Holy Diver Question

[TonyGibson]

If I've used the word "dark", I meant it relatively.  I've never come across a BKP that lacked definition or top end "sparkle" - I doubt Tim even knows how to make a dead/muddy pickup :)

I find that the HD bridge has a really fat midrange to it - particularly low mids.  It's a very thick, full sound that drives the amp hard - there's also plenty of output :twisted:  However it also has a wonderful clean sound - really smooth & warm, yet still bright.

Compared to the MM, I think it has more mids, but not as much low end & slightly less output.  To my ears MM sounds "harder" but not as nice clean, the HD has this heavy raunchy punchy midrange & is much warmer & smoother clean.  Single note riffs & ringing chords sound HUGE with the HD.

The HD neck is a different beast altogether & seems to compliment the bridge with really bright lively cleans.  Tim described it to me as "DC7.8K alnico V, it's very clean and clear, a very precise tone. In comparison to a VHII it's not as warm and not quite so powerful." which sums it up nicely - it wouldn't be my first choice as a neck pickup to play high gain solos on (Cold Sweat rules for that) but it IS my preferred neck humbucker for cleans.

Hope this helps :)

Actually this helps a ton. I think you just picked the set of pickups for my Ibanez. :D