New McNelly Pickup models!

New McNelly Pickup models!

Tim has been well known for his custom pickup work since McNelly Pickups began,  and it's great to see some of that custom work find it's way to the standard range. Tim released some teaser photos of an awesome retro cut pickup cover as well as some P90 Soapbar sized Gold Foils and the response was superb! 
Meet the latest McNelly Pickups set! The Chaplain

Meet the latest McNelly Pickups set! The Chaplain

I've been really excited about this set, after Tim teased some prototype videos on his social media channels recently.

McNelly have never let tradition dictate design and The Chaplain is a testament to that approach. By taking some inspiration from the Charlie Christians, Tim has made something that's not only bold, but extremely expressive with none of the honk. The tight and punchy low end is combined with exceptional clarity that is well beyond any traditional humbucker. But don't mistake this for a jazz-only affair. When you push harder, you'll be rewarded with dynamic response and distortion that doesn't get in the way of chords.
McNelly Pickups at the Home of Tone going into 2019

McNelly Pickups at the Home of Tone going into 2019

I'll be honest, with so many aspects of starting and trying to grow your own business, It's difficult to pinpoint my proudest moment since doing this, but I feel I can very much put representing McNelly Pickups right up there at the top of the list. I've worked with Tim at McNelly Pickups since 2015, and he has been one of the most reliable, consistent, innovative and inspiring suppliers to work with and it's an honour to represent such a quality brand here in the UK. 
Pickup spotlight - McNelly Jazzmaster range

Pickup spotlight - McNelly Jazzmaster range

For me, the Jazzmaster totally reset the bar of what I wanted from a guitar. The Chime, overall feel, scale, string tension and versatility spoke to me instantly. This is the same for so many of my customers, so I wanted to highlight the range of Jazzmaster pickup options available through us, how you can capture the classic JM tones and how you can mix it up a little without the need for re-routing or a new pickguard. So let's dive right in.
McNelly Black Friday new model release!

McNelly Black Friday new model release!

For this year's black Friday, we have officially launched a range of pickups which have always been available, but upon special request previously, making them part of the main line-up!
The Saint Nick returns!

The Saint Nick returns!

It's Christmas, the eggnog is flowing, and McNelly Pickups thought they'd have a bit of fun with these, and for one night only (Christmas Eve) bring back the Saint Nick! Dropping single coils in a humbucker guitar with no need for mods is the name of the game with the Saint Nicks.

They're warm, fat, and chimey. Just like the man himself.

McNelly Charlie Christian Soapbar Pickup demo!

McNelly Charlie Christian Soapbar Pickup demo!

Using traditional components, true to the original CC Pickup design but of course in typical McNelly fashion, trying to further improve on it too. This pickup is beautifully clear and very transparent, whilst also being incredibly responsive to touch and tone/volume settings. I recorded this clean demo (which also shows it mixed with a T-Bar bridge pickup for example purposes) to hopefully show what a beautiful sounding and versatile pickup this is. Charlie Christian by name and design, but a whole lot more than just a swing/jazz sound!
Thinking of swapping your pickups? - A handy guide for new tone hunters!

Thinking of swapping your pickups? - A handy guide for new tone hunters!

Changing your guitar's pickups can prove to be a brilliantly cost effective way of transforming the sound of your guitar, and also a way of bringing out the best in your instrument. For so many it has been the first port of call in modifying their guitar and changing their sound. Perhaps you're planning on tweaking a more entry level Squier for example, chances are that you love how the guitar feels and plays but it's low quality pickups just don't quite do the job. This can sometimes even be the case with higher value instruments and it's existing pickups just simply don't fit the bill for you, be it personal tastes etc.
Project Offset Phase One - A Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster goes under the knife

Project Offset Phase One - A Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster goes under the knife

One task that's always at the top of my 'To-Do' list, is creating a collection of demo videos for the entire McNelly Pickups Range. Although I've recorded videos with some beautiful premium guitars, without doubt the best way of demo-ing pickups is by upgrading more 'budget' instruments. Why? Well this is a great way of not hiding behind quality woods and materials. If it sounds great, then it's mostly because of the pickups!
Meet The Maker - Social Distortion to Luthiery, a chat Drew Walsh of Walsh Guitars

Meet The Maker - Social Distortion to Luthiery, a chat Drew Walsh of Walsh Guitars

I began to notice a bit of a transition in the guitar market over over the last few years. One that saw guitar buyers yearning for something a little different to the norm. Instrument designs that perhaps break the conventional molds, and I think the times we are in at the moment, those alternative choices available have never been better.