Swapping Ragnaroks out for low tuning chord clarity

[Pyroxene]

Hi everyone,

This may be a little confusing, I'll try my best to sum it up:

I'm looking to achieve something I can get out of my 7 string with EMG 707s, which is very clear for open chord clarity for Drop Ab / G# and a lack of muddiness from hi gain + clean tones,
but on my 6 string in the same tuning that currently has Ragnaroks in them.

So the 7 string with EMGs has a 25.5" scale length and the 6 string with Ragnaroks has a 25-26" scale length.
Both with a 59 gauge for the lowest string, low tension I know, but I find 60+ starts to get too bassy / woofy for my liking - so there's very minimal tension difference between the guitars.
(Just putting this out there as scale length isn't an issue to what I'm trying to achieve)

What pickups would you think be a replacement for the Rags in this context? I have my attention on Alnico Blackhawks as they have the characteristics of actives.

Also, is there also a difference in 6 & 7 string versions of the same pickup models? I would assume the 7 string versions would have the EQ better suited to the lower string / tuning to clear up mud, meaning the 6 strings versions would not handle the same lowered tunings as well?

I hope this makes sense, thank you!

[BTS]

I have ragnaroks and.. dont find them lacking clarity on a 25.5 anywhere from e standard to drop A (dont go any lower than that myself) and I run either 56 or 60 gauge on the lowest string. So, I suppose, I struggle to see how in Ab it would be any worse - but that is my experience and the rag is pretty compressed, so maybe thats what you dont like. Have you played with the pickup height?

Alternatives you might consider:

* the Juggernaut is pretty clear and defined and naturally seems to deliver a less saturated tone in my experience than a Rag. The juggernaut isnt as compressed feeling and you gotta pick hard to get the same chunk as the Rag, but its still a legit metal pickup. I personally find it a bit tubby in the low mids, which some people dig and make work for them, I didnt really like it.

* The Aftermath is supremely clear and dry in my opinion. I dont think ive seen it described as muddy. It is very precise.

* You might also consider the Impulse set which I think was developed by Josh from Northlane to be very neutral for very low tunings.

I dont have any experience with Blackhawks.

[ericsabbath]

aftermath and rebel yell are pretty tight and open

[Pyroxene]

I have ragnaroks and.. dont find them lacking clarity on a 25.5 anywhere from e standard to drop A (dont go any lower than that myself) and I run either 56 or 60 gauge on the lowest string. So, I suppose, I struggle to see how in Ab it would be any worse - but that is my experience and the rag is pretty compressed, so maybe thats what you dont like. Have you played with the pickup height?

Alternatives you might consider:

* the Juggernaut is pretty clear and defined and naturally seems to deliver a less saturated tone in my experience than a Rag. The juggernaut isnt as compressed feeling and you gotta pick hard to get the same chunk as the Rag, but its still a legit metal pickup. I personally find it a bit tubby in the low mids, which some people dig and make work for them, I didnt really like it.

* The Aftermath is supremely clear and dry in my opinion. I dont think ive seen it described as muddy. It is very precise.

* You might also consider the Impulse set which I think was developed by Josh from Northlane to be very neutral for very low tunings.

I dont have any experience with Blackhawks.

I totally agree on the clarity down to A, that seems to be the point it can handle for me also. Thank you both for the suggestions, I had a further look into these and I'm gonna go for the Aftermath as they sound like they're exactly what I'm after