OK, I have to ask...

[MrBump]

Oh dear.  This is getting complicated...

 :?

[TwilightOdyssey]

Only as complicated as you make it, bupy.

[kellar]

Hate to bring this up, but what about that old combo of SM neck/RR bridge? The RR will give you that biting tone for solos in the bridge (and also instant Angus in an SG), and the SM will give you the sweet and clear mellowness that you want in the neck. :D

[TwilightOdyssey]

Hate to bring this up, but what about that old combo of SM neck/RR bridge? The RR will give you that biting tone for solos in the bridge (and also instant Angus in an SG), and the SM will give you the sweet and clear mellowness that you want in the neck. :D

I have this setup, and the RR won't have the same amount of push on tap as the VHII.

[MrBump]

OK, I've listened to the clips again, and the tones that I'm liking the best are centred around Mules and Black Dogs.

I think that the main point about the BDs was that they might sound too dark for an all mahogany guitar?  Is this really the case?

Mark.

[Kilby]

I shouldn't really open my moufg as I havn't got any BDs but from the sound clips I have heard they are dark (for want of a better phrase) and that is in maple topped guitars.

Though it may work for you, I would suggest avoiding it unless you are after something deliberately dark

I like TOs suggestion of a VHII, as Hunters recent clips have shown it's potential for non Hair Metal tones

[Philly Q]

The BD doesn't really sound dark in my V, but it's not bright either - in fact the BD bridge isn't much brighter than the SM I have in the neck position. 

And my V is very lightweight - I think in a heavier guitar like your SG the BD could be a bit dark.

I don't have a VHII (yet) but it certainly appeals - as does the Cold Sweat but that's probably higher-output than you want.

[Kilby]

And my V is very lightweight - I think in a heavier guitar like your SG the BD could be a bit dark.

I don't have a VHII (yet) but it certainly appeals - as does the Cold Sweat but that's probably higher-output than you want.

Heh thats what I meant (I always found Vs to be a bit different to everything else)

I have sort of been wondering where the line actually is with all mahogany guitars, as I'm sure a SG compared with a LP type would have fairly different behavours. Assuming that the SG200 would be closer to a LP than a SG

[Philly Q]

I have sort of been wondering where the line actually is with all mahogany guitars, as I'm sure a SG compared with a LP type would have fairly different behavours. Assuming that the SG200 would be closer to a LP than a SG

My theory (unhampered, as usual, by scientific fact) is that the thick maple top on LPs, SG2000s etc makes a big difference.  The mahogany gives loads of bass and midrange, but the brighter maple balances it out to give a more "neutral" tone.

When it comes to pickups, (Gibson) SGs, Vs, Juniors etc are pretty temperamental as to what will work, but you hardly ever hear someone saying a pickup isn't suited to a Les Paul.

I'm sure there are lots of other factors as well, like the overall weight and the type of neck joint.

[MrBump]

I have sort of been wondering where the line actually is with all mahogany guitars, as I'm sure a SG compared with a LP type would have fairly different behavours. Assuming that the SG200 would be closer to a LP than a SG

My theory (unhampered, as usual, by scientific fact) is that the thick maple top on LPs, SG2000s etc makes a big difference.  The mahogany gives loads of bass and midrange, but the brighter maple balances it out to give a more "neutral" tone.

When it comes to pickups, (Gibson) SGs, Vs, Juniors etc are pretty temperamental as to what will work, but you hardly ever hear someone saying a pickup isn't suited to a Les Paul.

I'm sure there are lots of other factors as well, like the overall weight and the type of neck joint.

PQ, none of this is helping!?!?

Maybe I just need to take the plunge - I have a feeling that there won't be a right answer...

[Philly Q]

PQ, none of this is helping!?!?

 :lol: Sorry!

But I think you have the age-old "SG Dilemma".

[Yamhammer]

My last vote: A CALIBRATED SET OF VH2's.

[AndyR]

I've been well busy for the last few days, so this is the first time I've read this thread since I posted - and I have to say that I was highly swayed by TO's posts on the VHIIs - never really thought about them before, but now they're firmly placed in my "I wonder..." category if I ended up needing more humbuckers at some point.

Out of what I've read on this thread (including mine :roll:) I think if it was me I'd lean towards trying VHIIs on this one...

[MrBump]

Hmmm...  VHII..? 

Just had a look at them online.  I guess that they're not that hot.  9.2k - I guess that the neck would be slightly less than that in a calibrated set.

I hope I'm making the right decision going "Vintage"(hot)?  Going for a Warpig bridge and Cold Sweat neck seems like an easy choice...

[Philly Q]

Hmmm...  VHII..? 

Just had a look at them online.  I guess that they're not that hot.  9.2k - I guess that the neck would be slightly less than that in a calibrated set.

I hope I'm making the right decision going "Vintage"(hot)? 

There was a thread a while back where Henk (what happened to him?) explained that the VHII is a true "Hot PAF" because it's the hottest you can possibly wind a pickup using vintage spec 42 gauge plain enamel wire.

Or something like that.  I'm just saying what I heard.  :?