Lookin' for a first set of BKPs...little help?

[oilpit]

Ok guys, I've been getting really interested in Bareknuckle pickups recently, and I was hoping to get some recomendations for a set...

The guitar is a Gibson '57 Black Beauty reissue, thing about this Les Paul is that it is all mahogany, however despite the construction and woods, it isn't a terrbibly dark sounding guitar, it is quite balanced.

I play heavy blues in the style of Gary Moore/Jeff Healy


I like a very agreesive, fat (but still bright) bridge pickup, output isn't a huge concern for me, I've heard killer tone out of EMGs and Telecaster bridge pickups, so I don't really care if it is super hot or vintage output.  I do however like a very dynamic pickup, something that reacts very well to the volume controls and picking strength, which is something I have found some very high output pickups lacking. This is what I would consider a close to perfect bridge tone to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0nKJFVVoYM

In the neck I like a very midrangey smooth tone, but still articulate and defined for fast blues licks...
I really like the tone that Slash gets in the into to this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tfyLbin9gs


So what do you guys think would work best for me?

[Madsakre]

I think the miracle man would be perfect for you =)

This is how my one sounds like:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6647159/Not%20even%20in%20death.mp3

[Twinfan]

Welcome!

If you want dynamics, and a heavy blues sound, I'd go for a PAF-type with Alnico magnets.

My favourites for this are Alnico IV Stormy Mondays.  Those, or the PG Blues for that authentic Gary Moore vibe, would get my vote.

[BigB]

Don't have enough experience with the BKP range to seriously answer your question, but from your descriptions I'd say something in the vintage range, alnico V bridge, alnico IV or II neck (can be made as special order). And of course : AskTim(tm) before ordering anything.

[gordiji]

that first clip of gary gives me a hard on, he certainly had a good gig that night, have you seen the messiah?
i think gary would wring out a good tone from any vintage v/hot pup or modern for that matter.can't recommend
one myself but will be interested in the panel's opinions as i'm looking myself and that certainly is the tone
i'd be chasing.good luck and welcome.

[ericsabbath]

VHII set

[Searcher]

Mules.

[PhilKing]

I have an all mahogany Les Paul Custom with the mahogany neck & ebony fingerboard that you have.  I have a set of Emeralds in mine and the sound is great.  Thay have a nice drive with a ton of harmonics in the bridge and a smooth lead tone. 

[oilpit]

wow, suggestions all over the map!

Ok, from the top

Miracle Man: I assume that these are supposed to sound like Zakk Wylde?  I like the description, but I worry a little bit about the dynamics due to the high DCR and ceramic mag...also, does it have a neck model? I can't tell from the BKP site.

PG Blues: I am really liking the sound of this set, I don't use my middle position that often so a pair of PGs may really open up some tonal options!

VHII: This set REALLY interests me, sounds like (from specs) that the bridge is on bright and articulate side, how does the calibrated neck model sound?

Mules: Are there any clips of these? I don't feel like the site description really gives an idea of the tone, although I like that it is made JUST like a real PAF.

Emeralds: The pickup sounds like a lead players dream! I will definitley look into them, what artist are they modeled after? I can't tell by the name

And I also will email Tim and see what he says....

[gordiji]

oilpit, if you google 'bkp mules vs gibson 57 shootout' there's an excellent clip giving classic tones.i'd also like to hear
some more mule tones clean and cranked but in a pure form.tim's sticky is excellent(players section) but apart from the first solo they're 'adulterated' with pedals.
Emerald is presumably from the classic thin lizzy song, classic 70's rock with 2 lp players.

[BigB]

oilpit, if you google 'bkp mules vs gibson 57 shootout' there's an excellent clip giving classic tones.

This was the clip(s) that made me buy my first BKP set. The difference between the Gibsons and Mules is kinda subtle - had to switch a couple times from one clip to the other to hear it - but once you get it it become obvious that the BKP have that extra "breathing" quality, more airy and open sounding.

Emerald is presumably from the classic thin lizzy song, classic 70's rock with 2 lp players.

You can skip the "presumably" !-)

@oilpit : FWIW Gary Moore played with Thin Lizzy in the early days of the band (early / mid 70s), then again in the late 70s ('78 or '79 IIRC) after Brian "Robbo" Robertson quit. But the "emerald" tone is probably closer to the Robbo / Gorham era which defined Thin Lizzy's "trademark" sound.

[oilpit]

Holy cr@p, that shootout was awesome!

Really amazing licks, tons of soul and feel.  And whats more, I could hear a lot more difference between the two pups than I expected, the BKP had much more clarity, bite and harmonic overtones.  The Gibson had slightly more output, but also sounded a bit mushy at times.

How do the PG blues compare to the Mules (besides the obvious out of phase thing) in tone and output?
Is one warmer/brighter?