Poll: Which pickup for a new guitar line?

[enigma]

I have finally decided to seriously put my design talent to design and build a "unique" guitar. It won't be another clone style guitar. I really want to push the envelope and believe there's a niche market for it.

While I'd like to come up with my own proprietary pickups that won't happen for awhile. Instead, it'd be smarter to contract manufacture pickups to my specs using existing brands.

So, here's a poll. Which brand do you prefer?

[Jim S]

Use the cheapest POS used pups you can find.

Because no matter what you put in there, most folks will swap them out.

[enigma]

This project is pretty high end. The pickups will be custom designed to the needs of the guitar design, configuration, wood, etc.

[Southern ILL]

Listen to Jim.....and please yo' self first.

If you don't.....it'll be boring and seem like a chore.

[HEY!YOU!]

I've recommended these to another builder and it worked out well
for him:

WCR

[enigma]

BTW, if you chose "other" let me know the brand name.

[Axemeister]

You can spec a variety of ratings and specs from a variety of sources. Not sure that the brand or maker is all that matters.

BTW, Lollar makes some fine pickups... and the name was spelled incorrectly in your poll.

[enigma]

Axemeister, yes I did. Oops.

I'm looking for a manufacturer that has not only the reputation tone-wise, but that's also stable.

[Jim Soloway]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, what do you want it sound like? Most pickup winders (including all of those you've listed) build a variety of pickups and, at least in theory, each model is best suited for specific applications.

[enharmonic]

I've been impressed with offerings from all of the builders you cited in your poll. It really depends on the guitar and what you're trying to achieve. Don't think you can go wrong with any of the folks you referenced.

[enigma]

Jim Soloway, that's a good question. The tone I'm looking for will be dictated by the overall design of the guitar. The form I develop will hopefully evoke the type of tone I'd like to achieve.

[GCDEF]

Jim Soloway, that's a good question. The tone I'm looking for will be dictated by the overall design of the guitar. The form I develop will hopefully evoke the type of tone I'd like to achieve.

How could you expect any kind of answer with such a vague description of what you're going for? I like most of the Duncan pickups I've used, and they have models for just about every sound.

[enigma]

Yes, it's a vague question, but still open to however way one interprets it. On the one hand, it gives me information on what is more "popular" at the moment. On the other hand, some might actually have experience dealing with the above mentioned brands for contract manufacturing situation.

[Help!I'maRock!]

How could you expect any kind of answer with such a vague description of what you're going for? I like most of the Duncan pickups I've used, and they have models for just about every sound.

he's an enigma, that's for sure.

[enigma]

Yup, that's what I am :)

[Atomic Punk]

Bill Lawrence ( the real one )...throw the old man a bone!

[enharmonic]

I think that the Fralin P-92's are worthy of being OEM in someone's offering. Great pickups.

[cherrick]

Don Mare
or
David Plummer (aka Zhangliqun on the Les Paul forums)

[Bryan T]

I'm looking for a manufacturer that has not only the reputation tone-wise, but that's also stable.

Every manufacturer you listed has been in the business for a long time and has a pretty good reputation.

I've been impressed with offerings from all of the builders you cited in your poll. It really depends on the guitar and what you're trying to achieve. Don't think you can go wrong with any of the folks you referenced.

:agree


Figure out what you want tonally and aesthetically. Get some samples from various companies. Then make a decision.

[zephaniah zion]

I might get scolded for this suggestion but given the current economy and the fact that a lot of people simply change pickups because they can, GFS a.k.a Guitar Fetish pickups might be a good idea. Low prices in comparison to most other makers and a vast selection of most every style of pickup. As I always say though WDIK?(What do I know?)

[enigma]

My concept guitar is in its first stage of development: a blank piece of paper and pencil! Then, it'll go to a clay or some sort of 3D digital model . . . . It should be ready of 2011 NAMM :)

WCR pickups sound great!