Lollar Low-wind Imperials cut the mustard!

[Tom Karol]

I'm posting this here, because it's mostly about the pickups.

About a year ago, I upgraded my Godin Montreal Premiere with Lollar Low-wind Imperials, mostly based on Jim Soloway's recommendation based on my description of the sound I was looking for. Up until last Saturday, I hadn't played them through anything but my Henriksen Bud 6. They were a dramatic improvement - a typical PAF sound but with extra crispness - just what I was looking for.

But I hadn't played through my 'stage rig' since before Covid. Last Saturday, however, I played at a back yard barbeque in a 'Classic Rock' context, and the Lollars blew me away!

I should point out that my R&R 'stage rig' is rather unconventional. The amp is a Henriksen JazzAmp 112. I play into a Carl Martin Quattro (analog multi-effects with echo, chorus, 2 types of overdrive, and a compressor) and then into a Carl Martin Rock Bug (amp/speaker simulator that produces a faux Twin Reverb character), and then into the JazzAmp 112. The sound was pure roots rock - I loved it!

[iim7V7IM7]

They are GREAT humbuckers. They combined clarity with warmth and create bloom and overdriven tones as well. I have them in my semi-hollowbody and have a 5-way switch so positions 2 and 4 are split coil positions. I use this more often than not with a tube amp to play blues and rock from my youth.

[st.bede]

I also have some normal wind Lollar Imperials in an old PRS swamp ash... very 3rd with tight low and extended highs. Very musical PUs

I also have some Lollars in a tele (normal sc tele PUs, can not remember which ones)... incredible

[Flat]

If I were to put a Lollar Imperial in the neck position of a Tele, would you guys recommend the Low Wind or the Standard Wind version? And why?

[iim7V7IM7]

If I were to put a Lollar Imperial in the neck position of a Tele, would you guys recommend the Low Wind or the Standard Wind version? And why?

Personally, I would recommend the low wind imperials over the standard imperials. I have owned both (standards in a Heritage 535) and I like the extra clarity of the low winds over the standard winds.

[bluejaybill]

If I were to put a Lollar Imperial in the neck position of a Tele, would you guys recommend the Low Wind or the Standard Wind version? And why?

I would also consider Lollar's mini-humbucker, the also have nice clarity but retain warmth, and may balance better with a standard Telecaster bridge pickup. Might be worth asking them about.

I have a floating one on an archtop that I was thinking about changing to full size, but it's been growing on me!

[Fear the Reaper]

+1 !!!!

I'm posting this here, because it's mostly about the pickups.

About a year ago, I upgraded my Godin Montreal Premiere with Lollar Low-wind Imperials, mostly based on Jim Soloway's recommendation based on my description of the sound I was looking for. Up until last Saturday, I hadn't played them through anything but my Henriksen Bud 6. They were a dramatic improvement - a typical PAF sound but with extra crispness - just what I was looking for.

But I hadn't played through my 'stage rig' since before Covid. Last Saturday, however, I played at a back yard barbeque in a 'Classic Rock' context, and the Lollars blew me away!

I should point out that my R&R 'stage rig' is rather unconventional. The amp is a Henriksen JazzAmp 112. I play into a Carl Martin Quattro (analog multi-effects with echo, chorus, 2 types of overdrive, and a compressor) and then into a Carl Martin Rock Bug (amp/speaker simulator that produces a faux Twin Reverb character), and then into the JazzAmp 112. The sound was pure roots rock - I loved it!

[st.bede]

Regrading tele and HBs: I would put in standard wind. I think that I could use a juicer mid range to keep the notes full.

All be it, there are differences between ash and alder telecasters: one, on my ash prs, the standards are round sounding. I think the same would be true for an alder body guitar.

The question is how much would I miss the glassy/ringing mid position on my tele? If that is important, I would think low winds would have a better chance of keeping that. Right now the Lollar SC I have on my tele are a little hot and I do not have as much of those bell tones. I miss them, but other then that the guitar sound incredible.

If I only wanted jazz tones out of my tele, I would feel safe about trying the standard wind Lollar Imperial. I also might consider some other PUs as well.

I have personally talked to Jason Lollar. He is nice and brilliant. Give them a call or an email. Peace