software

Just wondering how the new stacks are progressing through manufacturing and if they will be available before Xmas?

They're in production as we speak. And yes, hopefully, the first shipments should be on store shelves before X-mas.

Thanks for asking.

Any chance the audio page will be updated with samples before then, so we can make listening comparisons in anticipation?


Originally Posted by Evan SkoppThey're in production as we speak. And yes, hopefully, the first shipments should be on store shelves before X-mas.

Thanks for asking.

Where'd you get all those extra stars? Recent promotion?


Originally Posted by SageAny chance the audio page will be updated with samples before then, so we can make listening comparisons in anticipation?

I'm afraid the answer to your question is no.

We have no immediate plans to update the soundbytes on the audio page. That was done in a scientific environment wherein the same player played the same licks through the same guitars through the same amps with the same strings with the only variable changing being the pickup. That project was done in the mid-'90s. Some of the guitars aren't around anymore. The string company we used, American Flyer, isn't around anymore. Certainly the tubes in the amps have been changed out a few times each since then. The guy who played the licks, and did the recording, mastering and voice overs, now has a day job as the editor in chief of Frets magazine.

Consider the soundbytes section a quot;snapshotquot; of how the pickups we sold in the mid-'90s sounded when scientifically demo'd.

The good news is that now we have the Tips and Clips forum. There are, literally, hundreds of clips posted of many pickups new and old. Actually, we're now linking from our Sound Byte Pages to the Tips and Clips forum for audio samples of those pickups that aren't on the soundbytes page.

The other good news is that you already know what the Classic Stack Plus sounds like. It sounds like a Strat pickup. A really good, vintage, Strat pickup.

Thanks for the question.


Originally Posted by Evan Skopp
The other good news is that you already know what the Classic Stack Plus sounds like. It sounds like a Strat pickup. A really good, vintage, Strat pickup.

Thanks for the question.

Do you care to say what the differences are between the old Stacks and the new Stacks Plus? I have Classic Stacks in my Daytona and love them, but I'm always open to improvement.


Originally Posted by Evan SkoppThey're in production as we speak. And yes, hopefully, the first shipments should be on store shelves before X-mas. Appreciate the update, and I'll be looking for somewhere to preorder.

Still looking good through production and availability for Santa's stocking?

Are these new noiselss pickups made with a vintage voicing? Are they comparable to Surfers or Texas Hots in terms of output? Are they made for clean tones?


Originally Posted by Evan SkoppThey're in production as we speak. And yes, hopefully, the first shipments should be on store shelves before X-mas.

Thanks for asking.

what would be the best way of getting these babies before xmas? local momamp;pop dealers or mf.com or music321.com?

I'm also anxious for these to install in my project strat. It'll be these or Kinmans.

I have an e-mail into Duncan right now trying to find out how soon dealers can order them ... I'll report back what I find out.

OK, I just got off the phone with Scott at Duncan this morning.

Black covered Classic Stacks are in stock now, white covered units are about two weeks out. There are distinct models for neck, middle and bridge with the middle being RW/RP so you can get some quack in the 2 amp; 4 position.

I just placed the official first dealer order for three sets of each color. Hopefully I will have both in hand in time to ship for stocking stuffers ....


Originally Posted by Wymore GuitarsOK, I just got off the phone with Scott at Duncan this morning.

Black covered Classic Stacks are in stock now, white covered units are about two weeks out. There are distinct models for neck, middle and bridge with the middle being RW/RP so you can get some quack in the 2 amp; 4 position.

I just placed the official first dealer order for three sets of each color. Hopefully I will have both in hand in time to ship for stocking stuffers ....Awesome! Thanks for the news. I need white

Is the retail pricing still going to be $10 compared to existing stacks?

EDIT - I think the existing individual pickups e.g. STK1n are $95 full retail, $60ish street.

I haven't seen the quot;officialquot; MAP pricing yet but based on my estimates you are very close, maybe a little less. I should know the official number shortly.

I just set these up on my website if anybody wants to pre-order. A PM, e-mail or phone call also works.

Don't laugh, but will there be a left hand version? I'm comfortable with ordering the right hand version and mounting them upside down so to speak. That looks to be a problem with the Kinmans because they have an asymmetrical base. Are the new Stacks going to be easy to mount upside down, without needing much if any body wood routing?

Darn. You beat me to the punch, John!

Actually, what Scott meant to say is that the whites will be available in two days not weeks.

The list price will be $10 higher than the STK-S1 price here in the States ($105)

Kallsop, the magnets have a symmetrical stagger, so left-handed vs. right isn't an issue.

The reason there's a middle version is so -- if you decide to split all three pickups -- you'll still get hum-canceling in the #2 and #4 positions.

Also, there's something very special about these pickups that makes each individual pickup unique. But I don't know if I should mention that here today, since the quot;official releasequot; isn't until tomorrow.


Originally Posted by Evan Skopp
Also, there's something very special about these pickups that makes each individual pickup unique. But I don't know if I should mention that here today, since the quot;official releasequot; isn't until tomorrow.

THAT is evil Evan. Us poor people will have to wait, with all the suspense and now you got us all worked up!
I'm looking forward to these, though I probably have no use for them but each new Duncans should be a special event, like a new Ferrari or Porsche.

OK fine. I'll tell you, Pierre. But the rest of you can't read this until tomorrow.
C'mon, stop it!We use a device called a Helmholtz coil to calibrate each individual Stack Plus pickup for maximum hum cancellation. Normally, the only place you'll find a Helmholtz coil is in a university physics lab. Each Stack Plus gets a resistor value based on the results of the Helmholtz test. This type of testing and calibration, in addition to the unique magnetic structure of the pickup (and something called flux transfer plates), allows it to achieve extraordinarily low levels of 60-cycle hum.

OK, the rest of you can open your eyes again.


Originally Posted by Evan Skopp

the magnets have a symmetrical stagger, so left-handed vs. right isn't an issue.Darn, now I lost any excuse for not buying a set

Appreciate the information.

Pssst, wanna see my Tesla coil? Oh, Helmholtz you say!