Author Topic: Difference between Holy Diver and Nailbomb? (Read 4874 times)

WestcoastCanadianPete · « **on:** March 21, 2008, 04:14:26 AM »

This has probably been done to death, please forgive me. Intended destination is the bridge of a maple or alder neck-through with a Floyd. NWOBHM tones. Thanks, and peace and good grooves to all.

WestcoastCanadianPete · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2008, 04:16:01 AM »

Oh, and none of that mid-scoopin'! I love mids!!!

Nolly · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2008, 08:57:38 AM »

The Nailbomb is a super-clear, organic feeling pickup with a mid-heavy feel and lots of dynamics. It's 16k output, but you almost don't notice because it's so damn clear!

I haven't tried the Holy Diver, but I believe it is based on the Seymour Duncan JB, but with a far more balanced sound. From all accounts it's a great pickup, with warm but tight lows, and a really fat, sustaining tone.

That said, if you want that British metal sound, how about the Painkiller?

At the end of the day, always make sure you run any decision past Tim himself, either via email or phone. He is THE MAN, and always gives great recommendations.

MrBump · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2008, 10:56:08 AM »

I can only speak for the Nailbomb.

I keep trying to get a scooped sound from my Nailbombs, not because I like it, just because I want to have a go - it's one particular sound that I struggle to get.

No biggie, really - I love my mids too! And it can sound REALLY aggressive if you want, just not that clinical and scooped.

Organic is the word I hear associated most with Nailbombs - it's a weird one to describe. It's almost like they're breathing, very responsive to pick attach and the volume control. I'm extremely happy with the NBs.

Mark.

Antag · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2008, 12:23:40 PM »

Yep, it's been talked about before :)

Rather than type another essay, my opinion here & here is what I still think.... :)

ericsabbath · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2008, 12:25:30 PM »

they are brothers
the holy diver will help to balance the guitar

WestcoastCanadianPete · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2008, 02:36:06 PM »

"Holy Diver has more output than Nailbomb & is much fuller & fatter in the lower mids. Nailbomb has a more upper mids & top end & really scythes through the mix. If I had to come up with one word for each I'd say Holy Diver = chunk, Nailbomb = cut. Despite being quite hot, both pickups are beautiful clean - the HD is warmer, the NB brighter, but both clean up really nicely & still respond well to changes in your pick attack etc."

Well, going by this I think I'll go Holy Diver. I've got a black 1987 SG that I'll probably put a Painkiller in because I'm really interested in that one, too. Thanks!!!

WestcoastCanadianPete · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2008, 02:46:13 PM »

I actually wasn't interested in the Nailbomb but I saw a video on here of a guy doing some chugga chugga stuff on a Jem with a ceramic Nailbomb and the tone was so good it got my attention, even though I don't downtune.

izy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2008, 08:06:45 PM »

do you think you can give us a link to that video man? never heard a ceramic nailbomb before, sounds interesting!

WestcoastCanadianPete · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2008, 09:57:32 PM »

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TKUPF9UEuRQ

AdamB · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2008, 09:57:38 PM »

Isn't that Nolly?

He posted above

lulusg · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2008, 10:59:27 PM »

Great!!!!!

keano · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2008, 09:54:34 AM »

Quote

Holy Diver has more output than Nailbomb & is much fuller & fatter in the lower mids. Nailbomb has a more upper mids & top end & really scythes through the mix. If I had to come up with one word for each I'd say Holy Diver = chunk, Nailbomb = cut. Despite being quite hot, both pickups are beautiful clean - the HD is warmer, the NB brighter, but both clean up really nicely & still respond well to changes in your pick attack etc.

Great topic was about to ask this myself. I got a JB in LP and it isn't bad but kinda mushy on low end. Got a Aldrich and that was very clear good for metal but output is 17.5 which is too much I want some versatility. 16 most. So I have been debating differences between the NB and HD and RY. Definitely want to try the HD. I have heard the NB mids are slightly scooped is this right?

So whats bighter the RY or the NB? So if a JB is similar to a HD the NB would be similar to what mass produced pup as an example? Oh..... would the RY be more open less compressed then the NB?
thanks :)

Antag · « **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2008, 10:58:43 AM »

Quote from: keano

So if a JB is similar to a HD

I'd love to say something that would kill off once & for all the myth that the Holy Diver is some sort of JB clone.

But if my comments on the differences between them in the same guitar aren't enough, then I'm not sure what is... :)

Jonny · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2008, 02:51:51 PM »

Quote from: WestcoastCanadianPete

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TKUPF9UEuRQ

That's Nolly, on his PGM.