bridge pickup help

[Yamhammer]

Nice.

[shaman]

Thanks for your really helpful answers! This forum is cool with all you guys!
@shaman how would you compare the holydiver to the mule? In the eq especially. Does the holydiver sound a little too 80's?

the hd was a little too compressed for me-of course, my amps have massive pre amp gain on tap, so I like more "vintage" heat to let my amps "do their thing"-

[karx]

The most important factor is to know how your stock Gibson pickups sound in general in Les Pauls and how other people would describe them (eq-wise). Then you'll get a lot of information about how your new BKP pickup has to sound. Does it need more lows compared to the stock pickups? Do they have to sound warmer or brighter? etc.....The second step is to find as many info as you can about all different kind of BKP pickups. If Tim recommends you the Nailbomb, then it should be good, but if you think (based on stories/samples/reviews) it needs just a tiny bit more thickness compared to the Nailbombs then you have to follow your instict and get a Holydiver or whatever you think that sounds better for YOUR Les Paul Custom.

That was a very helpful post and I 've been thinking what's my biggest problem with my stock pickups.
What I dislike the most is that my guitar with the stock pickups is fairly bright, as a result I don't enjoy playing on the higher strings, notes. I want a thicker and darker tone overall. Even with the boogie single rectifier and soldano avenger, my guitar was kinda bright, treblish. I couldn't get that dark thick tone I have in mind.
I read in the forum that the holydiver is darker than the nailbomb. Maybe that's the pickup I need.
I guess I have to experiment and maybe my first choice will be wrong.

the hd was a little too compressed for me-of course, my amps have massive pre amp gain on tap, so I like more "vintage" heat to let my amps "do their thing"-

Got the point 8). Was the holydiver darker overall?

[shaman]

I can say without hesitation all BK's I have played blow those stock pups away-when I got rid of the burstbuckers in one of my Standards, for instance, I knew BK was for real-the BBuckers  had the same characteristics you mention-almost ice pick-ish,not what I was expecting-there was just something about the HD I didnt like as much as the Mule I dropped in later-(this is in a 91 LP Custom)...yes, I would say darker..the Mule just seems to RIP more with my setup-more versatile for my tone(the Mule even gets me into Paul Gilbert lead tone...now if it could just help me with Paul Gilbert precision... :D)

[HTH AMPS]

Since you've mentioned wanting fat tone from the treble strings, I'd say Nailbomb - when I had this pickup in my Explorer it had a gorgeous fat treble-string tone quite unlike any other pickup I've ever tried, but still with enough cut (i.e. not dull/muffled).  

The NB also has good definition in the bass end and a fairly forward midrange overall.

I have no experience with the Holy Diver, but have used the Mule, Miracle Man, Crawler and Black Dog in my Les Paul.

Other than the Nailbomb, I'd suggest the Crawler if you want something slightly less progressive sounding and more of a 'scorching-hot-PAF' tone.

[ericsabbath]

holy diver = almost instant tool and jerry cantrell (with the right guitars/amps) :lol:
srsly.

of course a nailbomb or crawler, even the mule will do it well too, but I think the holy diver is hard to beat on this one
specially on the THICK lead tones
the holy diver can do 80's stuff, but doesn't sound 80ish by itself
sounds very fat, modern and clear
more modern rock than 80's hard/metal


ps: try greenbacks with your amps
they will make the bass more focused than v30's, but the midrange gets a lot thicker and less spikey

[Yamhammer]

I've ordered a CS neck pickup and CS bridge.

[karx]

Glad for you my friend!

I emailed Tim again asking him about his thoughts on the holydiver and a mule AV.
I want versatility (for some rage against the machine style too) and a darker, thicker sound compare to the gisbon 57 classics.
As soon as he answers me I'm going to order the pickup.

I'll report back soon about my choice and my experience once I get my bkp pickup

[Will]

Holy Diver sounds like it will cover that. Just to cut through with lead, I think a boost at 2K really helps

[Yamhammer]

I'm curious to hear what pickup Tim recommends you  :)

[karx]

I got Tim's e-mail and he still thinks that the nailbomb is the pickup that suits me best.
I'm just going to order it as I trust him and share my thoughts in about a 3 weeks.

Thanks to all of you for your help.
 

[Yamhammer]

VERY NICE!  :)

[karx]

Just wanted to report back about the nailbomb.

Yesterday put it in my guitar.
 
Everything I said that I wanted in my first post has been achieved.

The nailbomb has just the right amount of tightness, the highs are incredible, smooth not shrill or piercing,nice balanced basses and the mids are right there to cut through the mix.

I think it's a very balanced and versatile pick up. It also cleans up superbly (I'm really surprised about that).

I'm really happy that I listened to Tim and got the nailbomb!

[MrBump]

Nailbombs are superb, aren't they?

But there's a saying on this forum - if there are no clips, it doesn't exist...

;-)

[Philly Q]

But there's a saying on this forum - if there are no clips, it doesn't exist...

I'll be very careful never to praise my BKPs again...