NPupsD

[Aahzz]

New Pickups Day. While I do see the appeal of the Dragon 1s that came in my '97 Custom 22, they were too hot and dark for me. I particularly wasn't able to get a middle position tone that made me happy - and yes, I did much, much tweaking of height before coming to the conclusion.

So, I went off to Wolfetone.com, told Wolfe what I was looking for tonally, and he suggested a Marshallhead bridge and Dr Vintage neck. I never use coil splits, so I went with vintage braid wiring, and a Switchcraft 3-way switch. They arrived Saturday, took them to a new local tech that I had heard good things about on Monday, and got the guitar back today.

Holy crap.

Yup, this is exactly what I needed. Has that "tele on steroids" thing going on. Open, clear, articulate, yet powerful, and still sweet. I think I'm in love. I got them in zebra, because I love the look. Also replaced the black speed knobs with lampshades.

I think they look *almost* as good as they sound:

 

[Zoot Allures]

Love the look of the zebras….bet I’d love their sound, too! Nice mod….

 

[MWebster]

That's a fine guitar sir, quality, no two ways about it. Love the top.

I'm in a similar situation with my 97 CE 22 that has Dragons, but I really like them on their own merits. I just don't think they play nice with every amp either, mine have a big cocked wah thing going on in the bridge and I really like a middle position that retains the clarity of the bridge with the heft of the neck but I would agree with you that its a little lacking. Did you change out the rotary switch to that 3 way?

Really glad to hear you like the pickups, I keep hearing about those Wolfetones. Sounds like they have good jam to them but are musical and bloomy still, which is excellent! Did you ever look at the current PRS pup offerings as an alternative?

 

[Aahzz]

That's a fine guitar sir, quality, no two ways about it. Love the top.

I'm in a similar situation with my 97 CE 22 that has Dragons, but I really like them on their own merits. I just don't think they play nice with every amp either, mine have a big cocked wah thing going on in the bridge and I really like a middle position that retains the clarity of the bridge with the heft of the neck but I would agree with you that its a little lacking. Did you change out the rotary switch to that 3 way?

Really glad to hear you like the pickups, I keep hearing about those Wolfetones. Sounds like they have good jam to them but are musical and bloomy still, which is excellent! Did you ever look at the current PRS pup offerings as an alternative?

I did switch the rotary to the 3-way. I like things simple .

I also looked at the PRS offerings, but I've used Wolfetones before and they're WAY underpriced for what they are. Half the price of Bareknuckles, way less expensive than PRS, and I'd put them up there with any pickup I've ever used. Plus, when you contact them, you get an answer from Wolfe himself - I'm not sure how small his shop actually is, but he certainly handles all of the customer service and is willing to tweak things to your taste.

 

[MWebster]

That's really awesome. When you switched out the rotary, did you have to enlarge the hole for the switch at all? I'll take all that into consideration, pretty cool that the man himself replies to you.

 

[Aahzz]

That's really awesome. When you switched out the rotary, did you have to enlarge the hole for the switch at all? I'll take all that into consideration, pretty cool that the man himself replies to you.

I had a tech swap them out, not sure if he had to enlarge the hole.

 

[Senor Verde]

Looking good! I currently (stress currently) have Wolfetone Marshallheads with alnico 4 in the bridge and stock in the neck for all 3 of my McCarty's. They remind me very much of the stock McCarty pickups, but are more open and "alive." I hope you continue to dig them.

 

[WEDGE]

Love the Marshallhead. Good call

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Heard good things about Wolfetone HB’s. I absolutely love the Mean & Meaner Soapbars in my Mira 25th. They totally brought that guitar to life

 

[SinSir]

Excellent choice! Wolfe rocks! The MH/DrV is my favorite combo. Right up there with the best of all time. I've used it in lots of guitars and they always just work. Even had them in a Cu24 for a while.

Did you go with A5 or A2 mag for the MH? I personally prefer the A5 but the A2 sounds great too and have preferred that in a guitar or two.

 

[Aahzz]

Excellent choice! Wolfe rocks! The MH/DrV is my favorite combo. Right up there with the best of all time. I've used it in lots of guitars and they always just work. Even had them in a Cu24 for a while.

Did you go with A5 or A2 mag for the MH? I personally prefer the A5 but the A2 sounds great too and have preferred that in a guitar or two.

I stayed with it as it comes, so I think it's A5. I let Wolfe tell me what to get, and he says the stock Marshallhead is his personal favorite bridge pickup, so I ran with it as is.

 

[gush]

That's a fine guitar sir, quality, no two ways about it. Love the top.

I'm in a similar situation with my 97 CE 22 that has Dragons, but I really like them on their own merits. I just don't think they play nice with every amp either, mine have a big cocked wah thing going on in the bridge and I really like a middle position that retains the clarity of the bridge with the heft of the neck but I would agree with you that its a little lacking. Did you change out the rotary switch to that 3 way?

Really glad to hear you like the pickups, I keep hearing about those Wolfetones. Sounds like they have good jam to them but are musical and bloomy still, which is excellent! Did you ever look at the current PRS pup offerings as an alternative?

I have a 97 ce22 with D1s. I find rolling volume pot down cleans tone up a bit and creates some very usable tones.

 

[DISTORT6]

Such a beautiful guitar.

 

[SinSir]

I stayed with it as it comes, so I think it's A5. I let Wolfe tell me what to get, and he says the stock Marshallhead is his personal favorite bridge pickup, so I ran with it as is.

Yup A5

 

[László]

One very sweet guitar, and now it's even more yours!

 

[show_a_little_faith]

Good deal Aahzz!

 

[Bogner]

That Looks Amazing! Glad You Are Happy With The Results My Friend!! Enjoy It!!!

 

[Tim Clardy]

I put that combo in my McCarty HBII. Love them, the bridge pickup sounds incredible on a dirty rig. I bet they sound good on your new Tone King!

 

[Gtrbldr]

Looks terrific and I bet sounds the part as well. Cool to see a lot of love for Wolfes creations over here. Great guy, great PUs. 3 out of my 5 PRSi sport at least one of his PUs!

 

[bodia]

Love it!