Guitar Madness Humbucker review ............ 57' Alnico II

Oh my goodness its been a long time! Sorry for the long delay during the summer. I live off grid in Alaska and don't have the chance to post often. Now Im back in Michigan for the winter and its game on! Here's another Guitar madness pickup review. Enjoy! Dave Whipple

[@matheusmoreira9951]

As a chep gear lover myself, I'm a big fan of your videos. Keep it up, man!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks MM!

[@DazedxHipster]

Just ordered one for my Epiphone LP jr. Stoked!!

[@seanodonnell9826]

I've been looking at the guitarmadness pickups, both the '59 and '57 on ebay and I didn't expect to see any reviews or demos available on youtube so thanks! I'm looking for a replacement bucker for a Yamaha Pacifica 112 that I found, literally, in the dirt. Being a cheap guitar from the jump and 100% free to me, I really don't want to put a Duncan or Dimarzio PAF clone or some other expensive thing in it. I was happy to find the cheap GM pickup since it's 4 conductor, allowing me to do a coil split for a tradish single coil strat bridge option. Most guitars I've had have been alnico 5 and there was always something that I didn't care for, that brightness factor that you mention seems to be it. With the tone knob cranked it would sound shrill & unmusical and even slightly rolled off it would sound too muddy. In all alnico 2 videos I've seen including this one, the tone seems to have this nice rounded edge to it, like even if you wanted to get brain melting high pitch late 60's-70's lead tones you could roll up the tone knob or eq on the amp and get it without the shrillness. Liked and subscribed, I dig cheap gear and feel like I play better and am more creative on it.

[@leonardsmith2170]

Welcome back Whip! Hope your summer was good. I enjoyed this review very much. That pup sounds really nice. Lookin' forward to seeing some more videos.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Funny, I just put that pickup in the neck position of that guitar and a super distortion in the bridge. I think they will both sty put in that guitar. Thanks for the comment LS!

[@mangoheadquarters8134]

Definatley a big difference, what a great little pickup... Thanks Dave, look forward to more from you....

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks for the comment!

[@stolenova1210]

Thank you for the review. I've been on the fence about picking one up to drop in my Epiphone SG Junior but after hearing it, I'm going to give it a try.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

The Alnico II ( In my opinion) is a VERY good pickup for the money.

[@joshuahauser9050]

GM is awesome. Put some on my strat. Fell in love with them.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Great pickup for the money.

[@uncleguitarnerd782]

Greetings from Pakistan. So glad to see another video of yours. You should do these more often. Thumbs up!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks! I have some videos i'll be shooting soon.

[@sunbeamtiger9876]

Welcome back Dave. Glad you're back in one piece. Cool review. Might pick one up to drop in a Hofner shorty I've got. Keep em coming! Thanks!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks you, ST!

[@panelsofDOOM]

Welcome back Dave. Unique channel you have here. Can't wait to see what else you have to share. PS your yearly routine sounds awesome by the way.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks MJ!

[@eddiecornish8890]

Glad you’re back, greetings from England, oh yeah cork sniffers be damned, bring on the cool cheap gear!!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Word up!

[@SrDeMaFp]

I’m amazed at how good this pickup sounds for the price. Crazy! Love your videos, BTW. No BS. Good stuff! Keep it up!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Igornopolis]

You could have perhaps just ordered A2 magnet and swapped A5 out on that 59er. Ive ordered 59er and put in unoriented A5 magnet. Great middle ground to keep the chewy attack but a bit tighter low end than A2 for higher gain. Cheers

[@pedrocerda6574]

man I love ALL of your videos dude keep up the good work!!!!!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Pedro!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Thanks for this review, Whip. I just got one of the Guitar Madness Hexbucker pickups for the bridge of my Epiphone Les Paul. I think I’ll have to get one of these for the neck.

[@bowslap]

Not bad! Those Epi LP Specials make great starting points for modding without breaking the bank. Everyone has their own preferences, mine being an A5 humbucker in the neck and an A2 in the bridge. The brighter tendencies of an A5 magnet being tamed by being further away from the bridge…..

[@277southtombob]

I’m with you 100% on Alnico 2 pickups. I really prefer it in humbuckers and P90s and I’ve had some great sounding Strat pickups with A2. My favorite Strat actually has A2 in the bridge and the neck and mid has A2 on the E, B & G and A5 on the D, A & low E but the rod magnets give that option when you can’t really do that with a bar magnet. I bought pickups from GM a few years ago when it first showed up on eBay and I’ve got quite a few since, they have some great pickups for a great price.

[@ambiguationdotnet]

Excellent, thanks for this, Dave! Subbed. Also was pleasantly surprised to see you on a pickup search - I'm already subbed to BushRadical under a different account :-)

[@mariospantouvanos4645]

Hi Dave! What are the specs on the pickup? I have a set of Vanson 57 PAFs with Alnico 2s on my Special 2. The bobbins have the same shade of cream color as my zebras. Also could you please make a review on the Epi special 2? Thanks!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

As for the specs, I think this pickup is like 8.4k 52mm spacing ( i think) ...As for the special II review .....You can count on it. Its my favorite guitar.

[@mariospantouvanos4645]

whip's cheap guitars My bridge pickup is rated at 8.3K ohm and also has 52mm spacing. I could swear that my pickups and your pickups are exactly the same. As I said the cream part of the bobbin is the same shade. They might be made in the same factory and sold under different names. Was your pickup 4 wire also? Nevertheless, they completely changed the sound and character of the guitar. Keep up the good work!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Yup , mine was 4 wire too. I doubt there are lots of budget pickup companies like there are boutique pickup companies. Anyone with a winder and an internet connection can get into the boutique market but when you are selling pickups by the 1,000 count to retailers, and guitar manufacturers I doubt there are many people in that game. So I wouldn't be surprised if they were out of the same factory.

[@overcome8628]

They sound really good.

[@leonthompson8988]

I bought a few of there's. I think the alnico 2 are great for the neck. I told the owner I didn't want an overly bright bridge pup. He recommended the 59 alnico 5 for the bridge. It's a little bright but hey I just back off the tone. The hot rodded set is similar to SD HR set at a small fraction of the price

[@DazedxHipster]

Gotta watch your episode of Alone! Cheers 🤙

[@mr.bonesbbq3288]

Nice demo, thanks!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@timlaine6268]

My experience with a SD '59 is that it has a scooped sound so I am not surprised that you characterized your original purchase as bright. I much prefer alnico 2 as well. Now my problem is why no one seems seems to make a hot al2 pickup like the SD custom custom.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I don't know.

[@SgtPnkks]

dragonfire A2 Buckers... 8.3K neck and... wait for it.... 16.9K bridge

[@leonthompson8988]

I have both the 57,59,hot rod sets.i like them better than gfs,dragonfires vintage buckets. I like them all.Fyi the rocking Ibanez super 70s from the 70s were alnico8 with vintage windings. I had a 77 ish Ibanez l.p. with the super 70s pups scared the he'll out of Gibson with their quality. Those Ibanez studio guitars and the artcore 300 were called l.p. killers in the day. They made them in Japan till 1989 fwiw

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Right on. The old ibanez stuff is awesome.

[@simonssparestrings8910]

good playing and awsome alnico ii pickup. have you tried humbucker sized p90's

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

No, but I do love p 90 pickups.

[@corey1a1]

This sounds like it would be PERFECT in my Epiphone LP100. Just a change from the 700 it came with. OK Dave, now you need to test a G.M. "1984" for us!!!!!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I might do that. I think the 1984 is a super distortion clone right?

[@corey1a1]

whip's cheap guitars I believe so. I just started seeing them on eBay but no one has reviewed one yet.

[@me-bk9er]

Corey Adams the 1984 is not a SD clone. .the hexbucker is a SD clone.

[@johnpittman3756]

Want another different sound for your humbucker guitar? Get a set of GM P94's, when available. I have a cheap guitar and did this. With the gain on the tube set just at breakup, you get a rich powerful single coil sound.

[@TWANGROCKS]

just tried a set of gm which are al2 neck and al5 bridge... they're amazing. best set I've had in my LP (2006) and I've had a few much more spendy.

[@ejbgunny1]

Glad to see you made it back safely. Great video and the cabin looks awesome too!!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks.

[@redrocker1055]

For a cabin builder, you're not a bad guitarist.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Thanks for the review I will try an alnico 2 gold cover from them

[@corey1a1]

Finally ordered a bridge to put in my Epiphone Les Paul Jr Pro-1. It's the main thing it needed...can't wait!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

its a good pickup.

[@fraterfraxinus6293]

Wow. That was refreshing. Thanks for the hook up.

[@garybrown5172]

Hi Gary here in N.J. You are very Cool. And you play good too. I just order the Set of G.M. 57 Special Alnico ll Humbucker . After hearing you play. That,s the sound I,m looking for to put in my Gibson.!!!!! With Sprague Bumble Bee .22 uf Tone Capacitor,s THANK,s DAVE.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SaintierSet]

Amazing as always! keep the good work.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks SS!

[@jstoffick]

I ordered a set of these for my Epiphone SG worn brown... Double cream bobbins. Don’t tell nobody. Can’t wait to hear how they sound. Great video!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I really like mine, and for $18......they are a steal. Let me know what you think.

[@jstoffick]

whip's cheap guitars Will do! Should have them Saturday, and I’m not gonna waste any time putting them in...

[@jstoffick]

What a vast improvement over the stock Epiphone pickups. Great balanced sound when switching between pickups. Nice and warm. I highly recommend these for the dollars!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

For the money they are awesome. !!!!

[@jstoffick]

whip's cheap guitars No doubt. Played them for quite a while last night. I have definitely laid out way more money for other pickups and not been as happy...

[@whynotme5926]

alnico 11 is my favorite magnet. I have taken the pole pieces out of ceramic single coils and put alnico magnets in them and they sound good. Sounds very good.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

WHAT! What are you doing over here in guitar land WNM! Good to see you either way. I didn't know you were a "crossover". Guitar player / backwoodsman.

[@bronzesnake7004]

When a cheap guitar comes along, you must whip it! That sounds sweet! I was actually surprised. Jack Canada

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

me too! Its a pretty good sounding pickup.

[@noi5emaker]

Whip it good.

[@antma9028]

@@whipscheapguitars2856 Hey Whip,we don't have a 18 dollar bill in Australia. Sounds good!!

[@scottconnors8419]

Whip it good

[@bronzesnake7004]

HO RE CHOW, IT'S ARIVE!!!! Jack Canada

[@MarcRead]

Love your channel Whip!!! any chance of reviewing some Yamaha Pacificas? I see them at pawn shops for under $50 all the time. Would love to see what you think.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I get requests for that guitar all the time.....I'll try to make that happen

[@adrian_V99]

Great review, Dave..I have that same model and really think it would do better with a P90 at bridge, or 2 P90s. Can you do a demo of a P90 in a cheap Epiphone LP? Many thanks.

[@stankfanger1366]

www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/Les-Paul-Special-I-P90-Electric-Guitar.gc Arguably on of the three best guitars that you can buy new for under $200. The sound on it right out of the box is phenomenal. I have one of these, an SG 400 Pro, and a 100th Anniversary LP, and that little P90 gets a very fair share of play time.

[@msh6865]

Whip, I'm really digging that GM A2 thru the VHT. With a bit more gain, either from the amp or a dirt pedal, I bet that p/u would really kick some butt. Keep posting vids when you can, I always learn something everytime I watch.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks MSH68!

[@zkiller67]

Hi there. What would be a cheaper option of a humbucker (bridge) on the Epiphone Les Paul Jr (Samick-Indonesia, 2011)? Initially i thought of changing the stock to Duncan SH-4 JB...but if there is a cheaper option to get the Green Day sound...Please advise. Thanks.

[@noi5emaker]

One of my favoruite things to do (with guitars...) is swapping magnets. Oh the FUN you'll have! Just buy a few bar magnets and start swapping things. It's very easy to do and it really changes the character of a pickup. Change the ceramics out for an Alnico V for more warmth. Put in an Alnico II for warmer still and less bite. put in an Alnico8 to make it scream and punch. Get an Alnico III in the neck for a lovely, low output jazz thing. Go on, give it a shot!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Ive never got into magnet swapping...I might experiment this winter

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Actually, I have meant to put together a A3 p90.....

[@noi5emaker]

It's super easy. Just loosen the screws on the backplate, peel back the tape and push out the old, push in the new (observing polarity, of course - use a compass for that). I'd LOVE to see you do a video on that. I know it would be great!

[@noi5emaker]

An A3 P90 would be sweet. Great idea!

[@jameskrys5286]

Thank you for correctly pronouncing Alnico.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

LOL, you're welcome.

[@RobCmusic]

I prefer Alnico 2 pretty much for all types of pickup. I'm on a constant hunt for affordable A2 pickups!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

These might be good option.

[@erickt1974]

Do you think you'll ever review a budget P90 pickup? I've modded the hell out of a LP JR but I have no ideas if there's any good dogear pickups for a good price

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Yes I will> I have a junior in my house right now with an 'ARTEC' p90 in it. Its about 7.8 ohms ceramic magnet, and about $18 I'll work on that review soon.

[@Nobody92421]

Damn dude, that VHT kick's some ass! I bought a used Classic 18, but it was messed up. Had to return it. I did just buy an Epi LP special II for like... $79. Turns out, it was from the custom shop. (Who knew?) Black with all gold hardware. After a set up, it, plays better than my 79 Gibson The Paul. OH, and check out Jet City. Just grabbed a JCA50H that crushes it for $250. I did have to replace all the Chinese tubes, but WTF. $250 for an all tube Soldano clone? It's a good time to be a guitar nerd...

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

It 'IS' a good time to be a guitar nerd!!!!

[@3cardmonty602]

Got Alnico II's in my Squier Classic Vibe Tele & they are fantastic!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Totally agree!

[@p.schouten6597]

Nice! Any experience with rail pickups? Not much info out there except about the spendy makes and models.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I have zero experience with rails....maybe i'll pick one up just to see what it sounds like.

[@p.schouten6597]

Someone on this here Tube put one in and found the element was too short to get decent pickup for the E and e strings. Blade length is something to look out for. Not sure what other pickup solutions for getting wider string spacing. Lipsticks in tandem?

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thats a new one for me. I don't know any rail users, but its something to think about for sure, if they e' strings are an issue.

[@arturo884]

Hi , this is a great video the guitarmadness pickups are great pickups Believe me !!

[@CletusFeetums]

Watched every video I love your channel so much

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks MA!

[@christophermurphy7723]

I worked in Alaska logging Afognak island 3 different times miss it Cool reviews

[@mns8732]

Very excellent b/c I'm looking to buy em

[@dawnrussell4838]

Very nice demo

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks.

[@jessebarrera159]

Great been looking for a pickup to put in my fender fat strat.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Its a winner. Ive tried a lot of cheap pickups and this one is pretty darn good.

[@roberth5611]

Sounded like a bit of Malcolm in there. Gonna try this pickup out.

[@3cardmonty602]

Alnico 2's have weaker magnets than 5's, so you'll get that "vintage vibe" from it - more clarity, more jangle. I like them because they give you more leeway in headroom to go crunchy or dirty, whereas the 5's can be overwhelmingly dirty from the get go. Good choice.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Im with you. I like the II's but the V's are kind of "beamy " to me. They sound great recorded , but for jamming in your living room they seem hard to tame the high notes. The treble notes just "BANG" out of the amp. I like the alnico II's.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

There good I single pickups Alnico 5 s hb 2 are cool

[@EdgarC701]

Review some Monoprice gear? I have nothing but pleasant surprises from them sofar...

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Mono price? I'm not familiar.....what do they make?

[@EdgarC701]

www.monoprice.com/category/pages/13 All sorts of stuff - Electrics, Acoustics, Bass, Amps, etc. Generally known for bang-for-buck. On Amazon too. I have a previous Les Paul model that seems to blow everyone that plays it away - and it was 150$ shipped and setup.

[@bjfornash9976]

I subscribed to your channel Whip. We have similar guitar ideals,...........and the low budget blues.😎🇺🇸🎸🤘🏼⚡️⚡️💥🦅🎸

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

LOL, right on.

[@timidater4803]

Nice!! where did you order it????

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

eBay.

[@mikethehitmanpowell]

sounds pretty good

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Alnico 5 are good in single coil pickups 2 are good in p 90 to

[@njcranes]

Is this the ALONE Dave?

[@moxy9896]

I have the Aknico v in a tele they are bright. I like the sound of the Alnico II better its a warmer tone.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

mee too.

[@bronzesnake7004]

Hey Dave. Have you played either the Epiphone SL LP? This is the new Epiphone $99 guitar - or the new Squire Bullet Mustang? I think they're about $150, or as those punk kids and their transistor radios say "one fiddy"! I've heard the Epiphone SL, and in my opinion the bridge pickup should be renamed the Puke pickup, because it is mega tinny, as is the neck pick up, but not as thin. I've definitely heard worse, but these single coil pu's are only marginally better. The one element of these Epiphone's is the price! You cannot complain about a $99 electric by Epiphone. One other thing I don't like with the Epiphone is the pick guard. It just smacks of cheap, and is a terrible design. I've screwed around on Squire Mustang and came very, very close to guying it, but I went with the Cort Earth series acoustic, which is 3/4 scale, and just an AWESOME little acoustic with a solid spruce top, and fantastic sound! Very smooth playing neck, and I would take that on stage any time! It was just under $300 brand new. I was actually shopping for an Epiphone LP used of course, because it's retarded buying new if you can help it when there's ALWAYS absolute mint used guitars for half or more off the retail. I'm really jonesing for an Epiphone LP in Pelham Blue. I saw a Gibson LP played by Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters fame, at the White House honorary performance for Paul McCartney (AKA Macca AKA Mr Billion dollar money bags) Grohl was playing Band On The Run...or was it Man With The Runs?..hmmm...anyway, he had a Pelham Blue Gibson LP and you know you really love a guitar when you give it Five Boings out of Five, and an additional three Shwings of three...so...ya, I gots to haves me one, but with a different head stock, and label!! I've really wanted an Epiphone LP for years, and I just love the Pelham Blue. The small family run music shop in my small town don't get hundreds of guitars in, and so I'd be waiting for a while for a Pelham Blue to come in used. So I was looking at a really sweet black one, and was going to buy it when I spotted the Cort. Hand to God after the second I knew the black LP was going back on the wall!! I actually gave the Cort to my second son Jason, whose 29 and an awesome guitar player, because he gave me his electric Ibanez 120 free, so I could trade it along with my acoustic Garrison for the guitar of my dreams, an Epiphone Casino! Being a Beatle fan since I heard my sister's playing Beatle music full volume for months on end, I found out they loved, and used the Casino on a huge majority of their great songs, and albums, such as my favorite "Abbey Road" where the majority of cuts were on the Casino. George used Strats a LOT, as well as the Telecaster, but he also used the Casino quite a lot. It was really Lennon who was playing the Casino, his favorite, and McCartney's favorite also. I had to have one! Take care brother. Jack Canada aye!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I have never owned a Casino but its high on the list. As for the SL...I ordered one from guitar center and it was supposed to ship the 10th.....the 11th I got a email saying they won't go out till the 11th of next month.....so I don't know when I'll get one!!!

[@chrishenderson9130]

try the alnico 5 in the neck to make that position less dark. or try one of the humbcker sized p90s. those are incredible too

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I'll check those out.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Shit Son, Where at in Michigan Foo?

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

??? FOO???

[@mikethehitmanpowell]

alone what you doing going to when some money?

[@Bradtadabone]

subscribed!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks for the sub!!

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

So, these aren't the Chinese models that sell for $16 a pair, on Amazon and eBay? I was worried that all these guys like guitar madness, artoftone, stratosphere et al, were just reselling that garbage.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Who knows where it comes from

[@jordijarper4441]

Neck sd 59 alnico 5 vs vanson 57 alnico 2 brigde. Prefer. Thank.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@richardmestas1863]

Hey whiiiiippp!!!?,. Richard Lee from Cali man, Help me bruh! Plzzzz. Ok one o' my guitars is a discounted crappy flying V MINI YUP, mini. Neck is unbelievable tho. One vol. One tone humbucker.. totally shit. What u say to solder in I will no joke. Thx.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

This is a cheap pickup....and the one in your V mini is undoubtedly a CHEAP pickup too. .....BUT, for a cheap pickup this model does sound great!

[@richardmestas1863]

Settled! I'ma watch ur vid couple more times note some hi-lites this'll be my first pickup swap. I'll let you know the outcome. Super thx ...out!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Keep me updated!

[@me-bk9er]

A ton better than your 59er video. .must have taken guitar lessons!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

ouch

[@Blitzkrieg.u812]

I can hear the low output.... not for me

[@davesaenz3732]

Wow you never played anything really heavy.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I don't really play heavy stuff.....never had the coordination for it LOL!

[@Kommander_Rahnn]

Should have blurred out your address, dude.