Evan, why aren't there more Parallel Axis models?

[Mr 9finger]

I'm presuming it's a sales thing, but I'm not sure why. The 3 or 4 production models available now are down right killer pickups. I remember when Kramer introduced them in the Proaxe guitars back in the late 80's. They're different looking, but sound incredible in some guitars.

Oh yeah, sorry if you've answered this before.

[orpheo]

I agree. It's by the way the patb1 bridge and neck, patb2, crazy 8 and patb3 and a singlecoil model, so it's at least 6 models

I love the PATB2 by the way. such a great base for hybrids!

[ex-250]

Its gotta be sales. I really doubt the PATB-1, 2, and 3 bring in anywhere near the dollars of say JB, DD, and '59.

Though I too would like to see more PATB models. Namely a PATB-90.

[RayBarbeeMusic]

An even better question is why do they only come in black. That alone has kept me from buying a PATB3.

[grapeskeletons]

^this

[LtKojak]

Because most guitarists just don't like the look.

I've made an A4 PATB-1n/ A8 PATB-3 set that kicks so much butt is not even funny. But before they become flabbergasted by the sound, nine out of ten I got that "disgusted" look, and six out of ten I get comments about being plain fugly.

I, for one, like the look LOTS. But by the looks of it (pun intended), I'm on a VERY SMALL minority...

Guitar players... can't live with'em, can't kill'em...

[dr. ad]

i believe a photoshopped image of a zebra PATB in a guitar would moisten some undergarments

[Jocelyn]

Because most guitarists just don't like the look.

I've made an A4 PATB-1n/ A8 PATB-3 set that kicks so much butt is not even funny. But before they become flabbergasted by the sound, nine out of ten I got that "disgusted" look, and six out of ten I get comments about being plain fugly.

I, for one, like the look LOTS. But by the looks of it (pun intended), I'm on a VERY SMALL minority...

Guitar players... can't live with'em, can't kill'em...

This I guess many dont like the looks. I have not tried any Parallel axis yet .

[Evan Skopp]

I agree they're great pickups. The PATB-1b is one my favorite SD humbuckers. The reason we don't make more models; and the reason we don't do them in other bobbin colors is the same: market demand.

Guitarists might have blue hair and facial tattoos, but when it comes to their purchase decisions they're very conservative. If we chose the cars, 90% of what you'd see on the road every day would be Fords and Chevys.

[marvelous_seven]

Seduce one of your most talented artists to try those pickups Evan. I bet you the demand goes up and that alone could be a reason to make another standard production parallel axis pickups.

[Mr 9finger]

I kind of figured that was the case. They have an odd look and their price is a bit higher than the "norm" of the lineup, so it's hard to break ground for new models when no one is buying.

[crguti]

but you cannot adjust the pole height with that pickup.

[LtKojak]

but you cannot adjust the pole height with that pickup.

Yeah, but due of the diffusion of the magnetic field created by both blades for every string, fine tuning is not REALLY necessary, the string volume is very even indeed.

Unless, of course, if you're OCD.

[AlexR]

but you cannot adjust the pole height with that pickup.

I've never come across a pickup that needs it less than a PATB

[orpheo]

the best part about the PATB humbuckers is that it can accept a cover without holes easily. no polepieces that stick out!!! I think that SD should capitalize on that. just no holes in the covers, and you've got yourself a winner.

I love the patb series and in a hybrid they rock, just 'pure' they rock and I dig the look, too. even in a les paul (without cover, haha).

[Ashurbanipal]

^^ That's true, the no-pole look is a good one, imo. What kind of hybrids have you made with them?

I think they look cool too; PATB-1 set seems like something I'd enjoy.

What happened to the parallel axis P90 that was shown a while back?

[DrNewcenstein]

I like the look, personally.

But you have people who still think the little slot in a screw affects the magnetic field, so they have to turn them facing the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes or else their tone suffers.

Definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of them, especially in a Jr-size for non-slanted installations. Might even make middle pickups more appealing to more people.

[grapeskeletons]

...the reason we don't do them in other bobbin colors is the same: market demand.

Understood...not sure if there's a big of a demand for green humbuckers as there used to be. Whether or not there's enough demand for tremspaced Parchment, all I want would be to for you guys to make it available as a Shop Floor Custom. So I could just order a few without having to go to Custom Shop pricing (I've ordered some blue tremspace from MJ before, I know it can be done....). Thanks....

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Seems like a catch 22.

I bet demand would go up if there were some creme and white bobbins out there, and that wouldn't require creating a new model.

[Jeff5]

I really want to try a PATB, particularly the PATB-2 in my Jackson. It's one of those "under the rader" pick ups that I think I would really like.