Product: Amber Classic Rock
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
05/15/2007
at
03:52pm
by
Rupert Gruebl
Features
:
The Amber Classic Rock is a PAF-type of humbucker, that usually comes with an AlNiCo II magnet. I ordered mine with an AlNiCo V magnet and it weighs in at exactly 8 kOhms. It has got an aged (special order) nickel cover and it's not waxed.
Instrument
:
I put this pickup in the bridge position of my 2001 Gibson Les Paul 58 Reissue (I have an Amber Classic Standard in the neck position). The Ambers replaced the Gibson Classic 57s which came stock with the guitar. The Classic 57 didn't have enough bite for Classic Rock - to mee it sounded a bit too tame in the bridge position.
Sound
:
10
Here is my setup: Gibson Les Paul - Fulltone Standard Gold Cable - Maxon OD 808 - Marshall Jackhammer - Tonehunter Dual Mod Distortion - Ibanez Ad 9 Delay - Diezel VH 4 Amp.
I ordered my Amber Classic Rock with AlNiCo V magnets because Wolfgang Damm (owner of the Amber company)said they would produce more bite in the bridge position. And he was right! This is a fantastic PAF-clone for Classic Rock sounds. Think of Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Free, Gary Moore, AC/DC and you will know what this pickup can do. In a crunch mode it will give you outstanding rhythm sounds - turn the volume of your guitar down and the Young brothers will envy you for your sound. At high gain this pickup will provide the finest lead sounds you have ever heard. Even in clean and bluesy setups the Amber Classic Rock never sounds harsh - too me this is the perfect PAF.
Overall Rating
:
10
For some background information on the Amber company check my review of the Amber Classic Standard.
At a price of 150 - 170 Euros, these pickups are not exactly a special offer. But on the other hand: original PAFs from the late 50s sell for about 2000 $. And you don't have to spend such ridiculous amounts of money to get a fantastic PAF. The Ambers offer great value for money.
