Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). The Venom V2 - Made in the UK Discussions on The Fretboard
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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

The Venom V2

OilCityPickupsOilCityPickups Frets: 7616
edited November 2013 in Made in the UK tFB Trader
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Here's one of the new V range from OCP the V2 Venom :) I thought I'd tell you all a little about the thinking that went behind it's design.
Firstly I've been making more and more high output humbuckers to special order for customers and so it seemed only sensible to release the resultant designs as standard models.
There are a lot of similarities between the concept of the Venom and a certain other famous aftermarket pickup: they are both 17k, designed for the bridge position and are equipped with alnico 5 magnets. but I wanted to take that basic idea and make a much more 'organic' sounding pickup. I wanted to loose some of the ice-pick brittleness on the top end and ensure that backing off on the volume cleaned up the output evenly. I wanted a thoroughly tight and modern bottom end, with a pickup that could cut it with blues through to balls to the wall metal. The other criteria was that it must split well ... this was a selfish thing really, as I knew I was going to put one in my Epi Flying V ... and I wanted to be able to get a convincing Tele tone for use in my own band.
 
Well I'm going to be conceited and say I'm delighted with the Venom ... through a Fender Twin and split, I get a very nice single coil sound ... and as I have equipped my V with a progressive split (on the old tone knob) I can dial in any amount 'second coil filth' I want. Pinch harmonics nice and easy (even split) and my flailing attempts at anything vagely 'chug chug' actually sound pretty convincing  ... if, sadly,  at 'half speed' compared to the real experts at that style).

I wrestled with concepts for the pickup's looks long and hard. It comes as standard in 'all black' with black hex-wrench poles (Spinal Tap anyone?) but I also offer it in zebra, reverse zebra and 'Dont Tell Larry' finish ... all with the distinctive black 5mm poles. If anyone wants them with traditional Filister head  screws and slugs I can do that ... but it will change the sound slightly ... then of course you could bury them in 'chrome spam cans' ... shame on you :)
Oh, I find these pair really well with my Scrapyard Dog Plus in the neck ... again I have this in my V ... and I can't stop playing it. Jeez I'm sad ....

Professional pickup winder, horse-testpilot and recovering Chocolate Hobnob addict.
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups  ... Oil City Blog

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Comments

  • ThePrettyDamnedThePrettyDamned Frets: 7416
    Nice. That sounds pretty much like what I will be needing!

    Looks very metal. I'll probably want zebra or don't tell Larry...
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  • OilCityPickupsOilCityPickups Frets: 7616
    tFB Trader
    As the ... er ...  'Don't Tell Larry' finish is with the black poles I was thinking of calling it 'Dirty Dalmation' finish :)

    Professional pickup winder, horse-testpilot and recovering Chocolate Hobnob addict.
    Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups  ... Oil City Blog

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  • ThePrettyDamnedThePrettyDamned Frets: 7416
    Dirty Dalmation! That's fantastic.  

    I love it.  And I'm glad it splits nicely, too, I want an excuse to wire up a mini switch... 
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  • stonevibestonevibe Frets: 6677
    Nice. 

    I'll have to try one of these.
    You can now read my guitar ramblings here http://www.gearnews.com and here https://guitarbomb.com 


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  • ThePrettyDamnedThePrettyDamned Frets: 7416
    So how did you beat the ice picky ness? I've yet to be happy with an Alnico 5 pickup, for that reason...
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  • OilCityPickupsOilCityPickups Frets: 7616
    tFB Trader
    Scatter winding helps calm down that top end a lot :)
    Er ... your Cow-T-Ron's alnico 5 lol!
    Professional pickup winder, horse-testpilot and recovering Chocolate Hobnob addict.
    Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups  ... Oil City Blog

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  • ThePrettyDamnedThePrettyDamned Frets: 7416
    TheGuitarWeasel said:
    Scatter winding helps calm down that top end a lot :)
    Er ... your Cow-T-Ron's alnico 5 lol!
    Haha! I should clarify - high output alnico 5! They always seem to be designed for making ears bleed...

    Well, sounds like this is the bridge pickup I'll be ordering ;)
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  • daveyhdaveyh Frets: 648
    This looks interesting ...
    Trading feedback: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/57836/
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  • OilCityPickupsOilCityPickups Frets: 7616
    tFB Trader

    daveyh said:
    This looks interesting ...
    Various options are available :)
    Ere-tis on me site
    Professional pickup winder, horse-testpilot and recovering Chocolate Hobnob addict.
    Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups  ... Oil City Blog

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