Bill Lawrence pickups

[IggyT]

I have just installed some compenated brass saddles from a company in Guelph, Ontario called GTS; pretty nice improvement over the HW1 stock stainless steel ones. More mass for starters and improved and easier intonation.
next step is to upgrade the pickups:
I have come to a few suggestions and was hoping for some feedback (no pun intended) on the following options:
1) The fender Custom shop NoCaster set
2) OC Duff set
3) Bill Lawrence set (price looks astounding!)
comments please,
iggy

[Jack Wells]

I just received my Bill Lawrence Keystones yesterday and probably won't have them installed for another week or so. Arlo is the one to ask about these pickups. For one thing, unlike myself, he's a real player.

[rhh7]

I don't know how well you play, but I have spent pleasant hours here in slack-jawed amazement at your artistry and skill! Your builds are incredible, and I learn something everyday from your answers.

[garytelecastor]

Iggy-Either the NoCasters or the BL's come with high recommendation on this site. What kind of music is your forte? If you are in to country you will probably want to go with the BL's.
I work in the blues and country markets and I put a set of keystones in my MIM and did a little work with the bridge. I just LOVE the tone I am getting. Very vintage and as you say the price is astounding.

[Jack Wells]

I don't know how well you play,.........

I probably play guitar about as well as Leo Fender did.

[IggyT]

well as far as playing style...historically more johnny winter than johnny cash but moving into jim campilongo/pete anderson sound territory so any suggestions are helpful

[riggergreg]

Go to youtube, and check out some of Arlo's videos to check out the BL Keystones. I have em and love em.

[garytelecastor]

I don't know what your chain consists of but I know that pete goes straight from his guitar to a deluxe reverb. Right now he is using a pair of Line 6 occasionally on stage.
I might think in that case the NOS might, MIGHT be a better choice.
Especially as you are a Johnny Winter fan.
Anybody else have any suggestions?

Okay, I play in the classic and current country market with a little blues thrown in (on this gig). I use a fairly clean tone. I don't overdrive or distort except when the song calls for it. BUT.....BUT after hearing what ARLO does with his keystones I have decided that I have no business answering you on this question.

Arlo-You ROCK Dude.

[IggyT]

well I listened to a few of Arlo's videos and these sound surprisingly edgy, more overdrive than I expected ! ; I play through a Peavey Classic 50 410 or a little VOX. so those pickups could easily work for me!
iggy

[Arlo]

Those are Keystones and yes they are easily overdriven and that would be my fault as I like it that way. The real beauty of them is they are tremendously versatile.

If you back off the vol a tad you will get a really sweet clean sound.

Roll down the tone a little and it is whole different sound.

Amazingly functional the Keystones. They can rock or they can twang.

Gary and all the rest of you cats thanks for the kind words!

Iggy listen to this video here is an example of the Keystones with two completely different sounds.

[garytelecastor]

Arlo-I know you won't like this, but I think it is than Waylon.

[subdude1]

Arlo's version of that song sold me on Keystones. Just got them installed last night and tried them out today. Wow! Everything he says is true. They can purr or growl depending on how you drive them. Height adjustment plays a big part in the sound. The neck pup is outstanding. Very clear bottom end.

Btw, I got the version with the plastic chrome plated neck cover. They look as good as they sound.

[spyderxxx]

IggyT
Do you have a link for GTS in Guelph?

Ed

[IggyT]

yep,
http://www.projectconsultants.com/gtsaddles/index.htm

I got them from the Arts in Newmarket
iggy

[IggyT]

awesome,
which model number? and does the neck pu have the cover or no?
thanks again!
iggy

[shoretyus]

Originally Posted by IggyT

I have just installed some compenated brass saddles from a company in Guelph, Ontario called GTS;
iggy

They have a website?

I have a set of Jon moores' waiting to go in my project. Nice to deal with. He's been putting them on Ebay once a week.