Rock Tone?

[deathfan101]

Hey guys I've been getting into a more KISS, Led Zep kind of rock sound and I was wondering what new pickup should I get in the bridge of an LP? I'm decided on a VHII for the neck, but for a bridge pu, I wanted something that has clear jangle highs, tight bass and a smooth midrange sound, fat and spread. Kinda like a blues-rock on steroids kinda tone. Help me decide! :lol: Should I use a lower-output PAF to achieve this kind of tone?

[hunter]

How hot do you want it?

After my recent experience with the MM in the McCarty (and not having liked it in my full mahogany Hamer before), I'm tempted to recommend you that, but it might be a bit too much.

Otherwise it sounds like BlackDog could be a good choice. The VHII could also work well, though it's not the smoothest contender around.

[gingataff]

When you say you've decided on a VHII for the neck do you mean a VHII NECK model or a VHII BRIDGE model in the neck position?
They are different designs and this will affect your choice of bridge pickup.

[FELINEGUITARS]

I would heartily recommend a Cold sweat set for that guitar
Especially for classic Kiss type riffs
I love the Miracle Man but the Cold Sweat breathes a bit better

Lower gain wise , Mules, VH2 , Riff Raff or Black Dogs will all do the trick as well

[Spat]

I've got a Black Dog in the bridge of my les paul and it absolutely nails Ace Frehley's tone.

[deathfan101]

How hot do you want it?

After my recent experience with the MM in the McCarty (and not having liked it in my full mahogany Hamer before), I'm tempted to recommend you that, but it might be a bit too much.

Otherwise it sounds like BlackDog could be a good choice. The VHII could also work well, though it's not the smoothest contender around.

The hottest I would want would be like some early 80's metal bands tones, not thrash or death or anything like that, but that "hot" rock tone, more hair than thrash. Nothing like UBER distortion, but an extension of that really blues-on-steroids kind of thing. I think you get it. It's hard explaining tone.  :)
And gingataff, I meant a VHII neck model.
From the description of the Cold Sweat, it reads to meet my needs perfectly, but I'm wondering if the ceramic won't be as sweet, but I guess that won't matter when I want to rock!  :P
Thanks, guys.  :)

Doh! So many choices. :d I guess I'll list the ones contending and par it down from there. :) I can always exchange the pu's, but I want to nail it on my first try.

[FELINEGUITARS]

I think you'll be pleasantlysurprised by the Cold Sweat - it can be quite sweet sounding and the neck pickup Cold Sweat is to die for - think solo in Whitesnake's Is this Love or Thin Lizzy's Still In Love With You

I want a flying V with Cold Sweats as it will suit my Schenker obsession better than the Dean pickups I feel and be good for my Paul Stanley impressions.

The CS was designed to be similar to (but better than) the tones that Gibson's dirty Fingers bridge pickup produced which other than the Dimarzio Super Distortion was the go to tone of that early 80s hard rock crowd.

[Philly Q]

I think you'll be pleasantlysurprised by the Cold Sweat - it can be quite sweet sounding and the neck pickup Cold Sweat is to die for - think solo in Whitesnake's Is this Love or Thin Lizzy's Still In Love With You

I want a flying V with Cold Sweats as it will suit my Schenker obsession better than the Dean pickups I feel and be good for my Paul Stanley impressions.

The CS set is great, and there's a really good contrast in tones between neck and bridge which I hadn't been expecting.

I've forgotten Jonathan, what's in your korina V?  I know it had VHIIs at one point but didn't you change them?

[deathfan101]

I think you'll be pleasantlysurprised by the Cold Sweat - it can be quite sweet sounding and the neck pickup Cold Sweat is to die for - think solo in Whitesnake's Is this Love or Thin Lizzy's Still In Love With You

I want a flying V with Cold Sweats as it will suit my Schenker obsession better than the Dean pickups I feel and be good for my Paul Stanley impressions.

The CS was designed to be similar to (but better than) the tones that Gibson's dirty Fingers bridge pickup produced which other than the Dimarzio Super Distortion was the go to tone of that early 80s hard rock crowd.

Having just watched a video for TL's Still in love with you, I think you have me quite sold on the CS for the bridge. MSG rules!  :D And since this guitar is an LP, I think I'll stick a Black Dog in the neck instead of a VHII. Gut feeling.. :)

[Ratrod]

And get a Box Of Rock while you're at it.

[deathfan101]

And get a Box Of Rock while you're at it.

Hahaha, yea.   :)

[FELINEGUITARS]

I think you'll be pleasantlysurprised by the Cold Sweat - it can be quite sweet sounding and the neck pickup Cold Sweat is to die for - think solo in Whitesnake's Is this Love or Thin Lizzy's Still In Love With You

I want a flying V with Cold Sweats as it will suit my Schenker obsession better than the Dean pickups I feel and be good for my Paul Stanley impressions.

The CS set is great, and there's a really good contrast in tones between neck and bridge which I hadn't been expecting.

I've forgotten Jonathan, what's in your korina V?  I know it had VHIIs at one point but didn't you change them?

The Korina has VH2s
I was maybe thinking of another V (mahogany with a 5mm maple front & binding) to fix up my yearning.
I have found that a LP type tone suits my HTH amp better

[deathfan101]

What would nail this tone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03YUgHAshSo

I've nailed it down to Black Dogs, Cold Sweat, Mule, and Riff Raff.
The Cold Sweat just may be too much for my needs. I may just end up using a calibrated Black Dog set to keep it consistent. All help is appreciated, thanks guys.

[shaman]

isit a Standard or Custom?
...and where is the love for Crawlers???they kick ass in this vein,as well as Rebel Yells....alnico sweetness,ah yes!...
sorry, had to make your choice that much tougher, but... :D
as Tim told me, they are very close, with the Crawler having a tad bit more sweetness in the highs... :D

[IntenseJim]

isit a Standard or Custom?
...and where is the love for Crawlers???they kick ass in this vein,as well as Rebel Yells....alnico sweetness,ah yes!...
sorry, had to make your choice that much tougher, but... :D
as Tim told me, they are very close, with the Crawler having a tad bit more sweetness in the highs... :D

I concur on the Crawler vs Rebel Yell.   Also,  RY has more `exciting` upper mids.