Porter Pickups was started by Brian Porter from his own need for guitar pickups to be used in his custom guitars. Brian’s pickup designs quickly caught on with players who were looking for custom wound tone and cover options. Soon he found that building guitars needed to be put to the side, building pickups is what he needed to focus on.
Now Porter Pickups has grown from a DIY set up in the garage, employing a team of 4 custom pickup builders in a 3,000 square foot shop. Brian is constantly adding to machinery, so they can create new designs and tones you fall in love with.
Each Porter Pickup has been created to meet a tonal need and to serve a purpose to a specific instrument. Since the pickup is such a crucial part of the tone translation.
Brian and his team feel that a well designed pickup will greatly enhance your overall tone and playing experience. Their pickups reflect this in the quality of build and custom options available.
Morgan Edwards16 May 2024Brad’s advice was instrumental in helping me to choose the gear that was right for my needs. What’s more, Brad’s customer service was second to none. I am pleased to have been able to purchase my epic Genzler rig (Magellan 800 + NuClassic 2x12) through Tone Merchants, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend them to anybody looking for equipment (pickups, amps, hardware and more) for their bass or guitar.
David “Denial” Mortenson1 May 2024I can't tell you enough about how Brad helped me out of a jam, I was on tour recently in NZ/AUST with LIVE - (Bass Tech) and I had a tuning peg get damaged in transport and Tone Merchants were the only dealers on that side of the world with the peg I needed. Brad was so fast with an email response and express shipping of the peg I was back up and running with in a couple days. Thank you Brad, I will always recommend and hopefully stop in and see you next time I'm in town!!
Brenten Blury29 April 2024Brad sorted some amazing fralin pickups at a great price and included some extra covers due to a stock discrepancy. Very helpful and good service. Thanks!
Matthew Berg28 April 2024After doing plenty of hunting for a replacement bridge for my Rickenbacker bass i stumbled across Tone Merchants. The communication back and forth while i waited for the import to arrive was great.... Prompt shipping to me in Australia at a very reasonable cost! The tone, playability and most of all functionality of this upgrade is second to none. 10/10. It's just like a cup of Dilmah - "Do Try It".
Marty Forrer8 April 2024I purchased TI Jazz Flats and prewired Jazz control plate from Tone Merchants. Excellent products and excellent service.
Olivier Holland19 March 2024Fantastic shop stocking some top notch gear, most notably Genzler amps! Massive 'thumbs up' and recommendations!
Matt Harvey14 March 2024Legendary. Great advice from Brad regarding modding options aswell as a wicked service in the explanation as to what each can do for your tone. The concentric knob control plate was simple to install, looks amazing on the US Fender and with the series/parallel switches my tone control is spot on. A slick and stylish vintage look and an even better sounding jazz bass.
Seamus Jolly14 March 2024Fantastic service, and what a bass! Highly recommend these guys. Thanks again Brad
Julian Pettitt11 March 2024Can't speak highly enough of Brad, great to deal with, knowledgeable and professional. Bought the Genzler Magellan 800 amp and Bass Array 4x10 cabinet and have never sounded better! The whole band is stoked on the tone and clarity of my rig, thanks Tone Merchants!
