BKPs for metal leads

[Brown tone]

I have a Jackson Rhoads with TOM bridge, model RR1T, for which I'm looking for bridge/neck combination for metal leads. Sound that I'm aiming for is close to 90's megadeth, as in high on upper mids with a bit rolled down highs with *plenty* of definition. A bit looser sound that's still great for rhythm playing, though the main job for this guitar is playing leads. The guitar itself is very mid heavy and tight as it is alder with 25½'' through maple neck with ebony fingerboard. It's currently sporting duncan JB that's actually pretty close to perfection but it's a tad too thin and piercing. The neck pickup(whatever it is) is very scooped thus it is DEFINETLY in need of anything better.

The neck tone should be *very* tight on bass, but otherwise similar to the bridge; lots of note definition with upper mid or treble emphasis and extremely fast bass response(more of a 'kick' than a 'thump' sound). I like rounder tones from neck position that are tight enough for rhythm playing.

here's a sound that'll give you a good starting point on what I'm looking for starting at 2:40 (it's probably even played with a guitar similar to mine). Not too much distortion but overall kickass solo sound!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxcbr3PJ76E

[DimeZakk]

Jackson RR and Metal leads screams Holy Diver but since you want 90s not 80s and Megadeth I havt to say Nailbomb bridge and Cold Sweat Neck. You tone description matches the Nailbomb perfectly, it gives me the perfect Megadeth Rythm tone and it sings as a lead pickup too.

I only say Cold sweat Neck because I don't like the Nailbomb Neck (scooped to my ears)

[Brown tone]

And if it is of any help, I use 10-52's in standard E tuning to keep the sound fast and powerful.

[ericsabbath]

usually, I'd recommend the nailbomb, but you definitely described a holy diver

[Brown tone]

which one has more pronounced(="singing") upper mids, the Nailbomb or the Holy Diver? To me this is basically the most important quality when talking leads and that's what this guitar is for!

[DimeZakk]

Megadeth lead and Rythm = Nailbomb for me

Best lead = Holy Diver

[ericsabbath]

which one has more pronounced(="singing") upper mids, the Nailbomb or the Holy Diver? To me this is basically the most important quality when talking leads and that's what this guitar is for!

diver for sure
best pickup for leads, open chords and big sounding power chords I ever played
the nailbomb is sharper, more dense and focused sounding
not as fat, middy and fluid as the diver

[Alex]

I'd say the HD can do a Marty Friedman sound quite nicely.

[Brown tone]

I asked Tim and he suggested Nailbomb when I described the sound I'm after, as it is a bit edgier but with sweeter top end than the stock pickups.

[ericsabbath]

I asked Tim and he suggested Nailbomb when I described the sound I'm after, as it is a bit edgier but with sweeter top end than the stock pickups.

yeah, the bomb is edgier and Tim seems to prefer it over the diver for most applications, but I personally prefer the holy diver for most things that he recommends the nailbomb
the diver is a lot fatter and smoother for leads
I liked the nailbomb too, but it was too edgy for what I was looking for
if you want tightness and aggression over thickness and smoothness on leads, then the nailbomb is the way to go
the holy diver is fairly tight too (tighter than the JB)