Classic Amplification Replacement Pickups

[Gilmourisgod]

http://classicamplification.net/Pickups/Rick_pickup.htm

Has anyone tried these? They look much better made than the old run of high-gains (shielded cable, better lead dress, aluminum pup baseplate, etc) , but that may not mean much sound-wise. They have a 60's version and a 70's, not sure which one would be more versatile while still giving the treble growl.

[iiipopes]

I haven't tried their pickups, and I probably won't, but I do like you can get aftermarket Toaster covers from them for a reasonable price.

[clankchris]

I posted a thread about trying out a 2006 or newer(adjustable) Hi Gain in my '03 4003 bridge position, but wonder if the 70's Classic Amplification remake would have more metallic attack. Those look neat, especially with their aluminum plates. I take it the ground wire is now the plate on those?

[clankchris]

http://classicamplification.net/Pickups/Rick_pickup.htm

Has anyone tried these? They look much better made than the old run of high-gains (shielded cable, better lead dress, aluminum pup baseplate, etc) , but that may not mean much sound-wise. They have a 60's version and a 70's, not sure which one would be more versatile while still giving the treble growl.

I just ordered a "70's" set, but with a custom wind. I asked for a very percussive, metallic sound on my bridge(I mostly use bridge) but with a neck pickup that complements that. Will be interesting and I'll report back if you like.

I'm into the Shellac/Early Billy Gould(FNM) sound, though. Very grindy and aggressive, but a little different than Squire.

[Gilmourisgod]

Clankchris
Thanks for the reply. My request would something highly technical like "make them sound Chris Squire-ish". Please post a review for us!

[cassius987]

The pickups in my 4003/5 are by Classic Amplification, the 4004T model designed to accommodate wider string spacing over 4 large alnico slugs. I had him use 43 AWG wire if I remember correctly. They have a nice, smooth tone with a strong bottom end but plenty of top end clarity. It's probably one of the highest quality pickup designs I've ever owned in terms of the frequency response. Brad is a flexible builder as well and will work with you on specs (impedance, wire gauge, etc.).

[clankchris]

Clankchris
Thanks for the reply. My request would something highly technical like "make them sound Chris Squire-ish". Please post a review for us!

Will do, brother!

[spongebob]

All sounds really interesting - looking forward to more on these.

[spongebob]

I did some digging, and following a very informative email conversation with Brad, I too have ordered a 70's set.

[johnhall]

I haven't tried their pickups, and I probably won't, but I do like you can get aftermarket Toaster covers from them for a reasonable price.

Mmmm, sorry, no you can't buy Toaster™ covers there.

[clankchris]

Clankchris
Thanks for the reply. My request would something highly technical like "make them sound Chris Squire-ish". Please post a review for us!

Well, I've had them in my bass for over 3 days and...they are awesome Way more articulate and grindy compared to the Hi-Gains. And remember, I didn't *dislike* the stock Hi-Gains in my '03. I was just looking to turn over the last stone in my search for more grind and clarity.(already put in two no-load tone pots and a whopping 10meg volume for the bridge, and a brass nut).

I've pretty much soloed the bridge pickup on my 4003 for a while now, using none or very little(20% or so) of my neck Hi-Gain because it took away from the clarity and "bite" of my bridge pup. Well, now I am using the bridge cranked as I usually do, but there's a LOT more neck dialed in as well. It's forceful and loud, fills under the bridge's grind and attack really nice, and doesn't take away from it at all.

My best "Fender" description would be the difference between the thickness/bluntness of Dimarzio Model J pickups(stock '03 Hi-Gains) compared to a clearer, grindier set of vintage Fralin J pups(CA replacements).

I'm in love with these things.
(I'd post a clip, but my playing is usually repetitive and sometimes doesn't leave the same string, even )

[spongebob]

Great review!

Mine will hopefully be dispatched any day now. Then it's just the wait for the postage over here, customs charges, etc.....!

They sound fabulous - can't wait to get them in.

.....and try a soundclip - we'd all love to hear them in action!

[clankchris]

Great review!

Mine will hopefully be dispatched any day now. Then it's just the wait for the postage over here, customs charges, etc.....!

They sound fabulous - can't wait to get them in.

That's great:) I think you'll really like them.

.....and try a soundclip - we'd all love to hear them in action!

Ok, here goes nothing. Some clips of my CA's, with the last two being a comparison between them and my old Higains(Both have similarly aged strings, but the old clip is DR SS Lo-Riders and the CA clip is Rotosound 66 Nickels). I'm using a Darkglass B3K(and an Audix I5 mic) on all of them. I don't ever NOT use that pedal as I love the grind it gives my Ric.


http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... i&newref=1

http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... i&newref=1

http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... i&newref=1 (bad guitar playing bonus )

You can hear the middy-ness of the stockers vs/the CA's top end pretty well here:

First, the '03 HiGains:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... i&newref=1

Now, the Classic Amplification version:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... i&newref=1

[spongebob]

Really like the sound of those!

Fully agree on the clarity - sounds like a lot more bite than the regulars on the comparison, more 'Ric' if you like.

Nice bass tone you've got there!

Can't wait to get mine in.......

[clankchris]

Thanks, Spongebob

And, just so you know, I'm already getting better tones than what I posted on here - there's a funny thing; these pickups react differently to my overdrive. I can dial a lot more in and still have clarity, whereas the stockers muddied up a lot earlier.

Can't wait to hear your reaction to the ones you have on order


Cheers,
Chris