Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: brian_ward on October 07, 2010, 05:41:38 PM

Title: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 07, 2010, 05:41:38 PM
it plays great but is lacking a touch of low end. unplugged its a pretty midrangey tone. i would like to keep the output around the same as the stock bridge pickup (498t?) but add some low end thump. ideas? im thinking emerald? big low end and a little bit more relaxed mids to balance out the tone of the wood. no ceramic mags. no nailbomb. too trebbly for my tastes.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio.
Post by: Telerocker on October 07, 2010, 06:43:59 PM
A Crawler or a Holy Diver will do.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio.
Post by: brian_ward on October 07, 2010, 10:47:46 PM
A Crawler or a Holy Diver will do.

i was kind of thinking that crawler would work. the guitar is very light (probably weight relieved/ chambered) so it doesnt sound as dense as a traditional lester. this makes me a think a crawler would fit the bill here. hows the low end response?
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio.
Post by: brian_ward on October 08, 2010, 02:44:33 PM
any more suggestions?
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: KenD on October 08, 2010, 04:17:00 PM
I have an Emerald bridge in my Hagstrom Super Swede and it'd give you the sound you say you want - it's incredible!
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 08, 2010, 05:54:10 PM
I have an Emerald bridge in my Hagstrom Super Swede and it'd give you the sound you say you want - it's incredible!

this is exactly the dicision im having trouble with. crawler (fatter/smoother/hotter) or emerald (brighter?/less output/less mids?) i actually like the 490r neck quite a bit so i dont want to have to change that. i am worried the emerald wont be thick enough and will be quieter than the 490. anyone else?
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio.
Post by: Telerocker on October 08, 2010, 07:14:21 PM
A Crawler or a Holy Diver will do.

i was kind of thinking that crawler would work. the guitar is very light (probably weight relieved/ chambered) so it doesnt sound as dense as a traditional lester. this makes me a think a crawler would fit the bill here. hows the low end response?

The Crawler I have in my Superstrat (swampash. ebony fretboard) is fat with a smooth but not dull top-end, just right, very balanced and cleans up great with the guitarvolumeknob. This pickup can do vintagestyle stuff, but modern screaming as well. I immediately came up with the Crawler, bec so many players rave about Crawler in Gibson-style guitars. The low-end won't disappoint you.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio.
Post by: brian_ward on October 08, 2010, 08:35:57 PM
A Crawler or a Holy Diver will do.

i was kind of thinking that crawler would work. the guitar is very light (probably weight relieved/ chambered) so it doesnt sound as dense as a traditional lester. this makes me a think a crawler would fit the bill here. hows the low end response?

The Crawler I have in my Superstrat (swampash. ebony fretboard) is fat with a smooth but not dull top-end, just right, very balanced and cleans up great with the guitarvolumeknob. This pickup can do vintagestyle stuff, but modern screaming as well. I immediately came up with the Crawler, bec so many players rave about Crawler in Gibson-style guitars. The low-end won't disappoint you.


i am really leaning towards the crawler. the treble response on my matamp is curiously sharp. i know this will remedy my treble woes.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: ElectricTurkey4369 on October 08, 2010, 09:42:26 PM
I just replaced my 498t with a holy diver and it sounds alot better. There's a stronger midrange, defined low end and just an overall balanced feel to it. It's much more articulate and tighter than the 498t too.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 08, 2010, 09:53:06 PM
I just replaced my 498t with a holy diver and it sounds alot better. There's a stronger midrange, defined low end and just an overall balanced feel to it. It's much more articulate and tighter than the 498t too.

how much hotter than the 498 is it? i dont want to get hotter at all if i dont have to.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Telerocker on October 08, 2010, 11:34:33 PM
I just replaced my 498t with a holy diver and it sounds alot better. There's a stronger midrange, defined low end and just an overall balanced feel to it. It's much more articulate and tighter than the 498t too.

That's why upgrading with BKP's is a good investment. Good to hear you like the Diver. I think it's in the same ballpark as the Crawler, but the latter one a bit more rock-oriëntated and the Diver reminiscent of the superdistortion form the eighties, good for hardrock/metal like Judas Priest.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: gwEm on October 09, 2010, 08:23:14 AM
The attack isn't very strong on the crawler. If you find the attack is too much the crawletr may help.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 09, 2010, 03:34:54 PM
The attack isn't very strong on the crawler. If you find the attack is too much the crawletr may help.

im not sure i want to soften it a ton. i just really want more low end and a little more general thickness.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Telerocker on October 09, 2010, 03:51:45 PM
The attack isn't very strong on the crawler. If you find the attack is too much the crawletr may help.

I have no problems with too litte attack with the crawler, maybe bec the body is swampash.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 09, 2010, 10:22:46 PM
how much hotter is the holy diver when compared to the 498t?
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Telerocker on October 10, 2010, 12:38:54 AM
how much hotter is the holy diver when compared to the 498t?

DC-resistance of the 498T is about 13,3 k, Crawler 15k, Holy Diver 16,2 k. This says not all about the character of a pickup.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: ElectricTurkey4369 on October 10, 2010, 01:09:53 AM
I just replaced my 498t with a holy diver and it sounds alot better. There's a stronger midrange, defined low end and just an overall balanced feel to it. It's much more articulate and tighter than the 498t too.

how much hotter than the 498 is it? i dont want to get hotter at all if i dont have to.

To me, I didnt really notice much a difference in the output. Only a little bit, but nothing extreme. My Holy diver is 15.4k
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 10, 2010, 01:17:31 AM
I just replaced my 498t with a holy diver and it sounds alot better. There's a stronger midrange, defined low end and just an overall balanced feel to it. It's much more articulate and tighter than the 498t too.

how much hotter than the 498 is it? i dont want to get hotter at all if i dont have to.

To me, I didnt really notice much a difference in the output. Only a little bit, but nothing extreme. My Holy diver is 15.4k

shite. well. this is hard. its still between the crawler and the holy diver. if only i could have both, try them and send the lesser back.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: ericsabbath on October 10, 2010, 02:52:31 AM
the 498t is usually around 14.4k
my holy diver was 16k, but it doesn't feel hotter in output, just bigger
the mids are much more alive and clear
if you're a rock/metal player, don't think twice
the Holy Diver works great for pretty much every rock style, from early 70's to modern metal, and it's quite smooth and natural sounding to do almost anything
bet it's great for fusion and some other jazz stuff
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: ElectricTurkey4369 on October 11, 2010, 01:54:07 AM
the 498t is usually around 14.4k
my holy diver was 16k, but it doesn't feel hotter in output, just bigger
the mids are much more alive and clear
if you're a rock/metal player, don't think twice
the Holy Diver works great for pretty much every rock style, from early 70's to modern metal, and it's quite smooth and natural sounding to do almost anything
bet it's great for fusion and some other jazz stuff

+100

I love my Holy Diver, it is the perfect pickup for me and my playing style.
I say just go with the Holy Diver man, my playing sessions have been much more enjoyable and productive ever since I got mine.  :lol:
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 11, 2010, 05:39:16 PM
waiting to hear back from tim bump.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Alex on October 11, 2010, 08:20:55 PM
The Holy Diver compares to the 498T in terms of output.
They are both "medium hot" IMO.

I feel that often this is not that helpful really, because gain comes mostly from the amp and the pickup height makes a difference as well.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: gwEm on October 11, 2010, 08:30:22 PM
based on your following comments, i say holy diver too :)
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Telerocker on October 11, 2010, 11:22:45 PM
Settled: Holydiver.  8)
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 13, 2010, 06:03:08 AM
tim says crawler. CONTROVERSY. itll take me a week or two to scratch up some change. car need new tires :(
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Roobubba on October 13, 2010, 09:47:13 AM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: brian_ward on October 13, 2010, 03:16:55 PM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo

ive gone on tims recommendation before and been totally satisfied. im sure this time will be the same.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Telerocker on October 13, 2010, 10:57:52 PM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo

ive gone on tims recommendation before and been totally satisfied. im sure this time will be the same.

Tim knows his pickups best. Then go for the Crawler, which I like very much.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: sandmannn69 on October 15, 2010, 02:23:09 AM
The attack isn't very strong on the crawler. If you find the attack is too much the crawletr may help.

im not sure i want to soften it a ton. i just really want more low end and a little more general thickness.

Try an EQ pedal?
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: KenD on October 15, 2010, 07:15:08 PM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo

Are you sure about this?  I recently bought an Abraxas neck and wasn't happy with it and in communication with BKP (not Tim) I wasn't offered the option of sending it back in exchange.
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: Roobubba on October 15, 2010, 07:20:54 PM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo

Are you sure about this?  I recently bought an Abraxas neck and wasn't happy with it and in communication with BKP (not Tim) I wasn't offered the option of sending it back in exchange.

From the T&C on the BKP website:
Quote from: BKP
If you are unhappy with any pickup purchased directly from Bare Knuckle Pickups or would like to change it for another model, return the pickup in it's original condition by registered mail within 14 days of purchase date and we will either change or refund the pickup. Please telephone to obtain a returns reference as unsolicited returns cannot be accepted. Custom ordered pickups cannot be returned for exchange or refund(aged Strat and Tele sets are treated as custom orders).
Title: Re: got a new les paul studio. (opinions requested)
Post by: KenD on October 15, 2010, 08:04:36 PM
Tim says crawler, go for the crawler. If you're not 100% happy, you send it back for a holy diver. Tim is very good with customers, you're in safe hands! Go for it!

Roo

Are you sure about this?  I recently bought an Abraxas neck and wasn't happy with it and in communication with BKP (not Tim) I wasn't offered the option of sending it back in exchange.

From the T&C on the BKP website:
Quote from: BKP
If you are unhappy with any pickup purchased directly from Bare Knuckle Pickups or would like to change it for another model, return the pickup in it's original condition by registered mail within 14 days of purchase date and we will either change or refund the pickup. Please telephone to obtain a returns reference as unsolicited returns cannot be accepted. Custom ordered pickups cannot be returned for exchange or refund(aged Strat and Tele sets are treated as custom orders).

Thanks.  I'll re-visit this with BKP.