Bare Knuckle ???

[schpaybo]

I have a Bare Knuckle Pickup I got on a trade, reads 13.75K on my Fluke 115. Anybody have an Idea what model it is? Thanks!!!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Based on your Fluke 115 reading of 13.75K, you are almost certainly looking at one of two specific Bare Knuckle bridge models. [1, 2]
Because DC resistance fluctuates slightly based on ambient room temperature, wire gauge variances, and manufacturing tolerances, a reading of 13.75K points directly to a nominal spec of 13.7K. [1, 2]

The Primary Suspects
Your pickup is highly likely one of the following:



Cold Sweat (Bridge)
$223.00
Motor City Guitar
This is Bare Knuckle’s most famous model with an exact factory spec of 13.7K. It is part of their Contemporary range and features a Ceramic magnet. It’s known for a bright, cutting high-end and tight bass, heavily inspired by late '80s John Sykes/Whitesnake tones.

---

Boot Camp "True Grit" (Humbucker Bridge)
$296.83(£222.95)
Glued to Music
Part of their streamlined Boot Camp series, the True Grit humbucker also specs out officially at 13.7K. Unlike the Cold Sweat, this one uses an Alnico V magnet and is voiced for a punchy, mid-forward classic rock to hard rock tone. [1, 2, 3, 4]
(Note: There was also an "old" pre-2006 version of the Holy Diver that read around 13.6K with a ceramic magnet, but those are quite rare.) [1]

How to Tell Them Apart
To narrow it down between a Cold Sweat and a True Grit without tearing it apart, check the visual design and wiring:

• • The Lead Wire: Boot Camp series pickups (True Grit) typically come standard with distinct black braided outer jacketing or standard 4-conductor wiring. [1]
  • The Baseplate: Turn the pickup over. True Grit models usually feature a laser-etched Boot Camp logo (a combat boot tread or minimalist typography) on the back. Standard Bare Knuckle models like the Cold Sweat generally feature the classic cursive handwritten-style "Bare Knuckle Pickups" engraving or a small printed label.
  • The Magnet (The Ultimate Test If you take a steel screwdriver and lightly feel the magnetic pull on the poles, ceramic magnets (Cold Sweat) tend to feel incredibly aggressive and snappy across the entire bottom face, whereas Alnico V (True Grit) has a slightly softer, more localized pull.

To help you pin down the exact model, what do the back of the baseplate and the lead wires look like? If it has a cover or distinct pole pieces (like hex bolts vs. screws), let me know!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

don't let me know, lol that was AI

 

[Exo-metal]

I have a ceramic Nailbomb coming Thursday. I'll see where it sits.

 

[Nigel]

I have a ceramic Nailbomb coming Thursday. I'll see where it sits.

I have one from a guitar I got and think it's a Nailbomb, but I can't be sure. Never played any other BK's. It's like a JB but more articulate with less "Push" / output and more clarity. Like it needs a boost to do the JB thing right.

 

[Exo-metal]

I have one from a guitar I got and think it's a Nailbomb, but I can't be sure. Never played any other BK's. It's like a JB but more articulate with less "Push" / output and more clarity. Like it needs a boost to do the JB thing right.

Most aren't ceramic. You should check to see what it is.