Jackson 7 string Advice - Not too happy with the HD7 Bridge

[djpharoah]

So in my Jackson 7 string (27", Maple neck thru, mahogany wings, maple top) I have a set of calibrated HD7s (A5 both).

I love the neck and it's very smooth however the same can be said about the bridge. It's really smooth and I like my bridge to have a bit of aggression/bite to it.

It's something that's just been bothering me recently and got accentuated when I got my Mark IV. It was like Santana smooth on the bridge which is kind of hard to play chugging metal riffs on :lol:

Looking at BKPs mainly or even SDs CS pickups. I want something with a bit of a scoop and tight rhythm sounds but not harsh on the treble side. Would prefer A5 but ceramic is an option.

HALP!

[Kiichi]

It will probably not solve everything, but have you toyed with the height? Might help a bit.

Otherwise maybe a Nailbomb or Rebell Yell?

[djpharoah]

It will probably not solve everything, but have you toyed with the height? Might help a bit.

Otherwise maybe a Nailbomb or Rebell Yell?

I have and all it did was bring the pickup with more presence and attack. I'll give it a try again tonight.

[sixgunsovertombstone]

Something slightly scooped and can chug like a mutherfocker sounds like a description I would give my ceramic nailbomb. I have the 6 string version and its really aggressive and tight. I think it would work really well for 7 string stuff. I also have the alnico nailbomb which is also awesome. Its definitely not scooped, but rather even sounding. Its still aggressive and can chug like no ones business. I like the alnico nailbomb more, but if I played a 7 string or detuned really low I might lean toward the ceramic nailbomb more.

I also have a HD, again mine is 6 string version. I kind of hear what you are talking about, it is very smooth, but works for me for thrash type stuff. I think it might be a little lax on a 7 string though, especially since those are mostly aimed towards heavy rhythm playing whereas the HD is more a lead shred pickup... which is what I wanted. The nailbombs are both great on lead stuff. Ceramic is more aggressive and a little brighter while the alnico is smoother... Both would work I think.

[JacksonRR]

I've had more than one passive pup drive me nuts dialing in correctly. Mostly it's a balancing act between the overall height of the pup and the height of the adjustment screws. I don't own a holy diver so I can't say what it likes, but you should try it. If you leave your tone control wide open all the time, maybe consider doing a small alteration to cut bass instead to tighten things up a bit. Using the proper capacitor will allow you to cut the muddies and clear you up. I really like the MM bridge for chugs, but it's my only BKP atm. I can say that I like using a passive bass cut with it. If you really like the thick and chewy mids of an alnico bridge, it's surely worth a shot. Are you using a Tubescreamer or similar pedal between your axe and the Mesa?

[djpharoah]

I've had more than one passive pup drive me nuts dialing in correctly. Mostly it's a balancing act between the overall height of the pup and the height of the adjustment screws. I don't own a holy diver so I can't say what it likes, but you should try it. If you leave your tone control wide open all the time, maybe consider doing a small alteration to cut bass instead to tighten things up a bit. Using the proper capacitor will allow you to cut the muddies and clear you up. I really like the MM bridge for chugs, but it's my only BKP atm. I can say that I like using a passive bass cut with it. If you really like the thick and chewy mids of an alnico bridge, it's surely worth a shot. Are you using a Tubescreamer or similar pedal between your axe and the Mesa?

I've tried with the heights and the pole pieces. I'm using OD808 in front of the Mesa.

I'm also thinking of Cold Sweats.

[ericsabbath]

miracle man

[Transcend]

Your description says miracle man without a doubt

[mattc]

C-Bomb or Cold Sweat.  For that bite I think you need the ceramic magnet.

[Roobubba]

Miracle man, or possibly even aftermath. Stop scooping: you don't cut through and scooped guitar tones in a band mix sound like total ar5e, with no exceptions. Learn to use mids and your tone will improve dramatically :)

[Alex]

I understand that feeling. I've replaced the HD with a Miracle Man now. It has a lot more low end definition and overall clarity to it, but is also quite a different sound. I've always been a big fan of the MM, though. That guitar is tuned to B standard btw, 27" scale.

If you like the general sound of the HD, but want more aggression, the Nailbomb would be closer but more aggressive/metal.