Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: GBP 160
Submitted 12/06/2005
at 12:24pm
by Tim L
Features
:
Pickup features: Single Coil noiseless Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: l/h Tokai Goldstar Sound Strat Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II set Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: Everyone ought to! Dave Gilmour, possibly Jimi in heaven? You musical style(s): Blues Rock Reason for pickup change: Intrigued by the reviews and Chris Kinman's site
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: highish output but not over hot, drives my amp beautifully Tone: Very complex, may seem too toppy at first, but extremely well balanced and clear Sonic evaluation: These pickups are stunningly good! I use the strat into a 1968 Fender Princeton Reverb, or a 1965 AC30 top boost. The effects are designed to create good tone and nothing else. These are a Nobels Preamp pedal into a Hughes and Kettner Tube Factor and then a secret weapon: the Boss Noise Gate, which adds a fantastic dynamic and blooming attack to the note as well as being a great noise gate. This simple chain provides all the blues rocker needs for a fabulous sound, from clean to screaming sustain. The valves in the amps are selected for late breakup to stay as clean as possible.
And along came Kinman . . . .
These pickups are all he claims and more. They are Stratty, clear, bell-like, powerful, dynamic, complex, and the Hx85 in the bridge is in my opinion FAR better than humbucking fat strats or TBX boosted Clapton strats or whatever. all positions sound great.
Being a bit neurotic I of course worried that I had got the wrong set and that perhaps I should have got the Blues set or the Traditional Mk II. I listened to the mp3 clips on the site and they all sounded great but I have found that I can get very close approximations of the aged tone Blues set and the non-aged Trad set by using tone controls on the guitar and the voicing control on the Tube Factor.
The Woodstocks have extra cutting power and are of course sublime for Hendrix impersonations. I am delighted.
I strongly recommend the 7 position mod shown on Chris's site: the bridge with a bit (or a lot) of neck sounds superb and is unavailable on a standard strat. You also get a tone control operating on all 3 pickups with this wiring. I am going to fit AVn49 Broadcaster Kinmans to my Tele this week and I will also wire it in a similar way so I can blend in the neck pickup in position 1. I will lose the tone control but I intend to wire in a dummy tone circuit consisting of a 270K resistor and 0.22uf capacitor. The blend control will be a no-load pot as I have on this strat.
Anyone thinking of purchasing these pickups should not hesitate. They are vey quiet as well, and since I shielded the guitar with copper foil they are now incredible: almost silent.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Brilliant for modern blues, blues rock, hendrix influenced stuff, and plenty more. The only position this pickup is unsuitable for is 'unemployed'
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: I think these are quite reasonably priced. If I had the cash I'd buy em again in a second.
Workmanship is also first class as others have pointed out.
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: AU$575.00
Submitted 11/25/2005
at 02:40pm
by Nathan
Email: ride85 at hotmail<dot>com
Features
:
Pickup features: Noiseless Single Coil Set. Impedence or other specs: ???
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: 2001 Lefty Fender Stratocaster w/ Quilt-Maple Top/Back Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: USA Stock Standard Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: ??? You musical style(s): Blues/Rock/Pop/Hard Rock/Punk Reason for pickup change: Wanted a more aggressive and ''Bigger'' sound out of my strat. Also something that would cut through the mix in a band situation. These did the trick. And ofcourse the fact that they are completely noiseless is a huge benefit, being in a band using lots of gain.
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: I assumed these pickups would still have the familiar twang of strat pickups but also carry a much more attacking sound and hold up much better with alot of gain dialed in. I certainly wasn't dissapointed as these pickups did everything i hoped they would and much more. They really do cut through the mix much,much better in a band situation. Tone: The tone is somewhat very similiar to the strat pickups i had in the guitar beforehand but the thing that really sets them apart from the stock pickups is the much more balanced and aggressive tone they put out. The best thing about Woodstock Plus set is that you don't lose the 'strat sound' yet gain so much more. Even under the heaviest distorted the tone shines through perfectly and harmonics are beautifully clean. Before i fitted these i used to mainly use the Bridge and Neck pickups on my strat and abandon all the other positions simply coz they all sucked and sounded very muddy and useless. The Kinmans however are able to produce great prominant tones in all positions. Being in a Pop/Rock band where our songs roam across many styles. I have found really nice tones for blues,hard rock,country,punk and even acoustic sounds by using all of the postions, each with there own unique sound and character. 2 more very great things about the Kinmans is that they are completely noiseless in all positions and you don't need to be an expert to dial in a great tone..all you need is a set of these and a descent amp and it's easy to start finding great tones for whatever style your looking for. Sonic evaluation: Currently my set-up is quite extensive but also works really well with these pickups. I run my strat (with the Kinmans) into an effects chain - Boss CS-3 compressor/sustainer, Ibanez TS808 reissue tubescreamer, Boss CH-1 Super chorus, Boss DD-6 digital Delay and finally into my Marshall JCM2000 TSL601 combo... With my old stock pickups, this slightly extensive chain would only enhance that damn hum but with these pickups they are noiseless to begin with so really there is no noise that can be enhanced through the chain...when it comes to sound and tone itself..it works great either with the amp set at crystal clear clean or with the gain maxed out the kinmans still cut through with an incredible clean and responsive sound that i've never got from any other guitar with disortion at high levels. When the amp is on clean and with a good dose of chorus,using the bridge pickups i have found some really amazing almost 12-string like sounds. Very cool!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: In my band we play original material but it varys through many styles...Generally whether playing in the band or at home i will play anything from Blues,Folk,Hard rock, Punk, Country. These pickups would suit any of these styles..probably others but that's for someone else to test out...The only style i think they cannot handle is real metal..They just sound way too bright and chirpy for metal. Even with stacks of gain, They don't really produce the right sound for a good metal tone. For Hard rock though, these work great. Just roll off the treble and bring up the mids and bass some more.
Overall Rating
:9
Comments: If lost or stolen then i'd get the same order with my next guitar without a doubt..I've found the perfect guitar and pickup combination!. I've been playing for almost 3 years now. I done alot of researching into all the strat replacement pickups out there and although i can't afford to buy and try everything available..i used harmony central and other places to ask questions about different setups and systems like the EMG SA set, Fender Texas Specials..but the kinmans got mentioned on a music forum and i read the reviews on harmony central and decided to buy them..i have high expectations of the stuff i buy but these were surprisingly better then i hoped. I'll give the set a 9 purely because nothings perfect and it's kind of the way it should be.
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: ? 224
Submitted 11/23/2005
at 01:56pm
by Jim Nixon
Email: onefoulbeast<at>hotmail dot com
Features
:
Pickup features: Hum canceling passive single coils Impedence or other specs: have a look in kinman's website
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: (Usa) American Vintage 1962 reissue strat Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: stock Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: David gilmour apparently has a normal set of Avn woodstock's You musical style(s): rock, blues Reason for pickup change: stock sound was ok, but after two years just became uninspiring. Icepick, poor overdrive at high volume and noise were annoying aswell.
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Hot compared to 62reissue pickups. Tone: balanced, NO icepick at high volume,played clean or dirty- bloody superb. Sonic evaluation: At the moment using a USA 62reissue strat straight into a Marshall avt100 (can't afford a valve amp yet).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues and old rock music- SRV, Clapton, Hendrix, ACDC, these pickups really suit everything for me.
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: I ordered these with the no-soldering kit purely to avoid the rediculous ?30 to ?50 fitting bill at any good music store over in england. To be honest, you don't need a degree in electrical engineering to install this kit. Smashing bit of design, couldn't be easier just make sure you follow the instructions you get emailed EXACTLY to avoid any nasty things happening. Took me about 25 minutes, but i wasn't rushing so it may be quicker for you. Having installed the pickups i pluged into my amp and listened for signs of life. Then i was impressed- the huge buzzing i heard with my stock set was completely gone. These things are definitely noiseless. Once i started strumming i never wanted to go near my old pickups again! These pickups sound exactly like the website samples, full, great tone on all settings, just listen to any hendrix record, and you pretty much get a noiseless, fatter and richer version of what you hear. The bridge pickup is particularily my favorite compared to my stock bridge (which was thin and weedy). The only easy way of describing what it does is- sweet overdrive. These pickups sing and even though i wouldn't say that my amp is the best sounding hybrid amp (which it isn't) it sounds pretty damn good now. The pickups work with the amp, and whatever you change on the amp has a very noticable effect on the guitar sound and whichever way i adjust the amp, it sounds great, whereas with my old set i had to work for a long time to find a sweet spot on the amp settings. I found that adjusting the pickups to the maximum heights to the strings (around 2mm) gave the best sound, and when you hit the strings you know that something special is happening with these pickups. The volume pot works like it should, providing workable sounds, aswell as the tone controll, all the way down it sounds similar to an open wah- and in between gives great sounds too, unlike my old tone controll which went from slightly muddy to muddy. the neck blend is an interesting addition, providing two more pickup combinations, again nothing bad to say about it. As for ordering and price, once ordered on the internet it took just 5 days to get to me- dogs bollocks effeciency, and as for price- it came to ?224, which may seem expensive BUT- in england you get a set of kinmans (not necessarily up to date models) for ?200 ALONE. Add the ripoff fitting fee (and the uncomfortable wait as you know someone is fiddling with your pride and joy)and the replacement of parts, and you come to a hell of a lot more than the ?224 i paid online (and thats including shipping costs), so to me ordering online is a bloody good deal.These pickups are staying put for good, if you think of buying these, listen to the website sounds- what you hear is what you are gonna get. Don't be put off necessarily by the "hot" bridge on this set- you can get a subtle sound out of the hx-85 aswell as a superb rock and overdriven blues sound. If you can afford it get the no-solder kit purely for the quality parts and (unless you are good with a soldering iron)avoiding the cost of installation at a music store also order online to get the most up to date pickups and a great deal. Next strat i get will be fitted with another set of kinman pickups- maby AVn Blues Pu's to get a different sound, but as for these i am totally satisfied with them, i am glad after only playing for three years that i have found MY sound and don't need to look elsewhere. Thankyou Chris for a bloody fantastic set of pickups!
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: AUS 495
Submitted 09/09/2005
at 08:24pm
by Warren
Email: redsound<at>tpg dot com dot au
Features
:
Pickup features: Single coil passive complete set Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: Fender 1995 Strat plus Deluxe Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Fender Lace Sensors Blue. red, gold Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: Mr Gilmour You musical style(s): All Reason for pickup change: Standard Strats with standard pickups sound like noisy thin crap
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Hotter than Lace sensors but not much Tone: Balanced Sonic evaluation: I play Strat plus deluxe into Mesa Boogie Triaxis, Mesa 2:90 power amp , Lexicon, into Marshall 1960A. These pickups are perfect.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Anything except Jazz
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: I played gibsons and Ibanez for 30 years. If I could have had these pickups , I would have played a Strat 29 years ago.These are the best in the world. You will not fail, and Mr Kinman is a gracious gentleman. I had an unusual order..I wanted to get rid of the Vol pot from its normal spot and and Chris rang me to make sure my vision matched the order and then offered me a push tone pot mod for free after hearing what I was trying to do!Order with the wiring harness if you can..Pro level stuff. ZERO Noise. PURE Strat tone but richer.
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: US $405
Submitted 02/28/2005
at 11:27pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
Pickup features: single coil passive Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: Strat crafted in Japan Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: standard Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: You musical style(s): Blues/ rock Reason for pickup change: Wanted more punch and attack (hendrix)and these pickups did the trick!
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: i don't care for output level as theres a volume control on the amplifier . The thing here is the responce you get on your playing. Then; it seems that you have much higher output Tone: balanced when adjusted the pickups after Chris's advice on hos website Sonic evaluation: Japan strat through an Alesis Microverb 4 with stereo output to a Marshall Valvestat 40V and a Peavey Deuce
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good responce from all pickups. I've adjusted the midle pickup somewhat back to balance the sound for posistion 2 and 4. I think I should start using the bridge now as I've allways used tjust the neck pickup.
Overall Rating
:9
Comments: I would buy a new set if these was destroyed.
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: US $260
Submitted 02/22/2005
at 04:14pm
by Edge-T
Email: dumbzebra at hotmail<dot>com
Features
:
Pickup features: Hum cancelling single coil Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: 1996 MIM Standard fender Strat Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Stock Other pickups on guitar: N.A. Artists using this pickup: Not sure You musical style(s): Rock, Blues, Funk, Pop, Hardcore, EVERYTHING Reason for pickup change: The noise was killing me, Stock sounded a lil' thin in the bridge, overall tone leaves a lot to be desired.
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Slightly Higher than the Stock Pups Tone: Wonderful tone, Clear and strong, aggressive, sreiously twangy. Sonic evaluation: 1996 standard Mexico Strat to >> a Dunlop 535q wah >> Tech 21 XXL >> Marshall Valvestate VS 30.
One of my friend came over 5 mins after i had the Pups in. Switched it on, commented that it's really quiet, hum-less... ITS TOTALLY CRAZY!! I love the silence! They're really a set of sensitive Pups, the output's great, overall loudness of individual strings is well distributed.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly Rock, Blues, Pop, Hardcore and alternative... I've only had it for a day, but im really satisfied.
Overall Rating
:No Opinion
Comments: I'll definitely buy it again, i'm spoilt.
Played for bout 6 years, stopped for 6 years, juz started playing again a month ago. Thought i'd buy some Pup upgrades to motivate myself and enjoy the sonic perfection in noiseless Pickup technology. I've not really played that long and own a lot of gear. I only have this strat o' mine. Thing is I'm not chasing the perfect tone. The kinman woodstock Pups more than satisfy my ears already. Wat do ya know, It really make a strat sound more like a strat. Yeah, pretty crazy huh? Thought so too, but i'm convinced, will recommend it to anyone who will only buy EMG, Dimarzio and SD. These Pups kick their asses... at least to my ears.
I dun really like to rate stuff, but I'll suggest u grab a set of it. IT ROCKS!!
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: AUD $615.00
Submitted 12/04/2004
at 05:05pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
Pickup features: Single coil Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: 1998 Fender US Standard Stratocaster Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Standard Fender Delta Tone Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: You musical style(s): Rock, blues Reason for pickup change: Wanted the best because my Strat deserved them
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Much hotter and clearer than stock pickups replaced. Tone: Well balanced and clear. Sonic evaluation: My Strat is a bog standard 1998 US Standard. No other upgrades apart from these pickups. I must have been through 15 other strats looking for "the one" and for me, this is it. I use the guitar through a Peavey Classic 50 212 and also a Fender Stage 160 as a practice/back up amp. Pedals are kept to a minimum - a Zoom Power Drive and also a new Digitech Bad Monkey. Other guitars include a no name Tele with DiMarzio Twang Kings installed and a Epiphone Lucille also with DiMarzio's installed.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a mix of blues, rock, and whatever else grabs me. No metal though - I'll leave that for the young 'uns.
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: OK, I am making comments here that only pertain to me and tonal taste. I am a total Strat lover and my peronal guitar heroes/heroines are Strat players - Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher (and don't I miss him), Bonnie Raitt, etc. I gave up playing when I got married and didn't play again for over 25 years. I used to play an SG but when I took it up again, I chose a Strat. Went through a boatload (including a 'bitsa' hardtail fitted with Kinman AVN Blues pickups which I foolishly sold) before I got this one and was/am totally happy with it. Although more than happy with the original Delta Tone pickups in my Strat, I knew there were better tones to be had. I have owned strats with Texas Specials, Tex Mex, and Lace Sensors but was never satisfied with the sound. After much soul searching (read mental torment) and indecision over Kinmans versus Fender Noiseless and Hot Noiseless, I chose the Kinmans for a number of reasons. I had previous experience with Kinmans and knew how good they are. Although far more expensive than Fender pickups, I didn't have the opportunity to hear the Fender pickups I was interested in so couldn't make a comparison. I decided to make the plunge and ordered a set of Woodstock Plus (I wanted the hotter bridge pickup)and also specified the 100% No Solder kit as I wanted to install the pickups myself with a minimum of fuss and also wanted the blend control. So much for the background on my purchasing the pickups. My rating is simple - these are the pickups my Strat deserve. Crystal clear and punchy, deadly silent, and respond brilliantly to overdrive and distortion. My search for Strat tonal perfection is over. My Strat was already 'the one' in feel, and these pickups have given it that much extra to make it 'the one' in total. I had never really 'bonded' with a guitar before but I will never sell this one. I will take this one to my grave. I can think of no negatives about these pickups, only positives. I can never understand people complaining about price - if they don't like the price then don't buy the product. You pay people for their expertise and time, and Chris Kinman is no different. I don't know Chris and have never spoken to the man. He may be a good bloke or an egotistical turd for all I know or care. All I know is that his products are brilliant and have given me what I was looking for - how do you put a price on that? In summary, as we all know, buying pickups is a minefield. In the end it will come down to a narrowing of the field using factors like hearing the product first hand usually in ANOTHER guitar, not YOUR's, and also reading these reviews. The reviews are meant to be subjective and personal - for me, these pickups are the best. If I have one criticism it is this - these pickups are so good, I am seriously considering buying a 'beater' strat just to try a set of Chris's other pickups like the Traditional set. So if you are like me and tormenting yourself over which pickups to buy for your Number 1, take the plunge and buy a set of these pickups, then kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: US $$260 + S/H
Submitted 10/06/2004
at 06:56pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
Pickup features: Single coil, passive Impedence or other specs: Bridge-9.6K Middle-7.5K Neck-7.5K
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: Fender American Standard Strat Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Stock American Series and Vintage Noiseless Hot Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: Visit Kinman.com and review You musical style(s): Blues, Rock and areas in between Reason for pickup change: Looking for a classic Fender sound with no noise.
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: These pups have more output than the stock ones. About the same as Fender "Vintage Noiseless" but less than the VN "Hot". Tone: Great balanced tone. If you want classic Strat, these are it. Sonic evaluation: I use mostly a rack system with Mesa/Boogie, Bogner, and Egnattor pre-amps and Mesa/Boogie 90/90 power amp. Also use Fender Twin, Marshall, and M/B LoneStar combos. The rack has the usual effects available and I use a Boss GT-6 with the combos. The Fender sounds great thru any of this gear. Crisp chime or warm driven.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups are a good match for my style.
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: I?m 56 and have been playing for 42 of those years. I?ve seen and played some of the old original great Strats when they were ?new?. I have a number of Fender, PRS, Anderson, and Gibson guitars. If something happened to these pups I would replace them. I ordered two more sets for two other Strats. I think they are the "Strat sound" and no noise. I installed the Woodstock Plus?s and turned a good Strat into a great Strat. Yesterday I took it to show a friend, good player and head guitar guru at Guitar Center in Fountain Valley, CA, USA. He had never heard of Kinman and wanted me to bring it in for him to hear when I got it setup. We played it thru a Mesa/Boogie LoneStar and the usual Saturday afternoon want-a-bees and others stopped to take note of what they were hearing. From Texas twang to warm driven blues and others in between. I gave the website address to my friend at GC and a few others there and told them to check it out. I?m a bit OC about my guitars and amps and can appreciate Chris Kinman?s quest for the write sound. Your hard work and skills have been rewarded. I'm a strong believer in you get what you pay for so don't let the cost for these pups scare you away.
Don Koplien
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: AUD 500.00
Submitted 09/26/2004
at 08:50pm
by Onimok
Features
:
Pickup features: Single Coil passive Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: Fender Stratocaster Elite Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Stock Elite pickups Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: See kinman web site, lots! You musical style(s): Fusion, Rock, Blues, Jazz Reason for pickup change: Lack of Tone and NOISE!!!!
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Hi output lots of gain Tone: Little Wing to Red House! Sonic evaluation: Roland Bolt 60 Solid State/Tube combo.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Suitable for all styles.
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: After much research and scouring through forums and reviews I decided to replace my stock Fender Stratocaster Elite active pickups with a set of Kinman Woodstock Plus. I love the Elite neck and this is a very well made instrument, but the noise and buzzing was driving me nuts! The active pickups had great punch and range but would never deliver the hollow quacky tones of a real Strat! They sounded sterile even though I believe they were alnico magnets in the pups. Somewhere in the circuitry and tangled mess of wires and battery driven pre-amp it lost the tone!! The difference the Kinman's make is incredible! Finally, I have the Strat tones to go with the guitar I've always loved to play, and it looks fantastic too. One of a kind that's for sure!
The decision was made more complex as in order to get the new pickups I needed to get a new custom made pickguard to fit the Elite. This is because the Elite has much bigger pickups than normal and 3 push buttons for pickup selection. The pickguard was made by W.D Music Products and they did an excellent job!!, somehow managing to make and ship it between hurricanes Charlie, Frances and Ivan!! (I would recommend them to anyone who is after a new pickguard.) The Woodstocks were fitted at Chris's factory along with the new 5 way switch and pots, so all I had to do was drop the lot into the swimming pool body route and connect to the existing output jack.
The tones I can get out of the Elite now far surpass anything I dreamed of. The bridge has all the punch when I want it, but can also sound sweet and chimey. The 2 and 4 positions have the hollow quack I was searching for and the neck and middle are perfect for my blues and rhythm tones. All 5 positions give you a multitude of usable tones, without any of the harshness that was there before.
The real test came when I plugged into my computer, NO NOISE!!! completely silent!! and I'm sitting directly in front of the monitor!! What a relief!, I knew then that all the mucking around with new pickguard etc was all worth it!! Now I can really start to work on my music, instead of having to put up with all the frustrations of noisy buzzing humming pickups.
Can't wait to try this baby out live!
Just go get some!! NUF SED
Product: Kinman AVn Woodstock Plus Price Paid: US $260
Submitted 08/26/2004
at 01:34pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
Pickup features: Impedence or other specs:
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: Robin Ranger Position: all positions Pickup being replaced: Fender Reissues Other pickups on guitar: Artists using this pickup: You musical style(s): Reason for pickup change:
Sound
:No Opinion
Perceived output level: Tone: Sonic evaluation: For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
:10
Comments: IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! READ ME!
I have a long story here. If you are interested in learning about just how great of a commitment Chris Kinman has to satisfying his customers, please go read my review of the AVn Blues submitted on 8/17/04. I first bought the AVn Blues and they did not fit my style, so Chris offered to let me try a set of Woodstocks at no risk. Boy, am I glad I did!
These pups are great. Punch, dynamics, output. You name it, this pup has it. Stone silent, quieter than a humbucker. The bridge pickup has not a hint of "icepick" and is the most fat beautiful bridge pickup sound I have ever heard. Before fitting these pups, I never used my bridge pup because of the shrillness of the treble response. Not a problem any longer.
I also notice a significant increase in sustain because of Chris' weak magnets. The guitar sings for days. Also, the thing about less string crash on the frets is true. You will not get as much fret crash going on with these pickups.
The AVN Plus are definitely higher output than the Fender pups I replaced. This took some getting used to. At first, I perceived that there was not quite as much dynamic range as I was used to, but after experimentation I concluded that it was really an issue of pickup output. With these pickups, you will actually USE that volume knob. And, I highly recommend Chris' high frequency bypass mod. He included parts to do this simple mod that preserves the high frequencies when you roll off the volume.
I did have to change the volume pot in my guitar. The stock pot was 220K. When I replaced it with a true 250K pot, the sparkle increased substantially.
These pups have enough power to drive a good medium gain tube amp into wonderful creaminess. These pickups sound fine clean - nice and chimey and quacky - like a strat should sound. But, when played distorted they really shine. Much more power while still retaining that essential Strat tone.
A note on where to buy... Do yourself a favor and buy directly from Chris' website. That way you know you are getting current production goods, which I know from experience are substantially improved over earlier designs. And, though I cannot speak for Chris, I KNOW that if you are not happy with your purchase, Chris will do whatever is necessary to satisfy you. Finally, having sampled both the AVn Blues set and the Woodstocks, I just cannot imagine that Chris cannot satisfy any Strat requirement out there.
PLEASE DO SOME RESEARCH AND BE SURE YOU ORDER THE CORRECT SET OF KINMANS. THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER! Chris' website has some outstanding clips on it that let you really hear the character of the pups. Not like DiMarzio, whose clips have Joe Satriani playing through $50K of effects processing equipment.
In closing, these pickups are outstanding. Hendrix in a box! Chime, chunck, quack, growl, output - everything. You will not be sorry you invested in the best. Plus, Chris is the kind of man that deserves your business.
I get fanatical about advocating products I believe in, and I am happy to say that I am now a Kinman evangelist. I have probably the only Robin Ranger on the planet with Kinmans installed and am ever so happy that Chris took the initiative to get me set straight. I am a true believer. Take the plunge. Spend the bux. You won't be sorry.
If I can be of any further help to you in making your decision regarding pickup purchases, please email me at ksmith AT ogsinc DOT com.