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HighOrder Pickups - Do It For The Tone!
Welcome to HighOrder Pickups - home of high-quality, handcrafted guitar pickups! Every pickup I build is assembled with utmost care as if it were for my own personal use. Every HighOrder pickup is built by hand-guiding the wire onto the bobbins, which means the traverse of the wire is controlled by hand and not by a machine. Some folks call this hand winding, but it's unlikely that any builder hand winds pickups, which implies wrapping each turn of wire without electromechanical assistance. Final fit/finish and assembly of each pickup is also done by hand. While they can actually sound just as good as hand wound pickups, computer-controlled and/or machine wound pickups often leave something to be desired in terms of tonal complexity and the harmonic richness that you expect. Most feel that this is due to the extremely uniform coil shape and distance between turns and layers of wire layed up by the machines. While efforts have been made to mimic hand guiding with machines, many believe there is just something special in the tone of a hand crafted pickup - a "personality" imparted by the craftsman toiling at the winder. The generally random layering and variation in tension throughout hand wound coils negates many of the unpleasant effects that can crop up with machine winding, providing a tonal complexity that is more pleasing to the ear and rarely harsh or "brittle." As always though, tone is in the ear of the beholder.
HighOrder Pickups in Action!
Take a drive over the Kevin Schafer's site and listen to some great music and chops. Kevin has a high energy style that combines a diverse array of influences to create his own unique brand of instrumental funk/rock. But don't take my word for it. Listen to Kevin rock the house with a HighOrder 8.3k AlNiCo 2 humbucker on "Sugar City!"
Kevin's CD is now available!! Here's the cover art for Kevin's newly released CD "Invasion From Planet K". On it you'll hear "Sugar City" and a ton of other great tunes. I have my copy, and I can tell you that "Invasion From Planet K" is a must for anyone that loves no-holds-barred, high-energy funk/rock guitar. You won't find anything like this from the corporate machine. Head over to Kevin's site and snap up a copy for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
Click here for Kevin's Site
Chase the link below to hear Terry Kilgore of Reddi Killowatt and DLR Band fame using an 8.3k AlNiCo 2 HighOrder humbucker!
Be sure to visit Terry's site often for the latest information on the upcoming release of his first solo CD "The Devil is in the Details." I guarantee you won't want to miss it!
Here a clip sent in by a satisfied HighOrder customer. Nice chops!
This clip features Tim Cox with his 1991 sixties reissue Les Paul Classic. The pickups in this guitar are 8.5k and 7.8k AlNiCo 3 HighOrder humbuckers. Great stuff!
Tim Cox Les Paul Clip
Here's Just A Few Of The Pickup Models Available - Custom Built to Order
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Black, white, or zebra (black/ivory or black/white) humbucker built to your desired specifications. Build materials include "vintage-style" nickel frame, nickel plated or black adjustable pole pieces, nickel plated "bullseye" slugs or black slugs, single-conductor braided shield hookup (4-wire on request), and injection molded plastic bobbins with ribbon tape finish. Wire choices are 42 and/or 43 gauge SPN, unless otherwise requested and available. Magnet choices include AlNiCo 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8 and C5 ceramic.
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Black, white, or zebra (black/ivory or black/white) dual-adjustable humbucker built to your desired specifications. Build materials include "vintage-style" nickel frame, nickel plated or black pole pieces, single-conductor braided shield hookup (4-wire on request), and injection molded plastic bobbins with ribbon tape finish. Wire choices are 42 and/or 43 gauge SPN, unless otherwise requested and available. Magnet choices include AlNiCo 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8 and C5 ceramic.
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Nickel covered Black, white, or zebra (black/ivory or black/white) humbucker built to your desired specifications. Build materials include "vintage-style" nickel frame, nickel plated or black adjustable pole pieces, nickel plated "bullseye" slugs or black slugs, single-conductor braided shield hookup (4-wire on request), and injection molded plastic bobbins with a nickel cover (50mm only). Wire choices are 42 and/or 43 gauge SPN, unless otherwise requested and available. Magnet choices include AlNiCo 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8 and C5 ceramic.
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One of the really fun things about pickups is the dramatic effect that different magnets can have on their tone. Changing from one grade to another can often take a "ho-hum" bucker to "main-player" status. Different winding formulas are key, but just as important to getting the tone you're after is magnet selection. For the most "vintage" tone, I recommend AlNiCo 2 or 5 in winds from about 7.5k to 8.9k. As the DC resistance goes up (a good relative measure of output) over 10k or so, AlNiCo can have trouble holding together and ceramic will help keep things together. It does add some "grain" to the tone though, so keep that in mind. AlNiCo 8 is interesting in that it's at once powerful, bright, and smooth but will be a bit too powerful for the vintage purist in low output winds. Due to the added cost, I don't always have AlNiCo 8 in stock. Here are some additional thoughts to help you make a decision on what will be best for you.
Additional Information:
HighOrder pickups are available in customary color combinations and at a price that won't leave you wondering what kind of gold the wire must be made of. Nickel covers are optional, and add $8 to the cost per pickup. I prefer to wind with 42 or 43 gauge with Single Poly Nylon (SPN) insulated wire, as I believe the tonal difference between this and Plain Enamel (PE) is inaudible. However, with increased interest, other builds can be ordered for custom winding. Humbuckers can be wound up to about 10k DC resistance using 42 gauge wire. After that, the bobbins become overloaded and 43 gauge must be used. I wind by formula to a specific number of turns. Using this method provides tonal consistency and repeatability, and the resulting DC resistance from pickup to pickup is generally within +/- 50 to 100 ohms. When you consider the dramatic effect that temperature has on the resistance of any pickup wound with copper wire, these differences are negligible. My current building focus is on humbuckers. I strive for quick turnaround on every order, and good contact throughout the process; however, I work alone and must adjust my turnaround time constantly based on order volume and life events. This is NOT HighOrder's house of microwave quick pickups. All pickups are potted in 80/20 paraffin/beeswax, unless otherwise requested.
Regarding the price. I started winding my own pickups because I wanted to experiment with different tones but didn't want to pay the going rate for "custom" pickups in the process. I figured I could wind a decent pickup, learn something in the process, and then outfit my many guitars with quality pickups for a fraction of what it might cost otherwise. I designed and built my own winder, and take great pride in what I am able to create with it. My current prices allow me just about break even while improving my skills, and provide a quality product at the same time. As the word gets out, I'm sure there will come a time when a price increase will be necessary; however, I plan to always keep prices as low as possible to serve those who are just like me - either unable or unwilling to pay the high prices required for certain pickups. I will add though, that if you feel compelled to pay me four of five times what I'm asking I'll gladly accept the extra cash!
INFO SHEET: Get yourself a copy of my info sheet by clicking the link below. It repeats a bit of the history from this page, but also shows how to install your pickup and discusses some of the key elements of getting the tone you want out of your guitar.
HO Pickup Info Sheet
Current pricing:
US Postal Money Order or Bank Cashiers Check Prices
$65 per pickup + $5 shipping = $70
PayPal Prices
$70 per pickup + $5 shipping = $75
NOTE 1: I will combine shipping for pickup pairs. Priority mail is currently around $4.00 for one or two pickups, so I'll stick with $5 shipping for a single or a pair. The extra few cents will keep me in bubble wrap for the pickups. Shipping for three to four pickups is $10.
NOTE 2: I don't stock pre-made pickups at this time, and probably never will as long as I'm the single person building pickups and taking care of the paperwork. I begin winding once payment is in and on a first-in/first-out (FIFO) basis.
NOTE 3: Turnaround time is generally around 8 weeks right now. A little longer or shorter based on the workload, taking care of family matters, and the odd hurricane or two.
*** Nickel covers, etc. *** I carry nickel covers (50mm only), so for those that want them on pickups with traditional pole spacing, add $8 per pickup to the cost. I also stock C5 ceramic magnets now. Don't pass up a chance on these in winds at or over 10k. It's not as harsh as you might think, but provides big bottom and a nice edge.
Here's what folks are saying about HighOrder pickups:
"Hey Jeff, Finally got around to installing my 8.7k Asymmetric Wind Alnico2 pickup in my hard ash strat. It is one of the best sounding pickups I have ever played. My EVH 78' never sounded this good. The lows are tight, the mids are sweet and the highs cut thru without being thin or harsh. It has an overall aggressive feel to it which gives it character and actually sounds hotter than my old EVH 9k pickup. I am actually inspired to play again....Thanks Jeff!! "
- Marc Llanes
Illinois
"Just got my HighOrder "Love Bucker" ( my name not his ... lol). Absolutely spectacular sounding pickup in my Strat. Clarity, warmth, richness, you name it, it has "IT." It is exactly what I want a bridge pickup to sound like. The quality is absolutely top notch. I am in love with this tone!! This is the best sounding pickup I have ever plugged into. GET ONE!! NOW!!!"
- Kevin Schafer
Minnesota
www.soundclick.com/kevinschafer
"Do yourself a favor and get one of these pickups. I rate Jeff's pickups right up there with all the big boys - however expensive and however touted for multi purpose! They are top of the mark, with all the traits of an original paf but hot enough to make the notes glide along. For years I've often wondered if someone could take the power of a Duncan ceramic or old first run super distortion DiMarzios and harness what was good about their characteristics but have that old 59 Gibson sweetness and distinct clarity. Jeff has done this and I don't even want to think about the time and effort it took him to figure this equation out. It stands out above anything of alnico in memory - most left no impression. Few people offer anything close with alnico 8,3 or 9,7 that ever warranted talking about. These pickups jump right at you."
- Terry Kilgore
California
www.terrykilgore.com
Jeff,
Finally had a chance to briefly try out the pickup. Initial reaction ... WOW!!! Its really good! Full open, and the output is just right, on the edge of too much while still retaining clarity. I love it so far! Its in a walnut strat with a floydrose and it sounds full! Sustain and harmonics are great on this guitar now. It's the best pickup ive had in this guitar! Thanks again!
- Grant Willer
Florida
Hi Jeff,
I have had a few days to play these A5 9.7's & compare them to identicle guitars with my previous favorite Super Distortions. The HO's have clearer highs, much less brittle than the Super D's, the Mids/Lows are much more complex as well. All the Seymours I tried w/ AlNiCo magnets had too much midrange, very dull highs. The HO's are nice & bright. These pickups are very good looking, very professionally made. Seymours & DiMarzio's look sloppy in comparison. Needless to say I'm floored by these pickups & will order another pair soon. Thanks Again.
- Kevin Paradise
Florida
Hey Jeff,
first of all a big THANK YOU!! your pick up rocks!!!!!! really, really is by far the best passive pickup I had ever tried, and I tried the following:
- DiMarzio Evolution bridge: powerful and controlled, but with not so great freq reponse and a bit overall cold;
- Duncan Pearly Gates: a good rock-blues pickup but too dry and lacking a bit of character;
- Duncan AlnicoII pro: better than the P.Gates, but too scooped and same prob about character;
- Voodoo 59: by far, best of the above mentioned; clearer and with character; ballsy but not overwhelming, a bit looser on low freq
- your "Maximus": it retains some of the best characteristics of the Voodoo, but with deeper and tighter bass, more pleasing mids, more gain and, more than anything else, it gives a feeling of pleasent smoothness at the ears and under the fingers that has no equal until now ... for a way cheap price, moreover!!!!!
Great congratulations for a great products. Oh, more than excellent customer service too!!!
Thanks again man!
Domenico
- Domenico Piccolantonio
Brussels, Belgium
Hey Jeff,
The 8.9k A2 that I ordered is the single most responsive and articulate pickup that I have ever owned. It does exactly what I want it to do, when I want to do it. Playing mostly Van Halen/80s rock it does this perfectly, but when breaking out the classic tunes from clean Zep to some wild Hendrix, the pickup performs flawlessly. I can't thank you enough.
- John Singleton
Texas
Jeff,
Finally installed my Alnico 2s in my old Ibanez LP. I must admit that your pickups live up to the praises they've gotten. I've never heard better humbuckers, and your recommendations gave me a perfectly balanced pair. The bridge pickup is bright and tough with amazing harmonics, and the neck pickup sounds big and fat without being muddy. The middle position sounds huge. Switching the pickups to single coils, I get great, chimey tones - something I'm not used to getting with other humbuckers. I also wired the pair for phase reversing, giving me many, many tones - and every sound I switch to is not only useable, but beautiful. Thanks again for your outstanding work. One of my favorite guitars has gone from hanging on a hook (due to its uninspiring tone) to something I really enjoy playing again. HighOrder Pickups just blow me away!
- Craig Carpenter
Ohio
www.guitartechcraig.com
To discuss pickup options and ordering, send e-mail to:
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This page is always under construction. Please check back often for the most current information.
Strength and Honor
Updated 17 January 2008
High Order Guitar Pickups - high order guitar pickups