Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: crxsh on June 07, 2012, 03:33:14 PM
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Hi everybody. First post.
Bottom line: I want a more modern sound of my Les Paul. Currently have a set of pickups described as being "similar to Gibson 'T-top' or 'Pat#' pickups of the later 60's" ... and they're not really what I want at all.
Have listened to a a number of clips and loved all the clean tones I've heard from the Alnico Nailbombs... but operate more in the medium-gain area. So would I be overwhelmed by them? Or can they do medium gain well?
(Playing through a small Dr. Z combo, btw.)
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I found them to be very tight and aggressive. They'll do a number of things, as will all of the pickups, but to me they always seemed to retain a 90s Metal feel to them. They're certainly modern. I found Holydivers and Cold Sweats to be a lot more versatile.
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My usual we-agree-to-disagree here ;)
I'm not into metal, I don't listen to 90s metal, I don't play metal, and I quite like the RR bridge on my SG, even for bluesy stuff. Yes, it's a rather modern sounding pup, and yes it's quite tight and aggressive (well, the bridge at least, don't have the matching neck). Not my first choice for pristine clean tones, but I like it a lot for about-to-breakup to full out hi-gain tones. Now there might be better options for modern mid-gain LP tones, I didn't try the whole BKP range ;)
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I never really got on with the nailbomb at all.
However recently I spotted one super cheap so I grabbed it as I was undecided what pickups to put in my Swirl.
it works really well for the 80s rock/glam stuff that I use the guitar for.
https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=27824.0
Please note this was recorded using a sing star mic so its not the best sample. A friends bringing his i5 over this weekend so I'll be doing some proper clips then
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I love the Nailbomb and think it's one of the best pickups ever in the history of pickup-making, but it does have a bit of an metal edge to it. I would rather recommend the Holy Diver, which is very similar, but more openly voiced, or the Black Dog, which is probably one of the most versatile pickups.
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I dont think you'd be overwhelemd at all .
they are agressive sounding but no more than allot of PU's .
I have the alnico set and that guiatr is used for a wide range of sounds. some hevay chugging but rock/hard rock type sounds as well
I dont find it that hot at all . no hotter than a duncan custom 5 or soemthing
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I would have a look at Rebel Yells too. They are very sensitive for the right height, but once found the sweet spot, you'll find it a great rockpickup (can do metal too) for a Les Paul.
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I love the Nailbomb and think it's one of the best pickups ever in the history of pickup-making, but it does have a bit of an metal edge to it. I would rather recommend the Holy Diver, which is very similar, but more openly voiced, or the Black Dog, which is probably one of the most versatile pickups.
Hmm... those two seem to have a more prominent midrange — which isn't really what I'm after. In fact, "fat" and "muscular" mids are almost the opposite of what I want. Can you recommend something more balanced in the BKP lineup?
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A friends bringing his i5 over this weekend so I'll be doing some proper clips then
I'd really appreciate hearing some some low/edge-of-breakup and mid gain tones if you've got time. :)
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The Abraxas has a quite flat eq, does Satrania-stuff in spades and cleans up great. Splits good too.
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I think you're looking for a Rebel Yell. Sounds great for what you want to do, I have a pair and I definitely highly recommend them.
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I think you're looking for a Rebel Yell. Sounds great for what you want to do, I have a pair and I definitely highly recommend them.
Just listened to the clips... those sound really good. Will definitely look into the RY's now.
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I got a nailbomb bridge in my LP clone and I like it a lot. To me it's really aggressive and it took some time getting used to this, but it's very versatile at the same time if you use the volume and tone controls.
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I would agree that an A-Bomb would be good in a Les Paul and my problem was the guitar I put it into BUT, for what the OP wanted, I just think it's too aggressive. If the Rebel Yell has the aggressiveness toned down a bit (never tried one myself) then that could be an ideal solution as I believe it was developed from a Nailbomb.
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If the A-Bomb is too aggressive the Rebel Yell may be too aggressive as well. I would strongly consider the Abraxas instead.
Cheers Stephan
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If the Rebel Yells are also quite aggressive, an Abraxas set could be just the ticket as they're extremely versatile and as a hot version of the Mules, will suit a Les Paul very well. I'd also like to put forward a set of Emeralds as they also work very well in Les Pauls, aren't too hot and offer some fantastic tones.
As far as some pickups being too middy is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much about it as in my experience, the EQ charts tend to exaggerate what's there but the reality is invariably more balanced. My Holydiver is supposed to be very mid-focused but I put it into a very middy guitar and I still boost the mids on my EQ because the reality is that it's a lot more balanced than you think. By the same token, Cold Sweats are supposed to be very bright and while they are a bright pickup, it's nothing like as extreme as the website suggests.
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As far as some pickups being too middy is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much about it as in my experience, the EQ charts tend to exaggerate what's there but the reality is invariably more balanced.
If accurate, this info is kinda frustrating.
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Resurrecting this thread because I found a set of RY's. Curious for more opinions on whether or not they'd be too hot for my taste. I never play clean, but don't play heavy either.
And somebody in here suggested the Abraxas... but as far as I can tell, they measure similarly and are likely pretty close in EQ.
Thoughts?
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It's a bit difficult because all you have given for information is that you play a Les Paul, want a more modern tone than the 60s type T-tops you currently have and mainly stay in the medium gain area. As regards the two pickups you put on your shortlist they have indeed similar specs - the Abraxas being the hottest in the vintage hot category and the Rebel Yell probably being the least hot in terms of output in the contemporary category. I have not played them in the same guitar but I would characterize both as follows:
Abraxas: hot PAF type, singing mids, good but smooth highs, very friendly overall.
Rebel Yell: hot output but not overbearing, crunchy mids, slightly biting (but not harsh) highs, more aggressive overall.
Cheers Stephan
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Abraxas, no question.
I have clips on Youtube of this pickup - checkout the link in my sig below.
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Abraxas, no question.
I have clips on Youtube of this pickup - checkout the link in my sig below.
Dude.....what video in your list is the Abraxas?
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It's a bit difficult because all you have given for information is that you play a Les Paul, want a more modern tone than the 60s type T-tops you currently have and mainly stay in the medium gain area.
Thanks for the info, Stephan. What other information should I provide?
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Abraxas, no question.
I have clips on Youtube of this pickup - checkout the link in my sig below.
Checking that out now. Thanks!
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Well, the Rebel Yell and Abraxas may be similar in EQ and output but I think the magnets will make them sound quite different as the AIV magnet on the Abraxas will mean it cleans up a bit better, is that bit smoother and sweeter as well as more of a PAF style pickup. I think the Abraxas is your best bet.
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It's a bit difficult because all you have given for information is that you play a Les Paul, want a more modern tone than the 60s type T-tops you currently have and mainly stay in the medium gain area.
Thanks for the info, Stephan. What other information should I provide?
What kind of music do you play and what amp(s) and pedal(s) do you use?
Cheers Stephan
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to please monsieur de lapalisse i'd say that few pickups sound too aggressive when you don't play aggressive stuff with lots of gain... surely it's not the case for the Nailbombs. very dynamic and versatile, can go from classic rock (with a modern, edgy vibe) to melodic death metal... rebel yells are an excellent choice too, but since you mentioned "modern" tones i'd say Nailbombs.