Bare Knuckle or Rumpelstiltskin?

Can anyone guide me on this? Thinking about the Bare Knuckle staggered '55 or Rumpelstiltskin Black ropes (or custom) - want a tele sound with some bottom end, but also some twang - Black Crowes/Stones-ish. - even thinking bout Klein pups - Thanks in advance!

I don't have any experience with Bare Knuckle pickups but I put a set of Rumpelstiltskin Black Ropes in my Classic '50s Tele and love them. They're my favorite pickups now. They perform well for any style of playing.

Never used (but have read great reviews) of Bare Knuckle pups. Aaron's Black Rope 50's really beefed up the tone of an anemic sounding parts tele I had and he was very customer service oriented. It'll still twang in a darker way but can also get you to Keefville.

Here I am, third guy to say the same thing - haven't used the Bare Knuckles, but dig my Black Ropes (1950 Black Rope bridge). Aaron's customer service / consultation is outstanding. BTW - go with a 4-way switch for some extra grunt in the series position.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/Black%20guard%20relic%20project/100_2184_crop35.jpg

I would say Black Ropes are not the twangiest pickup by any means. They sound great, but twang is not the main thing going on with them...

Can anyone guide me on this? Thinking about the Bare Knuckle staggered '55 or Rumpelstiltskin Black ropes (or custom) - want a tele sound with some bottom end, but also some twang - Black Crowes/Stones-ish. - even thinking bout Klein pups - Thanks in advance!

I really like my Klein Broadcaster. Very high quality pup, IMO. Looking for Black Crowes/ Keef ?: Don Mare Super Sports "El Black Crowe" 7.4k.
As I say often, a Duncan Antiquity bridge does that Keef thing to a T. I know SD is not hip, but it's a great pickup nonetheless.

Hey guys, thanks for the response! Yes, Rumpel's get a great review, and i hear everyone say what a pleasure Aaron is ( which means a lot to me when someone puts their heart into it! ) but those BK's sound pretty good too!! Waylon - you've been raving about your Klein's & i'd bet they sound great too! ;) Now you Black Rope users.... did you get stock ones or custom? Agree w/ JC - prob gonna do a 4-way Mod - Are the Black Ropes "punchy" i want punchy/twangy-ish esp. in bridge position. Keep-on-pickin',,,,,,

Agreed...my Black Rope Broadcaster bridge ROCKS hard....roll back the volume and it twangs, but not as much as the lower output Late 50s set Aaron wound me.....when I use the late 50s neck pup with the black rope bride I have sonic Nirvana in the middle position! Tell Aaron what you want and he will nail it for you. I have 3 sets of his pups....that is all I will use in my Fender types.

BTW - The guitar im trying to up-grade is an early MIM bout '93 - and it's a top loader with some crappy bridge ( 6 saddles - 1 per string ) Anyone know where to get a vintage 3 saddle bridge ( brass? ) top loader with '3' screws to the guitar, not the usual 4 screw? It's a 3 screw bridge , and a 4 bolt bridge would not line up and/or possible split the wood - I do like the tone of the wood, and it's about as heavy as my Les Paul - Thanks.....

Thanks Jakeboy! Showin' love for Aaron - haven't seen a bad review yet! " Sonic Nirvana" - lol - right on!

Ya I completely agree with those who have had great experiences with Aaron! Ihave a set of white rope[real warm,articulate] and he's rewindin the bridge for me now to a higher DC for a real reasonable price. And his Strat stuff is awesome.

For a Black Crowes/Stones sound, the Rumpelstiltskins will absolutely get you there. That's exactly the sound that I go for and I have a custom Blackrope set in my Tele.

If you want to go for a little more accuracy then I would go hotter and go hotter and go with a 1950 Blackrope instead. Keith Richards played Broadcaster pickups or sent his Blackguard pickups back to Fender to have them rewind them hotter, this is what the 1950 Blackrope is. The regular Blackrope is based on the slightly hot Blackguard pickup of around 1952 whereas the 1950 Blackrope is based on the hotter Broadcaster pickup of about 1950-51. Keith preferred the Broadcaster which rocks as we all know, but if you know what you're doing it's fairly easy to pull some twang out of it too, but obviously not as much twang as a pickup with a little less output or a 60's based Tele pickup. the extra output of the Broadcaster pickup will give you more gain as well as beef and thickness.

As far as the Black Crowes go, if I remember right a lot of their stuff was recorded with P-90 guitars. The great thing about a Broadcaster style pickup is that you can get a fairly convincing P-90 sound out of them by just rolling back the tone knob about 30%. I actually did a blind comparison here a while back where I took a P-90 guitar and 2 Tele's and rolled back the tone knob on the Tele's and had everyone guess which was the P-90. Most everyone was wrong.

I will quantify all of this by saying that I have never played the Bareknuckles in question, but I do love Aaron's pickups and his customer service is absolutely second to no one. As I recall though, Bareknuckles use Alnico 5 magnets in their 50's style pickups and I hate A5's is just about any pickup. A5 tends to be bright and it lacks the warmth and mojo that Alnico 3 (in the Blackrope pickups) has. Alnico 3 is hands down my favorite magnet for a Tele bridge pickup, it has a magic that I can't put my finger on, but no other magnet has it and believe me I've tried them all.

Last but not least, Aaron also makes my favorite Tele neck pickup too. Its not traditional, but then again most people can't bond with a traditional authentic early 50's Tele neck pickup with had a brass cover that made it pretty dark. I have him custom wind it for clarity. I posted a video a while back and Aaron tells me he's gotten quite a few requests for it based on the video. Just search YouTube for Rumpelstiltskin Black Rope Tele Pickups, my video is the one with the blue Tele. It's long and I go through a bunch of different amps so if you don't hear the sound you're looking for at first, keep listening. One of the amps I go through in the video is a Tweed Deluxe like Keith used on a lot of Stones stuff.

Wow! Thanks for the in depth response Thrashmetl..... I listened to your clips on youtube - nice playing, and your Tele sounds great. I do like the clarity to the neck pup as well. I think i may go for the 1950 Blackrope with a slightly custom fit, gonna have to talk to the man ( Aaron )

So is there any love for Bare Knuckle staggered "55's? Their clips sound pretty good to, but who knows what effect console they're really playing through...

I don't have any experience with Bare Knuckle pickups but I put a set of Rumpelstiltskin Black Ropes in my Classic '50s Tele and love them. They're my favorite pickups now. They perform well for any style of playing.

I've got a set of Aaron's Black Ropes in my '50 Broadcaster clone. They are amazing. When you bear down on 'em they really growl, back off on the right hand attack they clean up nicely and have the Tele twang that you're lookin' for. They sound great clean or overdriven and take pedals really well. I can't recommend these enough.

Hey gmann - did you get them stock or custom? With all this positive feedback, i'm definitly leaning towards the Rumpelstiltskin's!

+1 for the Black Rope
I think mine twangs....just a thicker twang.
and....rock 'n roll baby!

More people have tried the Rumps bc they are cheaper. I am a tele guy and a pickups swapper and a builder (ish) and I have used almost every tele pickup there is. The main thing is fitting the right pickup with the right guitar and neck and every pickup is different.

I have the BK 55s in a rosewood board 62 tele and its sound big and full. I would say the white ropes are closer to the BK 55s in the rump line.

The blackropes and early 50 broadcasters are differnt pickups and should be compared to the BK flat 50 and flat 52. The flat 50's are a broadcaster sound and wound super hot 10k+ but have 43g wire in the neck and bridge. So more wire can fit and it sounds beefy but not a traditional twang or bright sound. THe flat 52s are my favorite to date 52 tele sound.


blackrope=flat 52
blackrope early 50=flat50
white rope=55 stagger

Hey cap217 - thanks for breaking it down so well! A lot of people say they got the Blackropes, but they don't specify which ones. I've heard mixed reviews on the " Hot" pickups. Some say you lose some tone, other's wouldn't have it any other way! Thanks for the helpful reply!

Hey rokdog49 - which Blackropes are you using?

I just ordered something similar to a 1950 Black Rope for my project guitar. I was looking closely at the BK 50 Flat and the Klein Epic Nocaster, but the Rumples won out due to all the positive reviews and price.

I have only played Bare Knuckles on the Johnny Marr Jaguar and it was the best sounding Jaguar guitar I have played!

BTW, Aaron has a 15% off sale till the end on the month.

I've just ordered a set of white ropes for my '11 Am Std Tele. I was previously looking at the BK Country Boy but would have ended up being ~$100 dearer for them to get here.

Generally if people mention that they have the Blackropes that is the Blackrope set wound with 42 gauge wire, the lower output of the two sets. If they say 1950 Blackrope, that's the 1950 Blackrope set wound with 43 gauge wire, the hotter set.

Another thing to think about, the reason that the 1950 Blackrope and Broadcaster sets in general are wound with 43 gauge wire is because with 42 gauge wire (Blackrope aka Blackguard style pickups) you can't go any higher than about 7.5-8k because the wire just won't fit. So you move up to a smaller gauge wire so you can get higher output. Now just because you jump from about 7.5k with 42 gauge wire to 10k with 43 gauge wire doesn't mean it's much hotter because with smaller gauge wire DC resistance goes up, but not necessarily output. I would venture to say that a 7.5k pickup wound with 42 gauge wire would have the same output as a 9.5k pickup wound with 43 gauge wire if not closer to 10k.

FYI, Fender's Nocaster bridge pickup (Broadcaster style) were originally wound with 42 gauge wire with an output of around 7.5k, then they switched to 43 gauge and wound it to around 10k.

Generally if people mention that they have the Blackropes that is the Blackrope set wound with 42 gauge wire, the lower output of the two sets. If they say 1950 Blackrope, that's the 1950 Blackrope set wound with 43 gauge wire, the hotter set.


Yep, that's it. I have the standard Black Rope (not 1950s) set. I didn't request any special winding. I did, however, get the brass cover on the neck pickup.

Im a heavy rock player, and just want to chime in on the rumpel love. I have a set of 50 black ropes I got a couple years ago. Bridge around 10ish K, neck around 8k, IIRC. Awesome stuff. Ive often thought about going for a a bit less output, but I never can get the balls to take the 1950s out. They are excellent full blast, rolled off, or clean as a whistle. Probably not the best set for chix pix, but Aaron can do what you need.

Ive not handled the BK pups you mention, but I have some time on the buckers and they are fantastic pickups. Im sure the Teles are no different. But I dont feel they are so much better in the general sense as to warrant paying so much more vs. Aarons.

Hey gmann - did you get them stock or custom? With all this positive feedback, i'm definitly leaning towards the Rumpelstiltskin's!

Well when I ordered them Aaron gave me a range and I picked 10.5K. I wanted a fairly hot, bright pup and it's definately that.

Thanks to ALL of you so much! You really helped a lot in making my decision - I just ordered a set of 1950 Black Rope pickups! I'm psyched! Gonna try to put in new pots/caps and hopefully a new bridge before the pickups get here. Thanks again, you guys really made this easy for me! Peace ~

Well when I ordered them Aaron gave me a range and I picked 10.5K. I wanted a fairly hot, bright pup and it's definately that.

Well that's the same range one, 11k ,I'm waiting delivery on. Can't wait !

I can't believe no one's tried Bare Knuckle! I'm eyeing up one of their Yardbird bridge pickups (being in the UK, BK are a bit cheaper than the Rump pups) but would like to know if they are any good.

I can't believe no one's tried Bare Knuckle! I'm eyeing up one of their Yardbird bridge pickups (being in the UK, BK are a bit cheaper than the Rump pups) but would like to know if they are any good.

FWIW I LOVE my Bareknuckle Flat 50s. Great, fat sounding pups with real sizzle. Not the twangiest, but that's not what I wanted.

I've got a set of Mules in my Tokai, too. Again, just perfect...

I can't believe no one's tried Bare Knuckle! I'm eyeing up one of their Yardbird bridge pickups (being in the UK, BK are a bit cheaper than the Rump pups) but would like to know if they are any good.

Cheaper? How? BK are some of the more expensive pickups. What can you get them for compared to the rumps?

Also, the BK are amazing and I have played them all. I currently have flat 52 and stagger 55s.

I just ordered something similar to a 1950 Black Rope for my project guitar. I was looking closely at the BK 50 Flat and the Klein Epic Nocaster, but the Rumples won out due to all the positive reviews and price.


BTW, Aaron has a 15% off sale till the end on the month.


I just ordered the 1950 Black Rope today, with a few small winding requests. How do you like yours? You say just ordered " something similar 1950 Black Rope " - which did you get? BTW - thanks for the heads up about the 15% off! I took advantage of that:wink:

FWIW I LOVE my Bareknuckle Flat 50s. Great, fat sounding pups with real sizzle. Not the twangiest, but that's not what I wanted.

I've got a set of Mules in my Tokai, too. Again, just perfect...

Cheers! Enjoy the BK's i hear great things about them - the 1950 Black rope i ordered is said to have similar specs, but they can be custom wound if you request. I'm going for a bluesy Rock vintage vibe thats got some twang to it - but basically, will do anything:twisted:

Cheaper? How? BK are some of the more expensive pickups. What can you get them for compared to the rumps?

Also, the BK are amazing and I have played them all. I currently have flat 52 and stagger 55s.

Got the 1950 Black Rope @ under a buck fifty! I'll let ya know how they make out.

Cheaper? How? BK are some of the more expensive pickups. What can you get them for compared to the rumps?

Also, the BK are amazing and I have played them all. I currently have flat 52 and stagger 55s.
With shipping, a 50 Black Rope would cost $100 which is roughly £80 (assuming Her Majesty doesn't decide to whack extra customs charges on top which doesn't happen all the time, but sometimes). Coming from the US, it would also take ages.

Bare Knuckles are ~£70 shipped in the UK so it's not a huge difference but the delivery speed is a consideration. Not that I'm in much position to be ordering expensive pickups right now anyway! :mrgreen:

FWIW these figures are all from the companies directly - I haven't checked out other places yet.

Whenever I'm looking for pickups, if I have an idea of what I want I go through a thing. I check if Bareknuckle makes that kind of pickup there's a high chance it'll be in my cart within the hour.
I just put a BK Stormy Monday in a build that I did. It was one of those sounds where you strum a big open chord and laugh.

My strat is decked out with Mothers Milk in the neck and middle and an Irish Tour in the Bridge and it's the kind of guitar I would run back into a house on fire to go get.

This really sounds like I'm kissing a heap of behind on this but I think Bareknuckle really are supurb.
They're also a pleasure to deal with, Tim is a hell of a guy.

I also like Mojotone.

Can anyone guide me on this? Thinking about the Bare Knuckle staggered '55 or Rumpelstiltskin Black ropes (or custom) - want a tele sound with some bottom end, but also some twang - Black Crowes/Stones-ish. - even thinking bout Klein pups - Thanks in advance!

regardless of who males a tele/esquire bridge pickup or its brand name, if the build is vintage then you want to have a hefty turn count of 42awg over a5 rod magnets, at least 10,500 turns and up to 12,000 turns. i've settled on 11,500 turns. this will still allow the pup to twang, whilst pushing a larger amount of mid-range ("fat"). that's it. that's the "secret" to having yer twang cake be on the fat side and eating it, too. :cool:

I've got a pair of BK Blackguard 55s in my Highway 1. Plenty twang and nice warm mids.

For something a little hotter, you could also take a look at their Brown Sugar pickups. Guess what they're based on? :lol:

https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/main/pickups.php?cat=teles&sub=vintage_hot&pickup=brown_sugar

regardless of who males a tele/esquire bridge pickup or its brand name, if the build is vintage then you want to have a hefty turn count of 42awg over a5 rod magnets, at least 10,500 turns and up to 12,000 turns. i've settled on 11,500 turns. this will still allow the pup to twang, whilst pushing a larger amount of mid-range ("fat"). that's it. that's the "secret" to having yer twang cake be on the fat side and eating it, too. :cool:

Hey Rob, thanks for chime'n in! You always lay it on the line! I'm pretty sure i'm getting an A3 on the bridge.... (which a lot of folks dig) - but then again i hear great things bout A5's too....damn guitar player's! Wish you the best with your Cavalier Lions! Heard good things of them, and hope to try them out one day!

Hey Rob, thanks for chime'n in! You always lay it on the line! I'm pretty sure i'm getting an A3 on the bridge.... (which a lot of folks dig) - but then again i hear great things bout A5's too....damn guitar player's! Wish you the best with your Cavalier Lions! Heard good things of them, and hope to try them out one day!

for nothing, i can send ya a cav lion to test drive in yer guitar and through yer rig. just return when done - or send $60 to keep. oiy vey, such a deal already? :cool:

I've got a Bareknuckle Piledriver in my Esquire and i'm very happy with it. Nice and twangy with the guitar volume on 8-9, breaks up nicely when on 10. Been thinking of getting a set for my Telecaster when i can afford it.

for nothing, i can send ya a cav lion to test drive in yer guitar and through yer rig. just return when done - or send $60 to keep. oiy vey, such a deal already? :cool:

Thank you so much Rob - and if i had another guitar i would take you up on that offer! oiy vey, such a deal already!!! :eek:

Well that's the same range one, 11k ,I'm waiting delivery on. Can't wait !

I got this pickup a couple of days ago and dropped it in my TC630. This is an 11k pickup, how the heck he can get a pickup like that to have plenty of output and sound so bell-like and detailed is crazy! Very detailed like somethin in the 6ish range would sound. I have had 6 pickup's from Aaron {Strat/Tele] and everyone is just precise in it's tone. Great stuff!

Ive dropped a set of Bare knuckle Brown Sugars into my guitar and very happy with them. Can't say about the staggered 55s but I can assure you they make quality pups.

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I got this pickup a couple of days ago and dropped it in my TC630. This is an 11k pickup, how the heck he can get a pickup like that to have plenty of output and sound so bell-like and detailed is crazy! Very detailed like somethin in the 6ish range would sound. I have had 6 pickup's from Aaron {Strat/Tele] and everyone is just precise in it's tone. Great stuff!


11k, but with what gauge coil wire? 43awg?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beLjf-zUNsU&feature=youtu.beSo here is a demo of the pickup that aaron sent me. I'm usin a BFT so the tone is different but it gives the general idea. And it is 43 g but has none of the thinness in others I have tried with 43. The neck is 42 and 8.2 and the tone difference is minimal going from 1 to another. Hey I just like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beLjf-zUNsU&feature=youtu.be

Been there, done that------I got aMIM Blackout Tele----Took three pups out--put in a set of BareKnucks Blackguard 55 Staggers---A ton of Tele Twang(took almost FIVE Months for me to get these pickups) I then removed the 6 saddle Strat style bridge, installed a Tele Style =3 brass compensated saddles. Immediate loss of sustain, --and a darkening of twang( brass saddles?) and could never dial back in that perfect intonation i had with 6saddles. I put the 6 saddle bridge back in --all that i wanted came back--Iam now looking for a new set of 3 pups to put back in, I have no complaints about the Bareknuckle performance--5 months i have issues with. what ever i decide for pups will come from USA Denny

Just got my Rumpelstiltskins White Rope set today. Will put them in my 11 Am STD Tele over the weekend.