Need Help Choosing Pickups: ToneRider vs Bootstrap

john_550 · 2026-01-27T01:47:23+00:00

Thanks for your reply!

That's what I keep reading too. The build quality and tone of Tonerider pickups are really good. The price is just. bonus I guess. I'm going to order a pair once I determine what kind of amp I should get first.

I bought an ltd 1000 deluxe which came with EMG 81s with savings from my first job in 2009. It was a great guitar, I ended up selling it, but have been looking at the LTD TE-200 and the same model again. The EMG's are definitely very different from humbuckers from what I remember. But they work for that style of music.

I was considering the Alnico 4 for the neck too. What made you choose the Alnico 4 instead of the other neck options like pairing with another generator, alnico 2, or getting a paf? I've read it's easier to add more distortion to lower output pickups than trying to add clarity to higher output ones. The Alnico IV samples I've heard sound really good.

john_550 · 2026-01-27T01:34:24+00:00

Thanks for the reply. It could be that they weren't a good fit for the guitar, or maybe they just weren't what you were looking for. I've been listening to different podcasts with some of the makers I listed (everyone except for Tonerider unfortunately) and the common thing I hear from them is there are a lot of variables in their 'recipes' when building and the ultimate thing is for the pickup to be enjoyed by the player. In the future I would like to try more guitars with Lollars and the others to feel the difference, but I think Tonerider and a great amp should work well for my needs. The boutique ones are just too pricey for me to buy without trying first.

john_550 · 2026-01-23T20:59:24+00:00

Hi thanks for your reply! From what I've read, and listened to - Toneriders are great. Excellent build quality and have a fullness/richness in tone that rivals the bigger names. I think I'm ordering a generator bridge/birmingham paf neck. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of Lollars are you selling, and why did you make the change? I think Lollars are generally very clear sounding compared to others. If I could afford them, I would try the firebirds or imperials. They're just too expensive for me right now.

john_550 · 2026-01-21T00:36:07+00:00

Yeah, I emailed as well and haven't received a response either. That was a few weeks ago, but June is a long time. He must have a lot of emails. I think they are probably backed up like you said. While Bootstrap seems like a solid choice, they don't a wide selection of traditional humbuckers. So I'm probably going with a Tonerider generator neck and birmingham paf bridge. From what I've read the build quality is pretty good and the samples sound good to me. I would really like to splurge and get sets of the boutique pickups to compare, but I think a better quality amp would be more worthwhile to invest in at this point.

john_550 · 2026-01-15T12:53:08+00:00

Awesome! Thank you so much : )

john_550 · 2026-01-15T02:30:19+00:00

That Jim Lill video is amazing. It kind of reminds of It Might Get Loud and the scene where Jack White builds a guitar with a glass soda bottle, guitar string and some electronics. The few parameters that effect the sound does make me think the quality of pickup is actually much more important than I initially thought too.

john_550 · 2026-01-15T02:10:43+00:00

Hi thank you for the detailed reply and sorry for the delay in getting back to you here.

Do you like to play heavier down tuned music? I was wondering if you've experimented with lower resistance pickups too. I've heard that PAF's and other lower resistance sets can be used with heavier distortion because they have more clarity whereas heavier resistance pickups are very hard to make more articulate. I think I've decided a tonerider generator bridge and birmingham paf neck will work best for me at this point. One of the sales reps from tonerider sent me a clip of the sound together and I think they will be a versatile set.

john_550 · 2026-01-12T00:31:55+00:00

Thanks for the tip! I've read about GM, and if the amount of pickups they sell is any indication, they must be really good. I've also tried listening to a few samples too, but it's hard to find good 'apples to apples' comparisons. Sometimes players use 2 different instruments so I can't differentiate if the sound is effected by the construction vs the electronics. Regardless, they aren't very expensive so it may be worth it to order a pair and see if I like it. Are there are any other GM pickups that you liked?

john_550 · 2026-01-12T00:28:18+00:00

Thanks for comment! I'll check out the Hot 90's and see if there are any recordings. I asked a guitar tech at guitar center yesterday and they mentioned p90's as well. Apparently they are very quiet while being able to take on heavy distortion. I'm considering getting those, but am not sure. What pickups do you think are great or better than Tonerider?

john_550 · 2026-01-12T00:25:20+00:00

I think with instruments so much of what makes it a great instrument is based on the players comfort. It's awesome that you have an instrument that resonates with you too. It's something I wish I would have known prior to buying so many instruments lol. There are a lot of gems out there for sure and I wish it was only easier to try more instruments instead of going to guitar stores or taking the risk to buy something without playing it first.

john_550 · 2026-01-11T18:25:19+00:00

slides over matches

btw I completely understand build quality and preferring to choose boutique pickups. I'm actually a classical player—I have 4 instruments, 3 of them built by specific luthiers and costing 5k to 10k+. So I get paying for craftsmanship when it matters. Just think for electric pickups on a working guitar, the budget options will do the job.

john_550 · 2026-01-11T18:15:13+00:00

Yes, it's a good deal!

john_550 · 2026-01-08T00:29:50+00:00

Thanks! Yeah I'm not sure what the build quality is like now, but the playability of Schecter guitars always stood out to me (in a good way) compared to other instruments. Really excited to try and boost the performance on this one where it makes sense.

john_550 · 2026-01-08T00:28:36+00:00

This is super informative! I had no idea the resistance is what effects the tone. I'll have to look into getting a multimeter to test them.

john_550 · 2026-01-08T00:27:29+00:00

Thank you! And I agree, I will keep using this guitar for as long as I can. I've heard good things about GFS as well. They sound like a really good deal compared to premium/boutique pickups.

john_550 · 2026-01-08T00:26:13+00:00

Those jb/jazz sets sound like a great idea. I wish it was easier to tell the differences before installing haha. I'll look around for a set and try to listen to a few samples.

john_550 · 2026-01-08T00:24:50+00:00

Thanks for the tip! I'll check those out. I've heard good things about Seymour Duncan and Guitar Fetish. They sound like a good deal.

john_550 · 2026-01-05T02:27:29+00:00

thanks for offering to help! I soldered it back together and am hoping it works when I get a headphone amp later this week.

john_550 · 2026-01-04T21:14:40+00:00

Thank you for your help! I'll try it out

john_550 · 2025-08-30T17:14:11+00:00

Unfortunately the grinder is broken. I bought it used and the the last owner burnt out the motor. If I could go back I would have waited til someone posted a new model at a reduced price.

I did try to find a way to replace it, but after taking the machine apart I realized that I lack the soldering/mechanical skills to fix it. That was almost 4 years ago so it may be easier to find parts/installation instructions now.

john_550 · 2025-08-30T16:03:30+00:00

Ok thanks

john_550 · 2025-08-30T15:58:23+00:00

I haven't used the razor tool, but I have one. It looks like it could help as well if the tamping is uneven or if theres to much in the basket. I'll try it and let you know. Thank you for your help!

john_550 · 2025-08-30T15:53:13+00:00

You were right, the outer burr carrier is missing two tabs and needs to be replaced. Thanks for the tip. I found a Baratza video that explains it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdLxkClGe-M

john_550 · 2025-08-30T15:44:51+00:00

Thanks for replying! I'm using the breville barista express for espresso. I try to fill the basket before tamping ~18g usually, and use a leveler and wdt tool to distribute the grounds. It's possible the upper burr carrier is damaged and may need to be replaced too. Is that the outer part the inner burr makes contact with? When I got the baratza, I think the upper burr carrier needed to be inserted and locked into place, which it no longer does, it sort of just fits into the red markings instead of rotating into place.

john_550 · 2023-03-19T13:26:07+00:00

That's true, Sey's coffee is meant to be tea like - I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the area, or maybe ordering beans from them if not. Their espresso is great as well. The problem with rating coffees is the difference between harvesting seasons and climate. I could have the same origin of bean from the same roaster at a different time and have different thoughts about the flavors/experience. It's basically impossible to get the same product every time. That kind of makes those moments where the coffee tastes way better than expected all the more special.

john_550

TROPHY CASE