Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: mophead on September 24, 2005, 09:00:03 PM

Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: mophead on September 24, 2005, 09:00:03 PM
I play hendrix, sabbath, right up to megadeth etc. I already own a fender telcaster ( two singlecoils) so i need something to add a different dimension for some good distortion. (I am only thinking of replacing the bridge pickup by the way)
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: PhilKing on September 24, 2005, 09:34:28 PM
Go with the Riff Raff.  It is very versatile.   The Warpig gives a much more heavy sound with a lot of bottom end.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Steve-Mr Pig 2U on September 24, 2005, 09:35:48 PM
I would agree, the Riff Raff sounds great in SG's.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Tim on September 24, 2005, 09:49:34 PM
I always recommend trying to keep the output low on SG's as medium output pickups mud out with all that mahogany, hence my Riff Raff suggestion.A high gainer like a Warpig sounds good and so does a Miracle Man as both have more than enough power to really drive through timber.Funnily enough I fitted a Stormy Monday to a friends SG and that sounded really nice too......quite a surprise but it chunked up really well into an overdriven Marshall.
The ones to avoid are the medium output humbuckers as they simply seem to add to the bottom end of the mahogany.So I wouldn't bother with VHII,Emerald, Crawler or even a Nailbomb as that's got a big bass response too even though it's quite high gain.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 24, 2005, 11:39:30 PM
So Nailbombs arent really good in SG's? That's what i was planning on getting for my SG... :?  :cry:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: willo on September 24, 2005, 11:55:50 PM
Gotta love that 'Micacle Man'  :lol:


and the customary 'welcome to the forums'! :D
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: 38thBeatle on September 25, 2005, 07:56:37 AM
I voted Riff Riff- predicable of me I know but just makes sense to me.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Tim on September 25, 2005, 10:04:33 AM
Quote from: Minty
So Nailbombs arent really good in SG's? That's what i was planning on getting for my SG... :?  :cry:

I wouldn't totally dismiss it but my experience of SG's is the bottom end blooms up quite a bit with certain pickups and the Nailbomb has a lot of bottom and mid range both inherent in an SG.Some SGs will take a Nailbomb perfectly well if they're very bright but on the whole I've found that sub DC8.5K humbuckers sound fantastic,Alnico V powered humbuckers in particular the closer you get to DC8.5K so in this instance if a customer wanted a Mule I'd go with AV over AIV.A Stormy Monday, because the wind is lower and the tone more open, sounds great with AIV.
At the other end of the scale, the high gainers like Miracle Man which is ceramic powered work well as the magnet controls the bass response or Warpig are excellent.Both of these are wound with a very fine gauge wire which keeps the coil size small.........the smaller coil footprint under the strings keeps the tone more focused.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: donovan.x on September 25, 2005, 10:23:08 AM
Tim. I am having the same problem, when I first asked you about pups I had a Ibanez and you suggested Nailbombs , I have since picked up an SG and have decided that this is the guitar I want to spend the money on. I want a crushing distortion sound as said before, "St anger" period Metallica, "Five minutes alone" Pantera but I also want stunning cleans (Nikleback) and something that splits well. What would you say would do the job now. This is going to be for both the neck and the bridge. I'm not fussed if its a set or not, Just the best to give me the range I am after.
Thanks in advance as I know your answer will enavle me to sleep at night again :wink:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: _tom_ on September 25, 2005, 10:48:16 AM
From the clips I've heard, Warpigs will give you a big crushing sound (listen to Ratrods Suicide Messiah clip), and great cleans aswell!
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: donovan.x on September 25, 2005, 10:49:43 AM
Mmmm Warpigs. :twisted:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Ratrod on September 25, 2005, 11:59:39 AM
I voted for the Riff Raff. Angus has the best SG sound ever.

Donovanx, +1 on the Warpig. Tune the guitar to drop C and you've got instant St. Anger.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Matt57 on September 25, 2005, 02:44:45 PM
Hi all,

I recently bought a Nailbomb for My SG Standard and it has been perfect! Maybe there's more to it and perhaps another BKP would have been a better choice? When I ordered Tim did state thath he usually recommends either the high output end or the Lower region for SGs but after describing my setup and style we agreed that the NB would be good. The NB in mine sounds superb and I'd be hesitant to change it. I've played through Marshall and Orange stacks and both work well.

At least I'm satisfied! :) Btw - I play heavy punk rock (in the Discharge type direction).

M57
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 25, 2005, 03:14:51 PM
Quote from: Matt57
Hi all,

I recently bought a Nailbomb for My SG Standard and it has been perfect! Maybe there's more to it and perhaps another BKP would have been a better choice? When I ordered Tim did state thath he usually recommends either the high output end or the Lower region for SGs but after describing my setup and style we agreed that the NB would be good. The NB in mine sounds superb and I'd be hesitant to change it. I've played through Marshall and Orange stacks and both work well.

At least I'm satisfied! :) Btw - I play heavy punk rock (in the Discharge type direction).

M57


Awesome! I want a Nailbomb in my SG aswell. I am ordering it next week :D

And i also play punk / hardcore / ska.  What amp do you use? I have a Marshall DSL50
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Kilby on September 25, 2005, 03:29:32 PM
Originally I thought (and voted) Riff Raff, but then thinking about Claptons SG sound which would be more along the lines of a Mule (underwound ?)

I'm not sure what Frank Marino used but he got a real nice sound too.

Ohhhh too many choices !
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Tim on September 25, 2005, 06:11:18 PM
Quote from: Minty
Quote from: Matt57
Hi all,

I recently bought a Nailbomb for My SG Standard and it has been perfect! Maybe there's more to it and perhaps another BKP would have been a better choice? When I ordered Tim did state thath he usually recommends either the high output end or the Lower region for SGs but after describing my setup and style we agreed that the NB would be good. The NB in mine sounds superb and I'd be hesitant to change it. I've played through Marshall and Orange stacks and both work well.

At least I'm satisfied! :) Btw - I play heavy punk rock (in the Discharge type direction).

M57


Awesome! I want a Nailbomb in my SG aswell. I am ordering it next week :D

And i also play punk / hardcore / ska.  What amp do you use? I have a Marshall DSL50


Well there you go.........all I can add is that if you buy one and it's not right, I will of course swap it.

Back to the original post............add a Nailbomb to the list too:D ..............testimonials from guys playing the same guitar is worth it's weight.
Having read through the threads again I can't help thinking that the Warpig is going to be the best do all in this scenario as everyone seems to want, power, cut and a useable clean tone............the Nailbomb too as it has a great bottom end happening, fantastic for Sabbath!
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Matt57 on September 25, 2005, 06:55:12 PM
Quote from: Minty
Quote from: Matt57
Hi all,

I recently bought a Nailbomb for My SG Standard and it has been perfect! Maybe there's more to it and perhaps another BKP would have been a better choice? When I ordered Tim did state thath he usually recommends either the high output end or the Lower region for SGs but after describing my setup and style we agreed that the NB would be good. The NB in mine sounds superb and I'd be hesitant to change it. I've played through Marshall and Orange stacks and both work well.

At least I'm satisfied! :) Btw - I play heavy punk rock (in the Discharge type direction).

M57


Awesome! I want a Nailbomb in my SG aswell. I am ordering it next week :D

And i also play punk / hardcore / ska.  What amp do you use? I have a Marshall DSL50


I play the SG straight into an Orange. I occasionally use a Wah but find that a good solid SG with good pickup and a professional quality lead straight into the amp cant be beat (for me anyways). Great tone and loads of sustain. I played the SG(w/NB) through Marshall stack at a gig last week and the it sounded really sweet! :)
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 25, 2005, 07:49:33 PM
Quote from: Tim

Well there you go.........all I can add is that if you buy one and it's not right, I will of course swap it.


How can Bareknuckle get ANY Better? :drink:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: mophead on September 25, 2005, 08:36:02 PM
What i really need is something that can turn from a clapton cream style blues sound into a heavy poweful distortion sound with the twist of the gain knob.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: mophead on September 25, 2005, 08:38:16 PM
Im using a marshall valvestate 8080 80 watt combo
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Tim on September 25, 2005, 09:40:49 PM
I just dragged my Nailbomb loaded Vee out and had a play..........it's all mahogany so we're in  a similar SG ballpark although the timber does perform slightly differently due to the construction.
With just the Vee going straight into my Engl combo I could get some crushing vintage metal tone, slipping to the clean channel with the boost button in(adds another gain stage-crunch I suppose you'd call it)and the tone was smooth and punchy.........not my first stop for blues but pretty good none the less!
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: big steve on September 25, 2005, 10:02:30 PM
Quote from: Minty

How can Bareknuckle get ANY Better? :drink:


free beer?
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 25, 2005, 10:04:07 PM
Yeah... And the main reason i am going for the Nailbomb is because Jon from  No Comply uses one and he recomended it to me, seeing as i want to achieve a similar tone to him! He also uses an SG and a Marshall JCM.  :D
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 25, 2005, 10:04:35 PM
Quote from: big steve
Quote from: Minty

How can Bareknuckle get ANY Better? :drink:


free beer?


Good call!  :lol:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Skybone on September 26, 2005, 04:02:37 PM
I have a calibrated set of Emerald's in my 70's Ibanez Iceman (which is pretty close to an SG), and they sound great IMO. Not as high an output as the Nailbomb's, but have nice definition and sound really punchy. Great tone from a great pickup.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 26, 2005, 06:32:50 PM
Hey Tim, should be ordering my Nailbomb tomorow! :D

But just a few last questions, wouldn't want ot make the wrong choice!...

Would  the Nailbomb clearer and more defined than the Warpig in an SG?

And do Nailbombs do scooped metal-y tones aswell? I've heard they are focused more on the mids?

I'm mainly looking for a tone similar to that of the Rise Against song located here...  

http://s47.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=172D1HUJVZJH63GPNKB483RTG5
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: capitaine_banane on September 27, 2005, 06:24:22 PM
Quote from: Minty
Hey Tim, should be ordering my Nailbomb tomorow! :D

But just a few last questions, wouldn't want ot make the wrong choice!...

Would  the Nailbomb clearer and more defined than the Warpig in an SG?

And do Nailbombs do scooped metal-y tones aswell? I've heard they are focused more on the mids?

I'm mainly looking for a tone similar to that of the Rise Against song located here...  

http://s47.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=172D1HUJVZJH63GPNKB483RTG5


Hello

I have the same choice to make: I have a SG standard and want more power without loosing what makes the sound of a SG (bridge pup)
I have to choose between nailbomb or warpig (or maybe another pup)?
Are theses pups able to have a nice rock sound when turning down the gain or (volume  on the guitar).
I dont want to loose all the treeble of my SG with a too bassy pup.

thanks for the help
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Shag101 on September 27, 2005, 07:43:38 PM
Quote from: capitaine_banane
Quote from: Minty
Hey Tim, should be ordering my Nailbomb tomorow! :D

But just a few last questions, wouldn't want ot make the wrong choice!...

Would  the Nailbomb clearer and more defined than the Warpig in an SG?

And do Nailbombs do scooped metal-y tones aswell? I've heard they are focused more on the mids?

I'm mainly looking for a tone similar to that of the Rise Against song located here...  

http://s47.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=172D1HUJVZJH63GPNKB483RTG5


Hello

I have the same choice to make: I have a SG standard and want more power without loosing what makes the sound of a SG (bridge pup)
I have to choose between nailbomb or warpig (or maybe another pup)?
Are theses pups able to have a nice rock sound when turning down the gain or (volume  on the guitar).
I dont want to loose all the treeble of my SG with a too bassy pup.

thanks for the help


I think the Mules would be your best bet from what I gathered on this board.  Get a Alnico V for the bridge and a IV for the neck.  I think Tim also does a "SG Wind" on the Mules.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Minty on September 28, 2005, 10:40:56 AM
I've asked this in my own thread now! Sorry for hijacking this one  :lol:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: lulusg on September 30, 2005, 01:22:12 AM
I agree on Angus Young's choice as best tone but also I think P90's have a place in SG history; Woodstock,  the "WHO's" PT after doing the whirlwind dropping on his knee's, Live at LEEDS pure P90's , Tony Iommi I read he used P90's on the very first "BS" album, System of a Down Daron M. playing an SG jr. with a single P90 on their latest album.  :)
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: mild_child on October 23, 2005, 10:03:33 PM
um sorry but...why the Riff Raff for an SG?
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: PhilKing on October 23, 2005, 10:44:58 PM
Quote from: mild_child
um sorry but...why the Riff Raff for an SG?


Riff Raff is an AC/DC song (on Powerage) - Angus Young plays an SG and the pickup is voiced on that sound.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: lewy_ac/dc on October 30, 2005, 03:16:12 PM
the riff raff sounds like the perfect hum for me. I have a beautiful tokai SG and im wanting to get a nice AC/DC early tone from it. I thought that the riff raff was based for that AC/DC sound but if they are modelled on the powerage sound like you said that sounds like a perfect sound for me :D cheers PhilKing
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: 5F6-A on January 20, 2008, 07:49:12 PM
my fave sg rock tone:
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=AHnPvsjBSDU
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Twinfan on January 20, 2008, 09:00:57 PM
Solo Dallas is great isn't he?  Got the tone and playing spot on.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Fourth Feline on January 20, 2008, 10:11:53 PM
I don't own them, but I voted Riff Raffs.

This is not just because of the association with Angus's tone, but because ( as an S.G owner ) - I cannot imagine a better match to represent  the retro-yet-biting design of the S.G.


I have tried Stormy Monday's in my S.G. and they sounded lovely, but perhaps too sweet and lovable for some rock tastes. SMs in an S.G represent an almost ( clean ) B.B.King tone to me - or with overdrive, early Clapton.


  :D
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: fps_dean on January 21, 2008, 05:10:04 AM
Quote from: Minty
So Nailbombs arent really good in SG's? That's what i was planning on getting for my SG... :?  :cry:


I have experienced what Tim is talking about as well... but I am not sure that Nailbombs wouldn't kill some other pickups that have been problematic in solid mahogany guitars, like JBs for example either.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: 5F6-A on January 21, 2008, 01:49:06 PM
Quote from: Twinfan
Solo Dallas is great isn't he?  Got the tone and playing spot on.


+1!!!
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Canadian Steve on January 21, 2008, 03:07:51 PM
What about Rebel Yells in an SG?  Have you considered them?
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: Sailor Charon on January 21, 2008, 05:10:15 PM
Warpigs. Clear, articulate, cleans up well, and with overdrive gives you a tone that makes you feel like Tony Iommi.
Mississippi Queens are good too.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: SG Thrasher on January 21, 2008, 08:26:49 PM
I have a Nailbomb in my SG and i think if i could go back or switch it I'd get a miracle man instead(Something with a little more output), oh well, you learn from your mistakes.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: ericsabbath on January 21, 2008, 09:56:05 PM
Quote from: SG Thrasher
I have a Nailbomb in my SG and i think if i could go back or switch it I'd get a miracle man instead(Something with a little more output), oh well, you learn from your mistakes.


miracle man already sounded too focused in my two les pauls
don't you think it would be excessive focused for a sg?
try a painkiller! :twisted:
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: AngusYoung01 on January 21, 2008, 10:49:04 PM
I have a Miracle Man Set in my SG, and I really couldn't recommend them any more, if you want to play MEgadeth and stuff too, they are soooo good  :D
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: gwEm on January 22, 2008, 12:44:51 PM
earlier in this thread tim mentioned an A5 mule bridge, with an A4 neck.

i have this in a flying V, and i must say i'm very pleased with that mix. gives an extremely broad tonal range, and a great pallete of sounds clean and dirty

i like the riff raff alot, but in my personal opinion it has quite a strong character which always comes through.. now, that strong character is a great one for sure, but i don't find it quite so versatile.

regarding the neck pickup, i know you dont want to change it right now, but i'm pretty sure you will after you hear the upgraded bridge.
Title: What Pickups would sound best with an SG?
Post by: broken cord on March 01, 2008, 10:08:24 PM
On the recommendation of several people, including Tim, I have gone for the Mississippi Queen in the neck and a Warpig in the bridge. This is a nice combo and is capable of delivering crippling tones, quite nice really. I have been very happy with the combo and highly recommend the mixed set.