Bare Knuckle Pickups The Mule

Pickup features: Passive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: 9.4K bridge 52mm

Model of guitar or bass: Custom made solid body by De Gier in the Netherlands
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Jazz neck, Harry Haeussel Blues strat middle
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Jazz, Jazz-Rock, fusion
Reason for pickup change: Disliked the JB after 1 1/2 year, too muddy, too hot, too compressing, lack of clarity

Perceived output level: Quite lower than the JB, higher than an old Gibson I fitted to try, quite in the ballpark of the Jazz neck despite the staggering 9.4K
Tone: Very well balanced, warm, just percussive and punchy enough to remain clear and defined
Sonic evaluation: Custom made guitar (by Sander de Gier in the Netherlands) solid body (cedar with maple carved top) set neck (maple with rosewood board) fixed tailpiece strings through the body, HSH pickup configuration. Mesa Nomad 45 1x12" combo with a TC-Electronic G-Major in the loop.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly jazz and fusion.

Comments: The JB is a very good pickup. It's more a matter of me not having made the right choice to start with. I found the JB to be much to dark sounding for my taste. It might be great in a very bright guitar to get a fat tone.
The Mule is a very clear balanced pickup that does not seem to colour the guitar tone but conveys it honestly to the amp.
The tone is warm and clear, not too bright, very present and fairly percussive but not overwhelming or opressive, great for percussive comping. It's fat enough for single lines not to sound thin but chords remain very defined
Although I mostly use the neck bucker for clean tone solos and classic jazz comping, I use the middle strat pup quite a lot to brighten up some comping and I now can use the Mule for power comping that came out way too muddy with the JB.
And now the lead tones! Fantastic. Singing and wailing while cutting through, no harshness at all, 'agressive butter'? well just the right balance of both.
And this in between on the edge crunch tones is soooo sweet, fat but clear and defined.
I see the Mule as a great modern powerfull PAF.
I can highly recommend Bare Knuckle Pickups for the quality of their product and of their services and advice and the speed of order processing. Certainly the best customer service you can have (or even deram of).
I'm already considering replacing the pups in my '74 Gibson ES 345 with Bare Knuckle Pickups. Damn! GAS again... grrrrrrr!
Been playing first rock and funk and now jazz and fusion for 30 years as a serious amateur.

Pickup features: Scatter-Wound Passive Humbucker (Open-poled / Zebra)
Impedence or other specs: 7.5 for neck

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio (2004)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Stock Neck PU (490R)
Other pickups on guitar: Bare Knuckle "Miracle Man" (Bridge Position)
Artists using this pickup: N/A
You musical style(s): Although I play various musical styles I bought the LP specifically to play heavier music (rock and grunge etc).
Reason for pickup change: The 490R neck PU was harsh and not very thick and I was looking for a fat neck PU with bags of tone and sustain.

Perceived output level: Slightly more output than the Gibson 490R.
Tone: No muddiness here, warmth, tight bass response, bags of sustain and sweet harmonics.
Sonic evaluation: Les Paul Studio ? Tech 21 TRIAC ? Tech 21 Power Engine 60. The Mule delivers exactly what I was looking for and more. Through a clean setting with the tone rolled off you can get a great jazz sound (think Kenny Burrell) but when you bring the tone back up and add some drive it does that really fat soupy Les Paul rock thing (think Paul Kossoff). It also balances really well with the Miracle Man, which I had installed in the bridge position.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Grunge, Punk, Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Funk etc but as I said at the beginning of the review I use the Les Paul specifically for the heavier stuff. I think that the Mule is well suited to all of the above although if you are looking for really dirty you would need something hotter in the bridge which is why I opted for the Miracle Man in the bridge position.

Comments: This PU delivered everything I was looking for and more. It all started when I bought the LP studio and was disappointed with the stock PU's, My 1st choice was Seymour Duncan (like most people) but a friend of mine recommended Bare Knuckle and then I read the article in guitar buyer. So I contacted Tim at Bare Knuckle and explained what guitar I had and what sound I was looking for, he made some recommendations PU wise, I made the purchase and I have to say the PU's are exactly what I was looking for. Hand wound, in the UK, easy to deal with, friendly. What more can I say other than my Strat will be next!

Pickup features: Passivoe Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 7.5 for neck, 8.5 for bridge

Model of guitar or bass: Guitar
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Burst Bucker Pro
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: N/a
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues
Reason for pickup change: The burstbuckers on my LP standard were a bit harsh sounding, very in your face as opposed to a sweet sustaining tone. Also they were quite high output and tended to change tone (became snarly) when driven - generally a good sound but not what i wanted.

Perceived output level: Similar output volume to the original pickups
Tone: clear as a bell!! Neck pickup was quite bassy and needed several adjustments.
Sonic evaluation: Les paul 2003 standard -> Rat II -> Laney VC-30 212.
The first thing i noticed about the pickup was the significant drop in gain, this is not a bad thing as the trade off is unbelievable sustain and clarity - if i want more gain i turn up the gain knob on the rat, simple!!
My LP now sounds smooth and clear (not spikey like the original tone). I belive the pickup actually provides an accurate amplification of the guitars natural tone/wood combination, very sweet and balanced tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock, and noodle a,round a bit with blues/Jazz. The tone is perfectly matched for this type of music and would be perfectly suited to a non master volume amp (orange AD30, Vox AC30 etc..) where everything is controlled by the guitars volume knob (i havent turned my rat pedal off since putting these pickups in!!). If you play real heavy rock style stuff - you may need to buy pickups with a bit more grunt to them (Warpigs??)

Comments: i was real nervouse about screwing around with my les pauls stock pickups - but do not at all regret swapping them out. Great sweet and clear tone - the trade off being les front end drive into my amp!!
If they were stolen - i'd buy them again.
A nice toumch was the twio sets of strings supplied with the pickups.
Very easy guys to deal with!!

Pickup features: Passive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: Calibrated Alnico IV DC: 8.9k

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul Studio
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: 490R and 498T Alnico
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: None.
You musical style(s): Everything.
Reason for pickup change: Sound from 498T in the bridge was like a tall man on a step ladder; thin, precarious and overstretched. While sound from 490R in the neck had all the sonic consistency of syrup in a muddy pond. Was looking for crisper and cleaner tones when playing the mid and upper registers through the clean channel, and that ever elusive Joe Perry clean-but-dirty sound when channel was switched to overdrive.
Also, from a cosmetic perspective, I wanted to change the look of the guitar. The shiny gold hardware installed at the factory just wasn't doing it for me any longer.

Perceived output level: Normal output. Not a hugely experienced player, so please forgive the
Tone: Tone controls dialled to 6-7 on both clean channel and overdriven channels gives a great big fat tone. Fantastic.
Sonic evaluation: 2003 Les Paul Studio modified with Grover tuners and Zakk Wylde GHS Boomers (11-60)through a Park G25R amp. (I also have a 2003 Les Paul Standard and these pickups are far superior to the Burstbuckers installed in that).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Learning all styles of music, and these pickups are versatile enough for virtually any style that you care to attempt. The only exception being perhaps the thrashy end of the metal spectrum. But if you're after that sound, you'd buy a War Pig wouldn't you?

Comments: First, let me give you some background about the type of player I am. I'm not a hugely experienced player (my musical training was all classical) and as a result I flirted with Asian made guitars for many years as a kind of hobby. Six months ago, I decided to get serious and promptly bought a Les Paul Studio, started taking lessons and practicing hard. While my first Gibson blew
me away initially, it soon started to sound a little bit too much like those Squiers and Jacksons from my former playing life. I tried discussing this with several sales guys in Tin Pan alley (in London) and achieved exactly the square root of f**k all.
Enter Tim at Bare Knuckle Pickups.

For a guy like me, who at this stage of his playing career has more questions than answers, Tim is revelation. He took time to answer questions, exchange views, and discuss pros and cons. The guy genuinely cares (unlike so many others) about what he sells, and it's bloody refreshing.

So, would I buy again? Absolutely no question. Of course I would. I ordered on Tuesday afternoon and they arrived first thing Thursday. Not only am I blown away by them, but the tech who installed them, and my teacher both of whom who have been playing for 30+ years a piece, thought they were jaw droppingly good.

Also, if shiny hardware is not your thing, ask Tim about his custom distressed covers. I had been meaning to replace all the gold hardware since I bought my studio, and these pickups provided the perfect excuse to do just that. (Tim even helped me to source the replacement hardware).

In comparison to the other two guitars I have(a 2003 Standard & CS Zakk Wylde Bullseye), I would go as far as saying that the replacement pickups have probably turned the cheapest Gibson I've bought into the most versatile guitar I own.
No joking, they really ARE that good.
Check out Tim's site at www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk

Pickup features: Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: @9.2 bridge 8.5 neck

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson LP classic goldtop plus
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock ceramics
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): Blues / rock
Reason for pickup change: Difficulty in balancing tone between the two at high volume / gain. Bridge can get a bit mushy, whilst neck overly bright.

Perceived output level: Hotter thaN STANDARD gibson alnicos but well balanced and retain excellent clarity.
Tone: Covers a much wider spectrum of tones than Gibson ceramics and alnicos.
Sonic evaluation: Used with THD Univalve plus semi open back 2x12 (v30's).Marshall DSL50 plus closed back 2x12 (v30's).Mesa Boogie Rocket 44 and Fender HR Deville 2x12. Pick ups work very well with all , particularly pleased with the Marshall especially when employing effects in the loop.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: First class for blues and classic rock style - superb pinched harmonics possible especially on the in between position.

Comments: If stolen - hassle the insurance man and simply buy them again. In the six years I've been playing I've had a wide variety of guitars but currently a 35th anniversary Gibson LP Custom (3 pup), a Gibson Les Paul Standard, LP classic goldtop , LP studio Gem, 61 reissue SG plus a Fender 52 reissue tele and the ubiquitous heavily modified strat. For the job I wanted them to do, these pups really deliver. A big improvement on the Gibson ceramics - making the classic a more versatile Les Paul and really encouraging to simply play, without having to seemingly endlessly try and balance volume and tone between pickups.The inbetween settings are a complete revelation - fantastic!!

Pickup features: Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: @9.2 bridge 8.5 neck

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson LP classic goldtop plus
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock ceramics
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): Blues / rock
Reason for pickup change: Difficulty in balancing tone between the two at high volume / gain. Bridge can get a bit mushy, whilst neck overly bright.

Perceived output level: Hotter thaN STANDARD gibson alnicos but well balanced and retain excellent clarity.
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments:

Pickup features: Calibrated set of Alinco IV Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Tele
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: None yet that I know of
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock
Reason for pickup change: New Build of Guitar so new pickups required.

Perceived output level: Powerfull, but not too powerfull. When on a clean amp they are very bright and crystal clear. If you turn up the drive they give a good rock sound
Tone: Very well balanced. Bridge is nice and bright. Neck is very warm.
Sonic evaluation: Guitar is a Warmoth thinline Tele. Neck, again Warmoth R/W on R/W (Gold Frets) Amps Tech 21, Line 6.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues/Rock. Seem to do both very well.

Comments: Bought these for Blues playing but I'm now thinking that they do a good job when dirty so that may cover the Rock as well. Playing many years and own a few guitars, Strat, a few acoustics and a Parker Nitefly. Good customer service. I'm now wondering if I can retrofit my Parker with some WarPigs! - Get rid of those Dimarzio's.
Not the cheapest but certainly worth it.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 8.5/9.8 k

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Standard hot ceramic pups
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: None that that I know ...they dont yet know what they are missing.
You musical style(s): Classic rock and particularly sixties/seventies Cream/Free/Bad Co/Green
Reason for pickup change: Love the guitar but found the standard pups a tad to hot, especially the bridge pup which just masked the tone of the guitar. Just didnt sound like a LP.

Perceived output level: The bridge pup when metered is 9.8 k and is pretty powerful as is the neck at 8.5, but not so much as to overpower the tone.
Tone: tone of both is simply beautiful. It solid and thick but has enough bite when you dig in, but never shrill or ice pick. Responds well to backing off vol and tone on guitar.
Sonic evaluation: This calibrated set has made my LP sound like a LP should. I use this with an Engl 50W valve Screamer/V30 cab for home use and an Engl Powerball 100W head/Marshall 1936 with V30s, and the sound and tone I am getting is exactly what I wanted. These pups really drive the valves into a glorious harmonic overdrive that is never fizzy. I guess you could describe the tone as a cross between Clapton - Steppin Out/Politician and Kossoff in his best moments.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As I said before...sixties/seveties rock and blues/rock...what else is there?

Comments: I am over the moon with these pups... I think I shall have to buy anothe LP so I can try out the other pups in the range. My Strats goina be next for fettlin.
A big bonus here is that there I was in the shop, 12-30 on Sat. pondering on which pup to buy out of the aray on offer, I simply rang Bare Knuckle and the guy that makes em ( Jim I think ) answers the phone and talks me through the options. Now where else will you get that sort of personal service. Sorry Jim, your phone wont stop now.
I gotta mention though, that I had to file the Gibson mounting ring as it was too tight a fit with the new pup cover, but that could be the ring tolerences being to tight. Also my set has engraved nickel covers - the engraving bit totally spoils the look IMHO, would have prefered plain covers, maybe its an option. The nickle plating is lovely, has a slight aged look about it,scrummy.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 7.8 through to 7.2

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone SG three pickup custom - Vintage Ivory
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone Gibson Design Humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): All
Reason for pickup change: Guitar great value with a proper setup but as you would expect, for the price, the standard pickups are rather lacking in all areas

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than standard
Tone: well balanced, slightly bright when clean, break up well in overdrive, not mushy or muddy
Sonic evaluation: Guitar as stated, Amp - Fender Princeton. The sound from these pickups is excellent, plenty of presence. In clean mode the blend of neck and middle is superb - can be used for many purposes. Bridge cuts through well and all positions sustain forever - lots of lovely rich overtones. On overdrive the sound has all the qualities you could want unless you are looking for thrash metal capability. They were custom wound for me the "vintage way" (not necessarily equal turns on all bobbins)as a calibrated set of three and demonstrate all that is good from classic humbuckers. I'm 56 now and have been playing (sort of!) modifying and building guitars for over 40 years and these are the only humbucking pickups that I have not found lacking in any specific area - and I have been through just about everything you can except for some of the stupidly priced US "boutique" offerings. I know that you buy the sound you want with the spec of pickup you choose, but are very flexible and excell in all areas. Cannot recommend them too highly.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All styles, pickups are very good in all areas. The set was calibrated so no positional mis-match

Comments: I would happily buy the same again. Playing 40 years, have a very nice aged strat I built from old original parts with Kinman 56's (shortly to be replace with a set of Bareknuckle "Irish Tour" single coils and a Casino which would already have Bareknuckle P90's but for a mix up in pickup covers! Very sold on the brand - workmanship, sound and value second to none!

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 8.8k

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Burstbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Original Gibson neck pickup
Artists using this pickup: None...but won't be long before they do!!
You musical style(s): Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country
Reason for pickup change: Original Gibson pickup was too shrill in the top end...when you dug in it hurt in the treble.

Perceived output level: Around the same as original
Tone: Beautifully warm and chiming clean, blossoms when dirty and you dig in. Balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I am using it in a Les Paul through a Matamp 1224 valve amp. It also sounds great through my Deville and my Carvin Bel Air.It is a real quality sound with NO harshness, every string sounds like it should be there...no muddiness. Notes run in to one another when picking..real class.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play my own music but i was influenced by Free, Stones, Beatles, Thin Lizzy etc.

Comments: Would i buy it again? I have already ordered 2 more for my 335, another Mule for the bridge and a Stormy Monday for the neck as it has slightly less power for a clear rhythm sound. I have been playing for 30 years or so...I have tried EVERY pickup on the market, even the very best American ones and this just oozes TONE!The best bit is this...you don't buy from a box..each one is wound to the output YOU require especially for you and you can request the same again or slightly modify the windings to suit YOU!If you know the sound you are looking for they will provide it.The manufacturer described to me over the phone what it would sound like and i have never before received such an accurate description of a pickup.
Just in case you are wondering....I am not related , don't work for them and have never met them! Just telling the truth about a future classic.