Anybody ever try Barden pickups in their Silos?

[edcat]

Just caught Jimmy Thackery at a local club and his tone was out of this world. He was using a Strat equipped with Joe Barden pups and playing through Boss pedals and two Fender Hot Rod Deluxes (all stock as far as I know). He switched mid set to a Strat with normal pole piece pups and the typical Strat bridge tinniness reared its ugly head. It was obvious that the Barden's were the main ingredient to the incredible sound he was getting. I realize that hands and technique have a lot to do with it but this guy would hit a simple chord and the sound was heavenly. Has anybody tried Barden's with their Silos? I was debating between putting Fralins or Bardens in my Silo Special but I think I'll shell out the extra bucks for Bardens.

 

[tvanveen]

These are *very* expensive these days, Barden is out of business, and people seem to think Barden's were the secret ingredient to Danny Gatton's sound. What are they running, $600 for a set now?

I live in Gatton-town (DC), and see a fair amount of them. They do sound great. Very meaty, but clear and articulate. I've considered getting a set for my AL, but I don't think they're quite worth what they're going for these days. I suspect some other boutique manufacturer will come up with a good copy sooner or later.

On a related note, I photograph weddings, and a few weeks ago I was at a wedding that had a pretty good band. I struck up a conversation with the bass player, and it turns out they used to be Danny's band.

I pretty much crapped myself.

tv

 

[mbgreene]

On a related note, I photograph weddings, and a few weeks ago I was at a wedding that had a pretty good band. I struck up a conversation with the bass player, and it turns out they used to be Danny's band.
I pretty much crapped myself.
tv

- tres cool

 

[Shnook]

I love Gatton's playing. Just incredible. However, I always thought his tone was a little on the 'icepick' side, and not in a good way. I've got a tape of him playing with Albert Lee and Vince Gill and Danny's tone stuck out as shrill and cold compared to the other two. If that's a good example of the Barden tele pups, no thanks. Plus the price of these pups are getting a little ridiculous these days.

 

[edcat]

I always thought the same thing about Gatton's tone even on his CDs. but Bardens on a strat is a whole different ballgame. Since I believe that Silo's can equal the best Strats and beat most of them that the Bardens might sound even better on them. Anyway I'm going to try it. Will let you know!

 

[PRCpower]

I tried Joe Barden Two/Tone neck in my silo.
The sound is wary thick, bit dark. The volume of tone you are getting is amazing good or bad, you should try it but the other pickups like paf pro that sounds great JoeBarden just eat it for breakfast by the output and the volume of tone. Its something different, good pickup but the price is..

 

[jamminjim]

Here's a set for less than what you guys are talking about... even might take a lowball offer. I notice the Bardens are twin rail type high output pickups, and must be ceramic magnets. If this is true then I fail to see why they would be considered "toneful", although buddy Guy uses ceramic pups too.
IMO it was probably Mr Gattons fingers and touch that were largely responsible for the tone or soul in his playing. Same with Buddy.
Bardens for a $trat

 

[Lance Romance]

You can buy new Bardens again these days. Still pricey.-Eric