might be kicking the EMGs out of my MH-1000

[IcemanStudios]

All right, well, my trusty main guitar, an MH-1000, might be due for new pickups. I have an 85/85 set up in it now, and it's served me pretty well, but I'm kinda curious as to what I can do to experiment and get more life into the tone. The EMGs are pretty much one trick ponies for my use. With this guitar, a lot of metal/death metal/grindcore/hard-core gets played, but I'd like to do it with a bit more lively character, y'know? I'm looking at the common three: the painkiller, the coldsweat, and the nailbomb. I'd like crushing tone with tightness and articulation. The guitar would most likely be tuned to drop C. What do you guys think will serve me the best? Also, what pots would you recommend?

Thanks for any help!
Regards,
Daniel

[Jonny]

Tight, crushing, articulate = Warpig for your bridge, or a Painkiller. MDV usually chimes in with the Painkiller recommendation.

I use a Cold Sweat for my neck (as well as a ceramic Warpig for the bridge) for fluid leads, sort of Petrucci type leads.

For me it's CS/CWP in Alder body = Awesome

Pots, I'm not so sure about, but 500k I suppose? You'd have to get a reply from someone else.

And welcome to the forum.

[IcemanStudios]

Thanks for the reply, man! I was wondering if the warpig would be a little overboard, but that's through my lack of knowledge with these pickups. When I saw the warpig, I thought invader. And I just tracked a band last week and their guitar player had an invader and it was this nasty, muddy mess.

[dheim]

mud doesn't exist on warpig planet...  :)
it kicks ass with huge shockwaves retaining articulation... mh is made of alder or mahoganey?

[Nolly]

The C-pig could definitely be a good call, though it's a tad too saturated for my tastes.
The Painkiller is more open-sounding and even more aggressive with an addictive snarly midrange character. It's also clearer and tighter than the c-pig.
If you go for a Painkiller, I'd highly recommend the matching neck pickup, it's an incredible pickup and makes a perfect pairing with the bridge model.
Personally I found it difficult to get a balance I liked with a C-pig/CS combo, but apparently I'm in the minority there :)

500K pots should do the trick.

[LP_LOVER]

Keep in mind that the EMG 85/85 are ALNICO V pickups; nothing ceramic here. They're thick, fluid, smooth and still cutting. Personally I think they're great pickups if you playing them through the right set-up (preferably through a tight, trebly amp for the right combination).

I've used EMG 85's for quite a few years and for some reason they always kicked ass (in my set-up). Lots of sustain, balls and they even did classic hardrock (not scooped metal) with ease!!

I think you need some thick and smooth BKP pickups; Holydivers.

[dheim]

Keep in mind that the EMG 85/85 are ALNICO V pickups; nothing ceramic here. They're thick, fluid, smooth and still cutting. Personally I think they're great pickups if you playing them through the right set-up (preferably through a tight, trebly amp for the right combination).

I've used EMG 85's for quite a few years and for some reason they always kicked ass (in my set-up). Lots of sustain, balls and they even did classic hardrock (not scooped metal) with ease!!

I think you need some thick and smooth BKP pickups; Holydivers.

i agree, i love my 85, it has no relation at all with the 81...

[Roobubba]

For drop tunings, you'll not find much better than a Miracle Man, although perhaps it's going to be a touch too edgy for you. Painkillers will also work very well. Both of these pickups give tightness and articulation in spades. I'm not familiar with the woods of the MH-1000, what's its construction?

Roo

[Transcend]

For drop tunings, you'll not find much better than a Miracle Man, although perhaps it's going to be a touch too edgy for you. Painkillers will also work very well. Both of these pickups give tightness and articulation in spades. I'm not familiar with the woods of the MH-1000, what's its construction?

Roo

I believe its mahogany body maple neck thru with a maple cap.

also im glad im not the only one who loves the 85 yet hates the 81

[MDV]

For the tightness and articulation with maximum heaviness, C-Pig.

[IcemanStudios]

Man, you guys didn't make it any easier! Haha. That's all right, though. I really appreciate you all sharing your info. I like my 85s for what they are, but they are a little too sterile for my tastes and I want to experiment. As with most here, I also have a dislike for the 81. Too shrill and scratchy. I also haven't had much luck enjoying things like Bill Lawrence 500s, Dimebuckers, or Invaders. The Warpig kinda gave me that impression (unfounded, I know) because those pick ups listed all are touted for being metal monsters and I just didn't vibe with them. I just want something tight and articulate, but not brash like the 81. I'd like a familiar tone like my 85, but with responsiveness and character.

[IcemanStudios]

Oh, also...I know it's a little off topic, but is there anyway to get polished black covers instead of matte black?

[Madiac]

Send Tim an email, ask what he recommends, most people will agree that hes good at giving you the right suggestion, and about polished black, i doubt it, but you can always ask. The warpig is certainly not shrill, cold and lifeless from what ive heard, much more bassy/midrangey. Listen to some clips at the Players section.

[MDV]

Man, you guys didn't make it any easier! Haha. That's all right, though. I really appreciate you all sharing your info. I like my 85s for what they are, but they are a little too sterile for my tastes and I want to experiment. As with most here, I also have a dislike for the 81. Too shrill and scratchy. I also haven't had much luck enjoying things like Bill Lawrence 500s, Dimebuckers, or Invaders. The Warpig kinda gave me that impression (unfounded, I know) because those pick ups listed all are touted for being metal monsters and I just didn't vibe with them. I just want something tight and articulate, but not brash like the 81. I'd like a familiar tone like my 85, but with responsiveness and character.

The pigs are very powerfull, but far for responsive than EMGs. If youre looking for most similar to an 85, thats probably the C-pig. The 85 is alnico, but it still feels more ceramic than most alnicos. The A-pig is more organic, fuller grindier mids and softer, smoother highs than the C-Pig. The C-pig is tighter with smoother mids and sharper highs. Both are way more dynamic and characterfull than the 85, but if thats your priority then go for the A-Pig. If you want maximum dynamics, tightness and articulation with nearly as much output as you've become acustomed to and far more 'character', then painkiller.

Miralce man as the outside choice - it fits your bill of articulation, tightness and character, but is probably the least responsive and dynamic of the high output BKs (in my experience). It doesnt roll back as well as the others and its not all that powerfull but is harder to restrain with picking style.

[IcemanStudios]

Thanks so much for all the info! Still kinda a toss up, but it makes it easier to know all the characters of the pickupos. Also, does anyone have any pics of uncovered warpigs?