Kinman FV-HMS Hank Marvin Set

Single coil

American Fender Strat
All positions
Replacing Stock pups
Lindy Fralin Real 54's
N/A
Wanted noiseless

Its not bad, its not near the output that I thought they were going to be. I can say that they are dead quiet which is the only good thing about them.

NO I WIll NEVER BUY KINMAN'S AGAIN!!!
I've been playing 5 years.
I loved the no noise, the thing I HATE was the customer service. Pray that if you get some pups from him that they don't have a problem, if not be expected to pay more and be out another month or two to get it fixed. More or less this was my worst experience ever, the neck pup was dead unless the k-7 pot was engagaed, He blamed it on the installation claiming that they were checked and dated. Only problem is that the date of the inspection was 2-10-2008 and I recieved these pups on 10-6-2008, lots can happen between that time. Anyway be warned, and just get some fralins, they sound better and are cheaper and are MADE IN USA!!!

3 noiseless single coil pickups - Neck: AVn-63 narrow, Middle: AVn-63, Bridge:AVn-64b

Also purchased the K9 solderless installation kit and pots - adds more pickup combinations and mixes; the single tone control operates on all combinations - including the bridge pu.

Fender Mexican Stratocaster - replaced the original ceramic pickups.
I wanted to get that 1960's Hank Marvin 'twang' without the Fender single pickup noise.

First - yep - there is absolutely no hum on any pickup selection at any volume.

Second - does the tone match Hank's style? According to my (admittedly amateur) ears - ABSOLUTELY!!! Not that Hank would have anything to fear from my playing ability!

Amp: Marshall VS30R Valvestate
Pedal: Zoom 508 Delay

I've been playing guitar off-and-on since about 1963 as a rank amateur - greatly influenced by Hank Marvin and The Shadows.

Not sure what put me on to the 'Kinman' site but what I read there, along with Hank's personal testimonial was enough to close the deal.

The web-site ordering process was straight-forward. Order tracking was informative.

My order arrived well-packaged and in good condition.

Installation was easy - though some details varied very slighty from the install-PDF.

My set-up questions posted on the site were promptly and helpfully responded to.

Was it all worth it? Certainly. Would I have made the purchase knowing what I do now? Definately.

Pickup features: Single coil (Hx = High Output, No Noise)
Impedence or other specs: watch www.kinman.com for details

Model of guitar or bass: Godin Artisan ST
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Godin (Seymor Duncan)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Shadows (Hank B. Marvin) but also Rock, Blues, Jazz, Latin and Pop
Reason for pickup change: To adchieve that TRUE Hank Marvin Sound...and still be able to play both rythm and of course Lead.

Perceived output level: Wery powerfull, - 75% louder than my previous ones. Had to turn down my wireless transmitter.
Tone: Crisp, - yet full bodied twang with lots of overtone structure without being earpiercing...
Sonic evaluation: Old Tube Amp (Echolette Klemt ecc808 and EL34) 2 x 12" Celestion Green back in open cabinet. Amtech Age Pro Echo (outstanding machine, G-Major TC-Electronics 19" rack (multieffect) using NoiseGate, 3 band EQ, Resonant Lo pass filter 3,2 KHz 4. order and slight compression. Pre amp of own design with Hi pass filter (180 Hz 2. order)with Distortion (when needed) of Big Muff PI type (AMZ frequency improvement). AKG Wireless guitar bug.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Perfect match for my music. Neck for rythm. Neck/Mid and Bridge/Mid for pick rythm (often with at touch echo) and finally Bridge for that unmistakably Shadows Sound.

Comments: Definately buy again.
I am a Male of 54. Playing guitar since 15 yeras old.
True love affair...
Comparison: Vintage Strat pickups (62), Seymor Duncan, Gibson Les Paul Deluxe a.o.
The Pickups have that sound (that I love and admire)
Might be to twang and lack of low end for some.
Right for me, - incarnated Shadows fan.

Pickup features: Noiseless Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Kinman
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: All
Other pickups on guitar: OBL
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock/Blues
Reason for pickup change: I knew the OBL's were quiet, but they didn't have the fat sound of the FV-HMS. I was actually looking at the Woodstocks, but Chris steered me toward these.

Perceived output level: The output level isn't that much different. They probably have a bit more attack, but that's about it. It's the tone that counts.
Tone: You can really hear what you feel when you play a strat with these AVn pickups. These pickups bite in the bridge position, but also have a warm sound at the neck. Positions 2 and 4 have an authentic hollow sound - particularly pos 4. Pos 5 (neck) is a very fat blues sound. The bridge position is very sharp but "happy" sounding. I don't have any tone controls, but I don't need them with these pickups.
Sonic evaluation: I use a Peavey Classic 30. It sounds crisp and sweet when not overdriven, but I usually don't give it the chance. When I turn the pre amp up on the amp, these pickups really come into their own. Hank Marvin didn't have a clue how to master them as far as I am concerned. They can do Hank's stuff, but they excel when you push them and the amp to the limit.

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

Comments: If you are looking to replace the standard pickups on your guitar, go for these. If you are looking to replace the pickups on any guitar... GO FOR THESE!!! Chris Kinman has magically combined the tone of old strats with the latest technology of noiseless pickups. These pickups really are something to behold!!

Pickup features: single coil passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Stratocaster (made in Japan)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: EMG-SA set
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): blues, jazz
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a more sensual responsive tone

Perceived output level: good output for a pssive single coil
Tone: plenty of treble but sweet , smooth upper midrange, clear open bass
Sonic evaluation: Japanese Fender Stratocaster with a Fender Blues Junior amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues and a bit of jazz. This pickups are very well suited.

Comments: The promise of sacred strat tone without the noise was truly delivered. I replaced a set of EMG SAs, which are nice pickups, but the Kinmans have more soul and character. I have been playing for over 20 years with various guitars and amps, but this delivers amongst the best tones I have heard. Chris Kinman, who has developed these beauties, seems to be kind of a tone guru (perhaps a bit like Leo Fender used to be?). His website (www.kinman.com) has a great page on setting up and adjusting your guitar and pickups. I followed the directions to the letter and then experimented a bit. It is amazing how much great tome variation you can achieve by doing this. I look forward to more experimentation. These pickups work great with my Fender Blues Junior amp and the tones are classic and mouth-watering. The pickups, packaging and directions all showed a great attention to detail - full marks.

Pickup features: Noiseless single coil
Impedence or other specs: Pure vintage tone, but with fat

Model of guitar or bass: '57 Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: American vintage
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: Soon many I hope, or they sure missing something for sure.
You musical style(s): From Jazz to rock, but never heavy metal.
Reason for pickup change: I wanted mor fat on my vintage Strat and also desparately needed to get rid of the hum coming from the pickups.

Perceived output level: I am sure the output level is much higher than the original pickups I had.
Tone: The tone is crystal clear. I could get sweet treble as well as fat from the bridge pickup which I have never had before. The twang from the neck and middle pickup is even more enhanced and meaty.
Sonic evaluation: I could sit right next to my amp without hearing all the annoying crackling hum before.
I played it through my VOX AC30 Reissue which only has the "Green Speakers". I am certain these will sound even better through the "Blue Speakers". It's definitely the best thing since sliced bread was invented!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all kinds of music from Bach to Beatles. But these sounded exceptionally well with "Shadows" tunes as it was designed mainly with this in mind. Nevertheless it is still very suitable for many kinds of music.

Comments: The set of three pickups come in a neat transparent plastic box together with all the mounting screws, springs for height adjustment, a length of screened cable and even a short cable tie. And of course a very clearly written instruction sheet.
It took me only about an hour to unsolder and remove my old pickups and to mount the new ones and solder the leads. It worked immediately when I plug the guitar in.
I am very satisfied with the results. It is difficult to go back to other pickups (even my '54 Custom Strat! Seriously!) after tasting these.
I am now tempted to get more sets and put them on my other Strats. But I need to starve for a couple of months first!

Pickup features: Noiseless single coil
Impedence or other specs: extreme vintage tone!!!!!!!!

Model of guitar or bass: USA Strat Plus
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fender Lace Sensor
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Just About everything from funk to grunge
Reason for pickup change: The pickups in my strat were the only disappointing thing about it.
I went to a friends music store and he reccomended these pickups
and I changed them on his word and man I was surprised these are
the best pickups I`ve ever Heard.

Perceived output level: similar output to standard strat pickups but the 'vintage feel' is incredible. Round full bell like tones!!!
Tone: Very even response particularly clear in the upper mid range.
Sonic evaluation: Thru a Rivera R55 1x12" combo these things are hot. Easy to get that
'stringy' King`s X tone but really warm and clean for jazz comping
and spanky for funk. If you`re looking for over the top distortion then
this pick up is not for you. If you like to drive your amp not your
pickups you`ll love these.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Suits everything I do. Wouldn`t suit heavy metal or serious grunge.

Comments: I will never use anything else again!!!!!