Aftermarket Pickups Are Pointless? | Comment Time #23 | Q&A

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

Thanks for all you do Kris, you’re not misleading anyone. I appreciate what you do.

[@Bob-Sacamano314]

upgrading pickups has been the single most effective thing for changing my tone... went from a stock usa standard strat to Fat 50's when i first started playing... night and day difference, then got more into and got period specific Classic 54's from the creamery in the UK and was BLOWN AWAYYY.... and its not only the sound, its the sensitivity and dynamics, definitely not pointless in my opinion

[@GCKelloch]

After 47 years of playing, I lean more towards low magnetic pull pickups, and the higher permeability of A3 vs A5 increases efficiency without the harsher tonality. The Classic 54 set inductance is in the average Strat range, which is great. The difference in sound between a flat and vintage radius is surprising. I gravitate toward a modern stagger so the A and D are a bit brighter, but the more balanced G, and fatter High E sound are definite improvements in my book.

[@DimKAt21]

Swapping pickups and even the rest of the guitar's electronics is going to have a massive effect on how our guitars sound, it's not pointless at all. Worrying about tonewood is pointless. In anyway another great video from our friend Kris.

[@TheToneLounge]

I think that your core tone (besides gear), Kris, is how you dial in your gear. You know what you like to hear, and have it dialed-in in your head. So, you most likely set things in a way that sounds right to you and inspires you to play. That's the way it is for me, at least.

[@KrisBarocsi]

So much truth in that. 🙌

[@thseed7]

Love your videos. Always entertaining, informative and full of unique perspective.

[@KrisBarocsi]

Aww man, thanks so much!

[@jack119b]

Your reviews are some of the best available. So many reviewers on KZbin can barely play. If your own fingers can't get a good sound first, no guitar, amp or pedal can fix that. The best players can sound great playing rock tunes on an acoustic guitar. Check out Zakk Wylde playing a Black Sabbath tune on a tiny Hello Kitty acoustic.

[@recordingbude8653]

Hey Kris, thank you for your channel. Just stumbled upon it and find it refreshing that you actually reinforce your statements towards comments with real sound samples. Very nicely done.

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thanks a lot! 🙌

[@BioHazardBHZ]

Kris, I appreciate your approach of reviewing new gear! Keep doing the good job!!

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thanks so much man! Something like this gives me the strength to keep on doing this. Much appreciated! 🙏

[@MrSteney]

I've watched you for years. I trust your content and your opinion. I can tell everyone here, the biggest upgrade a person can make to a guitar are the pickups. Everything else makes minute differences, if any. Do your research and find the right pickups for you and your style and the tone you're searching for. You'll be glad you did.

[@honigdachs.]

If one modification makes sense, then it's changing pickups. It's far more than "EQ", but the response, sustain, attack characteristics, etc.

[@stanislavmigra]

Hello Kris, probably the best Q&A sofar. Mainly, you choose very interesting questions and given very indepth answers. I had very similar pedal journey. Ive tried many pedals (mainly boss) and was disappointed with what they do. Mainly they sounded like "pedal in front of amp" instead "amp shifted to different direction". On the other hand, I liked Fender big bell like cleans and Vox jangly cleans and Marshall crunch and Orange lowmid thump and Laney doom distortio and disliked many multichannel amps, cause one channel is good and another weak, so what now? Breaking point for me was Xotic BB preamp. It helped me understand how to use OD pedals also it sounds good in any setting so it helps haha. Then it was demos from (not only) you, understanding more the function rather then specific sounds. Ps: key to your tone is to dial in the uppermid chirp. Then its you and you are happy and plays well

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

What now may be finding the right pedal platform amp for you then drive pedals that will give you the tone you like. Like Kris I use the Revv Dynamis as mostly a pedal platform although I absolutely love its drive (Red) channel. The Dynamis clean is very Fender-like to me and has plenty of belle like qualities and chime. It really is a fantastic pedal platform channel. Both channels of this amp are amazing IMO. But for these higher gain tones I got myself a Revv G4 pedal. It has a lot more gain range than the Dynamis Red channel but sounds very similar. Fat leads, great chunky chording if you like and it cleans up really well with the volume pedal and the Agression mode switch makes it very flexible as all 3 modes sound very different. But the Dynamis has 3 "Dynamics" mode on its Red channel which are very similar and they are re callable via the footswitch of via MIDI so its very convenient for me. When used a s pedal platform, my least gainy pedal is a Wampler Tumnus Deluxe (Klon clone with extra features, it has a very specific midrange that is hard to get otherwise), next is my old trusty JHS The AT (Andy Timmons) v1 which is more a Marshal in a box kind of distortion pedal (JCM800-ish). That used to be my main gain when I played through my opld red knobs '89 Fender Twin. But the Revv G4 just sounds better to me. Even more amp-like than the AT. It's supposed to sound like the Red channel on their bigger Revv Generator amps but it sounds close enough to my Dynamis' Red channel that it's replacing it for me now which, like Kris, makes my Dynamis pretty much a pure pedal platform amp. That's not counting all the drives in my HX Effects. Here convenience won out for me. I have the 3 analog drives above on my board plus a Boss SY-1 (need those guitar synth tones for my band's Marillion tribute project) but delays, verbs, modulation and more all come from the HXFX which also controls all midi functions of my rig (an analog 4 pedals looper + the amp). I have never loved a rig as much as I love this one. Good luck finding yours!

[@ratwynd]

I have owned a bunch of guitars with factory or aftermarket SD and DiM as well as factory proprietary PUPs. Many are great and need nothing, but I have replaced both humbuckers and single coils in some. I built a parts-caster with a matched set of AlNiCo II Supremes from Planet Tone out of Colorado. Lower output but very clean and dynamic. Sold my American Pro 2000 natural ash Strat after I built it. Converted an Eastwood Rockerbox DLX from 3 buckers to 3 P90-ish bucker-cased single coils and it was a major tonal upgrade. Neck/Bridge from Planet Tone. Middle salvaged from an old Ibanez semi-hollow of uncertain vintage. 5 ways switching gives awesome tonal palette, much richer cleaner tonality with the P-90 thingys. Added master volume with treble bleed on lower horn. (Nofear of drilling holes in stuff, even expensive stuff 😊 for the tonal "Holy Grail".) OTOH Gretsch Jet, Gibson 335, Yamaha Revstar II, D'Angelico Premier DC needed NOTHING changed beyond personal setup/strings.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Kris, This is the first time I’ve watched your channel. I really appreciate the analytical way you answered these questions. I’ve just subscribed.

[@taokichavez9319]

I think your playing parts motive and serve much more than any A/B testing, keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts :D

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thank you so much man! I really appreciate your words! 🙌

[@Zygnus]

I'm someone who has spent a lot of time trying out and experimenting with different pickups from different brands, and I can attest that aftermarket pickups can make a huge difference. Overall, I've found that the brand I'm happiest with is Bareknuckle Pickups, and is what I've ended up with on most of my guitars. I have a couple with Lundgrens - a 7 string and a down-tuned baritone - that are also pretty cool for those uses.

[@jerrycarroll9068]

Just put a set of Silo’s in my ESP couldn’t be happier.

[@MrSparks54]

I have replaced pickups in several basses. In all cases the outcome was positive. In particular my 70s vintage J bass had noisy pickups, I installed Aguilar humbuckers and the difference is night and day. Thanks for the vid.

[@PooNinja]

It’s your instrument to do with as you choose, I only have a few after market pups but they definitely change the tone / response of the guitar. I’m still to broke to throw a full set of utopia’s into my Jem jr. But that’s definitely the goal! Unless someone sends me a Pia??? I’m lookin at you Dr. Dan! 😳 Edit my first after market pick up was an INVADER 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@robintroy2059]

Love your channel Kris. Keep it up!

[@angusorvid8840]

Aftermarket pickups can make a huge difference. But I usually tell players to make sure the issue is not the amp and that they know what they want a pickup to do if the amp is not the issue. One of the biggest differences I personally experienced with tone was when I changed the bridge single coil to a Seymour Duncan Hot Rail in my strat way back in 1986 when Hot Rails were new on the market. It made a massive difference because I replaced the type of pickup, a single coil, with a single coil sized humbucker. Another experience I had, and it's ironic that you mentioned this pup, was when I replaced a Duncan Distortion in an old Charvel with a DiMarzio Fred in 1989. It made a huge difference giving me better harmonics, chordal clarity even with my high gain Boogie 50 Cal, and great sustain. It worked better in every area. It was warmer, had better harmonics, sustain and clarity. The lower output of the Fred gave me better clarity than the Duncan. It was a very big difference. Regarding pedal overdrive vs amp, I prefer it too most of the time. I like boosting a fat, mostly clean tone with a pedal then using my volume knob to roll down for cleans. I just love this approach. It's the best of all worlds. Also, while I don't stack distortion pedals I do like taking more than one to a gig so I can get different tones. It's like having more than one amp. I recommend it. Good video Mr. Barocsi!

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thanks for sharing your approach buddy, much appreciated!

[@davidmatthai8473]

Hey Kris, thank you very much for answering my question in a comment time video, really great. I have to admit that I'm a regular customer at Session Music Frankfurt and have been for years, but I'll definitely visit Thomann with my Nik Huber to meet you there, I'll plan to do that this year if I can , by the way, my guitar comes with me every time I go to a guitar shop, it's always with me. :) Cheers, David

[@frantisca]

Hi Kris, thank you for your comment series: very interesting. I would'nt swap pickups unless I have a good reason. The stock pickups that came with my LP CS '59 ri are so good, I don't even imagine putting something different in this beautiful guitar. Same for the SG. Fenders are different. You can tweak Starts/Teles to your liking by changing the pickups. I've tried various brands: SD, DiMarzio, Suhr, Lollars, Fender handwound CS... they're all different depending on the tone you are looking for. That's how I have 3 Strats and 4 Teles, all fitted with different PU's...

[@thamashu]

While I can understand the need to get info about how a pedal sounds using different settings but the same guitar (because eg. not everyone has a lot of different guitars), I never understand hate speak! And your approach is also totally valid about looking for the best possibilities of gear. And it is also useful that you explained it in this video! (And of course, if you would show a pedal eg. with your Tele only that would be less useful for those who have eg. a two humbuckers guitar…) Otherwise, I like that you share a lot of information in these comment-time videos too so I can learn from them! 🙂

[@irondavebennett8635]

Hats off, KB you have class. Your explanation is exactly what I was thinking for the hate comment. I admire you taking the time to address these comments. I really don't think they are worth the time. Great job as always, cheers

[@darwinsaye]

In general, *the kinds of guitars* I buy, inform the kind of pickups they come with, stock. For example I bought a 50s style Tele. I wanted a vintage style Tele with vintage tones. That’s what I got. If I was into high gain tones (I am not), I would probably buy something like a Super Strat or other guitar known for metal or whatever which would come with high gain pickups, so again, no need to put in aftermarket pups. If I wanted vintage PAF tones, I would be buying the appropriate guitar that came with them; I wouldn’t be buying a Super Strat and then swapping the pickups for aftermarket PAFs. So, I guess I don’t get the whole swapping pickups thing. The only case I could imagine doing it would be if I bought some guitar because it was like a hundred bucks or something, and it came with inappropriate pickups (like if I bought a cheap vintage Les Paul clone, but it came with super high distortion pickups and I wanted it to have appropriate low output pickups).

[@horschy4856]

Thanks for the answer Kris. I already thought it had to be something around the pedals 😉

[@hydeane]

And Amp 🙂

[@duncanneilson9312]

I watched your video about the effect of raising the polepieces but lowering the overall height of humbuckers and tried it myself, tried it, loved it! But I noticed that the split coil sound dropped a bit in volume as a result, and wondered is it easy to swap the coil split on a humbucker so that the screw coil is kept active rather than the slug coil? Cheers, Duncan

[@craigbragg2842]

Interesting and informative, as always. But my question is this: where did you get the black cat behind you? I need that in my life!

[@Gruppe_11]

A good pickup is essential for the tone!

[@boomerbassmeme]

I picked up a project Ibanez bass for $100, played like a dream, but sounded horrible! Dropped an EMG Geezer PJ kit in it and now it sounds amazing!! It was twice the original purchase price for those, but for $300 I have an amazing bass that plays and sounds as good as my ones that cost 1K+!

[@andrewbecker3700]

I try to buy guitars with pickups I know I already like and want. Modern wiring and cheap pots, switches, jacks and tone caps, can hold back great pickups. Pickups alone, won't solve most problems if the guitar is a cobbled together hoopty. It all has to work together properly to get the most out of ANY pickups.

[@tasteapiana]

It's like asking if aftermarket shoelaces are pointless. Once you have experienced a shoestring that flexes just right, gives just the right amount, doesn't simply hold your shoes together but works in-tandem with the flex of the bridge of your foot and doesn't lock into a stiff web of static resistance to lateral movement - you will understand. One size DOESN'T fit all.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I don't think you are gear salesman Kris. I love watchin your channel, so much knowledge I can get, including about pickups

[@merliphlan2]

Cool video as usual dude ! Here is a question for a next Q&A maybe :) Do you do all the maintenance by yourself on your guitars? Even fret leveling and refretting ? Or, even with your knowledge do you have a trusted luthier who does these jobs

[@angusorvid8840]

In my experience, regarding amp distortion, it doesn't matter how good it sounds, I will still get tired of it. I need variety. I like using Fender style amps where I can get just enough grit to boost it. I've also come to prefer 10 in speakers which are a big part of the Fender tone as opposed to the British sound which usually means 12 in speakers.

[@SergioAureo]

I upgraded my SG with a set of Wizz PAFs, after having already installed good quality pots (VIPots) and 50's wiring. Night and day difference vs the stock 57 Classics (which were fine but not awesome). The Wizz set just lets the acoustic qualities of the guitar shine through (the 57 classics were very lacking in that department). So, replacing stock for aftermarket pickups is not a hype but... you have to spend time to get to know your instrument and really know what is lacking and what are you searching for, otherwise it can be frustrating or even pointless... there are times when the stock pickups are near perfect and it is just a pure matter of GAS.

[@vkelly1975]

I’ve upgraded the paf’s in my Gibson’s, I bought a set of Virgil Arlo 59,Seymour Duncan custom shop skinner burst and MJ’s magic basically a skinner burst set also. And I’ve also reused a set of custom buckers rewired to 4 wire for split coils now in an sg that sounds as good as custom shop. Out of the 4 sets there all great but the Arlos are just amazing. There’s a reason the go for so much.

[@dirtmark333]

Hi Kris, thanks for the great content! Can the amp wattage make a difference in sound quality if you record with the Captor X? I have a Marshall SV20C, and I am not 100% satisfied (with the recordings). I was wondering what I could achieve with more watts.

[@kaindog100]

Great video Kris. If your not happy with them change them. If there wasn’t a difference every guitar would sound the same. We’ll sort of lol😊.

[@benallmark9671]

Kris , I see you have both the ox box and the two notes. Which one do you use for what circumstance ? I know it’s probably always depending on…. but in general what is it you do and why ?

[@thamashu]

I think Kris has made a video about this topic already.

[@Tsudkyk]

The pickups in my Ibanez s series were a bit sterile and “flat”- I wanted something a little hotter that would provide decent dynamics when the volume is rolled off so I purchased a set of Seymour Duncan’s. My tonal problem couldn’t be solved by adjusting the pickup or using an EQ pedal, so in this case after market pickups were justified. For my strat, aftermarket pickups were a waste of time and money- it still sounds just like a “strat”.

[@kmichaelp4508]

Good one ole buddy. It’s always been the person behind the guitar rather than the equipment. ALWAYS!! You can search forever for a tone in your head from someone else but cannot achieve. Your not them. What cab and speakers are you using with the Revv?

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

I upgrade pickups ..but won´t pay full price for Duncan or Dimarzio. 2nd hand pickups work fine! I like budget pickups too. I´ve got Tonerider Rebel90 or Artec Rails in my Strat.

[@TheRemizinho]

I also used 2 channel amps for a long time but now I prefer a pedal platform type amp because i don't want to deal with fx loops and long cable runs

[@DavidRFIT]

Also, you get a more consistent sound if you for some reason happen to use different amps (for example in different reharsal rooms, etc. ). With pedals you can change amps while having more or less the same sounds.

[@angusorvid8840]

Regarding tube amps I think the Fender Blues Jr. is an excellent gigging amp. It's 15 very loud watts and it takes pedals very well. I find Marshalls are just too hard to dial in and they never stay dialed in. Fender amps have a lot more headroom. Even if the controls may seem simpler, like the lack of a Presence knob on some amps, you still can dial a great platform tone then let pedals do the rest.

[@resistorstudios]

you think marshalls are hard to dial in???

[@NisGaarde]

Hey Kris, your thoughts on P90 bridge PU replacement? I have a Les Paul Jr. from 2009. Plays great but I don't love the PU. Any recommendations for a replacement?

[@morrisonmcqueen1364]

For what it’s worth; I put a set of Seymour Duncan antiquity P90’s in a guitar that are just beautiful! Sensational pickups

[@KajHeGeHaggman]

I am not Chris, and it depends on what music you play, but Wolfetone Meaner/Mean are killer for Leslie West and old classic rock

[@gregoaks4413]

Kris is aces in my book

[@rodrigorivera2941]

Hi Kris. I think u r forgeting Something important 'boit picks: the circuit. I hace a ltd ec-220 and a ltd mh-50 (yeah cheap, but good) both gtrs came stock with LTD lh-150 pickups and both gtrs sound radically different being th mh with much more hi freq and a bit "eachier". The difference: circuit. Keep it coming with good stuff. Greetings from Chile.

[@pauldncn1]

Oh Kris I love that Tilt it’s rich You like lots? I find it funny that the negative comment missed the reason why you swapped Negativity always leads us down a less than clear path Regarding your style Your approach is where it starts Your experience is a huge part of it and then the rest is what you do with them ALL That’s what I hear anyway 🥴

[@szymonszymanski3]

I would like to see you capturing your rig/sound with Kemper or Quad quartex one day. I’m pretty sure you would make it sound killer.

[@krimsonlediable]

Hi Chris, I have been enjoying all your videos so far, including the "pre Thomann Era" ones. But could you do a video on how you think about the old plexi and rectifier in Today's perspective?

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thanks so much man!! 🙏 That’s a fun idea. I might do a “revisiting my 13 year old youtube videos” or something like that. 😅

[@0megalul309]

@@KrisBarocsi revisit your triple rectifier + prs video

[@thamashu]

@@KrisBarocsi +1 for doing a “revisiting my 13 year old youtube videos” . 🙂

[@willdenham]

Hearing someone with that accent and gentile manner wrestling with the expression 'shitloads' is priceless for a backwards midwesterner like myself.

[@KrisBarocsi]

Actually I was struggling with the grammar of that comment more than with that word. 😅 I’m pretty heavy on f bombs and such when the camera is off. And when my kid isn’t there. Haha!

[@Mpcoluv]

Great video! Ignore the trolls

[@KrisBarocsi]

🙏 Thanks a ton!

[@frankquinn1296]

I have found some guitars I love to play , started of playing great, then it became ok this plays great, adjust the pick ups. Still not right. Still played great. Then went pick up searching. Nearly all my guitars now have after market pick ups, from WCR's /SD;s Joe Bardens. Di Marzios are just not for me.

[@nellayema2455]

That Les Paul leaning on the amp is triggering my OCD!

[@leehenderson8132]

Got some duncan classic stacks.huge disappointing hype.many small makers making great pick ups.Radio shoppe,bootstraps,etc.check em out.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

There’s more myths about guitars than anything else on the planet. Some people change pickups because everyone else does. While I personally don’t really like ceramic pickups they’re good for heavy rock. I prefer AlNiCo as they seem to chime better.

[@0megalul309]

Boutique pedals are more pointless than boutique pickups imo.

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

Amp vs. Pedal Drive. das ist der Grund, warum ich meistens 3-4 Channel Amps gespielt habe (bis auf den JCM900 der 2-kanalig war) oder Rack-Systeme (GSP 2112, JMP1 etc). Warum soll ich bei einem Amp den ich mag ein Drive Pedal vorschalten? Im Gegenteil: m.M.n. zerstören die den Sound den ich an genau dem Amp so geil find.......................................

[@Tobilikethis]

Rly good vid 👌🏻

[@vualac]

Ignored all the trolls

[@benallmark9671]

Is that a Hendrix signature you’re playing Kris ?

[@aperezdeal]

Luckily I’m in the spend my money on lessons phase of all this.

[@dejadejayoutube]

a sh#tload (non plural;) of great info, tones and ideas man👍:)

[@KrisBarocsi]

Thanks buddy! I’ve learned something today. 😄

[@markproctor3100]

Changing humbuckers/P90ll/singlecoils to different supposedly better versions never really seem to sound any better to me🙄 The only pickups that sound better/different to me are Fishman fluence and EMG active ones the fluence ones definitely sound different to the EMG's. But putting different HB,SC or P90's in, unless they have different outputs don't sound different/better enough for the money. Its output that makes a difference 😏 Although I've been told I have cloth ears 🤣🤣🤣

[@edgeofsanity9111]

Another pro of using pedals for gain instead of your amp: you can switch mid song between different settings with your feet Can't do that on your amp

[@johnwardle9667]

'There are shit loads of differences' would be the better way of writing it.

[@agriff4795]

s$&tload is singular in this case

[@gcvrsa]

Obviously aftermarket pickups are not "just hype". Everyone has a different take on what makes a guitar sound good or best. Use you ears, choose the pickups you think sound best, and stop thinking too much about it.

[@iloveitall]

Kris, as much as I respect KZbinrs who answer questions and care about comments .... I really would appreciate you make another fine whatever topic video instead. I learn alot from vids like these. 90 percent of the music biz is snob trash talk. No need to give them a forum. No need to read those comments at all. Hope you keep your brilliant head free of all the crap going on in this biz and just broadcast all the good stuff.

[@alanagottalottasay997]

I may have had some military training in purely biological human responses….. that said this dude might be a little awkward sometimes ESL etc….but he is absolutely not being disingenuous in his delivery or content…..

[@castleanthrax1833]

I think this argument is kind of pointless. Probably as pointless as arguing whether tubes or modelling is better. If you have the money, and want to buy something, what's wrong with that? If you like the sound of something and want to achieve that sound by changing pickups, why not do it? I don't see the point, but I don't think it's "pointless". Hell, owning the number of guitars and amps that I do, is seen as pointless by all but the people who are reading this. ✌️

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

70%of your tone is your amp. And if you want to change pickups why not lol is a free choice defo good fix for a cheap guitar

[@marions.120]

Not plural and he sounds like someone who doesn’t have any tone (in your fingers) or sound, developed with equipment. ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶 p.s. When we’re out playing a show, I carry 3-4 electrics plus a couple of acoustics.

[@KrisBarocsi]

Haha, thanks for the heads up. That’s a lot of guitars. Car with a big trunk or band bus?

[@marions.120]

@@KrisBarocsi-Both! Some of the guitars I don’t, or won’t, leave with anyone one else!

[@rickhammel9541]

an eq pedal fixes 99% of what people are looking for in aftermarket pickups

[@TexanUSMC8089]

It's all a matter of opinion. Some people want a certain tone without using a pedal.

[@loiccampistron1490]

Boss EQ200, 10 bands, midi, expression pedal. Lot of possibilities!

[@CenterThePendulum]

If you don’t have really good ears, yeah skip the pickup change. If you do, eq pedals don’t get you there. And depending on pickups, the swap isn’t necessarily more expensive.

[@pauldncn1]

Kris made the most valuable point , if your pickups don’t produce it you can’t add it in I had a cheap strat copy and I put dimarzio Pickups in it and it came to life £180 for pickups and i still play it 9 years on

[@davidrees1840]

Eq pedal affects both pickups. Not ideal if you have a muddy neck pickup, eg.