Kinman AVn-69b

Pickup features: Passive single coil, with secondary dummy coil for hum canceling
Impedence or other specs: 7,5 kOhm, Inductivity: 3,4 Henry

Model of guitar or bass: Fender strat, "Rory Gallagher" model
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio HS3
Other pickups on guitar: Kinman 56 (Neck), DiMarzio HS3 (middle)
Artists using this pickup: ....???
You musical style(s): Classic rock, Blues, Country, Fusion
Reason for pickup change: Old technology of pickup replaced, microphonics and feedback on high levels..

Perceived output level: High level (considerably higher than normal Single Coils)
Tone: Punchy attack, nice brillant up-mids, an overall "Strat-esque" tone!!!
Sonic evaluation: I have already installed 4 Kinman pickups in two of the strats that I own (please read, if you like, my further reviews for each model). Set 1: 56 on neck and a 69b on bridge position of a ?Rory Gallagher? model (rosewood fingerboard). Set 2: SCn on neck and Hx-85 on bridge position of a self assembled strat (with scalloped, one piece maple neck). Both have standard tremolo, and 2-pc alder body. In the mid position I retained my old favorite, Di Marzio HS-3 on both axes. The target was to have the Rory-Strat as a more vintage, versatile sounding axe, and the other one as a more modern, heavier/darker sounding one. Both targets matched to 100% with the above pickup choice.
I play all my axes through similar setups: Either a Line6 POD XTL (right through P.A.), or with my Hughes & Kettner Zentera combo. I own further old-tech tube amps like Marshalls and Fenders. I use them only at home, due to the very restricted sound possibilities that they have for my live-work needs.
Actually, I wanted a vintage setup with a more Blckmore-oriented sound on bridge. That's why I didn't order the classic vintage combination of an AVn Traditional set (with 56ers and a 62b for bridge position), but I preferred directly a 69b for bridge. Chris Kinman e-mailed me in order to ask me once more if I was sure with my choice... Thank God I was: This is the most versatile, strat-esque, Blackmore-flavored bridge SC I have ever heard. Combined with the relevant technique (that special picking techique), heavier gauge (I play .11s), and the right sound (treble boosters in front of a vintage amp, and the then highs of the amp rolled off) you get those old Purple and Rainbow chops that I like so much. But, certainly, there is so much more you may get out of this pickup. Either clean, crunched up, or more driven, country rolls, Blues-rock attacks and snarls (a'la Jeff Beck), even fusion licks over a more compressed, middy, west-coast sound are easily achieved. Need I say more?

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For Rock - Country - Blues - Fusion, the 69b sounds home. But even for higher levels (heavier metal stuff) it shines, if you find a matched sound (a piece of cake, actually...).

Comments: Playing for 25 years, electrical engineer (diploma), former guitar builder (during the 80's), modified hundreds of axes, especially in electrics, pickup adjustments and customization. As an engineer, I have to say that the Kinman assembly is by far the best that I have ever seen (and I have seen- and changed - lots of ups...). That's a fact. Especially, the wire grounding-end at the side of the coil, shows detailed design. Further, the possibility to color those pups covers on demand, is another big PLUS on the countless advantages. A clear "10" here.
Now, as a musician, the 69b seems to be the overall-best Strat-bridge pickup I have ever heard. I simply plug and enjoy... and never get boring with that sound... Strat freaks should give a chance to this pickup.
And a last notice: I don't now WHO out there thinks that Kinman pups are expensive. I purchased them directly from KGE at a very moderate price, comparable to many other products...
Go check!!!