Trying out Lollar Imperials in my R8

[Vibroluxman]

Stopped by a local shop and they had a used set of Lollar Imperials at close to 50% off new after some dickering. Figured I should try them in my R8.

Currently have the stock BB1 and BB2 pickups in it. I really like them, though they’re a bit hot sounding compared to my other guitars. I’m really curious to see if there’s any or much of a difference with the lollars. The wiring was a bit of a mess, so I dropped it with my tech to have him sort it out and clean it up. Should have it back next week!

 

[Kurt L]

High winds? Low winds?

Nice pickups either way, I think you’ll like ‘em. I have a high wind in my Forshage... despite the name it’s not a really high output pickup.

 

[cutaway]

Plaintops are

 

[Vibroluxman]

High winds? Low winds?

Nice pickups either way, I think you’ll like ‘em. I have a high wind in my Forshage... despite the name it’s not a really high output pickup.

Neither high nor low, middle of the road regular.

 

[Kurt L]

Neither high nor low, middle of the road regular.

Hope you really enjoy them!

 

[Jarick]

I found them very dynamic and balanced tonally but a bit boring overall. Really well made pickups though.

 

[mule train]

Which model

 

[Vibroluxman]

Which model

regular wind.

 

[the_Chris]

Beautiful pickups, they're keepers in my Hamer Mahogany HB Artist and I'm sure they'll sound great in your R8!

 

[bob-i]

I have a set of those in an Epi Sheraton, they sound glorious.

I hope you like them.

 

[Mark Robinson]

I have nickel covered regulars in my 68 gold top. I prefer them to the burstbucker 1and 2 that preceded. It’s been many years now. I don’t remember why I did that, but I didn’t second guess, never looked back.

I have heard Fralin’s PAF versions sound amazing too. I also like The DiMarzio Master PAF pickups, a bit hotter.

 

[Vibroluxman]

I have nickel covered regulars in my 68 gold top. I prefer them to the burstbucker 1and 2 that preceded. It’s been many years now. I don’t remember why I did that, but I didn’t second guess, never looked back.

I have heard Fralin’s PAF versions sound amazing too. I also like The DiMarzio Master PAF pickups, a bit hotter.

I had the Pure Pafs in my LP classic for close to a decade before I traded for my R8. Great pickup. A bit woofy in the neck. Very similar imo to SD Antiquities

 

[120db]

I have that set in my Collings City Limits, great sounding pup's but I find the bridge pu to be a bit bright so I usually roll the treble back a touch.

 

[Vibroluxman]

I have that set in my Collings City Limits, great sounding pup's but I find the bridge pu to be a bit bright so I usually roll the treble back a touch.

I prefer it that way! Can always roll off, hard to add in what’s not there.

 

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Regular imperials are hotter than BBs, so if you find those hot, the lollars will be more so. You can always adjust distance from the strings.

 

[Vibroluxman]

It’s back! And I’m digging it. Not as brash as the bb’s. More tele on steroids. The neck is warm but not muffled. So far so good, happy with the change.

 

[Bertiman]

It’s back! And I’m digging it. Not as brash as the bb’s. More tele on steroids. The neck is warm but not muffled. So far so good, happy with the change.

I have these in my Barlow. Great pickups. Your description is spot on.

 

[bob-i]

I have a set in an Epi Sheraton. I have other higher end guitars but somehow I keep going back to the Sherry.

 

[Pointy Headstock]

I had a set in a Les Paul Custom for awhile. Stunningly beautiful and dimensional cleans for a humbucker. Super touch sensitive as well...which ended up being a double edged sword as they exposed my uneven and sloppy picking. I ended up swapping them out as they tended to lose attack and string definition when using higher gain (as many PAF types do), but I kept them and intend to put them into another guitar as soon as I find the right one.

 

[Vibroluxman]

Regular imperials are hotter than BBs, so if you find those hot, the lollars will be more so. You can always adjust distance from the strings.

I dunno if they're hotter (they tested around the same or a bit lower for ohm's) but they're not as brash for distorted tones.