Bare Knuckle Pickups Apache

Pickup features: Single coil passive
Impedence or other specs: b 6.6k, m6.0k n 6.0k Alnico 3

Model of guitar or bass: 1976 Fender Startocaster (USA)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMGs
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: don't know
You musical style(s): rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: Hated the idea of having a battery in the guitar- got fed up with the sound

Perceived output level: slightly hotter than stock
Tone: classic vintage like Stratocaster tone
Sonic evaluation: small valve combo

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Apart from my own stuff, rock & pop from last 40 years in a covers band

Comments: I would not hesitate to buy the same pickups again. Anyone who knows Strats and hears the tone on my guitar has commented. You cannot get a bad tone out of these pickups if you tried. I have been playing semi pro for 20 odd years and I cannot believe how much more enjoyable it has been since the installation of the Apaches.I love the responsiveness.They drive an amp beautifully. Just because they are vintage, they are not at all thin and weedy. They have real life to them. I have found that they respond too to less effects. I have toned chorus and other effects and in fact have used the guitar straight into the amp but with a dedicated reverb unit in the f/x loop. I like to hear the pure tone of the guitar/amp combination and it just gets better when you crank it up a tad- the distortion has never sounded better.There is nothing I don't like about them. For me it was not practical to bench test a whole host of different makes and models. I heard about Bareknuckles and heard nothing but great things. Their service is superb and their knowledge unbeatable - they are going to be huge. They have nailed the sound for me. At last my guitar sounds like it ought to. Played against my Japanese 1960's reissue, the difference is clear and I was reasonably happy with the Japanese guitar but I will be buying another set of Barknuckle pickups for it- it deserves the best. There are other models to suit other tastes, some hotter if thats what you prefer - if in doubt ask on their web site but do it- you won't be disappointed.

Pickup features: Single Coil Stratocaster Pickup
Impedence or other specs: 6.6K

Model of guitar or bass: 1983 Squier JV '62 Stratocaster
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Classic Stack
Other pickups on guitar: Bare Knucke Mother's Milk attached to Neck and Middle
Artists using this pickup: ????
You musical style(s): Surf
Reason for pickup change: Needed to balance the other BKPs - but wanted something a bit different in the bridge

Perceived output level: Just hotter than classic strat
Tone: Oodles of Treble and 'presence'. Real sustain.
Sonic evaluation: This is an Alnico III 1956 stagger model - they will make an original 1954 stagger, and they'll do it for you. BKP seem to make to custom order but charge less than SD standard issue pups - how long this can last I dont know, but they are currently the greatest pup manufacturers in the industry (let me state this: I do not work for them or own shares in them!)
This goes into a Vox Valvetronix - it is absolutely awesome - it has the classic bridge twang of The Ventures/The Shadows and more. When you add verb and tremolo fx you get Belairs, Chantays, Dick Dale and The Lively Ones. When you had a Bad Monkey or a TS9 you get screaming blues.
Best of all mix this in the Bridge and the Mother's Milk in the Middle and you have a sound that is thick, woody, open and with presence - its more clean P90 than Knopfler out of phase. It has become my favourite position and I hated it before.
(I mighr poinr out that I asked BKP to balance this to work with the Mother's Milk - it sure sounds like they followed my instructions)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a hot late 50s sounding strat pup - it is not a modern thrash machine - I play Surf - this pup is Surf guitar but soo much more

Comments: JVs are known to be good - but mine is now a league beyond good, it is the sound of the Stratocaster bridge pup incarnate.
If you want this get one of these

Pickup features: single coil passive
Impedence or other specs: Neck 6.0k Middle6.0k Bridge 6.6k Alnico III magnets

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Japan 57RI Stratocaster. Alder body, maple neck.
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Texas Specials
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rhythm and Blues
Reason for pickup change: Texas Specials have a harsh top end that I've never got on with.

Perceived output level: Slightly less than TS - enough for my uses.
Tone: A full balanced tone with a sweet top end.
Sonic evaluation: Strat into a Cornford Hurricane via a George Ls cable.
Tim gave me some great advice when I phoned him up. He asked exactly what my needs were and recommended the Apache set. He explained the different sonic qualities of Alnico III vs Alnico V and how having the weaker magnet would exert less pull on the strings and give increased sustain. He explained how the effect of having a heavier gauge wire would reduce the harshness in the top end I was experiencing with the TS. Also, the difference between having the middle pickup RWRP over standard winding and the positive sonic effect the standard winding would have on positions 2 and 4. He offered two variations on polepiece heights (the 54 and the 59 staggers) - I chose the 59. He also warned me not to be put off by the name Apache!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Any style short of meltdown mayhem!

Comments: I've been playing 30 years pro or semi-pro and have had truckloads of kit come and go. My main guitars are a 63 Tele and a 57 LP Junior which I've had for years. I tend to bring in other guitars as the need / taste arises. Likewise with my amps but recently I've been using my Cornford Hurricane for everything.
It's always difficult choosing replacement pickups and it really depends on the sound you're after, but Tim, with his knowledge and experience makes that choice much easier. I'm blown away by the Apaches and can't honestly imagine anything that would better suit my needs.

Pickup features: Single Coil, Passive
Impedence or other specs: N 5.8K, M 5.8K, B 6.3K

Model of guitar or bass: Warmoth Strat, chambered swamp ash body, maple/rose neck
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: My own hand wound pickups
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: Don't know
You musical style(s): Blues, swing, blues/jazz, rock
Reason for pickup change: Looking for that elusive vintage strat sound

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than pure vintage
Tone: Balanced, excellent classic Strat presentation
Sonic evaluation: Weber 5E5A kit (Tweed Pro) with Weber Alnico 15" speaker. Damn nice amp!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Works for vintage blues, rock, jazz, country.

Comments: If destroyed or stolen I would probably give up guitar (har, har, not really).
Been playing donkey's years.
Very fine pickups indeed for anyone who is looking for that classic Strat sound. They are rich, exhibiting some raunch, yet posess clear bell like tone. These are not high output pickups. There is some magic in these, I really don't know how they do it. All the standard strat pickup combinations sound good. Positions 2 & 4 offer the classic quack, hum-cancel and sound great with perhaps a slight attenuation in volume. Neck & bridge pickups are assertive and distinctive in the way you expect a well bred Strat to be. Even the middle pickup alone is usable. Bridge & neck together sound divine. 1, 3 & 5 positions show substantial hum but great tone offsets noise issues. I think these are worth the money (which is saying something). I have played many strats equipped with different hardware over the years and these guys kick ass! Not searching for that sound no more!

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: 6.9 I think

Model of guitar or bass: Squier Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Squier Series 2
Other pickups on guitar: Only the Bare Knuckle set
Artists using this pickup: NA
You musical style(s): many styles, rock, heavy, blues, jazz, eastern
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to try the Bare Knuckles Pickups...I found the Squier Pickups a little cold and stiff

Perceived output level: Basically a little hotter than a vintage strat
Tone: Very well; balanced and bright bellish tone
Sonic evaluation: I have about 10 gtrs ...2 strats, teles, Ibanez etc...a Flextone 3 amp and a Behringer Vintager...plus a lot of software amps as well.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I will be using that partcular strat for clear tones mainly...and some soft distortion, mainly for recording

Comments: If it were lost I would be very upset because these pups have a sound that I really like, a very clear vintage strat sound.
I have been playing for over 35 years...when I was about 18 I was considered one of the top guitarists in New Zealand, I have done loads of sessions in NZ and Australia and have been featured in Guitar for the Practising Musician a few years back.
I have owned pre cbs strats, I even once owned a 59 Les Paul and a fender Squier...loads of guitars and amps...boogies,marshalls, you name it.
When I first spoke to Tim I was really stoked how he took the time to explain things and was a nice straightforward guy who actually cares about his craft and not just the money.
When I finally got them installed...I was in the middle of spraying and re fretting a tele, so I was tired and not really in the mood.
STILL!!! the first thing that struck me was the top end detail...basically my other strat guitars sounded dead in comparison...this is not merely brightness but actuall harmonic sparkle.
I have read reviews where some users describe these Apache PUPS as being fat...I would not really agree with that, what they are is clear, warm, and bell like, a vintage sound but with more meat somehow.
They are way more alive sounding than most pickups I have heard over the years, and you cant get this by adding EQ or winding on treble in your amp (I record all the time...so I am speaking from experience here)the actually harmonic spakle that is in the high end is priceless and this alone makes these Pups well worth the money.
BUt if you use the neck pickup you get that rich piano like Hey Joe strat sound...it reallty is something.
So even tho I was tired and a bit jaded...I still was knocked out by the Bare Knuckle Apache sound.
I also bought a Boss Set for my tele and I cant wait to try those.
I will use a heavier sounding pickup for my other strat...but this one is pure vintage with the Apache PUPS.
This is the sound I want and I will be looking no further.
These are GREAT!!! dont muck around, they are great value, preofessionally packaged and a no nonsense vintage sound.

Pickup features: Single coil set for Strat
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Stratocaster 54 Replica
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): 60's, 70's & Blues
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Hot vintage (ie what vintage pups were like when new, before age got to them!
Tone: Clear and articulate without being shrill
Sonic evaluation: Strat & Fender Hot Rod amp

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: 60's, 70's covers, blues, great both clean and dirty

Comments: I've been playing for nearly forty years and these are the best Strat pickups I've played. They are Bareknuckles' take on the original '54 pickup, though I have the middle RWRP so the mix is humbucking, and are surprisingly versatile. I expected some noise and hum but they were much quieter than I expected. They had their baptism of fire in a gig last Saturday and came through with flying colours. Even the drummer commented on the sound!!

Pickup features: Single-coil - passive- Scatterwound Alico III magnets, 6Kohms
Impedence or other specs: Scatterwound Alico III magnets, 6Kohms, Formvar 42 gauge wire

Model of guitar or bass: Grosh Retro Classic and Valley Arts Custom Pro
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: BareKnuckle Rewinds of neck and mid position Lindy Fralin S/Cs and a couple of Kinmans in the
Other pickups on guitar: Tom Holmes bucker in the bridge of my Grosh retro classic "strat" and an Anderson H2 in the
Artists using this pickup: Check out the HC reviews for the other user :)
You musical style(s): Noodlings from clean, blues, jazz funk and rock. Most everything apart from shred n Death metal
Reason for pickup change: Curiosity. See my BareKnuckle Rewinds review - Tim at Bareknuckle suggested his Apaches to me as being outstanding pickups and devoid of any Alnico V treble harshness. He thought I'd like them and so I took a chance.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than old vintage at 6Kohms. The scatterwinding gives a sense of being louder as
Tone: The most characterful and wonderful single coils I have ever encountered. These are just soo musical. Very full, warm and
Sonic evaluation: Ok into a Carr Slant 6V (2 x 12 combo).
I got neck and reverse wound mid position Apaches - no bridge pickup as I have humbuckers in the bridge positions of my guitars. These pickups come in at 6 Kohms a piece and feature Alnico III (yes really) magnets in a vintage stagger and heavily scatter wound 42 gauge Formvar wire. Your choice of pickup covers - I got a sort of creamy white.
First up I put these in my Grosh taking out the Barkeknuckle rewinds of my Lindy Fralin Vintage Hots (see my review of those here on HC). Any comparisons I make are to these rewinds and are of course relalative - your ears may score it differently.
First impressions - WOW ! It was like some one had added a bit of Lucille to my "strat". Incredible. The sweetest strat pickups I've ever encountered and beautifully complex and full of character. Significantly more mids and warmth than my rewinds (which have Alnico V magnets). These pickups are "full bodied" - there's nothing at all thin about them. The sweetest non-jarring "highs" you've heard.
It is just wonderful to dig into the neck pickup and solo out sweet blues or jazz phrases. Simply stunning. The pickups have a "chewy" feel and quality to them?- great to get your teeth, I mean pick, into. The chime is all there - probably more so than on any other pickup I've heard.
And the mid pickup is gorgeous - emminently useable by itself and making a very bold statement - I've never heard a mid pickup quite like it. Get those Robert Cray tones in the "out of phase" positions but with more mids - a jazzier or smokier take if you will. Hit these pickups hard and the notes get very complex indeed - simply steaming with character.

These have vintage-type outputs but are just plenty loud for me - using a 300 Kohm volume pot helps there. Not high gain beasts of course - but they sound simply wonderful through a cascaded Crowther Hotcake and BJF Baby Blue combination (both up to about 7) - is that enough gain for you ? It is for me.
Now this is where I got to experimenting. I'm not actually used to such mids on a strat. So I resinstalled the Bareknuckle rewinds of my Fralins. Much sparser in the mids and I think somewhat more uncluttered and "clearer". Hard to describe but somehow more "stringy" and lean. The low fat version.
And I put these Apaches into my Valley Arts Custom Pro (pre-Samick for the Anoraks". And do you know what - I liked them even more there. The pickups I took out of this guitar were Kinman Avn 62's. The Apaches smoked them in every department except noise (as you would expect). The Kinmans are good at what they do but the Apaches are excellent.
These pickups just totally totally kill, rock, scream in this guitar. A perfect match made in heaven. They are sooo good - I've never played better. It's hard to stop playing right now.
In the Grosh the Apaches were just a tad too thick for me - stunning for solos but not with quite the clarity I was looking for in sparkly rythmn chops. The Bareknuckle rewound Fralins have a springier/tighter bass. In the Custom Pro the bass notes are
springier and more "coherent" or focussed than in the Grosh. Note that the Grosh is alder with a rosewood board whereas the Custom Pro
is ash ( I believe) with a figured maple top and an ebony board, so maybe this is where the difference lies. Now many people would be delighted with this combination but TO ME - the Barkeknuckle underwound Fralins at 5.8 Kohms were more to my taste in the Grosh. It was a hard call to make and only made after I'd spent a lot of time swapping the pickups back and forth between the 2 guitars and testing, testing. However I think that this is the combination I'll stick with. Whatever way you score it

Comments: If some discerning thief were to steal these pickups I would replace them in an instant.
The customer support is absolutely second to none. Don't take my word for it get on the phone to Tim and see for yourself. By the way this was an overseas deal and was a real joy to conduct. I am actually trying not to gush in this review ( I know, I haven't succeded) - I just ought to make it clear that I have absolutely no affiliation Bareknuckle apart from being a genuinely satisfied customer. I wish Tim all the success he deserves.
I don't think that you can spend this little on your tone and
have such a positively beneficial effect on your sound.

Pickup features: Sigle Coil
Impedence or other specs: Alnico 3 Magnet. 6.0 - 6.8k calibrated. Scatter wound

Model of guitar or bass: Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fender Custom 54
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues/ Rock
Reason for pickup change: To evaluate

Perceived output level: High output due to high number of coil windings
Tone: Best balance heard from any strat pickup
Sonic evaluation: Through Fender Deluxe Reverb. These pickups blow the one's on my 56 Closet Classic apart!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pu is great for any music style

Comments: If stolen I would automatically replace with another identical set. All Bareknuckle pu's are excellent - these are the best I have heard.

Pickup features: single
Impedence or other specs: 6k

Model of guitar or bass: 1978 Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: All
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Don`t know
You musical style(s): Blues, R`n`R, roots
Reason for pickup change: Needed more range and dynamics than the stock p/u`s were putting out.Bored with the sound(have had all sorts of replacements over the years).

Perceived output level: No louder than stock. Maybe even a bit quieter.
Tone: Perfect balance across all 3. Magic.
Sonic evaluation: I`m using the Strat into a Pod XT and a 1982 Music Man 112. The sound with stock p/u`s was clean and clear, but losing definition when turned down, harsh on the bridge ( I wired in the tone control for the bridge to take off some of the edge).
The Apache`s are more toneful in every department. The bridge is cutting but never harsh. The out of phase positions are hum-cancelling and as loud as the main positions, so you can solo on them without needing extra gain (Rat, Austin Gold). Neck p/u is warm, and does a great rhythm sound with a bit of treble rolled off.

I`ve had other sets in the Strat- various high gains when playing heavier styles, a set of vintage SD`s, multiple switching options etc. These are the most dynamic and responsive I`ve ever had.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mainly blues- older Chicago styles like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Muddy etc, 50`s R`n R, 60`s rhythm soul styles and so on. These are great for all this stuff.

Comments: I`ve been playing blues and Rock n Roll for longer than I care to remember- I got the strat new in 78. It`s nearly as battered as I am.Tim from Bare Knuckle told me that these Apache`s are his newest single coils, and are based on the original 1954 Fenders, so they would probably fit the bill- and they certainly do.
When I was a kid , I was offered a `55 strat for ?75. Which I didn`t have.The sound I`ve got now is pretty close to the one that got away.I think there may be some law against 78 strats sounding like this.
I took a chance on Bare knuckle- must`ve liked the advertising and the other reviews here at Harmony Central- and I`m certinly not disappointed.
If they were stolen , the thief would be easy to track because of his bleeding finger ends. I use 11`s, these pickups sound best without the aid of extra gain, I like Dick Dale, and this Strat is hard work....and if I knew it all the way through i could probably play Apache on it.