Ultimate Links to British Pickups
Over the last few years, choices of pickups have greatly increased. A few decades ago, if you didn't like your OEM pickup then really the main alternative was Americain brands like DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan, with EMG and Lace joining the party as technology widened the possible options.
Thanks to the Internet however, the range of what can be labelled "boutique pickups", hand wound and high quality products often not found in retail shops, has revolutionised the market. Even better, we appear to have a growing cottage industry operating in this field and eager to offer both the independent Luthiers and discerning Guitarists exactly what we want.
Here is a list of British Pickups that I have found so far, some which I can recommend, some that are listed but that I haven't tried or dealt with. Additions are welcome if submitted, subject to our discretion.
Bare Knuckle Pickups
Bare Knuckle Pickups have literally reinvented the UK custom pickup market, raising the profile of what's available, and demonstrating that it was not only on par with well established US brands, but often better providing a level of service many thought of as in the remmit of "celebrities" only. Popular brand now found on many Luthier's custom instruments as the brand awareness has increased, with great marketing supporting a good product and service, reflected in their price. Tried it, loved it.
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk
CatsWhiskers
UK designed and made by Allan Price. Conforms to what most would expect an original 70's Hotrod custom pickup maker to deliver. Good consultation and advice, and custom specs that deliver at a fair price.
http://www.catswhiskerpickups.co.uk/
BullDogPickups
UK designed and made by Hayden Minnett. Bulldog pickups are a rising brand, with experience. Good consultation and advice, and custom specs that deliver at a fair price.
http://www.bulldogpickups.com/
Wizard Pickups
Full range. Started as a repair service before going into production. Scatterwound in the UK.
http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk
Gemini Pickups
Quality custom voiced pickups used by several reputed UK luthiers and companies.
http://www.geminipickups.co.uk/
SwineHead Pickups
Another company offering great looking custom pickups, even with exotic custom wooden bobbins and facia. Tried to get a updated price list but sadly no reply as of yet, and now their site is down. Let's hope they come back soon.
http://www.swineheadpickups.co.uk ( link broken as of July 2010, sorry!)
Adeson Pickups and Fenton Weill
Very traditional "Great British" pickups with a 50 and 60's vibe.
Voltage Guitarpickups
Another very british and vintage manufacturer.
http://www.voltageguitarpickups.com/
The Creamery
Based in Manchester, I just got an email from Jaimie Campbell asking to be added to the list. Had a look at the site and really liked the look of it, so I just had to add it, and hope that I can try some of his pickups at some stage in the future.
http://www.at-the-creamery.co.uk
Sidewynder Pickups
These are made in Scotland, and all I know is that Jimmy Moon from Moon Guitars, who is a really good luthier as well as a really great person, apparently said that they are good. So here they are...
IronGear
OK, they are "specced" in the UK, and made in the Far East (Korea I think), but I thought it usefull to put a real "cheaper" option in this list. Great for the price if bought online, but not yet equal to the best hand wound pickups offered by the best UK manufacturers, but a good option if on a limited budget.
