Friedman Pickups Shootout (Classic, Classic +, Triple D)

Part 1: • Friedman Humbuckers!!
What does a Friedman Humbucker sound like? I try to show you the differences between these sweet Alnico 5 monsters!
#BigHairyGuitars #Friedman #Pickups

[@DelReiRock]

Bridge low gain: 02:08 - Classic 02:17 - Classic + 02:25 - Triple D 02:33 - Triple D 02:37 - Classic 02:41 - Classic + 02:56 - Classic 03:04 - Triple D Bridge hard rock: 03:15 - Classic + 03:36 - Triple D 03:58 - Classic Bridge dropped high gain: 04:19 - Classic + 04:38 - Triple D 04:57 - Classic Neck clean: 05:17 - Classic 05:45 - Classic + 06:13 - Triple D Bridge solo: 06:41 - Classic 07:02 - Classic + 07:22 - Triple D Bridge low gain: 07:41 - Classic 08:01 - Classic + 08:25 - Triple D Neck low gain dynamics: 07:50 - Classic 08:13 - Classic + 08:34 - Triple D Middle clean: 08:45 - Classic 09:08 - Classic + 09:31 - Triple D

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks! You're a legend!

[@DelReiRock]

@@BigHairyGuitars 😅😅 We're a team... LOL

[@DelReiRock]

LOL.... These stupid spammers....

[@MrAletube]

Classic plus seems a winner in every style, but they're all good

[@dougfa3515]

This video looks like it took a lot of work... thumbs up just for that.

[@andrerodriguesguitars]

Triple D for me!😁🤘 To push my PT-20!🎸🎸 Great demo Michael!👏

[@njmetfan]

This is the best pickup shootout I've seen on the KZbin. Reason being - you can actually hear a difference between them under different scenarios. Most pickup shootouts your lucky if you hear even a SLIGHT difference, if even a difference at all. Nice job. Oh, and the Classic Plus is the hands down winner.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks njmetfan! I really appreciate that!

[@markmcgibbon2101]

They all sound great, the Classic Plus’s though 😻. That’s a special set of pickups.

[@214jauci]

First of all I so enjoy your channel and thank you! I do not think I have ever seen a reviewer go to that much trouble for a pickup demo. I really liked the Classic plus sound...Edited as I missed blew past 1:45 which had description...

[@chrisjeneson5091]

Thank you for going to such trouble to bring us this revue! A lot of work. I play mostly clean but I fancy the classic plus for my ear. All tasty sounds.

[@DeathMetalGuitar]

OMG - thank you for all the WORK to nail down the comparisons - GREAT JOB!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks Michael

[@passionplayer7]

I've had my Classic Plus for about a month and loving it!!! Man, does it do some magick into my Runt 50, clear and plenty of punch when you want it! Thanks for putting this up, not too many comparisons if any, so this was perfect. Cheers!

[@WyattWillis88]

So glad to see a professional comparison done by an actual professional Thanks for this

[@WyattWillis88]

And god damn they all sound huge! On paper I expected the Classic Plus to be my favorite but after listening to them all, the Triple D really suprised me it sounded so damn good! Sounded like the plus with more nuts. I thought it would be your normal high output too much mids thingy but i was very wrong!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@WyattWillis88 I think the Triple D is as hot and fat as you can go, while still being a great balanced and versatile pickup. Love it!

[@WyattWillis88]

@@BigHairyGuitars Exactly and I know your far to humble and nice of a guy to say so but your great recording skill and playing technique really made the suble nuances and differences between the three shine through and ring as clear as crystal bells ;-) thanks for having a channel that always appeals to my sensibilities and taste as a guitarist and fan of rock & f'n roll brother!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@WyattWillis88 You are too kind! Thanks Wyatt!

[@yellokrab]

Wow you can really hear how different the Classic is to the others, almost unfairly anaemic and clanky next to the huge low mids the Triple D has. I guess they're perfect opposites. Classic Plus seems the most useful all around, but honestly they all sound incredible in your setup. I'll definitely try the Classic Plus when I get bored with my Thornbuckers. Thanks Michael!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The Classic is really meant for neck pickup position. The Triple D really caught my imagination, so I dropped it into my Les Paul Custom, and it has breathed new life into that guitar for me. Great stuff! Thornbuckers are killer too!

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

I've just put some Suhr Aldrich pups in my Les Paul and i done a comparison vs my Burstbucker Pro's on my channel but these sound great too. I think i prefer the classic plus. Great shootout Michael, you went the full distance to make it as fair as poss.

[@dvdpz89]

Mark Pritchard love those Aldrich pickups. Have them in a les Paul and Sg

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

@@dvdpz89 Nice, i do like them as well.

[@robertwellington2616]

Mark Pritchard I have the Suhr Doug Aldrich pups too. I would go with the DDD if I were in the market.

[@dvdpz89]

@@robertwellington2616 I think i'll try those, or maybe the new SILO pickups from Bareknuckle.

[@jeshely]

Great selection off riffs for the comparison.

[@ROKZLEON]

Diggin' the Classic and the Triple D. Classic for all-round and Triple D for more modern stuff. 👦

[@ak_zombie]

I usually don't have any trouble picking a favorite. Not so in this case. Guess that means they're all great. Friedman does amazing work.

[@luizfloripa]

classic cleanish almost a single coil on steoids classic + bites but retains that vintage mojo triple D surpringly transparent for a hi output 16k delivers punch but won't mud that much i'm really impressed by all of them

[@samthorne488]

I was listening to this in the back ground as I'm setting up the studio this afternoon and found myself walking back to the computer to see what you were on at that moment. classic plus sounded incredible and responded super well to dynamic playing.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Sam Thorne I tried a bunch of pickups in my Vintage S. The Classic + was absolutely the best pickup in that guitar. It’s super great

[@ShawnTubbs]

The Classic pickups are so good but there are those fat mids in the Triple D. I would be a bit torn. Nice job Michael!!

[@Locoandchooch]

They all have a unique good sound, I’m staying with the Triple D, cause I likes em big.

[@mikemccourt6225]

To my ears, the both of the Classic + pickups sounded the best for my (imaginary) money. Great stuff Mike

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The Classic + will keep you in the game for just about any style. The Classic is most often in the neck, but still cool for bridge. The Triple D is perfect for thinner sounding guitars and can bring the girth and body to it

[@mikemccourt6225]

@@BigHairyGuitars They all sound great. I could see the Triple D fitting nicely in a super strat - bring on the bent b5ths!

[@BradHutchings]

@@BigHairyGuitars That pretty much nails it. If I had the Classic in the neck and C+ in the bridge, I'd play the neck by default and the bridge for special axe kicking. That pair is looking like my birthday present to myself. Thank you!

[@av8tordonny398]

Classic Plus sounds perfect to my ears. Just the right amount of everything.

[@nicktrierweiler3690]

For my ears it's the classic plus set

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

Ya I'm leaning towards the classic plus too. They are perfect for my playing. I may need to put some in a les paul i got that has like a drab sound. They are just lacking.

[@88ueshiba88]

Ahahahahahah, just finished watching the GAS video 🤣 There is no way to stop you 😂

[@oansun]

relevant to my interests as I just picked up a Vintage T. Since I'm a clean and fuzz guy, Classic's seem up my alley. But the +'s sound incredible too so........... Anyway, great stuff as usual so thanks

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Dave says that the Classic and Classic + are VERY similar in design. Really coming down to more windings. However, that little extra made a big difference in certain amp settings. IMHO. Both great pickups though.

[@nunocarmona]

Thank you for the effort put on this video

[@Auen73]

If you’re using a high gain amp.......The Classic + and Triple D pushes the front end the way we all like. The Classics would really shine in a Clean amp/Pedal platform rig.......though the Classics still sounded really nice here as well. Thanks for all your efforts making this video. Great sounding pickups!

[@joernbeineke]

... great vid ... always amazing how big these small differences are ... :)

[@robbievalentine8239]

Need alert!! Great video Mike!

[@thevernon48]

Classic wins it for me. Good job with the comparison video, done how pickup comparisons should be 👌

[@adamswanson8216]

Excellent demo as always love you’re playing I guess what I’m really wondering is that in my double cut LP I’m thinking of the classic plus bridge and of course classic neck but I still want to know if I’m going to be able to get those vintage blues sounds this was a great demo for most metal and some clean but am I still going to be able to grab those vintage Allman Brothers? Sounds when I need to really changing pick ups because doing a lot of 80s cover gigs, lots of EVH stuff to And. They sound great through the Marshall and through my Friedman amps but either way just wanted to know about getting some classic sounds and if it was a problem thanks Michael you’re the best on KZbin dude. 7:22

[@adamswanson8216]

Boy, I should’ve listen to the video a little longer, and I would’ve answered my own question again excellent playing for sure 8:50 8:56

[@letzrockitrite8469]

it's the Classic for me.... and add from there... it's hard to take away eh?..... thank you Michael

[@Robstafarian]

Adding to the pile, the Classic Plus set was my pick in every example.

[@bird718]

i like em all for different reasons,. overall the classic is the one i would choose

[@wadeburgan1574]

Awesome video. I'm not in the market at the moment, but did you take DI recordings? Might be cool for people to download them and reamp them through their rigs. Thanks for the videos. You always knock it out of the park with tone and playing. Keep the vids coming!

[@stephenchow5161]

would be cool to shoot out the friedman pickups against wades motor city pickups which were one of daves favorites in the past

[@guitarz]

Those triple D’s 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@user-ve9kt3hj2w]

great video/review

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Your a bad ass player Mike...man any of that Friedman stuff is good...

[@cragginshred]

Thanks! classic plus seems to be the one I'm gonna try!

[@recknala]

great job thanks for the help again!!!

[@boardwlk17]

classic+,DDD,then clsssic they all sounded great

[@Iskaral_Pust]

They all sound great. This just made me want a Vintage T.

[@erictripton]

My vote is for the Classic. Why? For super cleans, can always boost the front of the amp but maintain clear. Classic plus may be a touch too hot if I need a Duncan '59 ish sound... In fact I will stick with a Duncan '59. LOL

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Classic Plus was my pick. I have a guitar that already sounds a little warm and you advised that the Classic Plus has a little more treble/presence. After re-watching this video a couple of times the Plus just sounds killer. My other choice to try was the Duncan Saturday Night Specials (after seeing Rapport, but you guys make everything sound good!). Those were just a smidge bit hotter than the Plus (9.75 vs 8.2). The Duncan has Alnico 4's, but not sure how that translates into tone.

[@vladimirerfan7721]

I have the same issue with my SG - it's warm and fat sounding, not the typical Sg. Bought a WCR Goodwood and sounds pretty good, but too fat - needs more sparkle,

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

They sound very similar,only the triple D had a hair more mid response

[@leohernandezcolonful]

Classics for me! I have those in my Vintage T. I now realize I need another Vintage T with the Triple Ds. Maybe with a Floyd?!? Hmmm.....

[@nicholastotoro7721]

Classic is kind of weird to me. Feels like you have the guitar, then a layer of dirt sitting on top of it, not working with it. DDD is too dark. Classic Plus is perfect to my ears.

[@IAmattadams]

I didn't even know he made pickups but they sound great. I like the Classic Plus as well but I might try the Triple D for shits and giggles.

[@jch5150]

They all sound nice, I like the Classic +

[@montyderhak8371]

just ordered the classic + from sweetwater...oh boy my les paul gonna breathe again...thanks my man

[@luckylicks3497]

Impossible to say but one thing: ya gotta have 'em all

[@VERMACIDE]

classic plus for the neck and tripple d for the bridge. I like how open and punch the classic plus is and the tripple d has an almost compressed sound compared to the classic plus bridge

[@johndeschain2156]

For sure the Classic +

[@creatureartsstudio6056]

I'm late to the party, but I had a question for you. I loved the sound of the Classic + set-up, but I can only find/purchase Classic + Bridge Humbuckers. Did you have a Bridge Humbucker mounted in the Neck position as well? It sounded killer, but wasn't sure if it was a Classic or Classic + in the Neck with a Classic + in the Bridge. Thanks!

[@rafaelrivera7374]

Triple D's? Buxom Betty? Dirty Shirley? Hmmm...Dave? I will go with the Triple D's, although the Classic Plus is a damn close second. Nice Job!

[@idlehands73142]

That’s dedication! Great video as always! I love them all, but the classic plus sounds killer. I have a blues boy g&l and wanted to change up the pickups for a single coil bridge and p90 neck. Any suggestions?

[@GillyBibbons11]

Micheal Neilson has sold me a Smallbox 50 and the Classic Plus this week...I aspire to be as good of a tone nerd but coming up short lol

[@mr.banana4893]

Wow , they sound so different from each other, it's impossible to choose. Each pickup covers it's own ground. It would really depend on what you need them for.

[@ben156]

Which pickup did you enjoy the most Michael?

[@OneMomentFromForever]

Great video! May I ask why you needed to remove the neck to change pickguard? The more Friedman videos I watch the more I’m sold on that being my next guitar. I think a vintage t with two pick guitars, a classic plus and p90 in the neck, then a triple D and a classic in the neck

[@eliwirth1938]

My guess is so he could keep the same strings on the guitar, as the non-locking tuners don’t make it easy to put strings that you’ve taken off back on

[@motrock2]

Man, this sounds great. I am considering a new pickup for my Les Paul. I have been using a WCR Godwood for years in that guitar. But it seems stiff. Which of these would you recommend? I play harder rock like Scorpions, early Def Leppard, Van Halen. etc. Can the Triple D still pull off classic rock stuff? Or is it more of a metal pickup? I have been using a JB in my Charvel. Great demo and playing btw!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks Kurt. I actually put the Triple D into my LesPaul Custom. I have another video that I'm gonna drop this week, showing that. It might help you make an informed decision.

[@andrewanderson3746]

I'd go for a Classic Plus bridge pickup but a regular Classic in the neck

[@kostisk8914]

Classic Plus sounded great to me. I didn't think i'd like an 18k Triple D, but I was surprised how awesome it sounded. Seemed just a hair less sensitive 8:34 than the others. but it still sounded awesome!

[@CS-ru4xd]

Hey Mike...would love to have a set of the DDD's but they're not showing to be available on the Friedman site. Any idea when they will become available?

[@Colin.W]

Classic Plus sounds great!

[@theheavensdeclare7571]

Triple D all the way 👍🏻

[@TavaresProject]

The classic + was my choice too

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Triple D

[@jasonesty3880]

If the three, I like The Classic and Tripple D. The Classic Plus has too much of a low mid/bass bump for my tastes. As an engineer In most live situations, I would have to tame that with eq.

[@Stefan-Van-der-Pulst]

I'm not hearing that low mid/bass bump in my Cali. I guess it depends on the guitar.

[@HANGINWITHTHEDREAMER]

Yep the classic + is awesome but there is something to be said about the Triple D’s

[@HowardBobson]

These don't come with F spacing right? How do the magnets line up on a Floyd rose? I know tone wise it doesn't matter, just more of an OCD thing for me.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Ah. I don’t think there are specific F spaced versions

[@KaiDown]

Triple D > Classic + > Classic Not to discredit the Classic at all though, they all sound killer

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The Triple D is badass. It's like a JB with Alnico 5 magnets. Fantastic hot pickup.

[@mantistoboggan4967]

Classic plus all day for me

[@GonzaCordovez]

A necessary pain to do!…

[@chanceterrill5346]

Classic plus seems to be the thickest n most full in all styles

[@BigHairyGuitars]

It’s a ‘cant go wrong’ pickup

[@tomulator]

Nice comparison. Did you by chance measure the pickup heights and make sure they were all the same between the different pickups?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I did actually do that. Yes.

[@Jay-sy5yf]

Which would be best for 80s rock? Thanks so much Michael!!!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

For a more VH thing, the Classic +, for a a fatter Zakk thing more the Triple D

[@thedatabody]

My ears prefer the Classic Plus.

[@jasonsapp792]

Judging by your body language would you agree the Classic + worked best for you? Each sounded good

[@MatsHeyWire]

Classic+ is my favorite 👈

[@tonystarks3486]

Classic plus

[@lancecass8997]

Why you taking that neck off? Is it a tighter tolerance than a Fender 72? On mine, just a little tilt of the pickguard and it slides right out. Neck off is No good, wonder why Grover would design it that way. Knowing that man, he has his reasons, I'm very curious why? Michael, Next time you're over there, if you could ask I would truly appreciate it. I think I may know what Grover will answer but it would be awesome to hear what he thinks.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Dave F suggested that. Either way is fairly doable. Because the Friedman’s have an extra pin to set the neck, it always goes back in place. When I slide the pick guard out, I’ve scratched the fretboard a bit before. I didn’t wanna to accidentally do that.

[@lancecass8997]

@@BigHairyGuitars ah ha, that makes sense. And yes, with the pin, which I'd forgotten about, the neck wouldn't be an issue. Ha. You did a review forever ago and spoke about the pin, Friedman guitars just went much higher on my next guitar list. That pin is a genius idea for a bolt on neck. Killer. Thanks for the reply.

[@mwc6849]

Classic Plus

[@thurmanjuan]

They all sound great. So which ones are you leaving in your guitar?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

My Vintage S is keeping the Classic +. I put Triple D into my les Paul Custom. I'm gonna try the Triple D in my Cali. The Cali is kinda bright, I think it'll be a perfect match. My Vintage T is keeping the Classic +.

[@thurmanjuan]

I don’t even know what’s in my Vintage T but I love it just the way it is. However, based on your demo, I think I like the Classic + the best. And for whatever reason, I just seem to play cleaner/better on my Friedman.

[@Stefan-Van-der-Pulst]

@@BigHairyGuitars One year later..do you have a Triple D in your Cali now? If so, how do you like it now? My Cali is a bit bright as well (in comparison with my other guitars).

[@KaneSL]

Hey can these be coil splitted?

[@shredhed572]

Classic sounds like Ty Tabor

[@alaincousineau9321]

Which neck pickup would you pair with the DDD bridge? In PRS Custom 22.

[@theRodofwar]

Michael At the 7:25 mark what is the delay set at THX

[@theRodofwar]

I hear those triple DDD's and I think of a blue skinned female alien I DON"T KNOW WHY ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@AHGrayLensman]

Watching Farscape again?

[@BradHutchings]

I'm the guy that loves the Classic sound the most. Does the Classic+ "dial back to it" with the volume knob?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Yeah, but there's still a subtle difference. It's a tiny turn back. But, who wants to play guitar with their guitar on 9!??

[@chanceterrill5346]

@@BigHairyGuitars me! My best tone comes at around 8 on my paul. Classic rock heaven with a dirty shirley 40 with gain on 7.75

[@overkill2006]

I wonder how the classic handles heavy delay?

[@ericharbauer]

loud is more good!

[@manolitoalmirol4702]

For me classic plus

[@armandodiaz3485]

Does Friedman make ceramic pickups?

[@thirdageamplifiers]

Wait ... You have to remove the neck to change pickups on Friedman guitars? That seems oddly inconvenient.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

You don’t have to, but it’s either remove the neck or all of the strings. The neck is easy to put back on the Friedman’s because of the extra pins they have. Lines right up. Either way, it’s a pain. 😂🤣

[@zachmcgrain7815]

D for Detroit maybe

[@perjohansson2852]

Does anybody know if it's possible to split the coils on these pickups so you can use a push pull pots?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Per Johansson yes, you can. Sammy Boller has splittable Triple D’s in his NOHO.

[@perjohansson2852]

​@@BigHairyGuitars Thanks Michael! I will buy the Classic Plus. They sounds awesome!

[@alexmaloney8269]

Triple Ds 4sure