A few months ago, I was working on a project guitar. I picked up a really cheap used Jackson RR3. I had just got some BKPs for another guitar of mine and figured that BKPs would be the only way to go with this guitar as well. After really thoroughly playing with them, I'm finally ready to post my review, so here it is.
Painkiller Neck
We'll start with the painkiller. I first I was underwhelmed if only because of how much less it output compared to the C-Pig, but after some slight adjusting, it completely blew me away. I run this guitar straight into my Framus Cobra, and it absolutely screams! It is so articulate and creamy, the notes just seem to ooze out of the speakers. It starts to mud up on the lower end of the fretboard, but it still sounds pretty excellent, and since I use it mostly for soloing, it's not a problem. The tone I get from this pickup is incredible. It sounds incredibly similar to a single coil only so much more powerful and robust. It's absolutely perfect for shredding! Before this pickup I would use the bridge almost exclusively, but now I think I have to say that this is my favorite pickup that I've ever played by far!
War Pig Ceramic Bridge
The C-Pig is an incredible pickup in this guitar. From other reviews I've read, people have described it as very dark and not so tight. My Jackson has an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood board, and it is the perfect match. The brightness of the guitar and the darkness of the pickup compliment each other perfectly. The result is a pickup that is perfect for metal. Chords are crushing and single notes cut through the mix like a knife. In addition to that, it's tight as hell! Staccato and palm muted chords never get squished together, and ever the fastest tremolo picking doesn't make it mud up. This pickup is also incredible for leads.
All in all, these pickups have turned a $200 Jackson into my absolute favorite guitar, hands down. It also has me completely hooked on ceramic pickups. By themselves, these pickups are amazing, but they really shine as a pair. If I had to describe these pickups in as few words as possible, I would have to go with 'Awe Inspiring'
