Progressive Metal Tone

[progmetalhead]

Hey all,

I wanted to get some feedback on the appropriate pickups for the progressive metal project I'm working on. I've been listening to as many clips as possible and believe I have a few promising prospects but some additional corroboration would be quite nice. My guitar is a 7-string baritone with a mahogany body and I will be playing through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rec.

For leads, I'm looking for something akin to Stephan Forte's "vocal" lead tone on Adagio's Underworld album. I was thinking an Aftermath would be good for this sort of thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRvFrkie-Zw&playnext=1&list=PLDB2A2DF063B8EAE3 Adagio (fast forward to 5:36)

For rhythm, I'm looking for that huge progressive metal tone that's organic and tight. Good examples of the tone I'm seeking can be heard in Power of Omens and To-mera (two bands on the heavier end of the progressive metal spectrum). Cold Sweats, Aftermaths, and a few others seemed like plausible options for what I'm going for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnkYbST9iOo Power of Omens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gImRh_En9bA To-mera

Thanks for any input.

[Nolly]

I'd highly recommend you consider the Rebel Yell bridge - it has the organic Alnico midrange while still being very tight. It's also a very vocal lead pickup, with excellent harmonic detail.
I pair it up with a VHII in the neck, which works very well as a set. The VHII has a great balance of definition and fluidity, a very cool pickup indeed.

[Telerocker]

I think Nolly's recommendation is spot on.

[ericsabbath]

I'd say nailbomb for the bridge

[Slartibartfarst42]

I actually think the Alnico Nailbomb would work for you with that set up for the sound you describe.

[kmanick]

Alnico Nailbomb would work but the Rebel Yell actually (IMO) sounds like a tighter Nailbomb. I have one in my RG7CT and absolutely love it.
I needed something that stayed tight but still has a good singing quality to it when playing lead and the Rebel yell nails it.

[Nolly]

Glad to hear that RY recommendation is working out for your kmanick :)
There really is something special about that pickup in a 7-string format...

[kmanick]

Glad to hear that RY recommendation is working out for your kmanick :)
There really is something special about that pickup in a 7-string format...

Nolly,
 in the guitar I have it in........it's perfect  :D
It's plenty tight but still has a nice singing lead tone and the mids are so balanced that it has a vintage/modern sound/vibe to it.
It's hard to describe you just need to hear it, it's very versatile.

[Kiichi]

Glad to hear that RY recommendation is working out for your kmanick :)
There really is something special about that pickup in a 7-string format...

Nolly,
 in the guitar I have it in........it's perfect  :D
It's plenty tight but still has a nice singing lead tone and the mids are so balanced that it has a vintage/modern sound/vibe to it.
It's hard to describe you just need to hear it, it's very versatile.

+1 on that
Especially that vintage/ modern vibe
IŽd add that that thing has great overtones, which is the main reason I got mine. Also has a certain agressiveness to it. Not in a metal way, but that "in your face" rock vibe. Very rock`n roll!