looking for the right humbuckers for my new Explorer

[rohlfo]

Hi everyone,
This might be a long post, but will hopefully be very precise in what I'm looking for.
I build my own guitars and my main guitar at the moment is a PRS-style with Crawler humbuckers (which I really like). However, for my band at the moment I could do with a lighter guitar since the PRS is actually a LOT heavier than any other guitar I've ever had/seen (even more than my 5-string bass....) which isn't great for jumping around on stage with... :?

I've decided on a Explorer look with mahogany body and maple neck. I'm a big fan of vintage sounds, but for this guitar it can't be too soft/bluesy and really needs to get a strong crunch/distortion for my band. The bands which influence us are along the lines of: AC/DC, Led Zep, Thin Lizzy, Molly Hatchett, Airbourne (<- really like their sound) and obviously Spinal Tap :P (or if its any help we have some poor, old recordings on our myspace: www.myspace.com/hotmagentaband). And if it's any extra help, I play through a Sound City SC40C amp.

For the neck pup I'm looing for something which can give a good sound for when we hit the more stoner rock parts of songs and a bridge pup which can belt out rock'n'roll/hard rock riffs (I never really solo). Seeing as the body will be less weight than my PRS I need pick-ups to really compensate for the full sound I'm used too, which doesn't mean bassy! I often complain about thin weak sounds although finally finding a good valve amp has helped me a lot in being satisfied with my tone :D

I obviously have some thoughts about which pups I would like, but would muchly like to hear your suggestions without my influence! I am also very open for suggestions of combos of certain pups. Oh, and it would be nice to have it not too similar to the PRS since I do plan on using it on the odd song during a gig. I know this all sounds very fussy but I'm greatful for any help you can give!
many thanks

rohlfo

[Ratrod]

There's been some discussion over this a (long) while ago.

The answer is: Riff Raffs

[rohlfo]

cheers mate. I did look back at previous topics to try and find an answer, but obviously not far enough....
Would you suggest getting Riff Raff for both bridge and neck or getting a combo?

[ericsabbath]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V7Hk7SewSwE

riff raff there (that explorer seems to have an EMG in the neck (or the pup was installed upside down??))

[rohlfo]

you can tell the pup type from the video!?

[ericsabbath]

that video is on BKP official myspace  :lol:

[rohlfo]

cheat :P
na, cheers mate, didn't know they had a myspace, will check it out!

[Ratrod]

For the neck pickup: either another Riff Raff or (really nice) a Mississippi Queen.

[AndyR]

Having listened to your myspace clips (nice sound :D) I'm with the other guys - Riff Raffs.

The MQ in the neck is a really nice idea too - I've had Riff Raffs in my Explorer, she's got MQs now, works better for me, I'm more bluesy - but the MQ neck would complement the RR bridge nicely.

Welcome to the forum :D

[Will]

Sorry to shake it up, I haven't played a Riff Raff, but those mids do remind me of A5 mule. You would no doubt be happy with either

[rohlfo]

Cheers guys  :D

Thanks AndyR about liking the sound. however, those are dangerously old clips... :? and I'm playing through a mix of amps (none of which are mine, just borrowing). That's why it doesn't really represent my sound now too well....the live clips (I'm rhythm guitar) - I was playing through an Engl Thunder and the recordings are a Marshall combined with either a Fender or a Trace Elliot bass amp  :P

Will - which mids do you mean (which recordings)? And as just mentioned, unfortunately not my sound now, but quite similar I guess.

The MQ and Mule sound nice, and I am a fan of blues and quiter stuff, but I feel like my PRS with Crawlers covers that, and with this new guitar I'm kinda just looking for a straight to the point rock'n'roll guitar, which does admittingly hint at RR, although I will consider putting something else in the neck position, we'll see!

thanks again, much appreciated! :D

[Will]

Your myspace songs seemed to have a certain mid raunch that reminds me of the A5 mule.
If you want different from crawler, then I would have though it best to go for RR then

[rohlfo]

that kinda looks like a RR for the bridge and either RR or MQ (or perhaps even Mule) for the neck....just wondering: what's exactly meant by a 'hot' pup rather than 'normal'?
cheers

[rohlfo]

just want to throw the cat among the pigeons and ask if anyone has ever considered this crazy idea:
Black Dog bridge with an Emmeral neck pup (with the idea of perhaps blending them together a little for a mixed sound)!?!? Am I just being rediculous here and they don't actually match, lol!?

[Jonny]

Is jumping around with mahogany not like having bricks in your pockets and weights on your shoes?