There's so much more clarity and definition in the ThroBak. That's even more crazy for these A2 Magnet. In my Les Paul Custom (same as yours), most A2 pickups was really muddy.
The Monty’s sounded better in the Heritage but the Throbaks sounded clearer in the Les Paul. Very interesting video. I have a few sets of Monty’s in my guitars and basses and they sound so clear and pleasing.
I agree - that's where those pickup sets stayed after this video! :-) Monty's make outstanding pickups - I've got a fair few of the things too nowadays!!
I own a japanese tokai wich is a fantasy to play and hear, even unplugged. The level of love was that high, so i decided to maximize its potential, bought a set of KZ-115 A2 by Throbak and dude... what a lovely way of sounding! Its the so searched fat tele tone. And even being the neck pickup a little bit muddy, fixing the pickup height and the pole screws, that's the tone you've been listening all your life in the music you love!
Firstly thank you for the amazing comparison, the amount of work you put into these videos is unbelievable and you seem to always make the videos I’m looking for. I have a set of the Montys on my 355 for a bit over two years now and I’ve been tempted to try the Throbaks but after your comparison I think I’ll just stick with the Montys. I am considering getting one of Throbak’s covers though, just because I can’t leave things alone. Haha Both are equally great but I think I prefer the Throbaks with the Les Paul and the Montys with the 335.
Short answer - the Monty's. I am going to be upgrading a couple of Epiphone LP's and going for Bethnal Greens & Underspun PAfs. I play a 1968 LP Custom and the Throbaks lean towards the sound I am used to for that but I'm just looking for something a bit different for these new Epis (both of which are lovely guitars - Epi have really upped their game in the last 2 or 3 years!). That said, both the Ms & Ts seemed more or less 'equal' on the neck position on both.Thanks, as always, for such a thoughtful and considered comparison - really enjoy your channel!
I enjoyed your comparison. The Throbaks had more high end or clarity. The Monty’s had more mids. Both sound great. I would say that either would serve one well, depending on what sounds best in one’s particular guitar. For me, I would lean towards the Throbaks because they have the sound I am looking for in a PAF.
Thanks Matt - really appreciate that :-) As always, please do shout if I can help out with any videos - with you moving to Cheltenham, we're practically neighbours now! (...almost!) heh
@@JoePerkinsMusic Man you're under an hour away how cool. It'd be nice to have a meet up at some point. We've got a lot of stuff coming up so will give you a shout.
@@Montysguitarsandpickups Absolutely mate, would love to...we're separated by a short stretch of M5! :P My partner lives in Malmesbury, so that's literally only 30 miles away! Very happy to be involved in anything - you know how much I love your work!! :D
I have a set of THROBAK sle 101s in my 2002 Gibson les paul 60s neck and now have the guitar and sound I’ve searched for in reality for 25yrs and would not trade this guitar for anything.
Hi Joe: can't believe you went through the trouble of mounting/unmounting the pickups in a 335 type guitar...! I liked the Monty's better in the neck position (possibly the A V magnet). In some phrases, the Throbaks might have sound just a tad more harmonic than the Monty's, but I wouldn't be sure to spend double as much for that. Great demo ... Cheers !
Joe. This is exactly what I love about your channel. Both companies should approach you to use these videos on their sites. From my perspective it seems the Montys are a little more punchy in the mids. The Throwbacks a little softer in the mids and more overdriven. Great Stuff mate. Loved our interview. Cheers Dude 😎
I'll take the Monty's. Anyday, anyway. Matt has made me 2 sets of pickups for my Tele's, including those badass Danish Pete's for my thinline. When I decide to throwdown some cake to upgrade my LP, Matt is getting my order. The quality, service, and altogether cool folks at Monty's are unbeatable.
Thanks, I have been on the verge of ordering the Monty’s set and now I’m convinced. Just sounds right to me, and I don’t care about the absolute vintage correct specs - I’m putting them in a FGN anyway! Just want that guitar to be as good as possible and the Throbak is ridiculously priced even without customs and VAT…
I bought mine 2nd hand...I wouldn't have paid full whack for them! They're great, but I agree that the price is hard to justify - especially once you factor in taxes, etc.
I have Monty's PAF set and i tried roughcast alnico 2 magnet in neck Monty and it sounds very close (or same) to ThroBak. Neck Monty is good but compared to bridge it lacks character. A2 magnet gives it more character and is maybe little better than A5. It's very easy to get back the original sound to just put A5 magnet back in if A2 was not right :)
Both sounded great, I agree each did different things better, but for versatility I’d go with the Montys purely because (and this is down to my personal style) I’d rather tame a more strident pickup with the guitars controls than step on a pedal to lift a pickup a little. And we are talking a tiny lift/change in character not stepping on a Tubescreamer type boost. Maybe raising the Throbaks would bring them into the same ballpark, but for me its the Montys. Price helps too. 😊👍
I really thought you did a nice job. I especially appreciate the way you temper your comments and let the listener come to their own conclusions. I found that listening through TH-cam, the pickups were very similar overall, though I must say that I agree with your thoughts on the harmonic complexity of the ThroBaks. In my opinion, it is a bit difficult to justify a doubling of the cost, for perhaps, a less than 10% increase in performance. Even here in the states, ThroBaks are very expensive. I bought a used Tokai Love Rock that came with the Monty's PAF's and I really like them a lot. However, I have other Tokai LP's that have the stock MKll Paf's that sound very good as well. I suppose I would conclude that the art of pickup making is so advanced these days that most PAF clones are really quite good!
Thanks :-) Yeah, I always try to present 'the facts' rather than trying to evaluate which is 'better'. It's all personal preference at the end of the day, anyway!
The Monty were "more authoratitive" because they were more middlish (aka muddy). Making a middle punch sounding PAF is easy. Cheap materials, overwounded coils, you have it. Making a transparent sounding PAFs is the challenge, and obviously not every replica maker can do it. Some better like Throbak, Klein, Häussel, some not so good. But you also need the guitar that will sound like a 57/58/59/60 Les Paul. It shouldn't sound dull like most guitars you get, but crispy and snappy (which is also a setup thing). There are some custom shop Gibson guitars, where after exchange of the stock blurry custombucker pickups you can get a burst sound and look.
I replaced the original Schallers in my 535 (after about 15yrs), because they sounded flat. I had some pickups wound by Martin at Little Guitar Shop in Birmingham. If I'd known about Montys at the time, I would definitely have fitted them.
Great video. I have had a pair of Throbak SLE-101’s in my Les Paul for about a 2.5 years now. I find them to be incredibly clear, a little bright, and sometimes thin or brittle sounding. I think they sound great totally clean. With medium to heavy tube amp overdrive I think they sound OK. Tone is a weird and subjective thing. Some days I love these pickups and how they sound and other days I think it sounds like garbage. I’m pretty sure it’s my playing and not so much the gear ;) However, for what Throbak is charging these days for a set of pickups (which is around $562 USD) I find it hard to recommend them when there are so many great pickup makers out there offering for much less $$$. I paid a bit less when I bought mine and I figure Throbak had to raise prices recently because of material inflation and other factors but still when you are over the $500 mark I’m not sure it is worth it unless you are obsessed about a PAF recreation that attempts to replicate every little detail. Last thought: your comment about the Monty PAFs having that upper mid “bite” compared to the Throbaks is so spot on. There have been several times where I’m playing my LP with Throbaks and I thought these pickups are kind of flat or neutral (bland?) sounding. I think they are purposely made with a bit of mid scoop. Well, I may have to take a look at a pair of the Monty PAFs now :)
Yeah, my feeling was that the TBs sounded fuller/flatter than the Montys. On the clean LP, I preferred the TBs to the Montys, on the dirty LP I preferred the Montys to the TBs, while on the Heritage I thought they both sounded equally good, just different from one another
The ThroBaks are certainly pricey!! And yeah, if you're looking for something similar but with a little more snap, the Monty's are definitely the way to go :-)
Throbak tries to make everything in the USA that's why they're so expensive. Sure thr raw materials may come from overseas that the manufacturers use to make Throbak parts for them but at least Throbak is making an effort to keep what they can in the USA. Kudos to them.
I was particularly interested in the comparison in the Les Paul as God willing, I am looking to drop some coin on an R9. I have considered both sets. But, listening close to both guitars, I find my observations apply with both guitars. I feel like the Throbaks are more bloomy and complex in mid overtones and sound slightly more harmonically interesting clean. Now, with drive I think the Monty set sounds better. More definition. The mids on the Throbaks are mushy sounding with gain applied. At least with those guitars. Now they might suit a brighter guitar. Also, the SLE Plus with the unoriented A5 magnets might be a good choice. But in both guitars, I felt the Montys retained more clarity under gain.
Call me crazy but I’m hearing everything I could possibly want in a PAF repro in my Gibson Custombuckers and they have the look now with the thinner True Vintage covers. They’re a much nicer sounding set than the Throbak SLE-101s I have owned and every other contender I’ve owned and tried.
Both sound great, just got a brand new (2023) Gibson LP 60s standard…came with 61’ BurstBuckers, which i totally hate, sound tonely & almost volume wise (from low E string to high E/B and even notes…just a sloppy pup and very microphonic, almost overlly senitive? Not best at describing tone but from what i find, only Gibson & people trying to sell theyre 61 Burstbuckers “like” them…90% of reviews and forums seems to instantly swap out the 61 BBs from a Les Paul. I’ve had an SG standard for 20yrs (490r/498t stock pups)…they sound very good in my SG, especially for classic rock (they so the AC/DC & even some Sabbath tones very well. I have no plans on changjng my SG. But i loved they way both sounded…maybe throbaks in the LP but if you never said anything, i think most people wouldnt even notice. All that being said, i was going to buy somethjng “safe” like Symour Duncan Set of slash 2.0 alnico II pros (sound pretty well rounded and wax potted to reduce feedback), but i generally like plugging into my marshall & use some reverb and ultra gain on the amp (sadly my boss japan late 70s 6 pedals seem to be shot..the volume cuts down when i engage the boss PWS-6, but when i click it off, i get full volume back)..so odds are since i may have to replace a few pedals, if they sound the same, id rather save some $ with the monty PAF’s. Only, big question…is i know the 61 burstbuckers are unpotted & ive heard thats why they sound so uneven/unbalanced and just have dull bridge..the neck is better but still nothing special. Jw if i go with either monty or throwback (or any PAF clone style pups in my Les paul standard, non weight relief, little over 8.5lbs, will i still get all the “tin-ish/uneven sounding tones…thay in tryjng to get away from with these 61 BBs?(worried cuz they both seem to be unpotted) and not sure how much feedback…im trying to make this les paul a true keeper & would like an authentic PAF sound, unless it makes my playing sound sloppy (im about intermediate but have about $500ish give or take to spend on replacement pups). Also i love playing classic rock from late 60s up until maybe early mid 80s (dont like the hairbands for most part) or heavy metal lol, most i drop my tuning is E flat & thats rare..jw i got the monty or throbak paf’s will i find myself thinkinking these arent too different then the 61 burstbuckers that i cant wait to swap. I love that clairty in the clean tones & the gain/crunchy tones also sounded solid…but how would they sound for something if i played something a little more modern like a areosmith song or something like Running with the Devil? Seems like theyd be great for that 60s hippy type rock, and i do love the clairty & dynmaics, but can they handle a little extra gain for certain songs of those times? Also something to note as i said im about intermediate since i took a year or 2 off guitar & lost some mojo, but the SD slash 2.0’s sound great overdriven (i know full wax potted & more modern sounding, but they lack that clairty & can get muddy to a degree). Jw if ill hear every single mistake with either of these pickups, or can an average guitar player..mostly covering old classic rock tunes still get away with either of these pups or wizz PAF’s..? Any input would greatly help. As i mentioned im looking to place them in a gibson LP standard 60s (slim neck), no weight relief/no push pull knobs, back to a basic AA-figured maple top and solid mohognany body/neck. Also my tech. raised my stop bar post about a half inch up cuz it came with the string angles were making contact with the 90 degree angle on the back on the bridge, but i notice 90 of LPs keep their pole tail piece screwed all rhe way down…is their much difference in sustain or anyrhing else? Without wrappin around, is their a way to keep the stop bar tailpiece screwed down and keep your string angle so they’re not making contact with the back of the bridge? Most imporant is any input on pickups to put in my new Les Paul standard 60s. Id say most of rhe time i like playing with classic gain & not sure if they will sound similar to 61 Burstbuckers?? Cuz if so then i guess ill go with the SD Slash 2.0 even though they lack that clairty…but i saw Tim Pierce playing an LP with Montys (covering black dog, its in YT)…not sure what he was running it thru but his brisge tone cut thru but sounded almost peircingly thin and icey..almost like a terrible boost on a trebble boost lol until this demo, i was done with montys as a choice..now their right back in the mix. Jw how they would do in the LP i descibed & it they would not only play clean amazing, but how they would do in classic rock department (sabbath is most metal i go, but my ‘04 Sg handles that). Very well played vid and thanks for not using 5 effects & a loud backing track lol always ruins a demo. Gotta pull trigger soon on pups cuz i hate these 61 bbs..just dont want to put either of these pups in & think “damn thats only a tiny difference”…big A/B when i heard the 490r/498t vs 61 BBs…the SG did sound more modern but also more even across the fretboard. Last knock on the 61 BB’s…i took it to my tech cuz some of the feedback had like a loose/minor rattle sound & the pick attack comes theu very loud thru my Marshall Dsl 20. Wondering if ill run into the same or pretty similar dislikes if i put either of these pups in my LP to yank out those 61 BBs. Shame on Gibson for puttjng those in a flaship guitar. Lol any insight would be much appricated!
If I bought either guitar (and it wasn’t upside down, like yours!), I’d probably leave it alone. Maybe a magnet swap to A4’s in the SLE’s. It makes pretty convincing PAF noises though. The Heritage sounded great too and without an A/B, dare I say very ES335-like…which is a good thing. Definitely a thicker midrange sound than the Lester which I’d expect. Kind of like comparing different sets of tires on different cars…hard to tell. Thanks for posting
I was looking for throbak SLE samples for my heritage and see you have the exact color as mine now that was interesting to see :) You gave all what I thought about. I think Monty's sit somewhere between Lollar and Throbak as character. I like lollars but they are too prestine and clear. And I know Collings put both pickups due to the customer choice so thats really down to preference. Yes I liked the punch of the wood coming with Montys and liked the chaotic and bigger sound of Throbak as you put in words vintage and complex harmonics. But they are very very close. So well you made me confused now thank you very much :D
Ah interesting - don't think I've ever seen another 535 that looks like mine! (Almond Sunburst, from memory?) Both epic pickups - would be interested to try the Lollars at some point too.
Lollar Imperials are another one to check out. Recently put them in a Strat (standard wind bridge and low wind neck) and all the frequencies are in exactly the right place. Forgive the cliches, but they are full but clear, aggressive but smooth, present but not harsh. The touch sensitivity is also incredible. I barely touch the amp now - can get everything I want from how hard I dig in and the guitar controls. Jason Lollar has definitely nailed it with those
@@JoePerkinsMusic Honestly, get yourself a regular wind Imperial for the bridge. You won’t regret it. They are literally perfect and harmonically beautiful
I have Imperials in a Hamer Studio, and love them. If I was putting them in a H-535, I might go for a low-wind in the bridge. The only thing stopping me from buying another set is cost. The Lollars probably cost £350 a pair in UK, before installation. (The set I have probably came from the old Chandlers shop in Kew, and cost considerably less).
@@thezootsuits8151 Yup, they are at the top end price wise. But once you put them in the tone quest is over and the pickup GAS is gone. Nothing to improve. Not tried the single coils yet, but could happen for the next build. They are truly spectacular though
@@rdb9936 Jason Lollar's P-90s are apparently superb, and are where I first heard of him (probably via Tim Lerch- superb Pacific Coast Jazzer). Also saw a touring guitarist (with Kelly Willis) playing a Les Paul with Lollar Novel 90s - sounded fantastic!
Another nice comparison. I like the way you touch on the relevant variables associated with guitar tone and pickup characteristics without getting overly detailed which would make most peoples' heads spin. As for the generalities of the both pickups being compared, I would say that the Monty's have more midrange emphasis and the Throbak's are a little more scooped, but compress more due to the slightly higher DC resistance which I know is only part of the "big equation". I tend to much prefer A2 magnets to any other magnet type, but with A5's probably being second. I really didn't care the the Monty neck p/u. Personally, for my style of playing, I think I'd prefer the Throbak's and the added cost would be worth it to me. As a side note...did you happen to measure the actual pickup heights and what were those measurements? Just curious.
The Monty's are a great set of pickups but the ThroBak pups are sonically above Monty's & every other manufacturers. The Throbaks are the sounds I have been listening to all of my life. I'm 44 now & I'm just floored by this test. Thanks mate.
Great demo mate, thanks for doing this. I wouldn’t want to be in your place to change twice the pickups on the hollowbody. Both sets sound equally great fot me, they have their small differences but mostly they sound quite “similar”. I’m waiting on a set of wizz to see how they compare to my monty’s. Keep up with your great work! Cheers from Greece
Hi Joe, Your video on the Throbaks was why I bought a set for my r9. Now I’m looking at the Montys PAF set for my goldtop. Based on your experience with the Montys is the midrange similar to a gibson burstbucker or custombucker pickup?
On the LP clean, the two pickups were almost indistinguishable. On the Heritage clean is were i heard the difference, The ThroBak had more clarity than the Monty's. With the crunchy sound the ThroBack on both guitar had that note definition that seemed to lack on the Monty's. But i agree with what you're saying, the Monty's are a little bit more "in your face" than the ThroBak. Having said that, if i didn't want to get into problems with import taxes and whatever, the Monty's are a great great solution for PAF pickups.
I have the Throbak Sle101s in my customshop R8 les paul and they sound amazing clean and the bridge sounds great any tips for getting rid of some of the mud in my neck pickup?
I've got them pretty low the neck pickup is around 4mm and bridge is around 3mm they sound amazing clean but when I plug into my Friedman Dirty Shirley mini the neck pickup can be a bit muddy
@@lanetacker1496 Maybe play with amp settings. Like try lowering the bass (neck pickup on SLE101 seems to have a loose bass sound). Otherwise it is how the pickups sound with overdrive/distortion. SLE101 neck position is not my favorite with medium/heavy overdrive or distortion. Seems to favor clean or very light overdrive.
I have a set of ox4 beano and now the Throbak, I wish I bought Throbaks 10 years ago and didn't bother with pickups that were a little cheaper. They are really vintage sounding and versitile. I don't know about Monty's ?.
@@JoePerkinsMusic I have had the Throbaks for about 10 weeks now love them, bridge couldn't be better. But I am thinking about trying a different magnet in the neck, A4 or A5. It's pretty polite sounding. I'm use to t-tops lol a lot more drive. Maybe that's what you like about the monty set. A5 in the neck ?
I've been changing pups in my Gibson flying V trying to find the sound i think it should have but when i put put tbe Throbak sle 101 + in the V ive stopped hunting pups.
Great video thx v useful- my take eyes shut couldn’t perceive any difference eyes open Throbak a tad richer but thats almost certainly psychologically a selection effect bias. In other words Montys for me 🎸👍
I wonder what caps you have in either guitar I have a Monty’s wiring harness in my les Paul with a set of missing link peacocks using the 22 Russian caps instead of the 33,that came with the pickups I have been thinking about a new set for one of my standard’s either Monty’s,throwback,or wiz but I think the harness and cap values make a difference as well
@@JoePerkinsMusicmy observation is that A2 magnets are nice on solid bodies because those bodies naturallly have more snap which the A2 will dampen. A5 being clear and allowing more snap will normally sound better on semis which due to construction tend the naturally cut the pick attack more. I'm maybe oversimplifying a bit, but I'm trying to say it's actually about physics
The pickups that were dialed in sounded best respectively, not surprised after hearing you dial in the OX4s! So will there be a part two with the pickups facing off after you dial them in? ;) Love your videos, some of the best demos on youtube!
I ended up keeping the Monty's in the 535 and the ThroBaks in the LP - even after playing around with setups, I think they worked best in those guitars. :-) Cheers David!
The spend is purely subjective me I paid “wait for it” £400 for my THROBAKS……but it transformed what was a great new guitar in to a new guitar that sounds to me like I’m holding playing something truly special and for me that is more that worth £2,200 for the new Gibson std 60s plus £400 for the THROBAKS…..oh and £150 for a doyles coils true bumblebee loom.
Ok now I definitely know I'm getting the Monty's. I felt the throback lower output, guess I'm wrong lol. Could also be you subconsciously adjust your playing a bit to the pickups. In the end for me there's no justification for the price difference. To give some constructive criticism, it could be helpful to play some stuff with a lot of dynamic range, because that, to me at least, is usually also a mark of quality stuff
I think Monty’s pickups sound better. I believe Jon Gundry at Throbak would serve his clientele better if his pickups were just a little bit weaker. Throbak’s get a little too muddy.
i prefer the m a5 underwound neck cause of slighty brighter harder attack in both guitars. . ..also the 8k m insures a little brighter in the semi hollow also the mid postion in the m seemed a little brighter and cutting in both ..its my fave in this test ....also for vintage wind mbuckers i like a3 or 5 neck for pauls and a2 in bridge in strats a4 for bridge cause extra free mids and a5 in neck
Occasionally some of them do (I have a set of ThroBak PG-102 LTDs which have old wire - and I know Wizz have done runs with some too, as has Dave Stephens) but generally speaking, no.
I have a set of Monty's PAFs in my Les Paul although I've recently swapped the A5 magnet in the neck to an A2 and I really prefer it. Definitely closer to Gary Moore and Billy Gibbons territory now and i love the tone. The Throbaks are great but to my ears I can't hear a massive difference between both sets so they aren't worth the lofty price tag imo. Montys for the win!
I prefer the Throbak's PUs more. They're woody, Clear, nice chirpy and more aggressive i think. So this weekend i'm gonna intall SE101 in my LPs. Thx for your posting.
Montys all the way everyday. Throbaks aren't better and they cost twice as much. Montys sound more open and less muffled. I heard more pleasing harmonics from the Montys and they sound more lively as well. I don't think the Throbaks sound more accurate or vintage either....its the other way around the Montys sound more like all the burst tones I've heard. I prefer the Montys in both guitars but especially in the Heritage semi hollow. That thing sounds perfect with them. I'd sell the Throbaks and.buy 2 sets of Montys. I think its a lot of hype about the winding machines etc when your pickups don't sound as good as Monty's, Wizz, Rewind, and of course Stephens Design pickups. I think I'm getting a set of Monty's for my 335. They sound perfect to me. Love the openness and the midrange plus top end. I don't like a muffled or bland flat pickup. I like some jangle and bite personally. I had a set of the SLE 101's and they are good but there are better and its weird because some that are better are half the price. Crazy!
You talk to any boutique pickup winder....DCR resistance means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING n doesn't really explain anything about the output at all lol.... I have both pickups at home.... the throbaks while very good are also VERY POLITE whereas as you said the monty pafs are more aggressive and dynamic really respond to pick attack. They're closer to the *tele on steroids* quintessential PAF pickup sound we all want.
You're correct - though DC resistance is an indication of how many turns of wire are around the magnet, which will affect things. Everybody doesn't want the same sound, too...different preferences :-)
Also for anyone interested in the man behind these videos please check out my 5 minute interview with Joe here (apologies for Skype sound) cheers th-cam.com/video/zJ02fFHc87c/w-d-xo.html
![ละลาย (LALALYE) - DAOU PITTAYA ต้าห์อู๋ พิทยา [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wo6r9TgausI/mqdefault.jpg)
There's so much more clarity and definition in the ThroBak. That's even more crazy for these A2 Magnet.
In my Les Paul Custom (same as yours), most A2 pickups was really muddy.
The Monty’s sounded better in the Heritage but the Throbaks sounded clearer in the Les Paul. Very interesting video. I have a few sets of Monty’s in my guitars and basses and they sound so clear and pleasing.
I agree - that's where those pickup sets stayed after this video! :-) Monty's make outstanding pickups - I've got a fair few of the things too nowadays!!
I own a japanese tokai wich is a fantasy to play and hear, even unplugged. The level of love was that high, so i decided to maximize its potential, bought a set of KZ-115 A2 by Throbak and dude... what a lovely way of sounding! Its the so searched fat tele tone. And even being the neck pickup a little bit muddy, fixing the pickup height and the pole screws, that's the tone you've been listening all your life in the music you love!
Firstly thank you for the amazing comparison, the amount of work you put into these videos is unbelievable and you seem to always make the videos I’m looking for.
I have a set of the Montys on my 355 for a bit over two years now and I’ve been tempted to try the Throbaks but after your comparison I think I’ll just stick with the Montys. I am considering getting one of Throbak’s covers though, just because I can’t leave things alone. Haha
Both are equally great but I think I prefer the Throbaks with the Les Paul and the Montys with the 335.
I would agree :-) I put the Monty's back in the 535 and the ThroBaks in the LP...and that's where they're staying!
Short answer - the Monty's. I am going to be upgrading a couple of Epiphone LP's and going for Bethnal Greens & Underspun PAfs. I play a 1968 LP Custom and the Throbaks lean towards the sound I am used to for that but I'm just looking for something a bit different for these new Epis (both of which are lovely guitars - Epi have really upped their game in the last 2 or 3 years!). That said, both the Ms & Ts seemed more or less 'equal' on the neck position on both.Thanks, as always, for such a thoughtful and considered comparison - really enjoy your channel!
Hi from Canada 🇨🇦 I think the Monty’s did it for me. Thank you for your awesome videos
I enjoyed your comparison. The Throbaks had more high end or clarity. The Monty’s had more mids. Both sound great. I would say that either would serve one well, depending on what sounds best in one’s particular guitar. For me, I would lean towards the Throbaks because they have the sound I am looking for in a PAF.
I liked the Monty's in the Les paul. To me they sounded more like all the 1959 Les Paul's i have been watching om YT the last few weeks.
Great video Joe smashing it as always. It's crazy cool to hear them side by side.
Thanks Matt - really appreciate that :-) As always, please do shout if I can help out with any videos - with you moving to Cheltenham, we're practically neighbours now! (...almost!) heh
@@JoePerkinsMusic Man you're under an hour away how cool. It'd be nice to have a meet up at some point. We've got a lot of stuff coming up so will give you a shout.
@@Montysguitarsandpickups Absolutely mate, would love to...we're separated by a short stretch of M5! :P My partner lives in Malmesbury, so that's literally only 30 miles away! Very happy to be involved in anything - you know how much I love your work!! :D
I have a set of THROBAK sle 101s in my 2002 Gibson les paul 60s neck and now have the guitar and sound I’ve searched for in reality for 25yrs and would not trade this guitar for anything.
Hi Joe: can't believe you went through the trouble of mounting/unmounting the pickups in a 335 type guitar...! I liked the Monty's better in the neck position (possibly the A V magnet). In some phrases, the Throbaks might have sound just a tad more harmonic than the Monty's, but I wouldn't be sure to spend double as much for that. Great demo ... Cheers !
Monty's for me. They're half the price and are a better bang for your buck. Sound great too.
Joe. This is exactly what I love about your channel. Both companies should approach you to use these videos on their sites. From my perspective it seems the Montys are a little more punchy in the mids. The Throwbacks a little softer in the mids and more overdriven. Great Stuff mate. Loved our interview. Cheers Dude 😎
Cheers Phil :-) Great to chat last week!
I agree. I thought the Monty's were more full. But the differences were hard to hear. Both sounded great. The Monty's won.
I agree the Monty's sounded closer to all the 1950 Les Paul's i have been checking on on YT the past few weeks.
I'll take the Monty's. Anyday, anyway. Matt has made me 2 sets of pickups for my Tele's, including those badass Danish Pete's for my thinline. When I decide to throwdown some cake to upgrade my LP, Matt is getting my order. The quality, service, and altogether cool folks at Monty's are unbeatable.
Matt makes outstanding p'ups - and always gives epic customer service :-)
Thanks, I have been on the verge of ordering the Monty’s set and now I’m convinced. Just sounds right to me, and I don’t care about the absolute vintage correct specs - I’m putting them in a FGN anyway! Just want that guitar to be as good as possible and the Throbak is ridiculously priced even without customs and VAT…
I bought mine 2nd hand...I wouldn't have paid full whack for them! They're great, but I agree that the price is hard to justify - especially once you factor in taxes, etc.
I have Monty's PAF set and i tried roughcast alnico 2 magnet in neck Monty and it sounds very close (or same) to ThroBak. Neck Monty is good but compared to bridge it lacks character. A2 magnet gives it more character and is maybe little better than A5. It's very easy to get back the original sound to just put A5 magnet back in if A2 was not right :)
Both sounded great, I agree each did different things better, but for versatility I’d go with the Montys purely because (and this is down to my personal style) I’d rather tame a more strident pickup with the guitars controls than step on a pedal to lift a pickup a little. And we are talking a tiny lift/change in character not stepping on a Tubescreamer type boost.
Maybe raising the Throbaks would bring them into the same ballpark, but for me its the Montys. Price helps too. 😊👍
Price always helps! :P
I really thought you did a nice job. I especially appreciate the way you temper your comments and let the listener come to their own conclusions. I found that listening through TH-cam, the pickups were very similar overall, though I must say that I agree with your thoughts on the harmonic complexity of the ThroBaks. In my opinion, it is a bit difficult to justify a doubling of the cost, for perhaps, a less than 10% increase in performance.
Even here in the states, ThroBaks are very expensive. I bought a used Tokai Love Rock that came with the Monty's PAF's and I really like them a lot. However, I have other Tokai LP's that have the stock MKll Paf's that sound very good as well. I suppose I would conclude that the art of pickup making is so advanced these days that most PAF clones are really quite good!
Thanks :-) Yeah, I always try to present 'the facts' rather than trying to evaluate which is 'better'. It's all personal preference at the end of the day, anyway!
The Monty were "more authoratitive" because they were more middlish (aka muddy). Making a middle punch sounding PAF is easy. Cheap materials, overwounded coils, you have it. Making a transparent sounding PAFs is the challenge, and obviously not every replica maker can do it. Some better like Throbak, Klein, Häussel, some not so good. But you also need the guitar that will sound like a 57/58/59/60 Les Paul. It shouldn't sound dull like most guitars you get, but crispy and snappy (which is also a setup thing). There are some custom shop Gibson guitars, where after exchange of the stock blurry custombucker pickups you can get a burst sound and look.
I replaced the original Schallers in my 535 (after about 15yrs), because they sounded flat. I had some pickups wound by Martin at Little Guitar Shop in Birmingham. If I'd known about Montys at the time, I would definitely have fitted them.
Great video. I have had a pair of Throbak SLE-101’s in my Les Paul for about a 2.5 years now. I find them to be incredibly clear, a little bright, and sometimes thin or brittle sounding. I think they sound great totally clean. With medium to heavy tube amp overdrive I think they sound OK.
Tone is a weird and subjective thing. Some days I love these pickups and how they sound and other days I think it sounds like garbage. I’m pretty sure it’s my playing and not so much the gear ;)
However, for what Throbak is charging these days for a set of pickups (which is around $562 USD) I find it hard to recommend them when there are so many great pickup makers out there offering for much less $$$. I paid a bit less when I bought mine and I figure Throbak had to raise prices recently because of material inflation and other factors but still when you are over the $500 mark I’m not sure it is worth it unless you are obsessed about a PAF recreation that attempts to replicate every little detail.
Last thought: your comment about the Monty PAFs having that upper mid “bite” compared to the Throbaks is so spot on. There have been several times where I’m playing my LP with Throbaks and I thought these pickups are kind of flat or neutral (bland?) sounding. I think they are purposely made with a bit of mid scoop.
Well, I may have to take a look at a pair of the Monty PAFs now :)
Yeah, my feeling was that the TBs sounded fuller/flatter than the Montys. On the clean LP, I preferred the TBs to the Montys, on the dirty LP I preferred the Montys to the TBs, while on the Heritage I thought they both sounded equally good, just different from one another
The ThroBaks are certainly pricey!! And yeah, if you're looking for something similar but with a little more snap, the Monty's are definitely the way to go :-)
@@JoePerkinsMusic You need to get your hands on some Cream T pickups, they are doing some interesting signature PAFs
@@colmkelly5524 I have the Cream T Whiskerbuckers and they are phenomenal
Monty’s a little more clearer & livelier overall. Have both myself and am pleased with them. Ridiculous price on Throbak though....
Yeah - the ThroBaks definitely aren't a cheap investment!!
Throbak tries to make everything in the USA that's why they're so expensive. Sure thr raw materials may come from overseas that the manufacturers use to make Throbak parts for them but at least Throbak is making an effort to keep what they can in the USA. Kudos to them.
I was particularly interested in the comparison in the Les Paul as God willing, I am looking to drop some coin on an R9. I have considered both sets. But, listening close to both guitars, I find my observations apply with both guitars. I feel like the Throbaks are more bloomy and complex in mid overtones and sound slightly more harmonically interesting clean. Now, with drive I think the Monty set sounds better. More definition. The mids on the Throbaks are mushy sounding with gain applied. At least with those guitars. Now they might suit a brighter guitar. Also, the SLE Plus with the unoriented A5 magnets might be a good choice. But in both guitars, I felt the Montys retained more clarity under gain.
Very well done Perky!!
Call me crazy but I’m hearing everything I could possibly want in a PAF repro in my Gibson Custombuckers and they have the look now with the thinner True Vintage covers. They’re a much nicer sounding set than the Throbak SLE-101s I have owned and every other contender I’ve owned and tried.
There's no right or wrong - it's whatever works best for you :-)
Both sound great, just got a brand new (2023) Gibson LP 60s standard…came with 61’ BurstBuckers, which i totally hate, sound tonely & almost volume wise (from low E string to high E/B and even notes…just a sloppy pup and very microphonic, almost overlly senitive? Not best at describing tone but from what i find, only Gibson & people trying to sell theyre 61 Burstbuckers “like” them…90% of reviews and forums seems to instantly swap out the 61 BBs from a Les Paul.
I’ve had an SG standard for 20yrs (490r/498t stock pups)…they sound very good in my SG, especially for classic rock (they so the AC/DC & even some Sabbath tones very well. I have no plans on changjng my SG.
But i loved they way both sounded…maybe throbaks in the LP but if you never said anything, i think most people wouldnt even notice. All that being said, i was going to buy somethjng “safe” like Symour Duncan Set of slash 2.0 alnico II pros (sound pretty well rounded and wax potted to reduce feedback), but i generally like plugging into my marshall & use some reverb and ultra gain on the amp (sadly my boss japan late 70s 6 pedals seem to be shot..the volume cuts down when i engage the boss PWS-6, but when i click it off, i get full volume back)..so odds are since i may have to replace a few pedals, if they sound the same, id rather save some $ with the monty PAF’s.
Only, big question…is i know the 61 burstbuckers are unpotted & ive heard thats why they sound so uneven/unbalanced and just have dull bridge..the neck is better but still nothing special. Jw if i go with either monty or throwback (or any PAF clone style pups in my Les paul standard, non weight relief, little over 8.5lbs, will i still get all the “tin-ish/uneven sounding tones…thay in tryjng to get away from with these 61 BBs?(worried cuz they both seem to be unpotted) and not sure how much feedback…im trying to make this les paul a true keeper & would like an authentic PAF sound, unless it makes my playing sound sloppy (im about intermediate but have about $500ish give or take to spend on replacement pups). Also i love playing classic rock from late 60s up until maybe early mid 80s (dont like the hairbands for most part) or heavy metal lol, most i drop my tuning is E flat & thats rare..jw i got the monty or throbak paf’s will i find myself thinkinking these arent too different then the 61 burstbuckers that i cant wait to swap. I love that clairty in the clean tones & the gain/crunchy tones also sounded solid…but how would they sound for something if i played something a little more modern like a areosmith song or something like Running with the Devil? Seems like theyd be great for that 60s hippy type rock, and i do love the clairty & dynmaics, but can they handle a little extra gain for certain songs of those times? Also something to note as i said im about intermediate since i took a year or 2 off guitar & lost some mojo, but the SD slash 2.0’s sound great overdriven (i know full wax potted & more modern sounding, but they lack that clairty & can get muddy to a degree). Jw if ill hear every single mistake with either of these pickups, or can an average guitar player..mostly covering old classic rock tunes still get away with either of these pups or wizz PAF’s..? Any input would greatly help. As i mentioned im looking to place them in a gibson LP standard 60s (slim neck), no weight relief/no push pull knobs, back to a basic AA-figured maple top and solid mohognany body/neck. Also my tech. raised my stop bar post about a half inch up cuz it came with the string angles were making contact with the 90 degree angle on the back on the bridge, but i notice 90 of LPs keep their pole tail piece screwed all rhe way down…is their much difference in sustain or anyrhing else? Without wrappin around, is their a way to keep the stop bar tailpiece screwed down and keep your string angle so they’re not making contact with the back of the bridge? Most imporant is any input on pickups to put in my new Les Paul standard 60s. Id say most of rhe time i like playing with classic gain & not sure if they will sound similar to 61 Burstbuckers?? Cuz if so then i guess ill go with the SD Slash 2.0 even though they lack that clairty…but i saw Tim Pierce playing an LP with Montys (covering black dog, its in YT)…not sure what he was running it thru but his brisge tone cut thru but sounded almost peircingly thin and icey..almost like a terrible boost on a trebble boost lol until this demo, i was done with montys as a choice..now their right back in the mix. Jw how they would do in the LP i descibed & it they would not only play clean amazing, but how they would do in classic rock department (sabbath is most metal i go, but my ‘04 Sg handles that). Very well played vid and thanks for not using 5 effects & a loud backing track lol always ruins a demo. Gotta pull trigger soon on pups cuz i hate these 61 bbs..just dont want to put either of these pups in & think “damn thats only a tiny difference”…big A/B when i heard the 490r/498t vs 61 BBs…the SG did sound more modern but also more even across the fretboard. Last knock on the 61 BB’s…i took it to my tech cuz some of the feedback had like a loose/minor rattle sound & the pick attack comes theu very loud thru my Marshall Dsl 20. Wondering if ill run into the same or pretty similar dislikes if i put either of these pups in my LP to yank out those 61 BBs. Shame on Gibson for puttjng those in a flaship guitar. Lol any insight would be much appricated!
If I bought either guitar (and it wasn’t upside down, like yours!), I’d probably leave it alone. Maybe a magnet swap to A4’s in the SLE’s. It makes pretty convincing PAF noises though. The Heritage sounded great too and without an A/B, dare I say very ES335-like…which is a good thing. Definitely a thicker midrange sound than the Lester which I’d expect.
Kind of like comparing different sets of tires on different cars…hard to tell.
Thanks for posting
I was looking for throbak SLE samples for my heritage and see you have the exact color as mine now that was interesting to see :) You gave all what I thought about. I think Monty's sit somewhere between Lollar and Throbak as character. I like lollars but they are too prestine and clear. And I know Collings put both pickups due to the customer choice so thats really down to preference. Yes I liked the punch of the wood coming with Montys and liked the chaotic and bigger sound of Throbak as you put in words vintage and complex harmonics. But they are very very close. So well you made me confused now thank you very much :D
Ah interesting - don't think I've ever seen another 535 that looks like mine! (Almond Sunburst, from memory?) Both epic pickups - would be interested to try the Lollars at some point too.
@@JoePerkinsMusic yes almond burst it is. I saw the exact guitar also in the hands of Doyle Bramhall II in videos on stage with Clapton recently :)
Lollar Imperials are another one to check out. Recently put them in a Strat (standard wind bridge and low wind neck) and all the frequencies are in exactly the right place. Forgive the cliches, but they are full but clear, aggressive but smooth, present but not harsh. The touch sensitivity is also incredible. I barely touch the amp now - can get everything I want from how hard I dig in and the guitar controls. Jason Lollar has definitely nailed it with those
I've heard great things about the Lollar's...never tried a set, but hopefully I can one day :-)
@@JoePerkinsMusic Honestly, get yourself a regular wind Imperial for the bridge. You won’t regret it. They are literally perfect and harmonically beautiful
I have Imperials in a Hamer Studio, and love them. If I was putting them in a H-535, I might go for a low-wind in the bridge. The only thing stopping me from buying another set is cost. The Lollars probably cost £350 a pair in UK, before installation. (The set I have probably came from the old Chandlers shop in Kew, and cost considerably less).
@@thezootsuits8151 Yup, they are at the top end price wise. But once you put them in the tone quest is over and the pickup GAS is gone. Nothing to improve. Not tried the single coils yet, but could happen for the next build. They are truly spectacular though
@@rdb9936 Jason Lollar's P-90s are apparently superb, and are where I first heard of him (probably via Tim Lerch- superb Pacific Coast Jazzer). Also saw a touring guitarist (with Kelly Willis) playing a Les Paul with Lollar Novel 90s - sounded fantastic!
Another nice comparison. I like the way you touch on the relevant variables associated with guitar tone and pickup characteristics without getting overly detailed which would make most peoples' heads spin. As for the generalities of the both pickups being compared, I would say that the Monty's have more midrange emphasis and the Throbak's are a little more scooped, but compress more due to the slightly higher DC resistance which I know is only part of the "big equation". I tend to much prefer A2 magnets to any other magnet type, but with A5's probably being second. I really didn't care the the Monty neck p/u. Personally, for my style of playing, I think I'd prefer the Throbak's and the added cost would be worth it to me.
As a side note...did you happen to measure the actual pickup heights and what were those measurements? Just curious.
The Monty's are a great set of pickups but the ThroBak pups are sonically above Monty's & every other manufacturers. The Throbaks are the sounds I have been listening to all of my life. I'm 44 now & I'm just floored by this test. Thanks mate.
Great demo mate, thanks for doing this. I wouldn’t want to be in your place to change twice the pickups on the hollowbody. Both sets sound equally great fot me, they have their small differences but mostly they sound quite “similar”. I’m waiting on a set of wizz to see how they compare to my monty’s.
Keep up with your great work! Cheers from Greece
Aha - to be honest, there was a lot of swearing behind the scenes of this video rewiring the 535 twice!! haha Cheers mate!
@@JoePerkinsMusic i thought you might have installed a plug under there to simplify swapping
Throbak koss pick ups are a step up again. If you get chance you need to try a set
The Throbaks sound nice and sparkly. Chris Buck did a video recently with a set of Throbaks in a Greco Les Paul and they sounded dull and sterile.
Link to the video?
Hi Joe, Your video on the Throbaks was why I bought a set for my r9. Now I’m looking at the Montys PAF set for my goldtop. Based on your experience with the Montys is the midrange similar to a gibson burstbucker or custombucker pickup?
On the LP clean, the two pickups were almost indistinguishable. On the Heritage clean is were i heard the difference, The ThroBak had more clarity than the Monty's.
With the crunchy sound the ThroBack on both guitar had that note definition that seemed to lack on the Monty's.
But i agree with what you're saying, the Monty's are a little bit more "in your face" than the ThroBak.
Having said that, if i didn't want to get into problems with import taxes and whatever, the Monty's are a great great solution for PAF pickups.
You rock kind sir!
Always fancied Montys pickups in my tele....love their videos & demos.
I got some Danish Pete's in my Thinline. Unbelievable.
I can't find tele pups I love more than my Lindy Fralin Blues Specials.
I have the Throbak Sle101s in my customshop R8 les paul and they sound amazing clean and the bridge sounds great any tips for getting rid of some of the mud in my neck pickup?
They are fantastic pickups
Experiment with lowering the pickups. I think that will help.
I've got them pretty low the neck pickup is around 4mm and bridge is around 3mm they sound amazing clean but when I plug into my Friedman Dirty Shirley mini the neck pickup can be a bit muddy
@@silkysoy1794 thanks for the advice man
@@lanetacker1496 Maybe play with amp settings. Like try lowering the bass (neck pickup on SLE101 seems to have a loose bass sound). Otherwise it is how the pickups sound with overdrive/distortion. SLE101 neck position is not my favorite with medium/heavy overdrive or distortion. Seems to favor clean or very light overdrive.
I have a set of ox4 beano and now the Throbak, I wish I bought Throbaks 10 years ago and didn't bother with pickups that were a little cheaper. They are really vintage sounding and versitile. I don't know about Monty's ?.
The Monty's are fantastic - I especially love them in thinlines
@@JoePerkinsMusic I have had the Throbaks for about 10 weeks now love them, bridge couldn't be better. But I am thinking about trying a different magnet in the neck, A4 or A5. It's pretty polite sounding. I'm use to t-tops lol a lot more drive. Maybe that's what you like about the monty set. A5 in the neck ?
@@stratocastermaster9 Might be, yeah...I think it depends on lots of factors though, but magnets are a big one!
Awesome shirt
I like the throbac
Monty sound great nice bass great mids nice high E’s
I've been changing pups in my Gibson flying V trying to find the sound i think it should have but when i put put tbe Throbak sle 101 + in the V ive stopped hunting pups.
ThroBak make amazing PAFs :-)
Great video thx v useful- my take eyes shut couldn’t perceive any difference eyes open Throbak a tad richer but thats almost certainly psychologically a selection effect bias. In other words Montys for me 🎸👍
Great video! For an SG which pickups are your favorite? Cheers!
I've got the OX4 Alnico 4 PAF's in my SG and they're not going anywhere....perfect match for that guitar, IMO.
@@JoePerkinsMusic thanks!
I wonder what caps you have in either guitar I have a Monty’s wiring harness in my les Paul with a set of missing link peacocks using the 22 Russian caps instead of the 33,that came with the pickups
I have been thinking about a new set for one of my standard’s either Monty’s,throwback,or wiz but I think the harness and cap values make a difference as well
550k VIPots, 50s wiring & Luxe PIO Bumblebees in both guitars
Put the throwback bridge in with the Monty’s
Monty's and the Heritage 535...that's just what guitar is supposed to sound like.
The extra snap of the Monty's does bring that guitar alive :-)
@@JoePerkinsMusicmy observation is that A2 magnets are nice on solid bodies because those bodies naturallly have more snap which the A2 will dampen. A5 being clear and allowing more snap will normally sound better on semis which due to construction tend the naturally cut the pick attack more. I'm maybe oversimplifying a bit, but I'm trying to say it's actually about physics
The pickups that were dialed in sounded best respectively, not surprised after hearing you dial in the OX4s! So will there be a part two with the pickups facing off after you dial them in? ;)
Love your videos, some of the best demos on youtube!
I ended up keeping the Monty's in the 535 and the ThroBaks in the LP - even after playing around with setups, I think they worked best in those guitars. :-) Cheers David!
The spend is purely subjective me I paid “wait for it” £400 for my THROBAKS……but it transformed what was a great new guitar in to a new guitar that sounds to me like I’m holding playing something truly special and for me that is more that worth £2,200 for the new Gibson std 60s plus £400 for the THROBAKS…..oh and £150 for a doyles coils true bumblebee loom.
Ok now I definitely know I'm getting the Monty's. I felt the throback lower output, guess I'm wrong lol. Could also be you subconsciously adjust your playing a bit to the pickups.
In the end for me there's no justification for the price difference.
To give some constructive criticism, it could be helpful to play some stuff with a lot of dynamic range, because that, to me at least, is usually also a mark of quality stuff
I think Monty’s pickups sound better. I believe Jon Gundry at Throbak would serve his clientele better if his pickups were just a little bit weaker. Throbak’s get a little too muddy.
I preferred the Montys TBF… I thought the treble on the Throbaks was a little harsh.
Joe, what magnet is in the Monty bridge pickup?
A2 in the bridge - A5 in the neck :-)
Both sound great. I bought a set of the Sle 101s and was curious to how you set your pickup heights on your les paul.
@@donnienorman5327 I used to set them fairly low, but I've moved them up a little recently - gives me a bit more bite, which I'm enjoying 🙂
Excellent
ThroBak sounds great. To me they have a slight edge over Montys. But $675 for a set?😮😮😮...I bit too much
i prefer the m a5 underwound neck cause of slighty brighter harder attack in both guitars. . ..also the 8k m insures a little brighter in the semi hollow also the mid postion in the m seemed a little brighter and cutting in both ..its my fave in this test ....also for vintage wind mbuckers i like a3 or 5 neck for pauls and a2 in bridge in strats a4 for bridge cause extra free mids and a5 in neck
Throbak all the way. Harmonics just jump out from both guitars.
I heard that too. A "harmonic" halo around the notes.
i'm curios if the LP & 335 had the same pot values
They did - give or take a few % of tolerance. Both are running 550k VIPots
@@JoePerkinsMusic thanks for info, ordered some Nostsalgic because of you also, but got the audio taper, thanks for all the great vids
@@popeye089 Nice one mate! 🙂
Never heard of "Montys" ... But I do know the ThroBaks want too much dough ...
Dont think any of them are using vintage mag wire correct me if wrong
Occasionally some of them do (I have a set of ThroBak PG-102 LTDs which have old wire - and I know Wizz have done runs with some too, as has Dave Stephens) but generally speaking, no.
@@JoePerkinsMusic yeah i know, do those ones mate if you got them i wasn't impressed with the demo of these particular pups sorry mate!
@@martinpark8371 Both of these will be modern wire
@@JoePerkinsMusic I thought so the throbaks for the price should defo be using v mag wire i feel, catch you in the next vid!
BTW. GREAT VIDEO
I have a set of Monty's PAFs in my Les Paul although I've recently swapped the A5 magnet in the neck to an A2 and I really prefer it. Definitely closer to Gary Moore and Billy Gibbons territory now and i love the tone. The Throbaks are great but to my ears I can't hear a massive difference between both sets so they aren't worth the lofty price tag imo. Montys for the win!
I prefer the Throbak's PUs more. They're woody, Clear, nice chirpy and more aggressive i think. So this weekend i'm gonna intall SE101 in my LPs. Thx for your posting.
Montys all the way everyday. Throbaks aren't better and they cost twice as much. Montys sound more open and less muffled. I heard more pleasing harmonics from the Montys and they sound more lively as well. I don't think the Throbaks sound more accurate or vintage either....its the other way around the Montys sound more like all the burst tones I've heard. I prefer the Montys in both guitars but especially in the Heritage semi hollow. That thing sounds perfect with them. I'd sell the Throbaks and.buy 2 sets of Montys. I think its a lot of hype about the winding machines etc when your pickups don't sound as good as Monty's, Wizz, Rewind, and of course Stephens Design pickups. I think I'm getting a set of Monty's for my 335. They sound perfect to me. Love the openness and the midrange plus top end. I don't like a muffled or bland flat pickup. I like some jangle and bite personally. I had a set of the SLE 101's and they are good but there are better and its weird because some that are better are half the price. Crazy!
The Monty's are my favourite in the 335, I think - that guitar really benefits from the extra snap in the upper mids.
So similar. Definitely not worth the extra $$$ for the Throbacks
This isn't a good comparison because very importantly there is a big sound difference between semi hollow body and solid body guitars.
That’s true…which is exactly why I ran both pickup sets in both guitars…?
@JoePerkinsMusic sorry about jumping to conclusions. I stopped the video in the beginning.
I find the Throbaks quite ugly sounding. The Montys are so musical, they have a magical 3D thing going on. I must buy a set.
You talk to any boutique pickup winder....DCR resistance means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING n doesn't really explain anything about the output at all lol.... I have both pickups at home.... the throbaks while very good are also VERY POLITE whereas as you said the monty pafs are more aggressive and dynamic really respond to pick attack. They're closer to the *tele on steroids* quintessential PAF pickup sound we all want.
You're correct - though DC resistance is an indication of how many turns of wire are around the magnet, which will affect things. Everybody doesn't want the same sound, too...different preferences :-)
Damn, the Throbaks sound sterile and shit.
Also for anyone interested in the man behind these videos please check out my 5 minute interview with Joe here (apologies for Skype sound) cheers th-cam.com/video/zJ02fFHc87c/w-d-xo.html