7 string P.U. query.

[DarkMaelstrom]

I have searched the forum, as well as other places for answers, but I thought I'd also create a topic and get some feedback from those that have had experience.

I recently got a hold of an Epiphone 7-string Les Paul. I've owned this guitar before, and sold it at the time since I wasn't too impressed by the tone. I was looking to match the tone and high-output cut of my six-string guitars with EMGs. It was quite disappointing to find my 7-string axe sounding muddier and dull playing low B while a six string axe with an EMG 81/85s--with the same low B tuning--seemed to sound much sharper with bright harmonics.

Now I have another Les Paul of the same spec, as well as a DeArmond Sevenstar. Both guitars are clearly heavy and well made; the natural tone of these seven-stringers is solid. However, the pickups aren't the best and seem muddy and unresponsive. I am not too eager on getting the pickup cavity routed to accommodate EMG 7 string pickups. Plus, I've heard nothing but raving reviews about Bare Knuckle's offerings, so I would like to give them a shot. I am wondering what you guys would recommend for my Les Paul.

I am looking for the following:

- A bright, tight attack on the lower baritone tunings.
- Responsive, with lively harmonics; I realise EMGs seem to be good for this, but I've heard plenty of passive six-string pickups do quite well.
- Good control over noise.

In a nut shell, I am looking for a tone similar to Machine Head.

[Alex]

I haven't really played one, but from what I hear maybe the cold sweat would work great on that kind of guitar for that sound.

[DarkMaelstrom]

Thanks for the input, Alex.

I heard about the Cold Sweat - good things as always.

I was also looking into getting some feedback on seven-string versions of the ceramic Warpig and the ceramic Nailbomb. Would they go well with bringing out a tighter low-end from a couple of mahogany bodied guitars?

[Alex]

My recommendation was in consideration that you want a bright attack in a probably set-neck/mahogany guitar, that already has loads of mids and bass. I would therefore choose a bright pickup with tight bottom end, otherwise things could get muddy, especially on the low notes. You need as much definition from the pickup as you can get.
It might be best to e-mail Tim. He knows best what will fit.

[DarkMaelstrom]

Thanks again, Alex. I will take that into serious consideration and also make a note to e-mail Tim.

Cheers.