Hi all,

I registered just for this one specific post. I emailed FMIC last night about whether or not it would be possible for me to order a set of Big Dippers directly from the custom shop, but they indeed are only available on the John Mayer model.

Recently I have seen on the Torres engineering site that they offer something called the Buzkut pickup that is supposed to emulate the Big Dipper as well as reduce noise. Have any of you heard anything about (or actually used) these pickups? Are they the real deal? I have also heard many disparaging comments about Dan Torres on other forums, making me a little uneasy about doing business with him. Anybody got a frame of reference on him?

I absolutely love the sound of those p/ups, but my budget is so far from getting a Mayer Signature Strat it's sad. I am actually building up a custom Strat from a Mexi body (using a Carvin neck) and various hardware, and I wanted to put a couple of Big Dippers on there. That won't be happening. If there are any other p/ups out there that sound similar to the Dips I would love to know about them. Thank you all for your input and time!

---Mike

Ihave seen sets of Big Dippers for sale on Ebay plenty of times. Keep your eye on it, you never know.

Thanks, I will definitely keep an eye out on eBay then. I will put a bid in for that set that's listed now.

Does anyone dealt with Torres Engineering before? I might shell out the cash on eBy but if I can get a low priced alternative I would rather do that.

Anybody?

Well, from what I've heard one of the mains characteristics of those pups is "scooped mids" I've also heard that's one of the things about mine that came stock in my classic player 60s strat. They're "3 Custom ‘69 Single-Coil Strat® Pickups with Grey Bobbins "
220 new on musicians friend.

My advice for you would be to go to fender's products page and listen to all the sound samples you can get a hold of, see what you like that's in your price range.

Thanks JoeFaity! I am going to take a look and listen to those CS '69s. I actually had looked at them as well, earlier. I may also have some custom winders take a shot at winding something similar to those two pickups up. Thanks for the help all!

I have purchased from Torres before, but just stuff like pots and switches, so that doesn't tell you much about the pickups. Everthing was always shipped promptly.

My solution for the mid-scoop sound with noise canceling was to get some Dimarzio area 58 pickups and use the midrange scoop from www.guitar-mod.com. It works perfectly and gives you control of how much of a scooped sound you want.

-Eddie

I just purchased the BuzCut Torres Pickups and dealt directly with Mr. Torres. I discussed the Big Dippers Fender Mayer Pick-ups sound and he made me feel confident his hand wound p/u's would be better and that was his original design that was copied. With that being said, I purchase over the telephone and have yet to install. However, I realized I made a mistake when ordering the White pickup covers and called back Mr. Torres and he gladly wanted me to be happy and of course endorse his pick-ups and sent me free of charge a set of aged pick-up covers - nice touch.

So far so well with working with him and time will tell how they sound. If your looking for that sound, I've been able to get that sound by using a Fender Tube Tween Amp, Keeley pedals with all 5 of my strats (some tone controls and volume need to be adjustaed, but you should be doing that already - never should be at 10). My Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck and my custom Strat with Texas Specials do a great job - Eric Clapton guitar nees to be tweaked a little. Again, it's mostly in the amp, alittle with effects and pick-ups for me. Good luck in your Tone Hunt!

I just tried a Torres BuzKut loaded Strat in a shop and holy shinola...if these are what all the hoopla is about with the Big Dippers, I can understand why now. Great tone from every pickup combination!

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I've purchased a few items from Torres Engineering, and have nothing but great things to say about this company. I've used their products since 1992, and have always been satisfied. I've never used any of his pick-up's, but the amp mods, tubes, and drop in guitar electronics have been outstanding. They ship promply, and the products are of good quality. I've even had long conversations with Dan Torres over the phone, and he was nothing less than informative and personable. I would highly reccommend any of their products.

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