Custom Shop pickups: Brobucker, Crazy 8, 3+3......what do they SOUND like?

[RayBarbeeMusic]

There are some technical specs but really nothing about sound in the descriptions........

Anyone actually USED them and know what they sound like? Not really looking for reposted info from folks who havent actually used them, I'd like to hear from those who actually have 'em.

Thanks!

[Funkfingers]

The Brobucker sounds like what it is - a mildly overwound PAF with slightly unbalanced coils to give it bite. How this translates on a specific guitar depends on the construction details of the host guitar, the amplification, the venue and the playing style.

All pretty subjective and difficult to express via the written word.

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Similar to say a DiMarzio VHPAF? Same exact idea as what you are describing, the Bro looks like it has a few more winds judging from the DCR.

There are a lot of interesting pickups on the custom shop page, but without tonal discriptions, hard to justify the $160 to 'find out'. Wish they'd say more about them.

[DarkMatter]

A quick search will generate an information overload on the brobucker. There's also alot out there on the crazy 8.

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Yeah I did a search and read through about the first 5 pages of 50 or so, but didn't really find what I was looking for. More stuff about "what magnet did you swap into this" than what it actually sounds like.

[DarkMatter]

Try "brobucker review" there should be many posts describing its sound.

But in short: Brobucker rules.

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Will do.

Couldn't find anything at all on the 3+3, looks like a Fralin P-92 but not really sure it's the same thing.

Might be a full bobbin with just 3 poles showing, might be more like a G&L Z-coil. They dont really say.

Always looking for humbuckers that sound like single coils for neck position, unfortuantely they don't give enough info to determine if that is what this is or not.

[75lespaul]

I have two Brobuckers, and the tone was very consistent in different guitars. They have been described as "Iommi" or "Angus" in a box. What I've found is that so far, they sound great/usable in every single guitar I've put them in, whether they are Gibson greatness or Jay Turser cheapness. They push whatever amp or amp patch (Vox Tonelab LE) I use to give a bit more distortion and grind than a '59, Antiquity, Seth Lover etc. At the moment, one is in a Chinese Gibson SG fake made of basswood, where it has been since I got it. It is one of the best sounding guitars I own and I've received tons of compliments on the tone over the years. It splits really nice, giving a decent stratty sound, although not as good as the Dimarzio Super Distortion I've had split in an Epiphone Pro/Fx, and now my 75 Custom. The other I've had in three different Les Pauls and to me, it sounds perfect for that guitar. Plenty of bottom, but not muddy or flabby. Perfect mids, and plenty of highs without sounding shrill.

I got them on the initial run, but would I pay $160 for another one? I like a certain type of tone which is PAFy, but hotter. The Brobucker is the very first pickup to do exactly what I wanted in everything I ever put it in from pop to molten metal. My answer really is that if I didn't have a Brobucker already, I would probably try a Custom with a few different magnets first, and if I couldn't get the tone from that then yes, I'd order another Brobucker. Obviously, not everyone can afford multiple Brobuckers or wants to spend that much money on a pickup, but if you're looking for that hot PAF tone and have a guitar that is pretty special to you and has that "mojo", considering the Bro is a worthwhile way to go.

[misterwhizzy]

I'll tell you about the Crazy 8 next week.