These seem like a fantastic idea and I'd love to tape one to the top of an old, cheap acoustic and play some gnarly slide. Problem is, every time I've heard a foil pickup used live, they've sounded fuckin NUTZ. Like nothing else. However, every time I hear a demo of a repro foil by a winder with good rep, they just sound like a nice single coil. There's none of the character I've heard when somebody's played one live.
does anyone know who's winding a foil that sounds mental?
I'm sure you can ask whichever pickup builder to wind you one that's mental.
I've only really played old goldfoils. So, I can't really comment on the newer ones. I think a lot of the "mentalness" has to do with them being microphonic though. Microphonic pickups are definitely livelier and the glorious feedback comes way more easily. I'd look for a pickup that's advertised as microphonic.
psychic vampire. wrote:The important take away from this thread: Taoism and Ring Modulators go together?
…...........................… Sweet dealin's: here "Now, of course, Strega is not a Minimoog… and I am not Sun Ra" - dude from MAKENOISE #GreenRinger
The only ones I've got to really check out are the Lollars. I have a builder friend that got obsessed with foils 6 or so years ago and bought about every kind of vintage one and then got a few of the Lollars. The Lollars sound correct, microphonic and very dry. He wasn't too happy about the price of them vs just buying the vintage ones off eBay though.. and for now I think he has given up on the idea and has been experimenting with low profile jazz guitar pickups.. Keep in mind his interests are not fuzzy things.. although he's is a fuzzy person..
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O3mKymZwQU[/youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O3mKymZwQU Sorry I can't quickly grab a recording with a foil but, this is pretty much the sound he is always shooting for.
shikawkee wrote:The Mojo UK gold foils are really great. I've got one in my Coodercaster and it's superb sounding and responsive. Handles pedals well too.
I thought the mojo ones would be good (everything he winds is) but they ain't cheap!
Thanks for the microphonic tip guys. It's good to have a specific technical thing in mind with these things.
imJonWain wrote:you can buy a Teisco Tulip guitar for <$100 and take the pickup out too
people are wise to them over here. if i spotted a bargain guit that was packing a foil or two, i'd jump but i don't see them for less than a few hundred £ lately
