Get Fuelie equipped for $150.00

[mobprop667]

it is always awesome to watch the development of an up and coming part maker, pickup winders in particular.
i love the way these pickups look, with the turning on the bases, even though no one would see it, i think that it kicks ass.
it appeals to the gearhead in me.
one day, once i get out of the hole, i will definitely be trying set of these.

[Rai]

Originally Posted by fuelie

Hey guys.

I had enough to time to do a little mid range heavier break up testing with build 111 today for Rai. I have also upgraded my guitar to 50's wiring and decent parts. Results are great on my end and it feels good to be back on track.

I have yet another hockey game tonight so I'll get some more proper clips up this weekend. Tracking info on the proper screws shows delivery on Monday.

Here is a clip of the bridge. Volume rolled back about 10% Tone is rolled back about 20% due to being EQ'd for the neck pickup. This set even inspired a new crappy riff.

Pro Mod custom medium bridge position 8.7k or so
A2 magnet
New vintage baseplate

Amp settings.

Gain 5
Bass 5
Mids 7.5
Treble 6
Presence 4.5
Volume 7

Condenser mic mid room with a touch of spring reverb.

http://www.fuelieguitars.com/sounds/...eakup-test.mp3

...loving it! awesome work

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by mobprop667

it is always awesome to watch the development of an up and coming part maker, pickup winders in particular.
i love the way these pickups look, with the turning on the bases, even though no one would see it, i think that it kicks ass.
it appeals to the gearhead in me.
one day, once i get out of the hole, i will definitely be trying set of these.

Rock on man. I dig the finish and think it's a nice touch and knew the gearheads would like it. It's also a tad cleaner since the baseplates get scratched up sometimes in storage and transit. Looking forward to building you a set.

Originally Posted by Rai

...loving it! awesome work

Awesome.

I'm real, real happy with this set. I have to stop playing them otherwise I don't want to ship them.

I can't wait to swap the fresh parts into my other orders.

[fuelie]

Here is a pic of build 109 for Stray Cat before putting the covers on.

I'll post the others with covers since they are double cream.

Working on some more clips today with Rai's set.

[fuelie]

Since I'm waiting on parts arriving tomorrow I spent pretty much the whole day messing around with Rai's set. Usually I know I am on to a good set when I can sit back and just mess with guitar controls and play long periods of time without touching amp settings. Today was one of those days.

Here is a super clean clip I did with Rai's Pro Mod build 110 in my test LP with 50's wiring.

This is on a Tweed with a little reverb. I was going for pick attack and settings more on the mid and treble side. Kind of a pretty country vibe I suppose.

Drive 3
Bass 5.5
Mids 6.5
Treble 7.5
Presence 5
Volume 8

The clips contains all three positions. It goes neck - middle - bridge.
A strum through D A and G chords signifies the change.

Guitar controls.

Neck volume 9
Neck tone 9

Bridge volume 9
Neck tone 7

The change from neck to middle would be more noticable if I rolled the neck volume back a bit but wanted to show the guitar in an almost wide open setting. Lots and lots of sweet spots throughout the tone and volume controls. Especially in the middle position.

www.fuelieguitars.com/sounds/b110-tweed-clean.mp3

[Rai]

Omg the middle position is heavenly. Can't wait to get my hands on these babies.

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by Rai

Omg the middle position is heavenly. Can't wait to get my hands on these babies.

I'm glad you are happy so far.

I'm waiting on the UPS man to show up so I can start swapping parts and final testing. I have 10 sets sitting here waiting.

[fuelie]

Parts are here and I'm working away.

More updates and clips to come.

[fuelie]

Update.

New screws are swapped in and a few other tweaks.

I have 4 of the ten sets validated.

Right now I have Lespaulguy's set in my guitar.

Those will come out tomorrow and I'll keep cruising over the weekend and wrap up as soon as I can. It's killing me having all of these still here but it's back on track and I'm close to being done, and I've been working non stop since the correct parts got here.

Earlier today I made a video of Lespaulguy's set on some clean stuff. The gold covers aren't real shiny because of the protective wrap.

More stuff to come. We are real close guys.

During the video when I switch to the bridge the volume drops but I'm not sure why. It has to be something with the mic because the drop isn't noticable while playing. However, you can expect the same boring voice and cheesy riffs.

Pro mod humbucker clean demo - YouTube

Pro mod humbucker clean demo - YouTube

[LPG]

Kevin

I want you to know how much I appreciate this.

Your service has been outstanding and I look forward to further business and correspondence down the road.

Look forward to giving these a listen later this evening.

Regards
Kevin

Originally Posted by fuelie

Update.

New screws are swapped in and a few other tweaks.

I have 4 of the ten sets validated.

Right now I have Lespaulguy's set in my guitar.

Those will come out tomorrow and I'll keep cruising over the weekend and wrap up as soon as I can. It's killing me having all of these still here but it's back on track and I'm close to being done, and I've been working non stop since the correct parts got here.

Earlier today I made a video of Lespaulguy's set on some clean stuff. The gold covers aren't real shiny because of the protective wrap.

More stuff to come. We are real close guys.

During the video when I switch to the bridge the volume drops but I'm not sure why. It has to be something with the mic because the drop isn't noticable while playing. However, you can expect the same boring voice and cheesy riffs.

Pro mod humbucker clean demo - YouTube

[cooljuk]

Those are sounding nice and mellow. Very well balanced. Nice work!


Also reminds me that I need a black LP.

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by lespaulguy

Kevin

I want you to know how much I appreciate this.

Your service has been outstanding and I look forward to further business and correspondence down the road.

Look forward to giving these a listen later this evening.

Regards
Kevin

Thank you sir. I'm still feeling pretty cruddy about the wait time and the parts problem but alas I've made head way.

Originally Posted by cooljuk

Those are sounding nice and mellow. Very well balanced. Nice work!


Also reminds me that I need a black LP.

Thanks James.

Don't let them fool you. They are only mellow until you hit them with some gain and dig in.

I love that black EPI, I haven't had the time to level the frets and set it up yet but for a stocker with a few upgrades so far it's been great. I still need to get two or three more. You can never have enough test guitars.

[cooljuk]

Originally Posted by fuelie

I still need to get two or three more. You can never have enough test guitars.

Rear-route it!

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by cooljuk

Rear-route it!

I've thought about it but haven't decided yet. As it sits right now I can swap a set out and in just under 15 minutes. Probably quicker once I build my quick change harness.

For testing I would prefer to keep the bodies intact. Just kind of makes sense to me.

[cooljuk]

I soldered alligator clips onto the volume pot legs and case back of my test guitar. I just do 20 turns down and 20 turns back up of each tuning peg and with good strings they come back to pretty damn-near in tune with just that.

Still, I wouldn't mind rear routing. ...or maybe getting something like an Alex Lifeson with a Floyd so I could slacken the strings and slide the PUs in/out with a push of the trem arm. I haven't had a Floyd equipped guitar since the mid 90's though.

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by cooljuk

I soldered alligator clips onto the volume pot legs and case back of my test guitar. I just do 20 turns down and 20 turns back up of each tuning peg and with good strings they come back to pretty damn-near in tune with just that.

Still, I wouldn't mind rear routing. ...or maybe getting something like an Alex Lifeson with a Floyd so I could slacken the strings and slide the PUs in/out with a push of the trem arm. I haven't had a Floyd equipped guitar since the mid 90's though.

Yeah, the clips are a good idea but I'm not sure how I'm going to approach it. If it works out I'll be able to swap pickups, caps, and switch between 50's and modern wiring without signal loss.... I hope.

I swap them the same way as you. Usually I don't have to loosen the high E, B or G to squeak them in and out. Except the bridge which needs to be flush with the ring on long leg plates. It's not too much work so I don't mind.

[fuelie]

A better update coming later or tomorrow. Everything is good.

I'll have pics of all the finished sets and hopefully some more clips. Every order for this forum will be shipping on Wednesday.

[Pinkie]

Looking forward to 109's.

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by straycat

Looking forward to 109's.

I'm looking forward to shipping the damn things out!

I played them again yesterday with the covers on but not soldered and was really digging the vintage vibe they gave off.

[Pinkie]

I can't wait, glad they are up to your exacting standards..

[Rai]

Reply/Post no. 111 <---- that's my build number too

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by Rai

Reply/Post no. 111 <---- that's my build number too

Still on schedule to ship every thing tomorrow. Taking some pics tonight since I've been busting ass to finish everything. I have 10 sets going out tomorrow.

Frankly, all the sets came out great and I feel even better. I meant to post up yesterday but I got caught working on these.

I'll tell the rest of the story with the pics when I post them, I am sure you guys will dig it.


Regardless of my previous frustration with the material issue I discovered I absolutley love building pickups and I'm glad you guys chose my product. Especially after the discovery I made yesterday.


Back to work, with a fresh pot of coffee, this may be an all nighter.

[fuelie]

Heading to out to ship. I'll post up some pics and such a little later.

[fuelie]

Ok... I'm back and they have shipped. Well, I have to go back in the morning to ship Lespaulguy. The counter was closed and the automated machine would not accept Canada shipments.... Ugh..


So... on with the story and pics...

I've been beating myself up pretty hard over this. I've been a part of many builds as far as cars and engines are concerned. Set backs happen but it's how we move forward and resolve the issues. Learning something from them in the end makes it worth the trouble I suppose.

With pickups this has been my first delay. I've always had great results before switching to the new baseplates and finding the screw issue. I wind to the recipes I have wound since I developed my offerings, they measure within spec, I send them out and the customer's are happy.

I can say over and over I am sorry for the delay but I've said it enough. What I will say is it's not me being a salesman, it's an honest feeling and I'm so glad to finally finish this stuff and send it out.

The past 3 weeks have been quite frustrating as I went through every damn facet of my building, gear, and equipment. There has been carnage, casualities, lack of sleep, new swear words written.

Let's tally it up.

- I probably have over 100 hours vested in these sets due to the screw issue

- My soldering station took a dump on me last week

- I put a dent in the neck of my test LP when it slid off my stand

- I smashed a wound bobbin with a hammer

- I played everyone's pickups in my test setting, a live band, and tested amps in stores to validate the baseplates.

- I scrapped many, many miles of wire

- I drank 30 pots of coffee and smoked way too much

- I should have taken a night off and had some vodka

Now, on with the good stuff....

In between working on your sets I also have a set built for Jamman's shootout. With this set I differed things a little bit and made a very awesome discovery with the bridge slug bobbin.

I discovered this after I had promised the Wednesday ship date to you guys so I stayed up really late the past couple nights and rewound your slug bobbins on the bridge. Honestly, they were fine before but I thought this was better.

Here is a pic after I stripped them. Wow, that's a lot of wire.



I finished winding and reassembly late last night and buttoned everything up today.



Pro Mod Build 107 - Fuzzyguitars


Pro Mod Build 109 - Lespaulguy
The gold did not photograph well, they look great in person.


Plain jane Build 109 Straycat


Pro Mod Build 111 Rai


Ready to go.



Well, that's it for now. I'm still working on TKO's set since his paint is drying and I'm almost caught up. Everyone here on the MLP is accounted for. FINALLY!!!!!!

At this time everything is back to my normal flow. I can wind within my designs, all my parts are good and are validated. Man it's feels good.

Once again, thank your for the business thus far, and your understanding as I sorted this out.

I'll PM you guys some info on your sets.

[Rai]

All I can say is I admire your passion and dedication to your product. I know that we will be totally blown away with our pups. Thank you very much, Kevin.


can't wait to

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by Rai

All I can say is I admire your passion and dedication to your product. I know that we will be totally blown away with our pups. Thank you very much, Kevin.


can't wait to

Thanks for kind words Rai.

Man, "blown away" is a strong statement. My only hope is you guys dig them. I just try to build the best stuff I can.

[cooljuk]

Originally Posted by fuelie

Looks like you murdered an auburn haired hooker, dude! I know the look all too well (the copper, not the dead hooker). Imagine my wife's surprise the first time she saw an entire "head's worth of hair" in the trashcan.
I'll also say that I've tried to solder a strand of my own hair (which is somewhat long and brown) in a dimly lit late-night winding session. That smell will alert you promptly that something is not right.

Oh, the trials us learning winders must face.

Looking real good there, Kevin! Excellent work, man. Glad to hear you'll be in the PAF shootout too. I thought I was gonna be the only newbie.

[LPG]

Kevin

Above & Beyond man.

I am looking forward to getting and installing those gold PUPS in my SG.

You are a caring / passionate vendor and I will be contacting you after your give away contest that I "won't win" to purchase a set of your Top Fuel's. (Folks...this is how you completly nuke any chance of winning)

Thanks for this excellent service.

Kevin

[Pinkie]

Kevin your passion for your product is admirable and I appreciate that more than you know.
Pouring your soul into your product is something not many do these days.
I understand delays and set backs when it comes to parts.
Can't wait to get my Plain Jane's Thank you so much!

[fuelie]

Originally Posted by cooljuk

Looks like you murdered an auburn haired hooker, dude! I know the look all too well (the copper, not the dead hooker). Imagine my wife's surprise the first time she saw an entire "head's worth of hair" in the trashcan.
I'll also say that I've tried to solder a strand of my own hair (which is somewhat long and brown) in a dimly lit late-night winding session. That smell will alert you promptly that something is not right.

Oh, the trials us learning winders must face.

Looking real good there, Kevin! Excellent work, man. Glad to hear you'll be in the PAF shootout too. I thought I was gonna be the only newbie.

It broke my heart to cut all that wire off. Prototypes are one thing but I got to the point about 8 months ago when I could go through spools without wasting anything but the cut offs after I solder the leads.

Good thing my woman doesn't spend too much time in the shop. Her hair looks much like plain enamel.

Originally Posted by lespaulguy

Kevin

Above & Beyond man.

I am looking forward to getting and installing those gold PUPS in my SG.

You are a caring / passionate vendor and I will be contacting you after your give away contest that I "won't win" to purchase a set of your Top Fuel's. (Folks...this is how you completly nuke any chance of winning)

Thanks for this excellent service.

Kevin

Rock on Kevin. I promise I will still put your name in the drawing. Heading back to the post office here shortly. I'll ship your Priorty mail also.

Originally Posted by straycat

Kevin your passion for your product is admirable and I appreciate that more than you know.
Pouring your soul into your product is something not many do these days.
I understand delays and set backs when it comes to parts.
Can't wait to get my Plain Jane's Thank you so much!

Thank you. I'm glad I can convey what I try to do. It seems I always have my try hard pants on but I try to have fun also. I'm really a kid at heart.


---------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, here is my thoughts on everyone's builds and a little tech stuff. I was going to PM the info but I think it's better to hit it one shot.

One reason for the increased time once I started testing was the difference in everyone's wind. I spent a lot of time playing all the sets as you know but, I also had to play them until they opened up a bit and the circuit settled down. This is a subject of debate among winders. Some think nothing changes some do.

I believe they do judging by my own testing in my controlled settings. The change is more apparent with unpotted coils as they start to settle during playing. It also happens with magnet and screw changes. Usually for magnets and screws it takes a couple days and a few hours of playing.

New pickups tend to sound a little boxy when I first start to play them. After an hour or so they start to open up a tad. The next day they may revert a bit before they head towards what they will be. Usually it takes about 8 to 10 hours of play time and a few days of settling in.

Now for my thoughts on the builds.

107 Fuzzy guitars.
Pro Mod A5 neck A2 bridge

The neck was my standard wind and turned out great. It's nice and full without getting into the boomy range if EQ'd right. If I put enough treble and mids to it I could get it to sound almost like a bridge position.

The bridge was my high output version just over 9k with the A2. When I designed this I had the infamous Frankenstrat pickup in mind and do it in the Pro mod and the Gasser series. It will do cleans well. It takes a little adjustment to match an A5 neck as all sets different magnet combos do.

It's very percussive with the tone all the way up but sweetens up with a little rollback. My fave amps were 18w Marshall, JCM800, AC30, SLO.

Much like all my other Pro Mod winds it accepted gain very well and was able to get a great vintage vibe depending on the amp.

108 Lespaulguy
Pro Mod custom A5 neck A2 bridge

This set was for an SG which imo requires a different neck due to the location of the pickup and the 24 fret supreme. To do this I use a different stagger on the coils as well as a couple other things.

Also, this set was gold covered with gold hardware. The screw poles are just a tad different allow.

The neck turned out much better than I expected. I actually really liked it in my LP. Overall the set has a little different flavor due to the gold plated covers and hardware but I was totally digging it.

It did gain very well and had a great mellow vibe rolled back like in the video I posted. Fave amps, Marshall 18w, Mesa dual rec, JCM800, Tweed.

109 Straycat
Plain Jane A5 neck A2 bridge

Before I started winding these orders I finished a prototype neck that was a little lower on the turn count. Once wired and taped it came out at 6.99 DCR. This was an expirement in low wind stuff and once I played I thought it would suit this order and guitar quite well.

I like all my winds but I have to say this has to be one of my favorite neck pickups. We always seem to fight for clarity in neck positions and I think I have a great combo with this design. To me it just, felt so right. Depending on the amp I could go from bell, piano, or almost bell like on cleans and it responded very well to gain. I also liked the ability to really dig into it and get the coil working.

The bridge with A2 matches well when EQ'd right. The last day of testing when I got everything tuned it I fell in love playing the 18w Marshall stuff. I don't really play any covers because I don't know any but I tend to mess around with chord progressions of some players. With gain in the 6 to 7 range I was nailing a pure Angus type later rock tone that made my cats get hyper. It was great.

Overall, this is a very versatile set coupled with the lower wind neck. I think I'm going to build another for my personal stash. I got lost in the tone controls and middle position for every bit of two hours during testing playing clean. I think the output offsets between the neck and bridge create some great sweet spots. Fave amps, 18w Marshall, Ac30, Roland Jazz type amp, Plexi, JCM800

111 Rai
Pro Mod medium output A5 neck A2 bridge

Rai plays a few different genres and also wanted to split and combine coils. His wind was pretty standard and I have quite a few customers doing well with these in their LP's. Quite a few of them play in cover bands and were looking for something a bit more versatile. The neck is no different. It's articulate like all my winds and sensitive to pick attack.

The bridge comes to life under gain and some pick attack but sweetens up nice if you roll back and lighten up your right hand. Fave amps Ac30, 18w Marshall, JCM800, Tweed.


Overall

Everything tested great and I'm happy. Yeah, I'm still nervous and I'm still concerend about the bridges. It's probably my OCD, I EQ for the neck, and me being nit picky about using two different magnets.....

Once you get them installed and play them for a bit give me call or shoot me a message. I would love to hear what you think good or bad, and see if my testing translated well to your gear.

With everyone's sets my pickup settings were about the same give or take a turn or so.

All the necks liked to be about flush with the mounting ring.

The bridges need a little tweaking depending on the guitar. My test guitar has the short rings. My height out of the ring was about 3/16".

Almost all of the pole screws had very slight radius but were not way out of the bobbin.

All testing was done through 50's wiring with .022 PIO Vitamin T caps.

With all sets I seemed to get the best result with the bridge tone rolled back to 7 or 6 when EQ'd for the neck.

Considering the new vintage baseplates and original PAFs were bright by nature this was acceptable to me. The new baseplates also have a bit less copper hence being brighter.

If the bridges are a tad bright for your taste I would suggest a .033 cap. Also, I will gladly adjust anything if you find something you want to change. I know the baseplates are new so, get to know them and fill me in how they react to your gear.