Pickups for Gibson SG 61' Reissue

[darkandrew]

If you want something more vintage I would look at the Black Dog and Abraxas rather than the Emerald or VHII.  I worry that they might sound thin  in the bottom end in your SG

The vhIi is one of the bassiest bk bridge pups I ever had
Definitely bassier than a Black dog, although not as fat in the mids

I bought a VHII set to go in a Fender Showmaster superstrat, wanting an early 80's inspired rock tone but found the bridge too bassy, so swapped it for a Rebel Yell which turned out to be exactly what i had in mind. The VHII neck, on the other hand, is still in the guitar - it's a great pickup.

[Alfi27]

I read quite a few mixed reviews of the VHII bridge, where people didn't love it for different reasons. Some said that it could sound a bit thin (too much focus on harmonics rather than the fundamental note), and some said it was too bassy. It could work very well in the SG for all I know, but I feel like The Mule is a more safe choice. I understand it is not night and day difference from the Riff Raff, but apparently it sounds fuller, more balanced and rounder which is exactly what I want! The 57 Classics can be a bit bright and brittle, but apart from that they are not bad!

In a way I feel like I haven't heard a pickup maker's "true voice" and work before I have heard their PAF replica, which is particularly true with BKP due to all the work Tim has put into The Mule. Acquiring, analyzing and testing dozens of old PAFs, and using the best sounding ones as his starting point. I found an interview with Tim yesterday as well, where he mentioned that a company's PAF replica sort of creates a starting point and ground for all other pickup models. It's safe to say that my expectations are even higher than any BKP purchase before, but I am more than certain they will not disappoint!

[Telerocker]

I read quite a few mixed reviews of the VHII bridge, where people didn't love it for different reasons. Some said that it could sound a bit thin (too much focus on harmonics rather than the fundamental note), and some said it was too bassy. It could work very well in the SG for all I know, but I feel like The Mule is a more safe choice. I understand it is not night and day difference from the Riff Raff, but apparently it sounds fuller, more balanced and rounder which is exactly what I want! The 57 Classics can be a bit bright and brittle, but apart from that they are not bad!

In a way I feel like I haven't heard a pickup maker's "true voice" and work before I have heard their PAF replica, which is particularly true with BKP due to all the work Tim has put into The Mule. Acquiring, analyzing and testing dozens of old PAFs, and using the best sounding ones as his starting point. I found an interview with Tim yesterday as well, where he mentioned that a company's PAF replica sort of creates a starting point and ground for all other pickup models. It's safe to say that my expectations are even higher than any BKP purchase before, but I am more than certain they will not disappoint!

You have to own at least one set of Mules in this life. 

[bjorn]

Just swapped out my Gibson SG Standard's bridge pickup to Emerald Bridge, and it's just awesome - a HOT PAF, I'd say versatile to what I play.  I just adjust the gain on the pedals or amp to get that Low-Med-High Gain Goodness.  The bridge pickup matched well with the very resonant SG, Aluminum Tailpiece and R9 wiring kit (pots and bumblebees).  You can Strum the Strings and do chords on the bridge pup even with gain and it doesn't mush or sputter:)  The SG had 498T, Seth Lovers Set, 57/57+ Set and now the BKP which is the best it had.

The real problem now is, the need to upgrade and swap my guitars pickups to BKP.

Now I'm looking for an Emerald Neck for the SG Standard and a Mule Bridge for the Edwards Les Paul, might order thru a dealer in my country. 

Gear Used:

VOX Night Train Head 15 watts V1
212 Laney Cub Cab loaded with Eminence The Governor + Screaming Eagle
Ramble FX Marvel Drive V2, Boss BD2W

[mariak]

I think the Abraxas might be a tad too dark and middy for this SG. It actually sounds surprisingly full-bodied for such a thin body (no pun intended). It is no Les Paul though. These days the Abraxas gets recommended a lot, but not the VHII so much.

[wolfenstein]

just a try cold sweat...I put him to my sg standard and I'm quite happy with result...I replaced miracle man which was good but not as sweet annd versatile as CS is...