You know, EBMM knows what they're doing.

[KungFu Grip]

I picked up an Albert Lee off Ebay about six months ago. Since then, I've replaced the pots (old ones were worn) and put locking tuners on it (from EB, mine was an older model that didn't have them). I've also fiddled with the pickups. First, I put a Rio Grande halfbreed in the bridge to give it more OOMP. After a couple months, I took it out. A few months after that, I put a whole new rig of pickups in it. Rio Grande Tallboys neck and middle, as well as a Rio Grande Stelly at the bridge.

Now, a month later, I believe the stock SD Alnico 2 Pros are going back in again.

EBMM has to be one of the few manufacturers that put pickups in their instruments that are just right for it. I've found this out the hard way, but I just wanted to give kudos to them for doing it right straight from the factory.

 

[peter71]

I agree totally. I bought a used Sil that had those Clapton single coil pickups in it, and they were just not right. It kind of has a wimpy feel to it now. I mostly use the stock Humbucker when I am playing. I don't have the original pickups, so I am probably just going to either order some from EB or put some Kinman's in it. I really love Kinman pickups!

 

[KungFu Grip]

Well, the stock pickups went back in and everything is right in the world. I think I'm just gonna leave well enough alone and be happy with the AL stock.

I agree on the Kinmans, too. Probably the only other pickups I'd consider these days. I can't stand the whole overwound single coil craze. Lower output singles just sound so much better to me.

 

[Jimi D]

I agree with you, KFG... It's great to know the stock pickups sound so good in these guitars. I used to be a constant tweaker - since I've moved to EB/MM guitars, I've got a drawer full of Duncan and Dimarzio pickups waiting for me to drop them in one or another of my guitars, but every time I think I might haul out the soldering iron and try something different, I play the guitar I'm thinking of swapping the pickups out of, and decide to leave the stock ones in! I can't bring myself to sell the old ones, but I'm thinking I'll have to order an Axis-like body and neck set from Warmoth or somebody so I can have something to customize and screw with...