OK, I have to ask...

[MrBump]

Yamaha SG 200.

All mahogany, I think, set neck.

TOM style bridge.

I'm looking for something relatively tame, I think - my initial thoughts were Mules, although some have suggested Abraxas (I can see the connection and reasoning, I'm just not sure if they'll be too hot...)

I really want to get something traditional sounding - I guess as close to a vintage LP tone, although the devil in me still wants plenty of dirt.  However, I'm not a particularly high gain player...

I'm starting to think about Black Dogs...

What are your thoughts, guys?

Mark.

[Twinfan]

Stormies, stock Alnico II.  Sweet, smooth and singing  :)

Might not have enough bite if that's what you're after though...

[Yamhammer]

I vote for the Riff Raffs for a brighter sound.

[Philly Q]

I think I agree with Yamhammer, Riff Raffs.  Or (anticipating what gwEm might say) an AV/AIV Mule combo for a little extra fatness and a bit more oomph from the bridge.

I think BDs might be a bit too dark, SMs a bit too wimpy (sorry Dave!) unless you prefer clean sounds.

[MrBump]

OK...  I guess that my impression of RRs is that they're a little loose sounding, if you know what I mean.  Will they sound clear and bell-like when clean, and happily knock out Parisienne Walkways when dirty?

Mark.

[Philly Q]

I don't know about loose, they're pretty tight I'd say.  But kind of dry - the cleans are nice but not pretty, if that makes any sense.

I've never tried the neck RR but it's AV and, I think, quite bright - maybe you could go for the tried-and-trusted RR bridge, SM neck? 

I have an AII Stormy Monday neck, but maybe the AIV version would have a bit more push in the mids?  I'm not sure.

[ericsabbath]

OK...  I guess that my impression of RRs is that they're a little loose sounding, if you know what I mean.  Will they sound clear and bell-like when clean, and happily knock out Parisienne Walkways when dirty?

Mark.

from every clip I've hard on this forum, I'd say you couldn't be more mistaken
at list to my ears, the riff raff is the tighest non-ceramic humbucker bare knuckle model
bright, clear and sharp
I'm a metal player and I'm seriously thinking of ordering one for my next les paul

[Gizmo]

Maybe if you like the vintage sound and are indecisive about Black Dogs and Mules, get a Black Dog Bridge and Mule Neck. I have that combo in my LP.

The Mule neck on a clean amp is just so full and clear its rediculous. I've always been a strat person but I actually prefer the Mule Neck to my Strat Neck. :roll: Never thought that would happen. + the black dog is slightly agressive but still vintagey sounding.

[MrBump]

OK...  I guess that my impression of RRs is that they're a little loose sounding, if you know what I mean.  Will they sound clear and bell-like when clean, and happily knock out Parisienne Walkways when dirty?

Mark.

from every clip I've hard on this forum, I'd say you couldn't be more mistaken
at list to my ears, the riff raff is the tighest non-ceramic humbucker bare knuckle model
bright, clear and sharp
I'm a metal player and I'm seriously thinking of ordering one for my next les paul

Well, I HAVE been listening to the clips, and they do sound a little loose, to my ears.

Maybe my ears are loose?

[AndyR]

:lol:

I think I know what you mean by "loose" on the RRs - but I couldn't justify or explain it to anyone else :D

I had my RRs in my Explorer, a serious lump of Mahogany. They were nice but more "open" sounding than they are in the Epi SG they were bought for (and are now back in). In the explorer I liked the RR neck, but RR bridge wasn't really cutting it - not enough oomph...

So I swapped MQs and RRs round. The MQs do everything I want in the explorer (including what the RRs did, but better - slightly thicker, lot more gritty, but cleans up real nice), and the RRs do their superb Angus job in the SG, a slightly more focussed humbucker sound than my Mules in a Tokai Love rock.

Final bit of info - accoustically, the Epi SG is all mahogany, but a lot harder and brighter sounding than the explorer, which has a lovely dark/mellow sort of tone.

I think it depends on what your actual guitar is like tonally - the RRs could be superb for what you want, or... :roll:

So... in summary... no help here then! :lol:

[MrBump]

:lol:

I think I know what you mean by "loose" on the RRs - but I couldn't justify or explain it to anyone else :D

I had my RRs in my Explorer, a serious lump of Mahogany. They were nice but more "open" sounding than they are in the Epi SG they were bought for (and are now back in). In the explorer I liked the RR neck, but RR bridge wasn't really cutting it - not enough oomph...

So I swapped MQs and RRs round. The MQs do everything I want in the explorer (including what the RRs did, but better - slightly thicker, lot more gritty, but cleans up real nice), and the RRs do their superb Angus job in the SG, a slightly more focussed humbucker sound than my Mules in a Tokai Love rock.

Final bit of info - accoustically, the Epi SG is all mahogany, but a lot harder and brighter sounding than the explorer, which has a lovely dark/mellow sort of tone.

I think it depends on what your actual guitar is like tonally - the RRs could be superb for what you want, or... :roll:

So... in summary... no help here then! :lol:

Yeah, cheers for that!!!

 :lol:

[MrBump]

... although you have got me thinking about MQs...

[TwilightOdyssey]

... although you have got me thinking about MQs...

I'm gonna buck the trend and say VHII.

[MrBump]

You trend bucker!

Why?

[TwilightOdyssey]

You trend bucker!

Why?

Cause it'll do everything you want ... clean, clear as crystal, but can also push an amp into submission with the volume dimed out. Roll back the treble a bit and you have Riff Raff territory, add an OD and it's instant Eddie.

Mahog + Set Neck = Dark/Neutral tone. VHII will bring the beast out of that combo!!