Author Topic: Could it be the Crawler? Or the Black Dog? (Read 3668 times)

Ced777 · « **on:** April 23, 2006, 03:07:38 PM »

Hello guys,

I'm looking for a bridge pickup for my (lefty) Gibson LP Std. The guitar has a natural dark fat tone (like a traditional LP, not exagereted)

I would like to find a Mule with a tad more power, bite, and tighter bass (to balance the natural tone of the guitar). A vintage character (or not too modern) would be appreciated. And alnico pickups only too (I don't like ceramic so much).

For my purpose, the Crawler seems to fit the bill perfectly. What's your opinion? I never heard Abraxas or Black Dog, though.

froglord · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2006, 03:16:19 PM »

Sounds like the perfect choice. When I was choosing my pickups, Tim described the Crawlers as being like the Mules but with more power. In addition, since it uses an Alnico V magnet rather than the Mule's Alnico IV, it should give a bit more bite at the top end.

Tim · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2006, 06:44:18 PM »

You'll get more bass and power but less bite-the Rebel Yell will have more bite than the Crawler and tighter bottom end.

Ced777 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2006, 06:57:01 PM »

Thank you Tim. I already have a Rebell Yell in another guitar (full mahogany body) and it is perfect.
But I would like to find another model for this LP, if possible. (just to have another kind of tasty pickups!). Even if I could finish with another RY (there are so good!)

How would you compare the Mule and Black Dog? The alnico V of the Dog could maybe tighten bass and add bite? (even if it's a different wind). I don't need lots of bass, just a bit tighter than the A4 Mule. But don't need a dark pickup.

PS: I heard the Darkness use some Crawler, is it true?

Tim · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2006, 08:11:59 AM »

First up Darkness use Mule not Crawler..........Black Dog will be darker than Mule and have more bass too. Riff Raff has great bite, is very clear and the bass is much tighter.

Skybone · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2006, 11:04:48 AM »

I'm going against the grain here and going to say the Black Dog. It has plenty of mids, more than enough to cut through the mix, loads of bass and plenty of punch, you can get really nice highs as well. IMO an awesome but underrated pickup, a great all-round rock/metal pickup.

My Tokai Love Rock came alive when I had them fitted, and they'll certainly suit a heavier bodied LP.

Ced777 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2006, 01:35:55 PM »

Skybone, I see you have both BD and Crawler. Can you tell me the differences between them?

Skybone · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2006, 10:52:02 PM »

To be honest, I use the Tokai with the Black Dog's much more than the Ibanez that the Crawlers are in, so I'd have to get back to you on the comparison front!

The Crawlers are a great pickup with a definite vintage vibe to them, but I really do prefer the Black Dog loaded guitar. They just seem right for it, and they give me the sound that I want.

Ced777 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2006, 08:20:58 PM »

I changed my mind and ordered a VHII. I played one a few months ago in my PRS and was really really impressed. Nice power (but not overcoming), cuts like a knife, screams like banshee and keep a vintage attitude. I will put my Mule bridge (in the PRS now) the LP, for a classic Rn'R tone. (or keep the Mule in the PRS and put the VHII in the LP, maybe...).