Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: Lucas on September 19, 2018, 11:07:32 PM
-
Hi, I`m not new to BKP line, already have 4 guitars with BKPs, actually for last 5 years or so BKPs are only pickups I use. I have 4 different sets.
After using different sets I came to the conclusion that while BKPs bridge models are really define and full of specific (depending on model) character and easy to specify regarding actual needs, neck models are more 'blurry' when it comes to nail the 'right sound in your head'. But... it might be only my observation.
This post will be about neck models especially one which in my opinion is unsung hero, not really popular over here, but surprisingly good, but..
Long story short, regarding BKP neck models I have: Cold Sweat, Miracle Man, VHII and Aftermath. VHII is superb, pure gem, amazing pickup, Cold Sweat lacking character and is a bit boring/predictable (to my ears), Aftermath is basically a bit brighter Cold Sweat on steroids, 'metal' brother of CS, ' But out of all of them I must say that Miracle Man stands out a bit.
Miracle Man set is my latest purchase (although I have for about 6 months). While Miracle Man bridge is my favorite pickup (to that point that I have 2 of them in 2 guitars), I was a bit afraid of MM neck. I read that it`s really bassy, lacks of definition plus not many people use it, but I gave it a go. I`ve ordered the whole set for my Warmoth Telecaster (alder body, all canary (bright maple like) neck. Guitar itself is bright but resonant. It was right decision.
As I was already familiar with MM bridge I was really surprised with MM neck. It`s fantastic pickup. It has it`s own character and attitude. It`s not as precise and 'clean' with overdrive or distortion as Cold Sweat or VHII, while playing leads Miracle Man throws it`s own character into sound, a bit dirty, a bit sparkly but still full of body. It reminds me of neck version of bridge model, a bit of boost in low and high end of spectrum and a bit hollow in mids. I`ve read somewhere that apparently it`s alnico version of ceramic bridge, I would agree with that. But remember, MM brigde is fantastic lead pickup, so if neck is based on bridge model, it should be good.
As I said before, MM neck while dealing with distorted leads, it throws it`s unique character, a little bit of dirt while still having deep bottom end and that sparkle (known from MM bridge) in high end. It really reminds me of Zakk Wylde neck tone. Funny enough MM neck reminds me Zakk Wylde more than bridge model. It`s clear enough but give you that nasty edge and attitude for dirty solos. Maybe I would not recommend it for mellow classic ballad type of solos (VHII would be better) but if you want set the whole venue on fire and show some character with your solos while playing rock/metal MM is for you.
Cleans.
MM neck in my opinion really shines here. Great cleans, more on modern side but ephasis on low and high side of spectrum and little hollow mids give you really nice cleans. Crank you amp a little bit to give slight breeakup or just little touch of overdrive and you`ll keep playing cleans all day long or bluesy licks as well. As I mentioned it`s more on modern side but not as extremely as Aftermath.
MM on cleans give you nice fullbodied pleasing tone with that 'high' end sparcle' What is important MM neck is not dull on either distorted channel or clean, it always has that 'sparkle' in high end.
Summing up, fantastic pickup. If I could only keep 2 BKPs necks. I would definitely keep VHII (for more mellow, vintage, melodic stuff) and MM neck for more dirty nasty rock/metal playing.
Highly recommended,
Lucas
-
I fully agree with you Lucas.
I run mine in parallel and it has a very good tone, and still enough output to keep up with the MM bridge.
-
I`m glad that there`s more MM neck lovers :)
Anyway, to give you guys some idea, here`s my song where I used MM set. First solo is Miracle Man neck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evlwXV3Dq5s
In the last couple of days I`m working on another song where I`ll be using MM neck clean throughout whole song with either MM or VHII neck lead parts (have to decide on this one)
But there`ll be plenty of clean MM neck.
Lucas