A BKP set to outdo my '59 set?

[Jazz Rock]

I finally put in the A4 mags in the 490R and 498T of my Gibby yesterday. It does seem like it gives the best I could get from them but for the wee test I ran last evening it sounds '59-like performances but a bit less inspiring. I'll keep these reincarnations of the stock pups for a wee while but I don't they are gonna stay long.

So what will be next? I already asked this question but I can't make up my mind yet.
Either I try to go for something a bit more modern sounding like a SD Jazz set. Or I try to make the Gibby a better classic rock sounding guitar than the Epi.

If I go for the latter, which BKP set will give the same flavour than my '59 set but with a better definition to the notes? Mules, Black dog?

[Twinfan]

Mules are the classic '59 sound.

[Simon D]

Mules are the classic '59 sound.

They certainly are. I've got a set in an Epi LP - they are the sound you describe.

I also have a Duncan '59 in the bridge of another guitar, and while it's by no means bad (I happen to quite like it)  the Mules are better.

[Jazz Rock]

Thanks guys!

Is the black dog simply a hotter version of the Mule? After reading Yamhammer's thread about his new MQ in the neck, I am considering getting one for the neck as well and a mule or black dog bridge.

[hunter]

The Black Dog has a hump in the upper mids, which makes it richer, but maybe also a bit "looser" than a Mule, which is supposed to have a more balanced EQ.

If you're after rock mainly, you could like the BD more, if versatility is key, maybe a Mule.

Combinations I would recommend:

Mule calibrated set
Mule bridge with Missisippi Queen or Stormy Monday neck
Black Dog calibrated set
BlackDog bridge with MQ, SM or Mule neck

Is your guitar acoustically rather bright?

[HTH AMPS]

I've got a Black Dog that I'm waiting to try in my Les Paul to replace the Mule that's in there now.

The Mule bridge is 8.3k while the Black Dog is 10.8k, so it's fairly hot for a PAF type of pickup.

The magnet differences will make them sound quite different too.  The Mule has A4 while the 'Dog has a A5 magnet.

 :twisted:

[Fourth Feline]

Mules are the classic '59 sound.

+ 1



 :D

[ericsabbath]

Mules are the classic '59 sound.

i don't believe Tim would make a pickup that sounds so bad, dark, scooped and muffled like the '59  :shock:
all mule's clips i've found here sound great and with nice and fat mids

[Buddha]

+1 to what's been said by most others about the mules  :)

[indysmith]

i think he meant '59 as in the vintage, rather than the SD, but i may be wrong...

[JamesHealey]

I thought the Black Dogs were a bit on the dark side, although they were defined, they lacked something. Not bad pickups at all, must be something that someone is looking for, for sure.

[Jazz Rock]

The Black Dog has a hump in the upper mids, which makes it richer, but maybe also a bit "looser" than a Mule, which is supposed to have a more balanced EQ.

If you're after rock mainly, you could like the BD more, if versatility is key, maybe a Mule.

Combinations I would recommend:

Mule calibrated set
Mule bridge with Missisippi Queen or Stormy Monday neck
Black Dog calibrated set
BlackDog bridge with MQ, SM or Mule neck

Is your guitar acoustically rather bright?

No my LP Studio is rather dark, but not too dark. What I am mainly after, while staying in keeping with the '59, is clarity.

[Jazz Rock]

i think he meant '59 as in the vintage, rather than the SD, but i may be wrong...

I meant the SD'59, has it is what I have in the Epi and I am quite happy with this. Just looking for something offering classic rock sound with a bit more versatility... handling better the level of gain you get with modern rock.

[indysmith]

then mules it is

[Fourth Feline]

i think he meant '59 as in the vintage, rather than the SD, but i may be wrong...

Yes Siree  !

I meant the the year / vintage  NOT the S.D. pickup ...  :!:

 :D