Product: IronGear Smoke Stack
Price Paid: 25.00
Submitted
09/20/2007
at
03:11pm
by
sarandaris
Features
:
Stacked coils. Passive. 12.1KOhm
Inductance: 2.3 H
Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Conductors: 4 wire
Instrument
:
Neck
1995 Fender USA Strat Plus
Dimarzio HS-2
Fender Custom Shop '54 Middle, Catswhisker StratoBlaster bridge
--
The Dimarzio just didn't seem to have enough presence
Sound
:
10
More output than the Dimarzio.
Peavey Classic 50 (Class A valve amp). Occasionally through a Zendrive.
This pickup has a remarkably clear output with bags of character and presence. 12.1K sounds like overkill for a Strat pickup but this is not the case. It seems that this, in actual fact, is what contributes to the strong tonal charateristics of the pickup. Rich deep bottom end, lovely mellow mids and clear chimey highs. Extremely versatile - you can get Hank Marvin, SRV and the rest, no trouble at all. And don't start with the Curtis Mayfield licks or you'll be there all night, I promise. Overdriven, through the Zendrive, it retains its strength of character. Loads of oomph, or grit while always staying clear and distinct. I personally don't like too much overdrive, so think Coco Montoya or Smokin' Joe Kubeck and you're about there.
I play blues and jazz and this is exactly what I wanted in a Strat neck pickup. Since it doesn't lose any sound quality when overdriven, I would strongly recommend it for all types of blues, rock and perhaps even metal.
Overall Rating
:
10
I would certainly replace this pickup. The coil-tap option is nice - when coupled with the middle pickup, you get an almost acoustic sound quality. This is most certainly the best Strat pickup I've come across in a long time (been playing since 1962). Check out the IronGear website: http://www.irongear.co.uk These are incredibly good pickups at unusually low prices. Keith at IronGear is also extremely helpful and the service is second to none. Give 'em a try - you won't be disappointed.
Product: IronGear Smoke Stack
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
08/01/2007
at
07:25am
by
globalm
Features
:
Stacked passive humbucker.
Instrument
:
Installed in middle position in Ibanez S470 to replace standard single-coil INF pickup. The neck is a Dimarzio PAF Fred and the bridge is a Tone Zone. I needed the middle pickup to have enough output to match the other two pickups and prevent a huge drop in sound level when selecting the middle.
Sound
:
10
My problem was solved by this pickup. The output is almost perfectly matched to the two "hotties" on the neck and bridge. It is played through a Roland Cube 15 giving an excellent clean tone which, while definitely a humbucker, is still reminiscent of the single-coil sound with a nice clear treble and without undue bass/mid emphasis. It has a good all round tone and I would use it for any musical style. Played 'dirty' it has a percussive character which is great for metal.
Overall Rating
:
10
I would replace this pickup immediately if necessary. It has solved the middle pickup level drop issue for me and sounds really good. It stands up in output and tone to the substantially more expensive pickups I have partnered it with.
It is taller than a single-coil device and I would prefer to place it further from the strings which I cannot do because of the guitar's body shape and routing but it is, nonetheless, and real 'discovery and I would recommend you try it.
At GBP 30 you can't afford not to!
