software

I know I sound impatient, but I can't wait for new Duncan strat stacks. Does anyone know when they are due on the market?Thanks,
CoachC

I think it'll be a while still. I just received the latest prototype and it's even closer to the tone of the Surfers than the first prototype...and the first prototype was the best noiseless Strat pickup I've ever played! I told Evan I didn't really think it needed improving...but they improved it anyway. The latest version is just a touch chimier and more transparant. I told Evan that Duncan should release both versions. Maybe a Stack I and Stack II with the Stack II being the first prototype for a little thicker chunkier tone and the Stack I being the latest version with an even more vintage accurate tone. From what I understand, Nuno Bettencort (spelling???) asked that the first version be used as the stock pickups in his signature Washburn. Lew


Originally Posted by LewguitarFrom what I understand, Nuno Bettencort (spelling???) asked that the first version be used as the stock pickups in his signature Washburn.

This is true.

are you guys planning on another version or this current one is it?

Two versions: the version that Lew's been listening to will be the regular over-the-counter version. The first beta test version will be the one that Washburn puts on the Nuno Bettencort model and will only be available on this guitar.

I can say for sure, after a pretty involved shootout of noiseless Strat pickups that the test versions ( the first ones) are pretty amazing pickups!

How do they, uh...quot;stackquot; up against Kinmans?

I want to try the first prototype, more mids makes me happy!

Luke


Originally Posted by ZhangliqunHow do they, uh...quot;stackquot; up against Kinmans?

I sent Christian (The Guy Who Invented Fire) my set to try and he told me he liked them even better than the Kinmans he compared them to. I've never heard the Kinmans so I can't comment. I will say that either model of the new Duncan Stacks are the best Noiseless single coil size pickups I've ever heard though. Lew

How do they compare to other models? Is the goal to produce a noisless strat replacement? When might they be available?


Originally Posted by Luke DukeI want to try the first prototype, more mids makes me happy!

Luke

more mids would make them sound quot;compressedquot;, imho. I would like to see them as open and single coil like as possible.


Originally Posted by wickedmartiniHow do they compare to other models? Is the goal to produce a noisless strat replacement? When might they be available?

The goal is to produce a hum cancelling pup that produces the most authentic sounding strat sound.

Luke

It's a shame that these will likely make the Duckbucker (or the Vintage Rails) completely obsolete. I really like the LOOK of those pickups. Great for getting those quot;WTF are THOSE?!quot; reactions.

Has anyone heard any info on what price point these will come in at? Will they be more or less, quot;normalquot; priced, or more like Antiquity pricing?

Thanks.

I've had only one Kinman -- the very low output AVn-56 neck model (about 5.8k).

It was great except it needed a little more beef, but in terms of chime and clarity, I've never heard anything -- stack or not -- as good.

The other (very) nice thing about Kinman is they space their neck model pickups a little tighter so both E-strings sit directly over the poles instead hanging halfway off the inside. I don't know why nobody else does that, especially our own Seymour who spaces humbuckers for the bridge position.

I'm intrigued. Look forward to hearing some samples...


Originally Posted by St_GenesiusIt's a shame that these will likely make the Duckbucker (or the Vintage Rails) completely obsolete. I really like the LOOK of those pickups. Great for getting those quot;WTF are THOSE?!quot; reactions.

I don't think that will be the case at all. The Duckbuckers, JB JR, Little 59, Vintage Rails, etc. have thier own thing going.

The goal with the new Stack pickups seems to be to achieve as accurately as possible the tone of a vintage Strat single coil in a noiseless pickup. I didn't think Duncan could get any closer than the first version I tested because they blew me away. But the tone was just slightly thicker and cloudier. The new version seems to be just a bit more transparant and even more single coil like though.

Do they have alnico rods and low DC resistance like regular Strat singles?

Guys, I'll tell you this. I did a home shootout with the first Stack Plus proto's and a set of Gold Lace Sensors, a set of Bill Lawrence L-280's, a set of Kinmans, a set of Fender Vintage Noiseless and a set of Fender Hot Noiseless. The Duncas were my favs hands down! The Kinmans were very good but IMO they lacked the punch of the Duncans.

Im pretty sure I will be getting to try out the 2nd set as well, and I have already made plane to get all the other noiseless pickups mentioned above for another shootout!


Originally Posted by the guy who invented fireIm pretty sure I will be getting to try out the 2nd set as well, and I have already made plane to get all the other noiseless pickups mentioned above for another shootout!

Yes you will.