best humbucker for a LeGrande?

Niklas Widen · Post by **Niklas Widen** » 3 Feb 2004 2:15 pm

I'm thinking about replacing the stock single coil pickup on the E9th neck of my Legrande II with a humbucker. Which one would you prefer? I've heard some people have had problems with "too hot" pickups like the Lawrence 710 on Emmons steels. Any suggestions?

/Nicke W

Earl Foote · Post by **Earl Foote** » 3 Feb 2004 2:19 pm

Check this thread out:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum11/HTML/004706.html

David Mullis · Post by **David Mullis** » 3 Feb 2004 8:53 pm

and if you think you want to try a set, I may have some for sale at a good price in a week or so

Bob Hempker · Post by **Bob Hempker** » 5 Feb 2004 5:07 pm

Niklas,

I have 2 LeGrande III's with the Emmons humbuckings on them. I am very happy with them.

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Tony Orth · Post by **Tony Orth** » 6 Feb 2004 10:35 am

Niklas,

I, too, have an Emmons Legrande II. Originally, I ordered, and recieved it, with an Emmons 108N humbucker. Last year, I purchased a stock Emmons single coil and installed it. Last week, I re-installed the 108N.

Tone preference is, of course, a subjective thing. It's hard for me to guess or say what you will like. The single coil sound has been the industry standard for the Emmons guitar. In my opinion, the only reason to change would be to eliminate the 60-cycle hum that most all single coils are subject to. This "hum" can be small or huge depending upon many things such as electrical systems, grounding, lighting type, placement of guitar in relation the the amp, and so on.

In my particular set-up and use at home, the 60-cycle hum is too noticeable and I can't live with it. In a stage setting, it was not as noticeable.

There is a difference in tone between the single coil and the 108N. To me, it is slight. To others, it is very noticeable.
It just depends on your "ear", preference and how picky you are.

My last word is that it can get pretty expensive trying out various pickups, some of which will be a bear trying to retrofit.
If that 60-cycle hum isn't bothering you too much, I'd stick with the standard single coil.

Best of Luck
Tony

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 6 Feb 2004 3:05 pm

If you're looking to greatly reduce 60 cycle hum, go with Jerry Wallace Truetones and maintain that great single coil sound. This PU is more quiet than some humbuckers.[This message was edited by Roger Crawford on 06 February 2004 at 03:05 PM.][This message was edited by Roger Crawford on 06 February 2004 at 08:04 PM.]

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 6 Feb 2004 9:07 pm

I prefer the 108's in my LeGrande III. I also know of three other pro players near me who also use the 108's in their LeGrandes: Bob Kramer, who playes for Stonewall Jackson on the Opry, has 108's in his new LeGrande III, Loren Nelson who Plays for Tracy Lawrence has 108's in his early short keyhead LeGrande, and Danny Muhammad who plays for Ray Price has 108's in his LeGrande III. Buddy Emmons too has the 108's in his recording guitar (mahogany LeGrande III).

Dave