High-output Alnico 3 Bridge Pickup?

[StaticRick]

I have a Don Mare 0038 that is my hands-down favorite tele bridge pickup of all time. I've got another tele that I would love to put the same pickup in, but Don Mare isn't taking orders like in the past and I can't locate a used one.

So, instead I've been looking for something else that is Alnico 3 in the roughly 10k range. There's doesn't seem to be a lot of A3 options out there. The ones I do find (Lolllar, for example) are more in the 7k-8k range.

Before I start looking for a custom-made solution, do you guys and gals know of any A3 ~10k out there that I should look into?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Cavalier Nocaster Holy Grail seems to fit the bill...

 

[Wyatt]

Cavalier Nocaster Holy Grail Loin

OC Duff Plankster

Manlius Broadcaster

 

[archetype]

Start looking at Rob DiStefano's bridge pickups. I'd focus on his descriptions (which are accurate), turn counts instead of DCR, and the excellent sound clips on his site. Rob winds what you need. He also winds more than you need, if you need more than you need.

Cavalier Guitar & Bass Pickups

 

[theprofessor]

To add to what others have said, the Cavalier Nocaster Holy Grail is exactly what you describe: A3 and ca. 10k DCR. And very reasonably priced.

 

[Bruxist]

My Cav Nocaster measured 10.02K but that only means something if comparing to another pickup with A3 mags and AWG43 wire.

It is definitely a good place to start and Rob does custom winds at no extra charge so if you decide you want more or less, he can do that for you.

 

[archetype]

My Cav Nocaster measured 10.02K but that only means something if comparing to another pickup with A3 mags and AWG43 wire.

...and the same winding tension.

 

[Wallaby]

Cavalier ( Rob ) promises a fast turnaround on orders, too.

 

[StaticRick]

Awesome!
I wasn't aware of Cavalier Pickups, but that looks like exactly what I'm searching for.

Thanks.

 

[telemnemonics]

You know that really is not a high output pickup, right?

The 10k dcr is due to thinner 43awg wire, not because 42awg was wound past 6k to 7/8/9 and finally 10k dcr.
I forget exact numbers but it is turn count, not dcr that determines "output", and 10k dcr of 43awg is comparable to maybe 7.5k dcr of 42awg.

I have an original Champion lapsteel pickup whichnis typically bright toned, not the huge assumed high output tone.

I also have a Don Mare Hot Bakelite which I bet sounds a lot like the 0038.
The Fender Original Vintage is near the same and around $60.
Cavalier though you can confirm all concerns and buy from the guy you ask questions of.

 

[StaticRick]

You know that really is not a high output pickup, right?

You're absolutely right.
I went with the common parlance instead of getting all didactic.

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

Another vote for Rob’s Holy Grail. And for the price, oh my gosh, it’s a very sweet pickup. Mine meters out at 9.6k DCR in my shop but I’m not sure of the Henries. They really do sound fantastic. I’ve said it before, he named it the Holy Grail for a reason.

 

[bender66]

What is it you like about the Mare 0038?

 

[StaticRick]

What is it you like about the Mare 0038?

Two things:
I like how it's more mid-focused than other tele bridge pickups I've tried, but it doesn't sound too hi-fi. It still retains a lot of that typical tele sound.
The other thing I like is harder to explain. It just seems to be more responsive to picking-hand dynamics. There's a compression-effect that happens with some pickups that makes it harder to be expressive with picking dynamics. The Don Mare 0038 is the opposite of that. It is very responsive. With the right gain structure, I can go from sweet-n-pretty to angry-n-gritty just with changes in how aggressive my picking is. From what I've read, I may be describing properties that come with using A3 magnets, but I don't have enough experience to know that for sure.

 

[StaticRick]

Update: I went with Rob's Holy Grail. Installed it. Played it at yesterday's gig. Sounds great.
It is exactly what I was hoping for.

Thanks for the recommendations.

This won't be my last Cavalier pickup, for sure.

 

[funkysoul]

I have a Don Mare 0038 that is my hands-down favorite tele bridge pickup of all time. I've got another tele that I would love to put the same pickup in, but Don Mare isn't taking orders like in the past and I can't locate a used one.

So, instead I've been looking for something else that is Alnico 3 in the roughly 10k range. There's doesn't seem to be a lot of A3 options out there. The ones I do find (Lolllar, for example) are more in the 7k-8k range.

Before I start looking for a custom-made solution, do you guys and gals know of any A3 ~10k out there that I should look into?

Hot Classics - Tonerider

A higher wind on Alnico III magnets, scatterwound for maximum tone!

tonerider.com

I ve got this set since 2007.i will not change it soon

 

[Wyatt]

Update: I went with Rob's Holy Grail. Installed it. Played it at yesterday's gig. Sounds great.
It is exactly what I was hoping for.

Thanks for the recommendations.

This won't be my last Cavalier pickup, for sure.

As one of those who recommend the Cavalier, I'm glad it worked out great for you. Since you had both, is there much difference between the Holy Grail and 0038?

 

[StaticRick]

Since the 0038 is in an ash-body tele and the Holy Grail went into a mahogany-body telebird, it's a little hard to compare them precisely. However, I would say that the Holy Grail has the mids focus and (lack of) compression that I was looking for. As far as I can tell, it's the same as if I had another 0038. The only difference being a more reasonable price, fast shipping, great customer service (or so I've heard), and a smile on my face.

The Holy Grail went so well that I've already become a Cavalier Pickups repeat customer. I installed a Fat Lion in my Esquire copy yesterday.

 

[Bruxist]

The Holy Grail went so well that I've already become a Cavalier Pickups repeat customer. I installed a Fat Lion in my Esquire copy yesterday

Those are my two favourite Cav bridge pickups.

 

[SPUDCASTER]

Rob's quality, service, knowledge and price is hard to beat. Especially when you add up all those factors.

If you ever talk to him on the phone. He's a good hang, well worth the call.

I ordered a '57 PBass set for a Squier bass I picked up. Ordered on Friday, shipped on Monday. Had them within one week.

I've been a Cavalier customer for over ten years now. Never a regret.

Glad it worked out for you!