Need help picking out a new pickup for a Les Paul

[theramblervison]

 Hey guys I need to employ your help here. I have multiple guitars, but am looking for this one to replace some 490s that are in my 96 Les Paul Standard. The amp is a 88 Marshall Jubilee 2555 through a 4 x 12 celestion greenback cabinet and I have a few various pedals with a true bypass switch to not kill the tone when not needing the pedals. I am looking for a killer balanced sound that you can hear every single note and string when striking a chord and not be to fuzzy sounding, just big and clear and badass.

 I recently placed a BK Riff Raff in the guitar, but I found it was a little harsh in the mid range and not quite full enough in tone for what I was going for. I play in a band called the Swear and we are a punkish/alternative/rock outfit. The tones I was trying to get close to are Guns n Roses (appittite for Destruction), the Backyard Babies, Hot Water Music, Led Zeppelin, Alkaline Trio and Jimmy Eat World even has good tone. So since I haven't played all these killer BK pickups maybe you guys can help me out in selecting a pickup, I have looked at Rebel Yells, Crawler, Black Dogs and Mules but don't know where to go after the Riff Raffs weren't "it"

 Thanks again guys.............JZ

myspace.com/theswear      if hearing would help as well.

[discofudge]

I'd think about an AlnicoII mule. That's very similar to what slash uses and will give you all the clarity and definition you will ever desire.

[indysmith]

I'd love to help you since the tones you mention are awesome! I'm much for the same and I have Mules in my Les Paul and Nailbombs in my Ibanez...
I think you should be looking somewhere in between those bases if that's any use to you?

Black Dog or Abraxas maybe?

[Dr. Vic]

I think both the Mule or the Black Dog will suit you fine, with more growl and bite if you choose the black dog !

[prozacbear]

If you want to avoid harsh but maintain clarity of tone and maintain that big fat Les Paul sound, I would recommend Black Dogs. I have them in my Les Paul and they are spot on.

As a personal rule of thumb if the Las Paul is naturally darker sounding I think Mules, but if it's a bit brighter then Black Dogs.

[gwEm]

the attraction for Riff Raff fan's is that cold dryness.

A2 Mules aren't usually recommended for Les Paul (Tim suggests them for Strats though according to old posts).

I agree - Black Dog or standard Mule. It sounds like your Les Paul might be on the bright side, try a Black Dog maybe.

But as you already have the Riff Raff installed, its time to call Tim and describe what you don't like about it, and what you'd prefer.

[HTH AMPS]

I think the true vintage type BKPs are gonna be a bit on the weak side.  Also, I seem to recall the Jube's I've owned liking slighly hotter pickups.

I'd go with an Axbraxas or Crawler.

[TheIronBeast]

I was looking for a similar tone (more of a classic Page like tone) for my Les Paul so I e-mailed Tim last week and he suggested that I get an uncovered Black Dog bridge and covered Mule neck which I am going to order next week hopefully! You could maybe consider a BD and Mule combo too.

[Dubn 57 Goldtop]

my exact order. on their way to phx az right now :lol:

going in a gibson 2007 (aged honduran mahogany) 57 reissue goldtop darkback, with rs super pots and jensen paper-in-oil caps!!! raw nickel mule, black uncovered dog

i'm becoming an insomniac waiting for this sound lol

[theramblervison]

Thanks for the input guys and after talking with Tim over and over and over again I think I am going to try the Crawlers set. All the clips sound awesome and Tim talks very very highly of them, plus my Paul seems to be a bright monster so even though I wanted Rebel Yells bad I am afraid a bright pick up in a bright Paul will be to much..........JZ