EMG-RT vs. 52AVRI vs. Don Mare shootout.

[newtwanger]

Well, this weekend I learned alot. I still suck at guitar but at least I have an ear.

My Esquire Build originally had an EMG-RT with SPC controller. This sounded very clear, twangy and truly was noiseless. I highly recommend this setup to anyone that plays well and is looking for really clear tele tone. The SPC control (I had 3 knobs; vol, tone,spc) gives a fatter, humbuckery sound that I preferred to the EMG-RT without it, I guess at my level of playing a little "mud" can cover alot of errors.

The 52AVRI pickup was what I expected, very tele sounding, clear and flexible with your standard 60hz hum. It responded will to the tone control and made me think more "country/gosplel" than "blues/rock". but definitely better sounding (to me) than an MIM standard or MIA standard, although the super fat neck probably changes the tone too.

The "Don Mare Zep-O-Tone Graf Airship One" (whew) sounds EXACTLY like it should. I ripped out some Yardbirds and Zep on it and It was on the money where with my other guitars I have to play with pedals to get in that ballpark.
It's bright, airy and raunchy all at the same time. It's also much louder than I expected from a 5.?k PU.

Though these PUs all do what they are supposed to do quite well (especially the EMG and DM) I will be singing the praises of Don's mythical pickups for a long time. It's a joy to hear this guitar just ring with the right amount of agression and still sound like an Esquire should.

I wired it with Acme CTS 250k pots, CRL 1452 switch (vintage tip) and Luxe 1950-51 reissue/replica caps and resistor (I know...money grows on trees ) using the vintage correct circuit supplied by Luxe (same as the one here on TDPRI).
Topped with Hightech Tools knobs (same as Glendale's) everything just sounds and looks right.

[surfoverb]

Awesome! I think i'm gonna put a DM Yardboy1 in my esquire. Ive got a 52RI tele and I like the PUP's well enough but I am considering swapping out the bridge for a fralin or maybe another DM something a little warmer sounding and more definition.

[newtwanger]

Originally Posted by surfoverb

Awesome! I think i'm gonna put a DM Yardboy1 in my esquire.

Well when you call him to order it he will most certainly ask you what sound you are looking for, then play a few of his pickups for you over the phone.

That really helped me to hear the difference between the Yardboy, GA1 and GA2.

You won't be disappointed!

[lupowitz]

Haven't you recorded something by any chance witht the EMG RT-SPC combo?
I have the same mod on my mind, and it would most cetainly help to make up my mind.

[surfoverb]

Originally Posted by newtwanger

Holy wax batman!

What made you choose the zepo over the yardboy?

[newtwanger]

Originally Posted by surfoverb

What made you choose the zepo over the yardboy?

There was a subtle but noticeable difference in the character of the high note sustain. Don played the same thing with the different pus and I clearly heard some "dazed and confused" notes that were music to my ears.

Now if he sent me a Yardboy instead of a GA1, would I be able to say "hey this is the wrong one!" without A/B testing. No Sir, I would suspect not.

Similar but not the same. Now Don would say they're WAY different and have examples proving exactly where they differ, but in my "taste test" I only noted that the highs were more what I was looking for. It's impossible to decide until he's played them for you.

Originally Posted by lupowitz

Haven't you recorded something by any chance witht the EMG RT-SPC combo?

Unfortunately no. can't say I know how to do that aside from running through my Line 6 Toneport that totally doesn't sound like it does through my amp (Blues Jr Woody).

If it means anything to anyone, I play the Blues Jr. with volume almost at full and control the actual volume with the master knob, no reverb (cuz it adds too much hummmm), no pedals (though I have a Digitech RP250 I you with another guitar). So if you have that amp you know how crunchy I like it.