I'll go check out the videos on those pickups. I'm definitely after that round, yet clear neck pickup sound that can handle anything from jazz to rock. But I also love that middle position quack for funk style rhythm. And of course, I'd love to get a meaty, yet responsive bridge pup that's good for rock. Just subbed and will definitely check out more of your vids. Hopefully they can help me narrow down my choice too haha. Thanks again man, cheers!
Great video! I recently got a set of low wind Mojotone paf clones. I dig them a lot. I’d be curious to see how they compare to these more high end accurate sets
For the player who likes to keep things original, the MHS Gibson set is pretty close to the mark. For the incessant tinkerer, your choice of RW 58 bridge and RW low wind sounds pretty close to perfection, but with room for future tinkering, whether this leads to perfection or not... is another story I suspect. I like a lower output neck, I've used short a5, a4, and a3 for best tones to my ear, varying by guitar. I don't like a2 or UoA5 due to softness in the midrange, and in the case of uoa5 a fizziness. Anyway, grood thoughts on those pickups, enjoyed the comparison, this one seemed more challenging than the LP test, the differences between the pickups came down to splitting hairs. Glad you were able to parse through this, despite the computer failure!
Interesting about the microphonics of the Lollar, that is enough information for me to give them a try. I've been changing pickups in my guitars since 1976 and have had hundreds through the years. I've assembled an R9 copy and chose an early set of unpotted Burstbuckers (#1 and #2) and couldn't be happier. I refuse to change anything on that guitar for fear of changing its tone. I think like anything the final results are the sum of all the parts. Really enjoy your evaluations and opinions, Thank You.
Recently got some Lollar Imperials. Got a standard wind in the bridge and a low wind in the neck. They are devine. Best humbuckers I’ve ever tried. All the cliches are true: articulate but full, bright but not harsh, detailed but not icepicky. They just have this wonderful 3D’ness to them if that is right term. Would highly, highly recommend. Just make sure you also upgrade your pots/caps as that made them come even more alive! They clean up fantastically well using the guitar volume too - can go from delicate fingerpicked classical lines to full on rock with the quick twist of the guitar volume. Take some time to set the pickup height though - they are perhaps more sensitive to string distance than any other pickup I’ve tried, but once you’ve got it dialed in then they are👌
To be fair to the Throbaks they were clearly the outlier (or at least one of the outliers) in this group comparison. I understand that you didn’t have much choice and these were the ones which were available for the test but the SLE-101+ is targeted as their overwound, higher output PAF variant. The Throbak “standard” or reference PAF is the normal SLE-101 (i.e. non +) and you’d probably be even happier with the KZ-115 which is their lowest wind, lowest output PAF replica. I knew from the outset that if you were generally targeting low wind options the Throbak wasn’t going to come out too well - it’s simply not their product that matches what you were looking for.
@@YeatzeeGuitar most excellent!! I have PAF replicas including Burstbuckers, Custombuckers (potted, unpotted, Wildwood spec and CME versions), Monty’s PAFs, Kloppmann Electric PAFs, Jim Wagner American Steele, and Throbak SLE-101s in various different Reissue/Historic Les Pauls and the KZ-115s I have installed in an R8 are my favourites of them all. Whether that’s down to the pickups or the guitar or how the two come together who knows?
I had some regular SLE limiteds and they were good but I was expecting better considering the old wire and the very high price. I do like the KZ 115s better and I understand they use a different winder on at least one of the coils...I think the ones I liked were short A5. I liked the Rewind 58s in this shootout a lot due to that vintage awe vowel midrange. I think I found my bridge pickup at least.
@@davidburke2132 I was wondering how you would compare the KZ115's to stock, unpotted Custombuckers as far as tone, clarity, output, etc. I'm looking swap out the CB's in my 2021 R9. The R9's acoustic tone is great, but the CB's aren't translating that tone to the amp.
@@markn4526 ok, I’ll give this a go, although describing tones, or even ascribing them solely to the impact of the pickups in isolation from the rest of the guitar, is difficult. The first thing I’d say is that I’ve measured the DC resistances of all of the PAF pickups I have in my different Les Pauls (which is embarrassingly many!! 😜). Of them all the KZ-115 has the lowest DC resistance except for the Wildwood spec and Custombucker S (as specified by CME in their special run Historics) when it comes to the bridge pickup. Both of those Custombucker variants are specifically meant to be very low wind. Interesting the KZ-115 set is purposely spec’d to have a slightly higher wind on the neck pickup than on the bridge, which is of course contrary to the normal default pickup winding convention. My KZ-115 set totally aligns with that design spec from Throbak. Funnily enough I’ve had very good experience of Les Pauls with higher wind neck pickups than bridge pickups… I don’t know if it’s a fluke but I’ve found they seem to sound great to my ears, especially in the middle position, which I use quite a lot for clean tones. Regarding the tone… I’d describe the KZ-115 as very “open” sounding. Not so mid-focused… almost a little scooped (in humbucker in a Les Paul terms at least - it’s far from light on mid range, I’m referring to how I perceive the frequency response compared to other PAF replicas I’ve played and heard). The tone is nice and sparkly. Doesn’t seem to compress very much (that’ll be down to its low output I’m sure - in humbucker terms at least). If you want some example as to how it actually sounds then I’d say the other pickups I have that sound closest to the KZ-115s are from a company called Kloppmann, their HB58 model. The Les Paul R8 I have with those in really sounds remarkably close to me to the tone of the KZ-115 in my other R8. I don’t know if that’s purely the pickups or the end result of everything, including the influence of the different guitars each of those pickup sets are in. The reason I mention this though is that if you go to the Kloppmann website they have sound samples of their pickups played clean, with crunch and with overdrive. Take a listen to the HB58 and it might give you some more guidance.
I agree with the assessment. I think the lower wound throbak would have been more appropriate. I d go for RedWind low wound at neck and standard at bridge. Did this for the Lollar p90 and took a lot of mud from the neck.
I have a pair of Holmes in my R8. I would say they sound kind of dry and dull. Like as if the PAFs I played before were all EQed and on Holmes the EQ was turned off. Probably they were intended for more vintage amps and less overdrive than what I normally use. Before further testing, think I just need to learn how to properly play blues first lol.
Would love your expert opinion on Fralin pure PAF. I'm am looking for the per hum buckets for my semi hollow. Was looking at the lollar, not so much now. Still searching thanks
I thought you thought the Wizz were special somehow? Surprised you would sell them but I did like that Rewind 58 the best. I like the alnico 4 Wizz a lot though so I need many guitars. Lol Which was your fav neck pickup?
The tones were pretty, but you lost me right off the bat at 3:22. You say, "this set" after playing a whole bunch of different sets... If you're shooting out a whole bunch of things at once, please specify which set you're talking about before you explain, otherwise it's like giving a kid the water first then the balloon second.
Bizarre take. Each section of the video is clearly labeled with chapters (that portion labeled MHS set), and before that clip I'm talking about the MHS set and then play the clip to show an example of what I was just describing about the set. If that's not enough to help you understand what's going on 🤷♂️ Also this is not the full comparison video, this is my follow up I made after the full comparison talking about my thoughts on each set as mentioned at the start of the vid.
Man , you talk too much. I know, it’s very hard to describe a sound with words only. But by letting letting us viewers listen to - whatever you’re featuring - than we can make up our own minds so much faster. Now, don’t be offended, you’re not alone in doing this, but please understand, we are more interested in listening to the characteristics of these pickups than your voice.
Oye, this video is specifically the video where I talk about my thoughts. There's another video (prior to this one) where I on purpose say nothing about my thoughts so that the viewer can make up their own minds. Check the channel, the thumbnail is of the blue ES345 and pickups all over it 🙂👍
This channel deserves way more views and subs. Excellent content! I think you made a good choice with the ReWind pickups. I own four sets of their humbuckers and love them. The '58 bridge and low output A5 neck would be an excellent combo. In my 335 I went with the '64 Patent Decal set. I also have a low output a5 neck paired with a Creme Brulee bridge in a Les Paul. The low output sounds perfect in the neck position. Really like the midrange on that '58 set.
Thank you! How do the 64's compare would you say?
@@YeatzeeGuitar They have a bit less mids and are not quite as thick sounding as the standard PAF sets. But it's not a drastic difference in character. Lots of top end clarity and a very tight bass response. The EQ curve really suits a semi-hollow, especially in the neck position. They're not lacking in mids, but having a bit less than a standard PAF gives some needed clarity in the neck. I think sometimes 335's can get a bit boomy in the neck but this set has good clarity throughout. Tom Bukovac in his rig rundown was playing a vintage PAF equipped 335 and he was using an eq pedal any time he went to the neck position just to dial out some of the mud and boost the top end slightly. I have not found that to be necessary with this set.
@@Guitar5986 Very interesting! A part of me was hoping ReWind would send their 64 set for the test since the guitar is a "64 reissue" but they decided on the 1958, low output A5, and High Offset sets for the comparison. Maybe I'll try them some day :)
@@YeatzeeGuitar Kinda surprised they didn't do that as well. Maybe because it's a straight PAF comparison James was picking the best PAF options for a semi-hollow to compare with the others? When I was looking for pickups in my 335, James said he often recommends the Pat Decal set because it suits the guitar model really well and just so happens to match up with Clapton's '64 335 which is a pretty common tone for people to chase after. But it's not like you'd be missing anything with the sets you currently have. That '58 sounds killer in the bridge and the low output a5 might give you all the clarity you need in the neck. I don't think Tom Bukovac is that concerned that he sometimes needs to kick on an eq pedal for his neck position. His 335 sounds incredible.
Massive delay on getting this video out, my computer decided it no longer wanted to work, and my hard drive containing all the source files also decided it wanted to die so it's been a process to get this out. Anyways, these are my thoughts on the 7 PAF's tested. Let me know what you think and if you agree or disagree with any of my assessments :)
*reminder, if you appreciate all the work that went into this PAF comparison consider sponsoring a coffee for all the late nights this project caused! lol www.buymeacoffee.com/YeatzeeGuitar
Excellent review! You covered a lot of bases. I was disappointed that you didn't comment on the Holmes cosmetics. Tom Holmes came at pickup making from the direction of a tool and die maker and his attention to detail is incredible. People talk about how Gibson's pickup covers just don't look right; that's because Gibson cuts corners to save a buck anywhere they can. I have several sets of Tom Holmes humbuckers, and I would suggest that they are a versatile, refined PU. If that makes them boring, so be it. I have a '99 335 with Tom's PUs (A2, 5K turns/5250 Turns) and they are wonderful. Also, I tried the Lollar low winds in a 2013 "50th anniv. 1963 RI 335 and was disappointed, replaced them after about a month with a pair Throbak "JW" PUs. They are loud and bright but in the right setting they are also wonderful. I heard some really great pickups in your review. I'm certain everyone could find the right PU for them in the ones you tested. Thanks for posting.
Really well done. I agreed with all your comments for the most part. My favorite was the Rewind 58 and it sounds like you liked it also. Overall another stellar job and proves why I subscribe to your channel. Just great, thoughtful and intelligent reviews.
Thank you!!
Love your content, this is the best pickups comparison I’ve ever seen.
They’re all good man. I’m partial to a set of “Shaw era” pups I have. I have a set of original PAF’s I picked up 30 years ago and I have ink stamped Shaw’s too. But this one set I have (which I’m pretty sure are actual Shaw’s from the readings and what they came out of) are the best pickups I’ve ever had.
Throbak did a limited run of some of their PAFs with some 60s or 70s enamel wire they dug up
from some warehouse somewhere they were probably the closest you will
ever get to the original PAF sound.
I really consistently liked the Wizz in the bridge but the Lollar in the neck.
This was awesome. Helped me land on a pair of ReWinds. Thanks for the vid!
Such amazing comparisons with this and the LP shootout! thanks so much for taking the time with these! Have you looked into 8bomb custom's PAF pickups by any chance?
Thanks! I have not, there are so many out there it's a bit overwhelming
Great job! I've had a set of regular Wizzes for a while and I've been really happy with them. I'm considering a set of the Wizz Duane Allman Cherryburst set, which are a lower output, for a 335. I'm also interested in the Wolfetones, Tyson Tone, 8Bomb, and Ron Ellis...sooo many choices! I have a set of WB's and had a set of OX4's and RS Fralins FYI. Thanks for your efforts, well done!
Appreciate it! I've not heard of that Wizz set before, but based off the regular set I'm sure they'd sound great! As for the others, I feel like I remember reading Tyson Tone was out of business or maybe severely behind on orders or something. I've never heard of 8bomb or had experience with Wolfetones, but I will say I have a friend that ordered two sets from Ron Ellis and his experience was the worst customer service I've ever seen. I'd avoid them at all costs unless you can get a set used and skip the wait.
I also liked the Rewind 58's best because of that special awe vowel midrange. You have good taste as they were very vintage. Still love the Wizz too though. I think those two sets were the best to my ears. I did like the other Rewind set but nothing really stood out about them other than clarity....which is always something I look for. I think you are onto something trying the low wind Alnuco 5 rewind neck pickup and keeping the 58 Alnico 2 in the bridge. I'm curious how that works out. Now I want a set of the 58s.
Wonder if you've ever tried OX4 pups. They are reasonably priced (roughly $300 for a new set) and used by players like Sadler Vaden and Jason Isbell. Might be worth throwing in your 335 if you are still looking for the "right" set.
That was an excellent comparison. I appreciate all the hard work. Thank you. As for my favorite sets, I really liked the Wizz set. I wasn't as thrilled with them in your les paul paul but, in this guitar they sound excellent.
I liked the Lollar set but, definitely a bit spikey at times.
My favorite set though. Rewind 1958.
The Holmes had a too much smoothness for my tastes and the Throbaks weren't a good match for this guitar in my opinion. Now I have heard them in Allen Hinds Les Paul and his tone sounds wonderful.
Oh and btw, I'm also a worship guitarist as well. But im also into jazz fusion. I have been making melodic progressive house music but, i have decided to go back to more guitar based music. The guitar bug has bitten me again and I feel God is leading me away from house music.
But, again thank you for making this video. Blessings
You could always try a set of Lindy Fralin Pure Paf. He will chat with you to find out what you are looking for in a PAF
Get some Doyle’s for this guitar too. The hollow body will definitely change the sound.
I wanted to watch/listen to and comment on the actual comparison before I know your opinions on the pickups. I think we're pretty close. The Holmes's are as you said very smooth (clinical) and your analogy to PRS guitars is accurate. Don't get me wrong, I think PRS guitars are great, but they're not a Les Paul which has that particular raw character that's lacking in a PRS. Although very early McCarty Models are really good. After the Rewind 1958's, the Wizz would be my next favorite. Pickup cover aging can be a "sticky" subject though!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts!
It would be very interesting, if you can do comparisons between these and real vintage such as pafs, numbereds,ttops. Anyway love your vids and you got a sub
Would love to get my hands on some!
Killer reviews amazing amount of work bravo! Maybe when the smoke clears throw a set of Lindy Fralin Pure Paf in the shootout Thanks again for all your hard work and great reviews
Just found your channel and man these are some seriously great videos. Super thorough and detailed along with some fantastic playing and tones. I just scored a sweet 2004 Heritage H-535 myself and while I am digging the stock Schaller humbuckers, I've always wanted a PAF style set. Now that it's a little over a year later, what is your favorite/recommended PAF style set for a semi-hollow 335 type guitar? Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words! Hmmm, honestly they're all good it just depends on what I want the guitar to do. Since doing this video it's had a couple other sets in there, and then for the es345 comparison I did with this guitar vs two vintage examples (64 and 65) I installed a T-top replica set which have stayed in the guitar since doing that video. They're a good balance in this guitar, and probably my favorite of the bunch at this point.
@@YeatzeeGuitar Hey thanks for the feedback man! I'll go check out the videos on those pickups. I'm definitely after that round, yet clear neck pickup sound that can handle anything from jazz to rock. But I also love that middle position quack for funk style rhythm. And of course, I'd love to get a meaty, yet responsive bridge pup that's good for rock. Just subbed and will definitely check out more of your vids. Hopefully they can help me narrow down my choice too haha. Thanks again man, cheers!
Great video! I recently got a set of low wind Mojotone paf clones. I dig them a lot. I’d be curious to see how they compare to these more high end accurate sets
I don't like a smooth and balanced pickup generally..... your demo of smooth and balanced with that heavy crunch sounds fabulous though
For the player who likes to keep things original, the MHS Gibson set is pretty close to the mark. For the incessant tinkerer, your choice of RW 58 bridge and RW low wind sounds pretty close to perfection, but with room for future tinkering, whether this leads to perfection or not... is another story I suspect. I like a lower output neck, I've used short a5, a4, and a3 for best tones to my ear, varying by guitar. I don't like a2 or UoA5 due to softness in the midrange, and in the case of uoa5 a fizziness. Anyway, grood thoughts on those pickups, enjoyed the comparison, this one seemed more challenging than the LP test, the differences between the pickups came down to splitting hairs. Glad you were able to parse through this, despite the computer failure!
Yep, agreed. Thanks for watching and throwing in your two cents!
Haha, not sure my opinions are worth 2 cents, but anyway I do find these pickup comparisons interesting.
@@YeatzeeGuitar By the way, an oversight of mine to have not mentioned, Great guitar playing! Nice licks played with incredible. Consistency!
Thank you!!
Interesting about the microphonics of the Lollar, that is enough information for me to give them a try.
I've been changing pickups in my guitars since 1976 and have had hundreds through the years.
I've assembled an R9 copy and chose an early set of unpotted Burstbuckers (#1 and #2) and couldn't be happier.
I refuse to change anything on that guitar for fear of changing its tone. I think like anything the final results are the sum of all the parts.
Really enjoy your evaluations and opinions, Thank You.
Recently got some Lollar Imperials. Got a standard wind in the bridge and a low wind in the neck. They are devine. Best humbuckers I’ve ever tried. All the cliches are true: articulate but full, bright but not harsh, detailed but not icepicky. They just have this wonderful 3D’ness to them if that is right term. Would highly, highly recommend. Just make sure you also upgrade your pots/caps as that made them come even more alive! They clean up fantastically well using the guitar volume too - can go from delicate fingerpicked classical lines to full on rock with the quick twist of the guitar volume. Take some time to set the pickup height though - they are perhaps more sensitive to string distance than any other pickup I’ve tried, but once you’ve got it dialed in then they are👌
To be fair to the Throbaks they were clearly the outlier (or at least one of the outliers) in this group comparison. I understand that you didn’t have much choice and these were the ones which were available for the test but the SLE-101+ is targeted as their overwound, higher output PAF variant. The Throbak “standard” or reference PAF is the normal SLE-101 (i.e. non +) and you’d probably be even happier with the KZ-115 which is their lowest wind, lowest output PAF replica. I knew from the outset that if you were generally targeting low wind options the Throbak wasn’t going to come out too well - it’s simply not their product that matches what you were looking for.
I bought some KZ-115's to have for a future test fyi
@@YeatzeeGuitar most excellent!! I have PAF replicas including Burstbuckers, Custombuckers (potted, unpotted, Wildwood spec and CME versions), Monty’s PAFs, Kloppmann Electric PAFs, Jim Wagner American Steele, and Throbak SLE-101s in various different Reissue/Historic Les Pauls and the KZ-115s I have installed in an R8 are my favourites of them all. Whether that’s down to the pickups or the guitar or how the two come together who knows?
I had some regular SLE limiteds and they were good but I was expecting better considering the old wire and the very high price. I do like the KZ 115s better and I understand they use a different winder on at least one of the coils...I think the ones I liked were short A5. I liked the Rewind 58s in this shootout a lot due to that vintage awe vowel midrange. I think I found my bridge pickup at least.
@@davidburke2132 I was wondering how you would compare the KZ115's to stock, unpotted Custombuckers as far as tone, clarity, output, etc. I'm looking swap out the CB's in my 2021 R9. The R9's acoustic tone is great, but the CB's aren't translating that tone to the amp.
@@markn4526 ok, I’ll give this a go, although describing tones, or even ascribing them solely to the impact of the pickups in isolation from the rest of the guitar, is difficult.
The first thing I’d say is that I’ve measured the DC resistances of all of the PAF pickups I have in my different Les Pauls (which is embarrassingly many!! 😜). Of them all the KZ-115 has the lowest DC resistance except for the Wildwood spec and Custombucker S (as specified by CME in their special run Historics) when it comes to the bridge pickup. Both of those Custombucker variants are specifically meant to be very low wind.
Interesting the KZ-115 set is purposely spec’d to have a slightly higher wind on the neck pickup than on the bridge, which is of course contrary to the normal default pickup winding convention. My KZ-115 set totally aligns with that design spec from Throbak. Funnily enough I’ve had very good experience of Les Pauls with higher wind neck pickups than bridge pickups… I don’t know if it’s a fluke but I’ve found they seem to sound great to my ears, especially in the middle position, which I use quite a lot for clean tones.
Regarding the tone… I’d describe the KZ-115 as very “open” sounding. Not so mid-focused… almost a little scooped (in humbucker in a Les Paul terms at least - it’s far from light on mid range, I’m referring to how I perceive the frequency response compared to other PAF replicas I’ve played and heard).
The tone is nice and sparkly. Doesn’t seem to compress very much (that’ll be down to its low output I’m sure - in humbucker terms at least).
If you want some example as to how it actually sounds then I’d say the other pickups I have that sound closest to the KZ-115s are from a company called Kloppmann, their HB58 model. The Les Paul R8 I have with those in really sounds remarkably close to me to the tone of the KZ-115 in my other R8. I don’t know if that’s purely the pickups or the end result of everything, including the influence of the different guitars each of those pickup sets are in. The reason I mention this though is that if you go to the Kloppmann website they have sound samples of their pickups played clean, with crunch and with overdrive. Take a listen to the HB58 and it might give you some more guidance.
I agree with the assessment. I think the lower wound throbak would have been more appropriate. I d go for RedWind low wound at neck and standard at bridge. Did this for the Lollar p90 and took a lot of mud from the neck.
Wow, all those pickup changes in a semi-hollow body. You are a more patient fellow than me. I've done it twice and no more.
I tried to work smarter not harder, and installed extension leads so that it didn't require fishing out the harness 🙂👍
Excellent!!!! Hey how are you enjoying your doyle coils?
Love them!
@@YeatzeeGuitar
Yeah bro. Also check out 8bomb who makes top notch PAFs. But I use the Doyle Coils too.
I have a pair of Holmes in my R8. I would say they sound kind of dry and dull. Like as if the PAFs I played before were all EQed and on Holmes the EQ was turned off. Probably they were intended for more vintage amps and less overdrive than what I normally use. Before further testing, think I just need to learn how to properly play blues first lol.
that 1958 sets are my fav
Would love your expert opinion on Fralin pure PAF. I'm am looking for the per hum buckets for my semi hollow. Was looking at the lollar, not so much now. Still searching thanks
Never tried them before, but I've heard very good things from Fralin in general.
Were the Tom Holmes Potted or Unpotted? Thanks for all the fish!!
I'm assuming unpotted?
Hi, i have the same guitar in seafoam green. I’m wondering how would p90s in humbucker size sound in these guitars. What’s your opinion?
Probably great
Dude great channel. Subscribed sir :)
🙌
@@YeatzeeGuitar Please do Lindy Fralin PAF vs Wizz vs Throbak vs Custombuckers vs Rewind PAF vs 61 Burstbuckers on Gibson SG :))
Are new Wizz PAF's still available?
? Should be, I have a friend that just got some not long ago
It's Fender time. Same video with a strat and a Tele. Single coil pickups
Well I did a mini version for my strat already, comparing a set of Ron Ellis pickups to Seymour Duncans: ua-cam.com/video/5vMtk0GgrwM/v-deo.html
Hey, you wouldn't happen to know what is the brightest neck pickup for a tele would you?
@@dannyharris5300 Probably something that's not going for a vintage tele neck pickup like the fender twisted tele or something similar.
No offence intended but clean sounds tell all
the budget of this video is like a billion dollars
😂 😅 🤣
You wouldn’t happen to be selling some of these PAFs now would you hahaha
Most were not mine to sell! I do have the WIZZ still that I'd consider selling but that's about it
I thought you thought the Wizz were special somehow? Surprised you would sell them but I did like that Rewind 58 the best. I like the alnico 4 Wizz a lot though so I need many guitars. Lol Which was your fav neck pickup?
@@HiHello-ku1fl I've got no more humbucker guitars to swap them into, otherwise they'd be sticking around :)
Too much distortion , clean is where it’s at doing a comparison, crazy money for pickups then play distortion , such a pity
😂 🫡
You either didn't watch the video or your definition of clean = solid state amps.
ua-cam.com/video/iLGvqz9Hzss/v-deo.html
most of the time you play "overdrive" ! if you make a vidéo for us, please play CLEAN! to hear all the subtilities of each pickup !
I played a wide variety of tones including clean.
The tones were pretty, but you lost me right off the bat at 3:22. You say, "this set" after playing a whole bunch of different sets... If you're shooting out a whole bunch of things at once, please specify which set you're talking about before you explain, otherwise it's like giving a kid the water first then the balloon second.
Bizarre take. Each section of the video is clearly labeled with chapters (that portion labeled MHS set), and before that clip I'm talking about the MHS set and then play the clip to show an example of what I was just describing about the set. If that's not enough to help you understand what's going on 🤷♂️
Also this is not the full comparison video, this is my follow up I made after the full comparison talking about my thoughts on each set as mentioned at the start of the vid.
Man , you talk too much. I know, it’s very hard to describe a sound with words only. But by letting letting us viewers listen to - whatever you’re featuring - than we can make up our own minds so much faster. Now, don’t be offended, you’re not alone in doing this, but please understand, we are more interested in listening to the characteristics of these pickups than your voice.
Oye, this video is specifically the video where I talk about my thoughts. There's another video (prior to this one) where I on purpose say nothing about my thoughts so that the viewer can make up their own minds. Check the channel, the thumbnail is of the blue ES345 and pickups all over it 🙂👍
He has another video specifically for pick up sounds. He points it out right at the beginning :) ua-cam.com/video/qUv8HoJKlsI/v-deo.html