Pickups for Industrial Metal

[G9]

NOTE: I have changed my guitar to the Ibanez XPT707FX.

I'm wondering what pickups are best for tight, articulate rhythms and screaming leads in an Industrial Metal type setting. I'll also need those clean moments. Guitar is the Ibanez S7320.

One of the official dealers suggested a Painkiller in the Bridge (rhythm) and Cold Sweat in the Neck (leads). I trust the evaluation and he did a lot of personal help that I appreciate, but I'm one of an annoying breed that requires more than one opinion on things.

[Nolly]

The Painkiller is definitely a good choice in my opinion, though I feel the matching neck pickup is makes a better pairing with the bridge unit than the Cold Sweat neck does.

[ericsabbath]

The Painkiller is definitely a good choice in my opinion, though I feel the matching neck pickup is makes a better pairing with the bridge unit than the Cold Sweat neck does.

+1

and you're great

[G9]

Is there a particular reason?

I also want some nice acoustic-sounding cleans. And wouldn't there be a sacrifice in versatility.

[Nolly]

Is there a particular reason?

I also want some nice acoustic-sounding cleans. And wouldn't there be a sacrifice in versatility.

It just balances better output-wise and makes a great tonal match as well. The Painkiller neck is probably the most fluid and smooth neck pickup out there, and has a slightly hollow almost single-coily nature. Incredible pickup.

[dheim]

not having ever tried the painkiller (but i already know in what guitar i'll put it in the future... :)) (can i talk of BUS - bareknuckles upgrade syndrome?) i can't say if it's the best choice... of course it depends on your personal idea of how a guitar should sound in an industrial setting... i would give a look to nailbombs and warpigs as well... better if ceramic.

[dheim]

or alnico V for versatility. nailbomb neck has got excellent cleans, warpig neck is too warm for your acoustic-like needs. anyway they're both extremely versatile pickups.

[G9]

According to the dealer, Nailbomb and mahogany would offer to dark of a tone.

[Nolly]

According to the dealer, Nailbomb and mahogany would offer to dark of a tone.

In a guitar as thin as your S, I think you'd get away with it, especially if it was a ceramic nailbomb, which is considerably brighter. However, I think the initial prognosis is right, Painkillers would suit you very well.

[G9]

Alright... so Painkiller set?

[Nolly]

I say go for it  :)

[G9]

I have actually changed my guitar to the thicker Ibanez XPT707FX... does this change anything?

[Nolly]

In my mind, nope  :)

[G9]

Sorry to resurrect this thread... but I was thinking of putting a single coil pickup in the middle for the most acoustic sound possible. Can a coil tapped neck painkiller achieve this? Money is not an issue... if there is a single coil pickup out there (not necessarily BK, unless it offers the best in this area) that has a considerable edge over a coil tapped Painkiller humbucker, please make suggestions.

If a middle single coil is the best way to go, how should I configure my 5-way switch? Each pickup will have its own tone dial, and the neck and bridge humbuckers will have pot switches.
1. Neck
2. Neck/Bridge or Neck/Middle?
3. Middle
4. Neck/Bridge or Bridge/Middle?
5. Bridge
Which is most effectively paired with the middle singe coil pickup, the neck or bridge Painkiller?