High Order Pickups

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Tue May 24, 2005 5:40 pm

Ive been on a PAF hunt for so long after playing one. Im not looking for a clone of the one I played, since I understand they were all pretty widely different anyway, but something with the general features you described. Anything even ballpark is fine because Ive never played anything like it. Clear as a bell and detailed or what I would call "raw" but not the least bit harsh or trebly. Tight punchy bass and smooth mids. I was thinkin the more popular A3-8.3k or 8.5k. Im a bit undecided about that. Jeff said 8.5k adds beef but he didnt really say what it takes away. Unless there is no trade off. I understand there pretty similar for the most part. He also said the A3 is a bit more open and less compressed then A2. For the price I really should try a few. The A3 7.8k seems best for the neck though. He describes A5 as being pretty high and low boosted. Thats relative since most of the guys at PP still seem to think their A5s are clearer and more articulate then any SD or DiM or what have you.

Zoso · Post by **Zoso** » Tue May 24, 2005 6:41 pm

I also got a set of A2's for my Flying V. Unfortunately, the lacquer is still curing from where I refinished it, so I haven't got to try them out yet. But I think they will be well suited to that guitar, as it was a little harsh to begin with. I have an uncle who has a '62 Paul, and these are about as close as I've ever heard to that tone as far as balance. The A5 does seem a little more aggressive in the mids than the A3, but still not as boosted as the Duncans. I was really amazed at the difference. I'm almost hesitant to post the clips I made because the amp settings I had with the Duncans are not the best for the HO's. But in the interest of a straight comparison, I left them the same. After really playing with the HO's for about a week and a half now, I find my sound is more versatile, especially after adjusting the amp settings and getting used to the sound. At first they seemed a tad bright, but now I understand that it is just a clear high I'm hearing. I put the clips up on Soundclick today BTW, I just have to wait for them to clear before I can post the link.

dirtydeeds22 · Post by **dirtydeeds22** » Wed May 25, 2005 12:41 pm

Man these pickups sound like such a good deal. I wish I would have heard about them before I bought my WCR Darkburst set. Not that I wouldn't have bought the WCR's, because they are awesome sounding, but the price of HighOrders is so much less. Somebody shoud do a shootout with all these "boutique" pickups and have clips.

Jeff

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Wed May 25, 2005 7:14 pm

Well I went and ordered an 8.5k A3 and 7.8 A3 set. Countin the days now.

JasonC · Post by **JasonC** » Wed May 25, 2005 8:20 pm

My A3/8.5 and A4/7.8 arrived today! They are supposed to go in my new Warmoth I'm building, but those parts aren't here yet.

Damn, I have practice tonight, but maybe tommorrow I'll swap them into my other strat to check them out.

I also had Jeff build me an A2/8.3 to try in a LP Studio I have custody of. His prices are so good it makes me want to try a bunch of 'em.

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Wed May 25, 2005 8:42 pm

I almost want to buy an A2 8.3k set. I just hope whenever he decides to go "all the way" with the company is a long way off.

JasonC · Post by **JasonC** » Sat May 28, 2005 2:17 am

I'm on the HO bandwagon too.

Build quality, packaging, and attention to detail is impecable.

I put the A3 8.5 in my strat and it was way sparklier then the SD EVH I had in there. Cleaned up without getting mushy with the Vol knob. I was able to roll out the presence all the way and a bit of top end ou oot the amp and it was really nice and shimmery.

Nickcha · Post by **Nickcha** » Mon May 30, 2005 1:07 am

I got a pair of Jeff's 7.8/8.3 A3s (CCW South wound) double creme bobbins, and I had him flip the Neck for the PG mod. I put these into my '03 R7 Braz/Darkback. They sound fabulous! Very musical, well balanced, rounded highs in the bridge, tight full bottom iun the neck.

These are amazing pups at any price, so it's particularly sweet when you consider what they sell for.

I put a pair of aged nickle covers on them and I aged the TonePro bridge and Aluminum stop bar as well. I also wired in a complete RS kit. Turned out to be one heck of an LP. Especially if you like FAT ole ball bat necks. You can check the pix out in the link.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:02 am

for the money how can you not give them a try!everyone seems to love them that trys them!
stan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 31, 2005 2:44 pm

Hey Nickcha, I am thinking about just putting in the RS pots and the Auricaps, I am a little hesitant to change the wiring scheme and add those extra resistors. Do you think They would be a worthwhile upgrade if I used the standard Les Paul wiring scheme that's already in there?

Dax

Dax · Post by **Dax** » Tue May 31, 2005 9:36 pm

Well, I just orgered the RS Upgraded electronics kit (New pots and Auricaps) and a High Order Maximus for my SG Standard bridge position! I am excited, but I will have a wait!! We'll see how she sounds when finished.

Dax

tonejones · Post by **tonejones** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:43 pm

Well, I just orgered the RS Upgraded electronics kit (New pots and Auricaps) and a High Order Maximus for my SG Standard bridge position! I am excited, but I will have a wait!! We'll see how she sounds when finished.

Bro, that thing's gonna wail!!!!!!

Dax · Post by **Dax** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:54 am

Nickcha, Is that the way your Les Paul was wired stock? Looks way different than mine.

Dax

gnugear · Post by **gnugear** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:29 pm

Still waiting for my HO 8.3k alnico III ... but in the meantime I upgraded my Agile Les Paul copy with the 50s wiring and CTS pots. I also scrounged around a found an Auracap and a Jensen paper and oil cap. The both sound really clear with the Jensen being just a tad smoother. I can't believe how much more open the guitar sounds.

Dax-The-Ax · Post by **Dax-The-Ax** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:13 am

Boys, I just saw the light. After putting the RS Guitarworks kits in my SG and Les Paul, I realized that the high gain pickup in my Les Paul sounds Mushy compared to my SG! It has alot more gain and looseness. I really like the tight crunch my SG is giving me. I think I will put the High Order in my Les paul and get rid of the HB-L. Although now I am torn, I ordered the High Order maximus and am now worried if it will have too much gain for me. Maybe I should choose another Model. Any Les Paul High Order suggestions.

Dax