Your opinion of Bootstrap pickups

[Red Ryder]

Thanks

 

[Fenderbaum]

My opinion is that Bootstrap breaks down the myth that expensive is better. Surely a handful of winders might have that little "extra".. But for the price, you can not beat them. Handwound and all..
Ryan has probably spun so many pickups by now that he must have the knowledge to side with the higher end boutique.
But the pickups are top stuff..

 

[fenderchamp]

One thing to note about bootstrap pickups, if you didn't see this on the website already but. For an extra $10 per pickup, they will wind you anything you want, you chose the magnets/wire/winds/potting etc. It's a spectacular value and really quite intriguing.

I've never installed any bootstrap tele pickups to date, but I have installed a set of their Strat pickups and I really enjoy them, very impressive pickups.

 

[Bruxist]

Looking for opinions on Bootstrap "Original Recipe" pickups. I've read all kinds of things on various models of Bootstrap and they seem to be well received but I would like to get feedback from people who have actually used or are currently using the "Original Recipe", not the "Extra Crispy" "Twisted Whatevers" or Lollars with the "Secrete Sauce"

Having just acquired my first Tele after a hiatus from Tele's for almost 50 years I find the new MIM Player Tele to be lacking compared to the 72 I use to own so I'm in the process of modding, or maybe I should say, retrofitting this new one in an attempt to recapture the feel and tone I could get out of the 72. Even though the 72 had Alnico 5's it seems to me the current pickups in this guitar are considerably hotter, or maybe more abrupt and it would benefit from a set with Alnico 3's.All opinions are welcome, good , bad , or indifferent.

Heck, I will mail you one if you want to give it a go. Just let me know.

 

[Intubator]

I just got off the phone with, I think Jason?... Great customer service, communication and friendly. Can't wait to get the Palo Alto's for my Tele. May do some Humbuckers with them soon as well.

 

[old school fender]

Heck, I will mail you one if you want to give it a go. Just let me know.

Thanks, but I wouldn't want to take advantage of your generosity.

 

[Bruxist]

Thanks, but I wouldn't want to take advantage of your generosity.

Nah, happy to do it. Not using it right now, so if you are interested, just send me a PM.

 

[Tarkus60]

I bought some P90's he is stand up guy. I will buy from him again.

 

[JRapp]

I have a bunch of Bootstraps: P90s, Tele, Strat, Jazzmaster, some of which were custom winds. And they're all good.

 

[tho618]

I’ve had the Original Recipe pups and liked them a lot. On my rig Tele > PRRI.
The bridge has a great chime, twang and punch to it w out being too hot. I found them very similar to the Fender Original Vintage 52 Tele pups. Both A3, mid 6k range. I’d consider either of these great vintage tone pups w muscle if needed. They work well w mid boost pedals. These are definitely not like the more aggressive, early Broadcaster A3 pups that were hotter and I believe 43 gauge wire. It’s a snarlier, slightly darker thing w more mids. I think your tone preference mentioned was not hot.

The Extra Crispy are closer to the A3 mid 7k range like Fender’s 51 Nocaster set.

 

[old school fender]

I’ve had the Original Recipe pups and liked them a lot. On my rig Tele > PRRI.
The bridge has a great chime, twang and punch to it w out being too hot. I found them very similar to the Fender Original Vintage 52 Tele pups. Both A3, mid 6k range. I’d consider either of these great vintage tone pups w muscle if needed. They work well w mid boost pedals. These are definitely not like the more aggressive, early Broadcaster A3 pups that were hotter and I believe 43 gauge wire. It’s a snarlier, slightly darker thing w more mids. I think your tone preference mentioned was not hot.

The Extra Crispy are closer to the A3 mid 7k range like Fender’s 51 Nocaster set.

Thanks for your input. That does sound like more what I'm after. Every since I've had this guitar I've been trying to get it to "play nice" with the Music Man 210HD . It's been like chasing the wind! Funny you should mention mid boost pedals. This amp has bright/normal switch along with deep/normal switch when used in conjunction with one another it basically acts as a mid boost and that seems to be the area needing attention.If I can refine the amount of control on the mids I would be a happy boy!

 

[TokyoPortrait]

Hi.

I can't help specifically, as I only have the Extra Crispy set.* But, e-mail or give them a call. They were super duper helpful when I had questions.


Pax/
Dean
* the Extra Crispy set are utterly ace, and deliver exactly what I wanted, the slightly more raunchy 'Broadcaster / Nocaster / Blackguard'** sound, with clarity and separation.

** I forget now which of these variations internet perceived wisdom holds as the gnarliest - but that one

 

[DesmoTele]

No help for your specific situation, but another hearty recommendation for them overall. I have three, all very different (bridge, and two different neck types) custom winds, and they are all beautifully built and sound fantastic. And, as others have also said, working with Ryan has been a pleasure.

 

[BB]

My opinion of Bootstrap Pickups is quite positive. While I have only had the opportunity (back when Ryan first started) to sample a strat and tele set. Both sets were exactly as advertised.

Great sound/feeling pickups imho. Not just 'for the money', but just great. The fact they sell for a lot less than other winders is just amazing.Regardless of price, these are superior quality pickups for a stoopid low price.

I would say if you are interested in ordering...just do it! If they are not for you, (highly doubt full, but we all have different expectations) you can sell them quite quickly and not lose much if anything.

Again, just my opinion, but I am soooo stinking happy to have Bootstrap in and near the the top of my pickup choices.

 

[Wildeman]

Did the '72 also have 1 meg pots? If it did then don't forget those.

 

[TokyoPortrait]

Hi.

Yes. This is a really good point I feel. Just straight up good. Regardless of the price.

I love mine so much that after writing my post above, I was feeling so fond of their sound, I got out the guitar with them in & set up my practice amp, just to play them.

Then while standing there, tuned up and ready to go, but with the tuner still engaged and muting the signal and as yet no actual sound, the doorbell rang...

...and my new fuzz pedal was delivered. Double win

Pax/
Dean

 

[Vibroluxer]

Like them? I think they're the best.

 

[old school fender]

By the fact that nobody has had anything bad to say about the Bootstraps I think that's the way I'm gonna' go. However in the course of this thread it's been brought to my attention that this 72 was equipped with 1 meg pots. I guess I falsely assumed (yeah, I know what happens when you assume) that tele's had always used 250k pots. Shows what I know! Soooo..... a whole nuther' can of worms! 250k, maybe 500k ( a compromise), 1 meg. Crap!!!

Well, at least I've got a little time to research and think about it since this guitar is currently in the fender hospital having the neck replaced (neckectomy?, I don't know) and the ship time from Bootstrap is 4 weeks. Any thoughts? Bring 'em on!

 

[Tmcqtele65]

I have the Original Recipe set in my partscaster and can't imagine anything else sounding better. All three positions are different and great. Bridge gives that country twang if that's what you're fingers are doing...not ice-picky but aggressive, clean 50's rock sounding to bluesy to mellow-jazzy in the other positions. My pots and switches are really cheap and these still sound great. Mine took 5 weeks to arrive last February.

 

[Bruxist]

I think you will love them.