Gibson Burstbucker 3

Humbucker - check the Gibbo site for specs

What model guitar or bass did you install this in? I live in Oz (Australia), and wanted to buy an Oz made electric - enter the Maton MS503
What position is it in? Bridge
What pickup are you replacing? Std Matons
Other pickups installed on the instrument? Std Maton neck pickups
Any artists using this pickup? ???
Reason for changing the pickup? As Maton are not known for their excellence in pickups, i didn't expect much. It had a switch to alternate from hummers to single coil - wasn't very useful, whenever you switch to singles the volume drops, dynamics change a little but not really worth using. It held up for a while, until my other guitarist bought an SG with hot pickups. Needed more power

What's the output level like? Supposedly hot, but I'm not convinced. Haven't put it up against the SG yet, I think the new SG's have the 490R / 490T setup. But according to the Gibbo pickup output guide, the burstbucker 3's are rated a smidgen higher. So I will be interested to see how it fairs.

What amps and effects are you using it with? I've got a Marshall JTM bluesbreaker combo re-issue, I run an MI Audio blue boy for heavier sounds and an Analogman Maxon od9 (silver mod) for breakup or to push the blue boy

Tone - Bassy, middy, muddy, trebly, balanced? Quite middy, and not as much bass as I was expecting, considering the bluesbreaker is a bassy amp, although still well versed / balance. Once you kick in the overdrives for lead sections, notes stay clear and thick. Great sustain, the Maton has a particularly heavy solid body construction, I'd say almost as heavy as a Les Paul. It's made from Australian tonewoods, so the characteristics are somewhat different from the USA made Les Pauls

What style of music do you play? Is this a good match? I play straight forward rock - AC/DC, You Am I, Jet, and probly as hard as Grinspoon (all Oz bands!), which is quite a good match for the crunchy type riff orientated stuff we play.

For which positions is this pickup (un)suitable? Probly most suited to the bridge - being a hotter pickup

If it was destroyed or stolen, would you buy it again or get something else? All depends on how it holds up against the before mentioned SG, and how well it cuts through the mix during a gig. Though I think it wouldn't have too much trouble doing that, unless it really impresses during those situations I would look at other alternatives if I were ever to lose this one

How long have you been playing? What other gear do you own? Only been playing for about 12 years, no-where near as much as some of the guys on here. I don't have much gear, as I'm not a massive gear nut, I like my toys, but only the bare essentials. I've got the Marshall bluesbreaker and those 2 pedals (looking to purchase an MI Audio Crunch Box soon). My other guitar is a Gibson SG Pete Townsend signature model (w/ the P-90's). That's it, not much tap dancing required in our band, we just let the guitar and fingers do the talkin

What do you love about it? What do you hate? Even tho it didn't blow my mind or meet all my expectations , it still performed like a typical Gibbo pickup, which is what I was looking for. I can't say I hate it at all, it more than does its job.

Did you compare it to other products? Which ones? Why did you choose this one? I only compared different sound samples on the net, from the usual suspects DiMarzio and Duncans. I ended up with the gibbo's cos of the name more than anything and obviously cos of the user reviews on this site. I figured that most gibbo's come with pretty good stock pickups, so it would be a safe choice.

Anything you wish it had? Just a little bit more bottem end, but I may just need to tweek the rest of the set up. I usually use the SG w/ the P-90's as my main guitar, and generally has more bottem end due to the single coils - so everything else is set up to compensate.

Are you satisfied with this pickup or still searching for that sound?
Anything else you'd like to share? I am satisfied, the sounds in there, I just gotta give it more time to evolve. It's not un-useable, its mainly just a second guitar, so as long as it cuts thru it's a keeper. I would recommend it to anyone, it won't disappoint.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1980 Gibson SG Firebrand
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: None. Bought the guitar without pickups
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Fat Cat P90
Artists using this pickup: Don't know
You musical style(s): Alternative, Indie
Reason for pickup change: I bought a body with no hardware and put everything in myself as a project.

Perceived output level: The output on these pickups is hot as advertised. More so than the stock on my Les Pauls
Tone: Trebly and thin.
Sonic evaluation: My amp's a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue. The guitar's a 1980 SG. I put this in with a smaller than stock capacitor and here's what I found - It's a very thin, fine sound. Almost as forgetable as the bridge p/u on my Strat USA Standard. Then I clicked on my fuzz pedal (Homebrew UFO) and was blown away. These p/u respond insanely nicely to fuzz. Less so to overdrive. But they have a snarl to them when fuzzy that absolutely hits on everything you would want out of an SG. Very Angus Young... I've heard that it feeds back at higher volumes, I haven't gigged with it yet, so I don't know.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all over the map, from classic rock to metal to alternative to indie etc. This p/u for my SG gets a very specific tone. But then an SG itself also gets a very specific tone. Go listen to "Thunderstruck." If you want that raw, driving, shrill, lead sound, then it's a good buy. I wouldn't use it in the neck position...

Comments: It's a cool p/u. I put a P90 in the neck to give the guitar a wider range of sound options. I think it's a good combo. One problem I've noticed is that the P90 is louder than the Burstbucker even after I made several adjustments to compensate. I wouldn't buy this if I only had one guitar to play, but it's a cool option to have if you have several in your collection. It's got a thin, nasty tone, that's fun to bring out from time to time. I've been playing for 14 years and I own a variety of guitars. I think I'll keep this p/u in my SG for a while since it does seem to hit on what that guitar's all about.

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '90 Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: Seymore Duncan Pearly Gates (neck)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock (many genres of rock from heavy to twangy)
Reason for pickup change: I felt in needed to do something which would give me a more diverse sound in the studion but not compramise the live sound of the guitar.

Perceived output level: Excellent gain. Being modeled after the classic 58 or 59 humbucker it lives up to the hype.
Tone: Full tone.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 401. This pickup goes great with the EL84's and the Les Paul/Marshall combo is great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock/Reggae/Metal/Punk

Comments: This pickup has imbedded itself in my soul and has become quintessential to my style and ear.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Don't Know

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Special (1991)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 490T
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 490R/Burstbucker 2
Artists using this pickup: Couldn't care less
You musical style(s): Mostly rock
Reason for pickup change: The 490T was old and needed changed. The previous owner appeared to sweat acid so it was in a bit of a state.

Perceived output level: More than the Gibson 490T, not as much as the Gibson 500T
Tone: Very muddy with a nasty middle spike
Sonic evaluation: Gibson SG Special with a Mesa F-30. As I said in the notes on the Burstbucker 2 it may be the pickups (being of a vintage disposition) didn't like the tone of the amp. Either way I didn't like the pickups. This pickup in the bridge sounded worse than the Burstbucker 2 in the neck.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Some clean, some rock, some metal

Comments: I've already got rid of this and the Burstbucker 2 that went in the the neck position at the same time. The Burstbuckers give a very distinct tone, especially in the mid frequencies, which just didn't sound good through my setup or to my ears. I was actually quite disappointed. I replaced them with Bareknuckle Mules which are excellent.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, Alnico II, non-potted, gold cover
Impedence or other specs: a gazillion megaohms....no, really...I don't have a clue.

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Limited Edition
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: stock...'bout to be replaced by a #2
Artists using this pickup: me....
You musical style(s): new rock, blues,
Reason for pickup change: Chasing that never-ending quest for tone. The stock pickups didn't cut through in a live mix very good, and were too tinny sounding.

Perceived output level: a bit more than stock...not as hot as an EMG 81, but not as crappy either.
Tone: well balanced...very well.....
Sonic evaluation: I'm using this configuration thru a '96 Mesa Dual Rectifier, and the tone is just killer. Even though it's not wax potted, I don't have a problem with feedback. I play fairly loud, and the only time that I get uncontrollable feedback is when I step within two feet of my amp, but most of the time I'm at least five feet away. I can get a nice controlled feedback very easily, and harmonics are very easy to get. It's not too trebly, not too bassy, and doesn't overwhelm one with mids. A very, very nice blend of even tones.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play new rock, along the lines of Nickelback, Smile Empty Soul, Three Days Grace...etc. A very good pickup for this kind of music.

Comments: This is definately the best pickup I've had in a guitar yet. Seymour Duncan's are overrated. I'd definately get another if something happened to this one. I'm satisfied for right now, but I'm sure down the road the quest for tone will haunt me again.

Pickup features: Alnico II- vintage, passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Unsure

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone G-400
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Alnico V
Other pickups on guitar: Burstbucker (warm)
Artists using this pickup: um...
You musical style(s): Metal and blues
Reason for pickup change: Stocks are not so great.

Perceived output level: Hot enough for nearly all metal. But is not the ice pick hot of EMG 81. Thus a better, fuller sound.
Tone: Very balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I use a hughes & Kettner blue edition 30 watt amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal mostly. Loads of Sabbath and this pickup is much better than the Iommi signature. I also play blues and it is great for that as well. This pickup would fit both bridge and or neck without a big problem.

Comments: This is honestly the best pickup I have ever heard or played. It is a vintage deal and I was a little nervous about it not being wax potted. But I don't play high volume stuff so it remains very quiet for me. I can get pinch harmonics, squeels, and wanted feedback from it easily. The riffs pour out of it.
My only complaint...they made it so vintage that is doesn't have four conductor wiring so I spent two hours trying out wiring combos to see what worked for me. Worth it though.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: I don't really know or care

Model of guitar or bass: Semi hollow ESP LTD ec300at
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan JB 102
Other pickups on guitar: Burstbucker 2 in the neck
Artists using this pickup: You're mom
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: The stock pu's

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Bass and treble, but still pretty balanced
Sonic evaluation: Man once I put these in I was in shock. I must admit I was kind of skeptical before putting them in but once I did they made a huge difference. These are pretty hot and have a nice bite to them. Sustain is so much better then the duncans. While these aren't single coils so the clarity is not unmatched, but it certainly is good. Has a slight natural crunch which I like; I think it just adds a nice flavor. Coupled with my Burstbucker 2 in the neck this is an outstanding pickup.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good for Rock, Blues, Jazz, even Pop. Probably not for Country playin' folk

Comments: I am very satisfied with these pickups. Very nice. Very, very nice. If I lost these I would certainly consider them, but that would mean possibly looking at other pickups too. I'm thinking about putting these in my epi black beauty, but I might gor for the Burstbucker Pros. I don't know $120 a popx3 is quite a lot of money. I think there are too many 10's on this web site, but these pickups make me giddy and I think there is always room for improvement so I think an 8 is good, but keep in mind I can be pretty tough to please.

Pickup features: passive humbucking, with a nickel cover
Impedence or other specs: umm, I dont know

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter C1+
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: i dont know
You musical style(s): pop,punk,rock, hard rock, jazz, pretty much anything
Reason for pickup change: I had the JB in for a while, and didnt really want all that output/focused high mids anymore. Wanted something a little more vintage, to let my amp do more work

Perceived output level: It was hot, but not too hot. I would say a little less than the JB
Tone: Middy, but well balanced, with great bass response and conservative treble, which I like
Sonic evaluation: I loved the tone; HATED the feedback. I have a mesa Triaxis (that I saved many summers for!!!) 20/20 power amp, and 4x12 recto cab with the celstion 90s, not the v30s. I do not play that loud, just about 12 o clock on the volumes of the 20/20, and I could not literally stand within 15 feet of the amp, or I would get this horrible high pitched feedback, not cool feedback you can control, but awful feedback even as I was playing!! It was embarrassing

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play punk, and while feedback is a good thing with this kind of music, not feedback so loud and obnoxious that it cant be controlled, while playing....

Comments: Ive been playing 4 years, and this pickup sounded awesome, but it was totally unusable due to the feedback. I bought it based on the recommendation of a GC saleguy, but I realized its all commission! Its a good thing they took it back.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 93 Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Anything from soft to hard rock
Reason for pickup change: Didnt like the tone from the original pu

Perceived output level: Pretty hot, just a notch or so less than the 500t
Tone: Balanced and not harsh
Sonic evaluation: Played thru a Boogie DC-5 and a Marshall 900 combo. Other various tube amps too

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: I have never been a pedal user and always depended on the sound of the amp and pu to give me the tone I wanted. I mainly use a Fender strat with EMG's with an SPC controll and am able to get alot of different tones to suit my playng needs. I have a 93 Les Paul Standard which I stopped using cause I could never find the sound I wanted or it wasnt as good as what I had been using. I tried alot of different pu's and it aint easy or cheap to keep trying pickups. I kinda just gave up and let it hang on the wall...until my buddy dropped by and we put in his Burstbucker 3. What a difference! It had the smooth balanced tone I have been looking for. It's not harsh like everything else I've tried. Its got a hot output and smoothness which is difficult to do IMO. I have found that if you need a high oputput pickup you will end up with a thinner harsher tone. ..again IMO. If you need a high output pu thats smooth and not ear piercing..try it. I guess cause all guitars are different and players ideas of great tones vary, you just have to keep searching for the right combo for your needs. I found mine. Gotta give this one back and going out to buy my own.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: LesPaul Gold Top 1960 re-issue
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: 500 T
Other pickups on guitar: 496 R
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Classic Rock / Heavy Blues
Reason for pickup change: 500T sounded too thin and very harsh.

Perceived output level: Less putput than the 500T but a lot more midrange and creamier
Tone: Very Balanced
Sonic evaluation: I am currently using a Carvin X100B head with 2X12 G12T-75 Celestions. But I am having a Traynor YSR-1 moddified by Voodooamps.com They are making it a Plexi...

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Heavy Blues and Rock, wouldn't recommend it for Metal unless you use a pedal to enhance distortion.

Comments: I have been playing for 37 years on and off. If it were stolen, I would definitely get another one. I love the tone. I would compare it to the Seymour Duncan SH14-5. Of course Seymour Duncan are designed as copies of Gibson. Seymour Duncan designed the Humbucker for Gibson. Gibson holds the patent for the Humbucker. They are the original...I also use a re-issue 1963 Reverse Firebird, which I installed the 500T from the LesPaul and it sounds very good. I am a tone nut and I will probably never find the tone I am looking for. Will any guitarist ever be satisfied with their playing and tone, LOL?