So I bought a VHII bridge pickup to replace the stock Dimarzio in my mahogany-bodied Custom Shop Strat. The Dimarzio wasn't bringing out the full signal on the top string and I liked the clips of the VHII enough to give it a spin. After spending a few months gigging and recording with it I've decided it's too loose in the low end and too strident in the midrange for some of the applications I use that guitar for. I'm going to transfer it to a US Strat for a more authentic 80s/VH vibe and look for an alternative for the CS Strat. Specifically, I would like more balanced, active-like tone for classic Metallica/Zakk Wylde type sounds. I was considering EMGs or Duncan Blackouts but reviews have convinced me that actives probably won't suit me. What would be a good (BK) alternative that still allows me to get nice crystal cleans and a good quacky pos.4 tone with a middle pos. single coil? Miracle Man? Nailbomb? Or something else? Mainly, I need nice tight lows, clear highs, and a balanced (not pronounced) midrange.
