T-Bird pups by Mike Lull

drbassman · February 06, 2009, 09:09:44 PM

Quote from: Nokturnal on February 06, 2009, 05:12:06 PM
Well the new EVH humbucker is going to cost $500 each, so this seems like a bargin! I was told that it's a long process to reproduce his original humbucker, plus he's signing them so thats why they will cost so much. I think these T-bird pickups may be just as hard to create so the price (while high) isn't bad for a boutique pickup. What did it cost for the custom pickups from Duncan? It was around this wasn't it?

yep, I paid $160 for the covers and paid SD $140 for the guts. So, a cool $300 for a vintage TB pup. Over the last 2 years, I've bought 3. At $289, it's reasonable for what Mike Lull is doing IMHO. If I need one, I'll buy from Mike. they look great and I'm sure they sound good.

OldManC · February 06, 2009, 11:15:54 PM

Considering what they are I don't think the price is out of line at all. Yeah, they're not cheap. Then again (if they turn out to be what's advertised), you're getting a 1/2" 60's Gibson Thunderbird pickup, with correct cover (made on original tooling). Yes, I know, it's not actually from the 60's. Close enough for me... What would an original in mint condition run you? I've seen one Chandler go for $300 and those were never represented as 60's replicas.

I don't see these as ever having been intended to sell to a large market, but for the few guys that really want that pickup, these just might be the real deal. Once the good Fraulein has hers in hand, we'll know.

gweimer · February 07, 2009, 07:06:37 AM

I feel pretty good about having gotten my '60s pickup from a vintage dealer last fall for $125.

Bionic-Joe · February 07, 2009, 08:50:33 AM

Please, Let's not forget Tony Carl-Overdriven66 and the HUGE effort he had to go through to make his AWESOME covers!!!

drbassman · February 07, 2009, 10:49:46 AM

Quote from: gweimer on February 07, 2009, 07:06:37 AM
I feel pretty good about having gotten my '60s pickup from a vintage dealer last fall for $125.

Boy, he was either a dope or he felt sorry for you!

drbassman · February 07, 2009, 10:54:37 AM

Quote from: Bionic-Joe on February 07, 2009, 08:50:33 AM
Please, Let's not forget Tony Carl-Overdriven66 and the HUGE effort he had to go through to make his AWESOME covers!!!

Agreed, it was pretty tough to do what he did. I know after doing the tail pieces what a pain it is to reproduce this old stuff. All 3 of mine were Tony's covers and they are great for sure.

Also, I might add, SD did a fantastic job installing the 60's era TB innards. The only problem I had was they misplaced my second order with the 2 covers for something like 6 months!!!! They did finally locate them (on Seymour's bench, so MJ said) but MJ was a bit frazzled for quite awhile until they turned up.

The real advantage to Mike's offerings is you don't have to buy a cover, send it off, wait for SD to get around to it, maybe lose it for a few months, then finally get it back. A one shot deal is always a nice way to go.

godofthunder · February 07, 2009, 11:23:49 AM

Plus the covers are stamped from the original dies, now that is cool.

TBird1958 · February 07, 2009, 12:24:23 PM

Scott,

I think you should be making JAE Fenderbirds.......all the parts are there.

dc10bass · February 07, 2009, 03:59:19 PM

WOW!
As soon as someone hears what they sound like, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!

...I could be in for a set!

TBIRD1958, Thanks for posting the link!!!

TBird1958 · February 07, 2009, 05:20:09 PM

I'm due to pick up my bass in about 3 weeks, I'll try to get to our guitarist's studio and record a couple samples for you guys.