ThroBak Pickups?

[marcwhy]

Does anyone have experience with any ThroBak Pickup models, i.e., "replaced Pickup X with ThroBak Y?" Yes, I know they're quite pricey; just interested if you liked them vs. another pickup. Thanks!

[Gilpy]

Both of my main electrics have Throbaks.
I replaced the pickups in my 1964 ES-335 (sacrilege!) with SLE-101 model. This was many years ago when they were merely expensive, instead of ridiculously so. Really great pickups with a powerful, detailed PAF sound.
I use SLE-101+ pickups in my ‘72 L5-S. These are a little stronger in the midrange, perfect for this all maple solidbody. I get a nice traditional jazz tone on this guitar.
Those are the only Throbaks I’ve used. The company has been responsive to my questions about the different pickup models.

Are they worth the price compared to all the other fine pickups out there? I don’t know. My experience has been positive though.

[jads57]

I only tried some in a Historic Les Paul one time. They sounded excellent,can’t remember which model? Hard to tell if it was worth the high price versus other fine winders like Manluis,Sheptone,Wolfetone,or even high end Seymour Duncan’s?

My suggestion is of $$$ are an issue, go with something less expensive. A lot of times in those situations, other than prestige,it’s a lot more for way less of a return.

[ruger9]

Not personally. But like alot of the "uber boutique" stuff these days, value is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not paying 10 grand for a Nacho tele, because no way are his teles 8 grand better than other teles, and the same goes for Throbaks. Both Nacho and Throbak seem to be among the best out there right now, but boy are they priced "accordingly"

[Jimmy Mack]

I have heard 2nd hand accounts of the ThroBacks being great and perfect for the guitar in which they were installed.

That being said, they were obtained by accident, and would they have been purchased at the going rate???

I would love to experience the TB experience, but, I'll have to wait, and work on other things.

[jads57]

Try Manluis Pickups! Mick McGuiness winds incredibly great PAF replicas at a reasonable prices. I use mine Landmark PAF Alnico 2 for the neck and a Hot Rod 59 Alnico 5 for the bridge position.
They sound wonderful and are available in 4 conductor wire as well as potted for no extra charge.

[KRosser]

Both of my main electrics have Throbaks.
I replaced the pickups in my 1964 ES-335 (sacrilege!) with SLE-101 model. This was many years ago when they were merely expensive, instead of ridiculously so. Really great pickups with a powerful, detailed PAF sound.
I use SLE-101+ pickups in my ‘72 L5-S. These are a little stronger in the midrange, perfect for this all maple solidbody. I get a nice traditional jazz tone on this guitar.
Those are the only Throbaks I’ve used. The company has been responsive to my questions about the different pickup models.

Are they worth the price compared to all the other fine pickups out there? I don’t know. My experience has been positive though.

13 years ago I got a pair installed in my decidedly non-vintage 335 (an '07). I don't remember the model but I remember talking on the phone with the guy and he was very cool. He asked me for my tonal references and I said "Jim Hall in the neck, Freddie King in the bridge, Leo Nocentelli in the middle". He laughed and said, "I've got just the set for you". I did really like the pickups a lot. Maybe they were even this model. I think I paid something like $300-$350 for the set, which was some real money in 2013 but not like they are now. I gave in to curiosity and swapped those out with something else and actually sold them for a profit, which never happens with me. I wish I'd kept them though. They were really great.