software

if so, what comes the closest to a Barden w/o the insane price tag???

I have read, in several places, that the DiMarzio Fast Tracks are designed to be like a poor man's Bardens....
I have wanted to try these for awile just to compare them but I like my STK-T3b Vintage Lead Stack® too much to pull it out....

I've often wondered what the Bardens sounded like. Do they get a vintage single coil type sound?


Originally Posted by gripweedI've often wondered what the Bardens sounded like. Do they get a vintage single coil type sound?

Pretty much... They are high output and, IMHO don't have a vintage tone. Their tone is good but not vintage. Also, they don't hide anything. Every bit of your technique, good and bad, will come out.

they sound very clear and defined. They also have excellent attack and responsivness since they are ceramic. Can be a bit trebly and quot;metallicquot; sounding for some tastes. I find the neck pickup amazing.


Originally Posted by gripweedI've often wondered what the Bardens sounded like. Do they get a vintage single coil type sound?they have what I call a modern/vintage tone...they have expanded highs and lows making them sound very BIG...I do like them but I do not like the price tag! I want a set to put in my next strat but I won't pay $500.00 for a set of used pickups!

TO...are you here??? I know you have a set!


Originally Posted by the guy who invented fireTO...are you here??? I know you have a set!

Yes, full set!!

Sorry, I was away ... LOL

Check yer PM's mate.

First off, I've owned Fast Tracks ... they do NOT sound anything like the Bardens! They are murky in comparison, with a veiled top and a lower midrange hump in the neck position that makes them bloated and crapulent sounding.

Secondly, not even Hot Rails come close. I love the Hot Rails in my Wayne, but these pups are not even close to the Bardens!!!

Thirdly, an interesting bit of history:
Barden never patented his design of the bladed single coil pup. Yes, he invented the design. Wanna know why? Because he said NO production pup could match the sound of his hand wound beauties, so he has nothing to worry about. Everyone has tried to woo Barden to get his name on their pups, but he refuses to compromise. I, for one, have yet to hear any bladed pup that can come close, and I'm a proud owner of two Hot Rails.

So, to answer your question, NO: Suck it up, and buy 'em. Just do what I do, and skip lunch for a month or two!

(PS: Notice, I did NOT say 'skip beer'; no reason to get crazy!)


Originally Posted by TwilightOdyssey(PS: Notice, I did NOT say 'skip beer'; no reason to get crazy!)

let's not get too nuts here!!!


Originally Posted by TwilightOdysseyFirst off, I've owned Fast Tracks ... they do NOT sound anything like the Bardens! They are murky in comparison, with a veiled top and a lower midrange hump in the neck position that makes them bloated and crapulent sounding.

Well, that's gonna save me some time and money. With a review like that, I won't even think anymore about trying them out...


Originally Posted by Butch SnyderWell, that's gonna save me some time and money. With a review like that, I won't even think anymore about trying them out...

Totally, Butch. If you're looking to do an 80's shred guitar thing, they would probably be just what you're looking for ... but I found them useless for anything else.


Originally Posted by TwilightOdysseyTotally, Butch. If you're looking to do an 80's shred guitar thing, they would probably be just what you're looking for ... but I found them useless for anything else.

Nope, 80's shred isn't my bag. I do love the 80's shred stuff though. It's just not what I play. Now, high output, high octane twangin' Tele tone is what I'm after. Yes, Bardens would be great, however, most, if not all of the eBay auctions I have seen hav been ending at $500-$600. I just can't stomach that kind of dough for pickups...

For me, it would almost be worth looking into a used Danny Gatton model Tele. I say used because Bill Lawrence is designing the pickups for the 2005 Danny Gatton Tele....


Originally Posted by Butch Snyder

I just can't stomach that kind of dough for pickups...

Hehe ... okay, then we won't even get near the subject of what I've dropped on pickups!!


Originally Posted by TwilightOdysseyHehe ... okay, then we won't even get near the subject of what I've dropped on pickups!!

I know the feeling....