Broadcaster Pickups

[kylef]

So for the build of my blue flower esquire, im looking to fit a broadaster.

Ive heard of a fair few getting good reviews. Voodoo, Seymour Duncan etc. So do any of you have any experience with these pickups and recommend any more?

Id really like to hear the opinions of you guys really.

I know Brad Paisley uses a voodoo in his pink paisley crook's, and its one of my favourite tones of his, which sways me that way. although finding one and getting one in the UK is proving annoying.

Ive noticed the SD's dont cost too much and can get one imported easy enough.

So what do ya think?

[TeleBrew]

I've got a SD Vintage for Broadcaster on the way and will put it in my partscaster ASAP. Seems like a great PU, and many people here recommend it.

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by kylef

So for the build of my blue flower esquire, im looking to fit a broadaster.

Ive heard of a fair few getting good reviews. Voodoo, Seymour Duncan etc. So do any of you have any experience with these pickups and recommend any more?

Id really like to hear the opinions of you guys really.

I know Brad Paisley uses a voodoo in his pink paisley crook's, and its one of my favourite tones of his, which sways me that way. although finding one and getting one in the UK is proving annoying.

Ive noticed the SD's dont cost too much and can get one imported easy enough.

So what do ya think?

I had a Voodoo Broadcaster in my first Broadcaster replica which is now owned by Ian Siegal and everytime I hear him play I asked myself why I ever sold that guitar! (I actually didn't like the neck; should have kept it and changed the neck ).

Have you tried ordering direct from Peter Florance? He's awesome to deal with!

I haven't tried the Duncan but I can strongly recommend the Voodoo Broadcaster.

Hope this helps.

Peter

[kylef]

nice one mate, think the voodoo is the way to go.

ive just emailed the address on the voodoo pickups website.

whats the best one to go for then? the BD-Caster, or the TE-50. TE-50 claimsto have better overtones and harmonics.

Its to go in an esquire project. Any advice?

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by kylef

whats the best one to go for then? the BD-Caster, or the TE-50. TE-50 claimsto have better overtones and harmonics.

Its to go in an esquire project. Any advice?

Tough call. They are BOTH very, very good pick ups. I've used the TE50 too and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. It's less edgy than the Broadcaster. Depends what you're looking for.

The Broadcaster in an Esquire! Wow! That would take some taming. Ideal for an Esquire.

Peter

[RocksOff]

I have a real hot TE60's in my esquire... smokin'!

[yegbert]

Originally Posted by kylef

...im looking to fit a broadaster.

...Voodoo, Seymour Duncan etc.

...So what do ya think?

Is the name Broadcaster so characteristically descriptive of some range of tonal character; such that all companies making pickups use that name when they make pickups within that range, and don't use that name for pickups outside that range?

Or do you just have an affinity for the name Broadcaster?

[kylef]

broadcaster pickups from different companies refer back to the pickups when broadcaster guitars were made. reissues as such, wired to the way the broadcasters were made back in the day.

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by yegbert

Is the name Broadcaster so characteristically descriptive of some range of tonal character; such that all companies making pickups use that name when they make pickups within that range, and don't use that name for pickups outside that range?

Or do you just have an affinity for the name Broadcaster?

I immeadiately read into it a specific tone, not necessarily the love for a specific name. Broadcaster or Blackguard denotes a certain "tone", as does 60s or Humbucker.

Peter

[Scott V]

Originally Posted by TeleBrew

I've got a SD Vintage for Broadcaster on the way and will put it in my partscaster ASAP. Seems like a great PU, and many people here recommend it.

I went with the SD Broadcaster for my Esquire too. It's not done so I can't comment on the sound yet. There's plenty of positive feedback on the SD, and the price is right.

[Stewart Ward]

Originally Posted by yegbert

Is the name Broadcaster so characteristically descriptive of some range of tonal character; such that all companies making pickups use that name when they make pickups within that range, and don't use that name for pickups outside that range?

Or do you just have an affinity for the name Broadcaster?

Taking that point futher, if I read it right, what is a Broadcaster PU exactly?

I've owned a Broadcaster since 1981 and spoke to Leo about it when at a NAMM show. He said that everything they made at that time was variable and in his words.. "Well, you gotta make a couple of thousand before you get it right and settled." So by that remark, I would suggest there is no such thing as a identifiable 'Broadcaster PU sound'.

Sorry if I've poked a stick into a hornets nest here! But one has to be aware that companies do want to sell stuff and hype is a 'fair' way to enable that activity. Maybe we should take a lot of this 'ad man's drivel' with a pinch of salt... or two?

My Broadcaster neck PU is low output but sweet sounding... like most Telies, but the bridge PU is middly and more like a P90 in output. The two are not well balanced at all. But then, it is S/N 0080, so what can we expect!?

Just my take on it!

[kylef]

how long does it take voodoo to get back to you on their sales email? i emailed them last week and then again a couple of days ago and not heard anything back yet?

could be going to the SD if this keeps up.

[surfoverb]

Originally Posted by Stewart Ward

My Broadcaster neck PU is low output but sweet sounding... like most Telies, but the bridge PU is middly and more like a P90 in output. The two are not well balanced at all. But then, it is S/N 0080, so what can we expect!?

I thought companies like Duncan base thier pickups on actual specs, Like the Don Mare 0038 is based on a 0038 Broadcaster that used 43 wire and had a 11.5K reading on the bridge. I always assumed Broadcaster style pickups were around 10K (or hotter than Tele/Nocaster), with larger diameter flat poles.

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by kylef

how long does it take voodoo to get back to you on their sales email? i emailed them last week and then again a couple of days ago and not heard anything back yet?

could be going to the SD if this keeps up.

Peter responded in about 30-seconds. i just happened to catch him online.

Peter

[Tim73]

Originally Posted by TeleBrew

I've got a SD Vintage for Broadcaster on the way and will put it in my partscaster ASAP. Seems like a great PU, and many people here recommend it.

Just got the same pickup today for my Esquire - it's going in this week along with an upgraded bridge & sadddles

[GuitarJonz]

Originally Posted by surfoverb

I thought companies like Duncan base thier pickups on actual specs, Like the Don Mare 0038 is based on a 0038 Broadcaster that used 43 wire and had a 11.5K reading on the bridge. I always assumed Broadcaster style pickups were around 10K (or hotter than Tele/Nocaster), with larger diameter flat poles.

Most of the Duncan Broadcasters I've seen have been in the 7.5-8.5k range, especially the later ones. I have an older one from 2/96 that reads 6.68k, and have seen similar lower readings on older ones.

[Scott V]

Originally Posted by GuitarJonz

Most of the Duncan Broadcasters I've seen have been in the 7.5-8.5k range, especially the later ones. I have an older one from 2/96 that reads 6.68k, and have seen similar lower readings on older ones.

My brand new SD reads 8.10k

[Stewart Ward]

Originally Posted by kylef

how long does it take voodoo to get back to you on their sales email? i emailed them last week and then again a couple of days ago and not heard anything back yet?

could be going to the SD if this keeps up.

Hi,

I have to speak in defense of small companies who can't/don't have the staff to reply to emails so quickly.

We small companies have to multi-task... that means we are not sitting in front of a PC all day. Also, we get litterally hundreds of emails, all expecting a reply within a few hours! The reality is... it's just not doable in many cases.

The solution would be if there was a cost attached to every email. If people had to pay for the email, then maybe, they'd think twice about the importance of the content and if it was really worth the cost of sending it in the first place. A bit like the days of paying for phone calls.

Of course, we like to hear from customers and are always happy to help if we can... but the sheer volume of emails from all over the world is a real burden to many companies. This often results in that they are swamped and just don't bother to reply to anything. Which is not good at all.

Most emails are asking questions that are dealt with on the vendor's website anyway! So, please do have a longer more detailed look at the vendors website BEFORE firing off yet another email!

It is a big problem. Can anyone here offer a good solution? I'd be very glad to hear it!! But I can see your point too and completely understand your annoyance.

[kylef]

Its fine mate, i didnt realise voodoo were such a small company if im honest. im from the UK so wouldnt have an idea. just got a guitar that needs finishing off withe the pickup the only thing i need. suppose im just itching.

reckon it will be worth the wait for it though.

[Falstaff]

I have had the best luck when calling Peter Florance. Afternoons work pretty well.

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by Stewart Ward

Hi,

I have to speak in defense of small companies who can't/don't have the staff to reply to emails so quickly.

We small companies have to multi-task... that means we are not sitting in front of a PC all day. Also, we get litterally hundreds of emails, all expecting a reply within a few hours! The reality is... it's just not doable in many cases.

The solution would be if there was a cost attached to every email. If people had to pay for the email, then maybe, they'd think twice about the importance of the content and if it was really worth the cost of sending it in the first place. A bit like the days of paying for phone calls.

Of course, we like to hear from customers and are always happy to help if we can... but the sheer volume of emails from all over the world is a real burden to many companies. This often results in that they are swamped and just don't bother to reply to anything. Which is not good at all.

Most emails are asking questions that are dealt with on the vendor's website anyway! So, please do have a longer more detailed look at the vendors website BEFORE firing off yet another email!

It is a big problem. Can anyone here offer a good solution? I'd be very glad to hear it!! But I can see your point too and completely understand your annoyance.

Personally I've been really put out with companies that don't respond to emails. That's because they are advertising an email address. I realize the problem, though, as I owned a couple of music stores where i was the only one there or one more person at the most. This was back in the stone-age an no email to worry about.

I think the solution is to post on the site that emails may not be answered in a timely fashion if at all. Or, just don't post an email and state why.....say you prefer calls if in fact you do. That I can respect. "hey guys, I'm working here! If I answered everyones email I'd have half of them asking why I didn't get the XXX they prdered finished and shipped". Being honest is worth a lot. I think we can all live with that. I know it's tough being a small operation and in a lot of cases the only way to stay afloat is to be small. That said, if you post an email address then people assume you will respond. A big heads up on the site might help saying we'll get to you when we can or something. Bill at reranch is a good example.

I've been talking to a small pickup winder about selling his products. He emails back at night and not every night. Since I'm in no rush it's working fine. If I was waiting to hear about my order I might be upset but since he works alone we got to cut the little guy some slack. Most are making outstanding products. While Uncle Leo was a great businessman, the modern builders are true craftsmen. Say what you want but I think right now are being made some of the best guitars ever, Fender included in that. Same for hardware and amps. It's a great time to love guitars.

[Del Pickup]

Two points to make here.

Firstly, I've had an SD Broadcaster in the bridge of my tele for several years now and it's a great pup. It is quite hot but you can deal with that easily enough. It has a nice mid range tone to it. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone.

Secondly, on the point of companies not responding to emails. I find this very frustrating for all the reasons stated above. If they can't find the time to answer emails are they going to be as reliable (or otherwise) if you order something from them or have some after sales query?

It's called customer service. I've run a small business myself for several years and I always respond to people - whether it's by phone or email - within 24 hours. It's only common courtesy. If you don't want to answer the phone or emails then expect customers to go elsewhere. It's the real world we're living in. Using the excuse of being too busy to answer an email is the same as saying "You're not as important as the person I'm dealing with just now. You'll have to wait in line and I'll get to you in my own good time."

It just doesn't cut the mustard nowadays.

Sorry for the rant but it's a pet hate of mine!