Alt '88 Jazzmaster Pickup Set

Alt '88 Jazzmaster Pickups

Loud, Quiet, Loud - Fatter, Fuller with more mid-range or Brighter, Attacking Versions. Designed for more Indie/Alternative styles & sounds

Magnets: Alnico 2 or 5
Coil Wire: 42AWG or 43AWG Plain Enamel
Lead Wire: Vintage Cloth Covered
Alt '88 Treble - Bridge: 8.4k
Alt '88 Mid-Range - Bridge: 10.3k
Alt '88 Treble - Neck: 7.5k
Alt '88 Mid-Range - Neck: 9.4k

The Alt '88 pickup was inspired by the alternative music scene of the mid-to-late '80s and after feedback from Jazzmaster players the design has now been split into two distinct versions. Whereas the the "Alt '88 - Mid-Range" uses the same taller, stronger rod magnets but is wound with thinner 43awg coil wire for a fatter, fuller, more mid-range voice, the "Alt '88 - Treble" uses thicker 42awg coil wire and taller, stronger rod magnets for a brighter, more cutting, attacking sound. Both have been designed to have similar, higher, more powerful outputs - the difference comes from how they're voiced.

With more in the higher frequencies the "Alt '88 - Treble" can dominate in the mix a little more, that bit more aggressive, attacking, cutting - the brash side to its darker, warmer alternative.

With less in the higher frequencies the "Alt '88 - Mid-Range" sits in the band mix better, not as dominant as the 'Treble' version, a little sweeter, less brittle, a little fuller, a little darker - the more melancholy side to its brash alternative.

Alt '88 Jazzmaster Pickups - Magnet Choices

With magnets, Alnico 2 is that bit weaker so ‘holds’ the strings a little less, allowing them to vibrate that little more to add a little more warmth & resonance to the overall sound. Alnico 5 is slightly stronger so therefore ‘holds’ the strings that little more for slightly more attack, focus, brightness and a little increased output. Magnets don’t have ‘tone’ but they do have strength to varying degrees which has an effect on the overall sound, all other things being equal. Alnico 2 can be great to tame a bright bridge sound whereas a stronger magnet can help to keep clarity & definition in the naturally darker neck position.

The Alt '88 range has been a real labour of love and these pickups and have gone through numerous changes before launch just to get them right. A great Jazzmaster rhythm or lead pickup if you want more bite with more of an an alternative/leftfield sound. The Alt '88 Jazzmaster Neck can also be RW/RP if required.

You can find more details of my Creamery Custom Shop Handwound Replacement Jazzmaster Pickups here.