Pickup Used:
Crawler

Quote: Geoff's signature pickup, the Crawler, was the first signature model that Bare Knuckle made. Geoff and Tim worked together to create a pickup which Geoff said had: "Tone AND power - all I ever wanted!"

Pickups Used:
The Mule, Cold Sweat, Aftermath, Painkiller, The Juggernaut

Quote: Misha Mansoor's signature pickup is the bestselling Juggernaut: "The Bare Knuckle Juggernaut encapsulates everything that I look for in a pickup in a groundbreaking way. I can finally have the tightness and attack of a ceramic with the dynamics and musical nature of an Alnico. I can proudly call the Bare Knuckle 'Juggernaut' my signature pickup set." - Misha Mansoor

Pickups Used:
The Mule, Riff Raff, VHII, Emerald, Black Hawk, Holydiver, PAT Pend '63 Veneer Board, The Sinner Single Coil

Quote: "I'm using a set of VHII's with a 63 Veneer Board in my main Ibanez JCRG and it's killer for hard rock! From crystal clean to hot-rodded high gain, the VHII's have got the fat vintage tone, dynamic sensitivity and versatility for all contemporary styles. With the volume and tone controls coming into play, the pickups remain engaging throughout the whole range of classic blues, rock and metal sounds. I'm also using a Holy Diver bridge and Emerald neck in my RG550, and a set of Black Hawks in my Ian Allerton custom 7-string, and across the whole range of available tones, the recognisable characteristic for me is the absolute clarity of these pickups. Bare Knuckles rule!"

Pickups Used:
Nailbomb, Mississippi Queen

Quote: Matt Bellamy is known for playing guitars made by Exeter-based family-run company, Mansons. He uses a Manson/BKP MBK1 and MBK2 in his Manons signature guitars.

Pickup Used:
Rebel Yell

Quote: Steve Stevens' signature pickup is the Rebel Yell: "The Rebel Yell just growls with an even harmonic richness that I never hear in other pickups. It's so full of clear bottom and perfect pick attack. These pickups are in a whole other league - they're the real deal!"

Pickups Used:
Emerald, Impulse, Rebel Yell, Cold Sweat, Aftermath, Painkiller, Nailbomb

Quote: Josh Smith's signature pickup is the Impulse: "The thing about the Impulse set that I like the most is that they're real players pickups and although designed for me, they don't sway towards any particular genre of music. Just about anyone can buy these pickups and get a lot out of them in most applications. Whether you're a lead player with red-hot chops, or the rhythm player holding down the meat and potatoes, Strat or Les Paul, or baritone 7 string like me, the Impulse set has something to offer to you."

Quote: "Tim's as good as anyone I've come across, he's able to understand what you're trying to say in terms of sound. I'd be saying things such as, "the clang of the Clash", trying not to get too esoteric, but Tim has such expertise and we got there." - Johnny Marr on the development of his Bare Knuckle Jaguar Coils.

Pickup Used:
PG Blues

Quote: "I used a German solid-body with Bare Knuckle Pickups, which are kind of out-of-phase to give you a Peter Green vibe. I just ran both pickups full."

Pickups Used:
PG Blues, Riff Raff, VHII, Black Dog, Slow Hand Single Coil

Quote: "I have had an incredibly good experience with the guys at Bare Knuckle Pickups. Although I'm obsessive about tone, I've been very unadventurous when it comes to pickups, tending to stick with what was in the guitar. But I had an issue with a 70's Strat which sounded good acoustically but was a right dog when plugged in. I knew what I wanted tone wise, but had no idea which pickup would deliver it. I called BKP, was looked after right away and had a long phone conversation on what I wanted. I bought the Slow Hands. When I dropped them in the guitar I was blown away, they were the absolute embodiment of what I had described - they were magic and made my Strat come to life. The detail and weight in the tone was a truly beautiful thing. I am now working with BKP to replace the Pups in all my Les Pauls. We take care, work slowly replacing one at a time and they have helped me realise the sounds in my head. BK pickups have an organic quality and a 'soul' that I have not heard anywhere else.

Pickups Used:
Holydiver, The Sinner Single Coil

Quote: "Bare Knuckle pickups are absolutely the best sounding pickups I've ever played! They are extremely tight and versatile. The highs are crystal clear, the mids are fat, and the lows are warm without ever sounding muddy. I am blown away."

Pickup Used:
Riff Raff

Quote: Brian Molko from Placebo has had the Riff Raff humbucker fitted in his guitars. The unmistakable versatile rock voice of the Riff Raff suits Placebo's playing perfectly.

Pickup Used:
Apache Single Coil

Quote: "Last week was the first opportunity I had to put [Bare Knuckle] pickups on my guitar. They are SO good. I put them in my '72 CBS strat which I love playing, but never sounded that great, and it has been completely transformed. I'm using it on an LP we are currently recording at RAK. I fancy buying another set to try soon too - maybe something a little heavier. Anyway, this is one very happy customer."

Pickup Used:
Mississippi Queen

Quote: "I finally got the Mississippi Queen pickups installed in my LP. They sound amazing! I'm really, really pleased with these! Rest assured, I will run my mouth to everyone I know about how great your pickups are."

Pickups Used:
PAT Pend '59 Slab Board Single, PAT Pend '63 Veneer Board

Quote: "Being a bit of a traditionalist, I use vintage PAT Pend Strat series Bare Knuckles, and they ROCK! Chunky, punchy and a lovely high end, just beautiful. They leave my original '62 pickups trailing in the dust. I love 'em, there's no doubt about it, BARE KNUCKLES ARE THE BEST!"

Pickups Used:
Miracle Man, Nailbomb

Quote: "I use Bare Knuckle 'Nailbombs' in my Explorers because they are the perfect blend of punishing and dynamic. When I need the intensity of a high output pickup they are right there. When I want to dial it back they capture all the nuances of subtle playing."

Pickup Used:
Supermassive 90

Quote: "The Bare Knuckle sounds like the musical equivalent of a building falling down."

Pickup Used:
Black Hawk

Quote: "I used active pickups for a long time. I never thought anything else would ever top it. Then I heard the Blackhawks..."

Pickup Used:
Aftermath

Quote: "Bare Knuckles are so clear and dynamic and really bring out the intensity of your playing. They also help to get the best tone out of your guitar and amp. You can easily hear every note in a full 6 string chord and can tell if a player is picking softly or thrashing the strings."

Pickup Used:
Warpig

Quote: "After 20 years I finally found the best pickup for my instruments: Bare Knuckle ceramic "camo" WARPIG! It has an incredibly powerful and aggressive sound. The "camo" finish adds real brutality and perfection to this wonderful pickup. In the future, I will have no other pickups than Bare Knuckle!"

Pickups Used:
The Mule, Riff Raff, Apache Single Coil, Blackguard Tele® Series - Flat '50, Mississippi Queen

Quote: "From Apaches in my Strats and Blackguards in my Teles, to Mules in my Les Pauls, Bare Knuckle pickups are the best thing I've ever done for my guitars!"

Pickup Used:
PAT Pend '59 Slab Board Single

Quote: The Shadow's guitarist Bruce Welch uses a set of PAT Pend '59 Slab Boards. Bruce was looking to improve his output and clarity when playing live. He also went for the BK 280k pots and BK Jensen Cap.

Pickups Used:
Aftermath, Painkiller

Quote: "Painkillers: I couldn't think of better fit when it comes to mahogany, and the tight, strong mids yet very warm response of Painkillers. This is by far my favourite pickup I've ever tried. Solos sound delicious, like swimming in an ocean of melted cheese. They've got this crisp and powerful attack that bite your fingers back!"

Pickup Used:
J Bass - '60 PE

Quote: "I fitted [Bare Knuckle Pickups] to one of my favourite Jazz basses in December 2012. This was just in time to use it on a special seasonal gig accompanying Eric Clapton and special guest Steve Winwood. This was the first time I had used the Bare Knuckle bass pickups in anger, and I have to say they sounded absolutely awesome! Very clear and punchy low end with serious growl when required, and just the right amount of highs. Really great, and a real improvement over the previously fitted pickups, which were too scooped & bright for my taste. I need strong, punchy fundamentals, clear and articulate mids, and good treble without too much "zingy" high end, and that's what the Bare Knuckle J Bass pickups deliver."

Pickups Used:
Cold Sweat, Aftermath

Quote: "My Cold Sweat and Painkillers are an essential part of my live tone. Both have very tight bottoms and lush high-ends. The Painkillers have more push in the mids, but both pickups give me the live versatility to help me accomplish everything I need tonally, and more."

Pickup Used:
Miracle Man

Quote: "I love my Miracle Man! It takes my tone to a place it couldn't reach before; punch, sustain, clarity, and harmonics are off the charts. Thanks again for making me a part of the family!"

Pickups Used:
Cold Sweat, Nailbomb

Quote: "Punch, definition, organic tone...I could easily continue the list. Both the Nailbomb and Cold Sweat give me an incomparable pleasure to play. The best pickups I ever had!"

Pickups Used:
Black Hawk, Warpig, Nailbomb

Quote: "The low-end tightness and incredible clarity are amazing with these pickups, while still having a lot of output and an incredible tone. They just have the right amount of EVERYTHING, without lacking anything. I seriously believe these are the best pickups I've ever used."

Pickups Used:
Crawler, Stockholm

Quote: "For me, the Crawler pickups are perfect for both Metal and Classic Rock."

Pickup Used:
Piledriver

Quote: "My BK Piledrivers are nothing short of a revelation! They've only gone and turned an already wondrous telecaster into a veritable smorgasbord of sonic tomfoolery, capable of anything I desire! A lower mandible-dropping, twang-resplendent (yet at the same time satisfyingly juicy) collection of wood and wire! And that even rhymed!"

Pickup Used:
Aftermath

Quote: "I used the Aftermath pickup for the first time during the recordings of the upcoming Within Temptation album 'Hydra'. I'll make sure to have all the pickups in my 'live' guitars replaced by Bare Knuckles before we go on tour."

Pickup Used:
Painkiller

Quote: "They arrived and are installed and sound awesome."

Pickup Used:
Rebel Yell

Quote: "As an explorer of sound who merges multiple cultures and genres, I've changed pickups a few times on my guitars, 'till I ended up with BK few years ago. Not going anywhere. They simply have it all,­ the sensitivity, accuracy and power to make every note shine out!"

Pickups Used:
Aftermath, Painkiller

Quote: “I love the clarity, organic feel and openness of the Aftermaths, they are also very dry sounding which allows me to use a saturated tone in low tunings and still retain chord clarity.”

Pickup Used:
Blue Note 90

Quote: "The Blue Note P90s in the Duesenberg and the vintage Jag pick-ups sound wonderful."

Pickup Used:
The Mule

Quote: "The Bare Knuckle Mules bring just the right amount of filth to our Telecasters. These pickups can turn any guitar into a dynamic, responsive instrument. Simply the most solid pickups I've ever used."

Pickup Used:
The Mule

Quote: "After fitting my Tele with Bare Knuckles 5 years ago there's been no turning back. The Bare Knuckle Mules are aggressive, loud and very responsive to pick dynamics. By far the best pickups I've ever used!"

Pickups Used:
Aftermath, Warpig

Quote: "Bare Knuckle Pickups are my number 1 pickup choice. The Warpig bridge and Aftermath neck I'm using gives my guitars such a thick and monstrous tone, perfect for modern metal and rock sounds. I could not be happier with what it brings to my mixes and how consistent it is in a live and studio setting."

Pickup Used:
Nailbomb

Quote: "Just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for turning my Nailbomb pickups around so fast! They got here super quick, and I got them straight to my guitar builder. He was the guitar tech for ELO and made guitars for George Harrison. He played the Nailbombs on my new guitar and said that pickups don't come any better than that! He was really impressed. I can't wait to turn up the volume and enjoy everything these pickups have got to give!"

Pickups Used:
Abraxas, Irish Tour Single Coil, Piledriver, Nantucket

Quote: "My non-reverse Firebird turned into a monster when I installed a set of Abraxas pickups in it; the bridge has just the right amount of bite and responds brilliantly to the dynamics of my playing and the neck is the best neck pickup I've ever used, creamy sustain and tone to die for. Also, having played at the Ballyshannon Rory Gallagher festival at the request of Rory's brother and road manager Donal Gallagher, all I can say is that my Irish Tours stood up to the challenge."

Pickups Used:
VHII, Nailbomb

Quote: Intervals are a progressive metal band hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Aaron Marshall created it as a creative outlet for his own music. Amongst others, Aaron has installed a ceramic Nailbomb/VHII combo in his 6 and 7 string guitars.

Pickup Used:
Supermassive 90

Quote: "I am using the Bare Knuckle [P90] installed in my Gibson Les Paul Junior! The Supermassive 90 really screams when I play lead breaks."

Pickup Used:
Aftermath

Quote: "These pick-ups are killer... so tight, yet so huge; perfect for the 87' Les Paul that they will forever live in. I described to you the sound I was looking for over the phone, and you nailed it with these Aftermaths on the first try. You simply can't get better than that."

Pickup Used:
Aftermath

Quote: Aaron from Paradise Lost has been a BKP fan for a while now, and says: "All the rhythms were recorded exclusively with my stunning Aftermath loaded Mayones Setius, which has been the core heavy riff sound for our upcoming album, Tragic Idol. I'm now officially hooked on Bare Knuckle!"

Pickup Used:
Nailbomb

Quote: "I wasn't aware there was anything other than BKPs that I would want to put in my guitars?! Amazing company to work with in every respect and will have my custom for a long time to come!"

Pickup Used:
The Mule

Quote: "I LOVE my BKP Mule pickup! She's exactly what I was looking for to round out my tone; searing high end, mixed beautifully with just the right amount of low end crunch and response I need...and she packs a punch that'll knock you out for days! Thank you for crafting such amazing products, Bare Knuckle!"

Pickups Used:
The Mule, Painkiller, The Juggernaut, Miracle Man, Warpig

Quote: Rutger is based in the Netherlands, playing in 3 bands Shinigami, Bleeding Gods and Bloodphemy. He plays many genres, from classical music all the way up to death metal and thrash. He says: "I am lucky enough to play Skervesen guitars exclusively through which I have tried a wide variety of Bare Knuckle Pickups these last years, from Painkillers to Black Dogs, Aftermaths and Juggernauts. But simply put, I have tried almost every brand of pickup out there but once I tried Bare Knuckle Pickups I just never looked back. I love the attack, the sheer brute force, yet every single note is clearly distinguishable both live and in the studio. In my eyes these beasts are just the best of the best. For me a Warpig (ceramic) bridge and Mule (alnico) neck combo takes the cake. Combine this with the most awesome finishes and best customer service out there...Well what more can you want! I am very proud to be part of the BKP family!"

Pickups Used:
Black Hawk, Painkiller

Quote: "As expected, they sound completely insane. In a good way! I'm in love with the radiator grill. Looks and sounds amazing! I have never had such awesome service and turn around time before. So thank you very much!"

Pickup Used:
Slow Hand Single Coil

Quote: King King create rocky blues that works a treat with our BKPs.

Pickups Used:
Black Hawk, Aftermath, Painkiller

Quote: "I really love Bare Knuckle Pickups, their organics, dynamic, with clear harmonics. I use them in all my guitars. The most balanced metal pickups!"

Pickups Used:
Black Dog, Piledriver

Quote: "I've have nothing but good things to say about Bare Knuckle! The high output and brilliant clarity of the piledriver and black dog really pushes the front end of my amplifier and gives me so many options tonally!"

Pickups Used:
J Bass - '60 PE, P Bass - '58 Split Coil P

Quote: "The clarity and power and mind blowing. Attack and rumble come in truckloads, yet you can ease off for smooth, thick and warm tones. Even and well defined across the whole fretboard."

Pickups Used:
VHII, Holydiver

Quote: "I have played BKPs for over 10 years and can't imagine my guitar sound without them. The level of clarity and response is unparalleled."

Pickups Used:
Cold Sweat, Painkiller

Pickups Used:
Cold Sweat, Aftermath, The Juggernaut, Holydiver, Cobra Single Coil

Quote: “Finally I can say I have found the perfect balance in my tone; powerful distortion without sacrificing a good clean tone. Versatility is all I needed for the recordings and shows of Kitsune Art and sincerely BKP have it”.

Pickups Used:
Black Hawk, Aftermath

Quote: "Bare Knuckle will make you completely change respect to the guitar pickup's sound. Simply amazing"

Pickups Used:
Abraxas, PAT Pend '63 Veneer Board

Quote: Milton has worked as a session musician for Take That and Jeff Lynne's ELO for many years, playing his BKPs.

Pickups Used:
The Mule, Rebel Yell, Aftermath, Painkiller

Quote: "When I got my first set of Bare Knuckle Pickups I was able to A/B the tone with one of my other guitars. The difference was remarkable. I had more clarity, punch and richness with my Bare Knuckles. Soon after I was playing a festival gig out of my country. The band before us had some issue with squealing, feedback and other various noises. I plug in and experienced none of that. Just great tone. I’ve been using Bare Knuckles in all my guitar ever since."

Pickups Used:
The Mule, VHII, Apache Single Coil, The Mother's Milk Single Coil, PAT Pend '63 Veneer Board, Blackguard Tele® Series - Flat '50

Quote: "I'm using these amazing pickups in all of my guitars. Simply amazing tone, absolutely perfect frequency response and an overall dynamics that astonish you. It's the first time that I am completely satisfied from my pickups and I can't ask for something better."

Pickup Used:
Nailbomb

Quote: "[My] Nailbombs feel so much more comfortable and intuitive than anything I've ever tried. I literally look forward to playing like a kid again! Cleans sound full even in split positions, yet the rhythms are tight and super clear! I'm one happy BKP owner now!"

Pickup Used:
Aftermath

Quote: "The pickups arrived and they f*cking rule."

Pickups Used:
Aftermath, Nailbomb

Quote: "Bare Knuckle Pickups have become the staple of my tone; guaranteed clarity and uncompromised bottom end aid me to supply the riff heavy onslaught that a Wild Lies show delivers".

Pickups Used:
Stormy Monday, Riff Raff

Quote: "Working on The Arc Angel with Boult has been nothing but a pleasure. I was completely overwhelmed when Chris said he would build me a signature model guitar and he really listened to what I was looking for in my next guitar. I needed a guitar that could handle both heaviness and soul, The Arc Angel delivers both with ease. Loading her up with Bare Knuckle's was a no brain'er, I have used Bare Knuckles on all HOTD recordings and knew the tone I desired, the Riff Raff gives me the bite I need, whilst the Stormy Monday provides warmth and soul. Having had serious back troubles all of my adult life, It was essential that the guitar was lightweight and comfortable to play, I couldn't believe what Chris and the guys at Boult have achieved - this beauty is lighter than the f*cking case I carry her in! I am over the moon with the finished beast and cannot wait to break her in over the next shows with Hair of the Dog - Thank You Boult & Bare Knuckle, this is a dream come true!"

Pickup Used:
Painkiller

Quote: "The Bareknuckles Painkiller is integral to my guitar sound - and vital to Glitoris’ sonic identity. When I need the upper mid-range cut on my riff and lead breaks, the Painkiller is right there: powerful, intense and abrasive. The Painkiller’s pick attack is second to none and its effortless sustain means I can hang over the rhythm with ease".

Pickups Used:
Black Hawk, Impulse, Painkiller

Quote: "I love to upgrade my guitars with Bare Knuckles because you can reveal the true sound of the guitar. My Ibanez Custom Strat sounds very big and chunky, sustains better than any of my others now. It's super comfy and I absolutely love it.”

Pickup Used:
Painkiller

Quote: "I loaded up my guitar with painkillers and was stunned. Chilling tone but super strong mids and a freezing sustain."

Pickups Used:
Cold Sweat, Nailbomb

Quote: "Nothing cuts through a mix like a set of Bare Knuckles. The Nailbomb/Cold Sweat combo was what finally gave me everything I was looking for as a player. As someone who does lead work almost exclusively, each pickup's seamless blend of vintage and modern voicing provides a truly dynamic and responsive feel that grants my hands full tonal control over my instrument. Second to none."

Pickups Used:
Nailbomb, 'Pig 90

Quote: "My Bare Knuckles are absolutely killer!! The 'Pig 90 is so brutal with tonnes of clarity and the Nailbomb has perfect balance, smooth for lead tones and a real punch in the face for the riffs."

Pickup Used:
Warpig

Quote: "I use Warpigs because I need gain, power, punch and clarity and these pickups really did this to my sound. I'm very happy with my sound now and a lot of "culpability" is for the Bare Knuckle Warpig."

Pickups Used:
Impulse, The Juggernaut, Nailbomb

Quote: "Bare Knuckles are great because they have such an honest, organic quality. You get out of them what you put in, which is a quality I’ve always been drawn to. Pickups should sound like the player!”

Pickup Used:
Nailbomb

Pickups Used:
VHII, Cold Sweat, Nantucket

Quote: "The VHII is the best all-round pickup on the market, bar none. Its ability to go from low gain classic rock to crushing death metal tones and keep its articulation and clarity is unsurpassed. Its warm, round midrange comes through in all gain settings, making it ideal for anything from Blues to Hardcore, which comes into its own when paired with the Nantucket P90’s equal ability to turn genre on a dime. On one hand warming the most sterile Jazz tones, while still maintaining clarity and high end chime to hear every note of every extended chord voicing. On the other hand, dealing out venomous saturated high gain leads. For Desert Rock to Death Metal the VHII and Nantucket combo is not something to be taken lightly."

Pickups Used:
Piledriver, Cobra T

Quote: "The classic 'Tele twang' mixed with buttery smoothness and that extra hot sauce for when you need to turn the gain up. Through distortion it gives me exactly what I need to get the job done. Top end sizzle with enough low end punch and articulation to make my tone the easiest part of any show or recording session.”

Pickups Used:
Miracle Man, Trilogy Suite Single Coil

Quote: "I have been using the Miracle Man and Trilogy Suites in my Jackson SL1 for over 2 years now. I have been around most of the big brands, and I have no issue saying they are by far the best pickups I have every used. The Miracle Man is as hot as a passive without losing any of the attributes of a passive, and the Trilogy Suites are really smooth, perfectly accommodating any sound I require from a single coil."

Pickups Used:
Warpig, Mississippi Queen

Quote: "I've been using Bare Knuckle Pickups for over a decade now. I'm still yet to find a pickup that responds and articulates every tiny detail I put into the strings as well as BK's do. The dynamic range is unparalleled in my opinion. I don't have any effects currently in my Press to MECO rig, so having a pickup that can give me a bundle of different sounds and tones based on how I hit the strings is so important to me. On top of that, they sound absolutely HUGE as well! The Warpig in the bridge makes so much noise with all the clarity I could ever ask for, whilst the Mississippi Queen in the neck is responsible for 90% of my clean tones. I've been saying it for the last ten years and I'll say it for the next: Bare Knuckle Pickups are the best".