the real thing?

[gosid]

Hi,
I've just bought a pair of what were claimed to be “Kent Armstrong” pickups on e-bay. Whilst the pups have 'Kent Armstrong' embossed on the front, labels on the back proclaim “Sky Pickups” “Designed by Kent Armstrong”. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=38#
EEK!

Does anyone know are these genuine Armstrong pickups, or cheep copies? (I'm not about to re-route by bass for the latter!).
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=38#
help

 

[luknfur]

Hi,
I've just bought a pair of what were claimed to be “Kent Armstrong” pickups on e-bay. Whilst the pups have 'Kent Armstrong' embossed on the front, labels on the back proclaim “Sky Pickups” “Designed by Kent Armstrong”. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=38#
EEK!

Does anyone know are these genuine Armstrong pickups, or cheep copies? (I'm not about to re-route by bass for the latter!).
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=38#
help

FWIW:

From what I've gathered, designed means exactly that. Whoever designs it and they're made by somebody else. The Bart "designed" MK's are Korean, Duncan has some designed pups, and several makers do. But that would explain why they're comparatively cheaper pricewise.

I'd contact the Armstrong site. Either Dan or Kent works through somebody elses site but can't remember which - think it's Dan. Maybe somebody reading this will know which and the site.

Regardless, doesn't mean they won't be to your liking. Unless they were misrepresented (and designed would give them the right to use the name) you don't have much grounds. But you could contact the seller and as likely as not, he'd take them back if not installed - probably less shipping.