I often hear guitarists talking about the fact that having splashed out on a set of endorsed humbucker pickups, they cannot for the life of them comprehend why their sound is not considerably more reminiscent of Billy Gibbons. Oh and incidentally, if you have not a clue who Billy Gibbons actually is, he's the guitarist and singer of the Texas blues band ZZ Top - the one with a beard well over one foot long! Well one answer is this, does a pair of David Beckham boots actually make you play like his majesty? In other words, there's an awful lot of marketing going on and also a number of variables. Not only where skill is involved but also in the materials department.
Let's definitely not forget that so much of that Billy Gibbons blues sound comes from the electric guitar itself, and this specific axe is in all probability one of the greatest sounding '59 Les Pauls ever. The wood, the age of the wood, the guitar's construction and the metal hardware all play a vital part - and that's before the guitar pickups play a part. Throw into the mix the style of amplifier that Mr Gibbons uses compared to you, and finally his playing style. This all effects his tone.
Having said all this, the endorsed models are stunning guitar pickups that emulate the overall performance spec of the original incredibly well. Excellent care has been taken with every element, from the magnet strength to the windings. Let's be honest, these are lovely sounding pickups, but this specific reproduction will not mean that it will give your particular guitar and amp combination the greatest impersonation of the Billy Gibbons sound. An entirely different pickup maker may perhaps produce a 'bluesy' model that just creates the sound you are chasing far more effictivley for your guitar and amp combination.
Taking this a stage further, look at all those signature model guitars available. Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton all now have models styled on one of their prime guitars. They cost a small fortune, look amazing, may be collectible but will not make you sound exactly like the players themselves.
So getting back to the new pickups. It's alright to read what's on the tin but I'm afraid to say you're simply going to have to taste it. Read the spec but don't trust that alone - make use of your ears and proceed from there.
There are some great pickup makers to choose from so there is plenty of choice. Visit their web pages, listen to many sound samples and remember to go with your ears. Some of the smaller businesses make amazing sounding, hand made guitar s pickups and offer replacements should you fail to be completely delighted with your order. This extra backup is a nice bit of security. Best of luck!
The author has played in various bands over the years and owns a variety of guitars. He loves to customise his instruments and highly recommends the excellent replacement humbucker pickups and other great guitar pickups at TubGuitarPickups.co.uk.
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