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Author Topic: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?  (Read 3402 times)

BobbyZee

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Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« on: January 14, 2010, 07:16:00 PM »
Good evening,

Hope that you're all well and enjoyed the (not so) recent festivities.  Happy New Year!

I'm Rob and this is my first post.  So, a newbie - go easy!  Haha.

I'm going to be getting an SG in the not-too-distant, and whilst the pups are likely to be okay, they have the aesthetically challenging issue of having the neck as a covered job, and the bridge being an open zebra.

Don't get me wrong, I love the open zebra look - on a Wolfgang, they look ace - but in my humble opinion, I think that an SG should have covered pups.  Much like your Mum on holiday at the beach, for example.

So, I'm probably going to have to get some new pickups.  Cardinal sin to replace based on looks alone, but I'm sure that I'll find them (the new pups) to be aurally pleasing.  Much like...haha, I'm messing.  Not going there.

Again.

Right, back on topic.

I like the look of the PG set,  the distressed nickel would complement the new axe beautifully.  However, I'm after some advice from you lot, you gang of handsome miscreants.

Firstly, are any of the BKPs available with the distressed, aged look?  I know that the nailbomb look like a remnant from a plane crash, but that's not what I'm after in terms of looks - just something to suggest that they are as old as the axe (thirty years young).

Secondly, and mainly, what would you guys with the experience recommend?

I'd like a classic sounding tone rather than a modern one - though I might be asking too much in terms of variety!

To name a few artists, I'd have to say Zappa (influenced the SG purchase, in fairness), AC/DC, early-Jimmy Page - basically, a classic rock, Gibson-esque tone with a little heat, just enough to produce that scorching, Brown-sound.  Obviously, the VHII seems like a winner here.

However, I'd also like something that cleans up beautifully, evoking a crystalline jazz tone, possibly something that splits nicely and can give something of an Eric Johnson-ish sound.  Not sure if I'll tap the coils, but that would be a nice touch.  Without the splitting option, think of just a nice, Jazzy tone - as close as you can get with a solid body, anyway!

At present, I'm leaning toward the Mules in terms of variety of application, but that it based on text rather than practical application.

To close, I have to apologise for my incessant jabbering and thank any and all of you that impart their genial knowledge!

Thank you for your time (about 17 minutes if you've read all that guff!),




Rob

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Re: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2010, 07:41:54 PM »
Welcome  :)

You can have the pickup covers aged lightly if that's your thing - I've had that done before.

As for pickups, I would propose, for your consideration, a Riff Raff for the bridge and an Alnico IV Stormy Monday in the neck.  A Riff Raff neck pickup is super clear, but I'm guessing you want something a little warmer for jazz?

FernandoDuarte

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Re: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2010, 07:56:55 PM »
Welcome to the forum!

BobbyZee

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Re: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2010, 08:22:38 PM »
Thanks for the welcome, guys!

The Riff Raff would probably be fine for the bridge, I pretty much exclusively use the neck for jazzy stuff.  For the bridge, a hot crunchy PAF that can ping out a scream would be nice!

Obviously difficult to get a Strat tone on a mahognany body with a humbucker, but think Eric Johnson's 'Manhattan' for neck tone - that kind of soft yet clear articulation, with chiming harmonics.  Yet, if you roll the tone down, you can achieve a Wes Montgimery-esque, smooth 'n' deep sorta thing.

I like to use a lot of legato, including picking-hand tapping, so something that wouldn't muddy up when backed-off is what I'm after.  I'm sure that none of them muddy, though!

Anyways, keep the suggestions rolling - soundclips would be awesome if you've any in an SG or solid mahogany thing!

Tom Hanks,



Rob

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Re: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2010, 10:19:04 PM »
Here's me in my AC/DC band with Riff Raffs in an Epiphone SG.  Recording quality isn't the best as it's all live at gigs, but you'll get the idea...

http://www.ycdc.co.uk/media.htm

AndyR

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Re: Best BKP for Mahogany SG?
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2010, 01:08:16 PM »
I'm wondering whether you might like a Mississippi Queen in the neck?

I understand there are several that have gone for Riff Raff bridge and MQ neck.

I've got a Riff Raff pair in an SG, and an MQ pair in an Explorer, never tried mixing in the same guitar myself - but the MQ neck does behave like you describe, and I believe would balance the RR bridge nicely.

Oh and welcome to the forum :D - nice to see someone else who types as much as I do (and can't stop hisself from doing it!) :lol:
Play or Download AndyR Music at http://www.alonetone.com/andyr