Neck pickup to match with Emerald bridge in Les Paul

[Simon_F]

Hi folks,

I currently have an Emerald in the bridge position of my '96 Les Paul Standard and a Mule in the neck. The Emerald bridge is perfect for my style and a definite keeper. I like the Mule a lot too, but I'd like something with a brighter top end. I play a lot of 70s style bluesy rock and I like to play the neck pickup with the volume rolled back for a cleaner jazzy/bluesy tone. Playing through crunchy Marshalls with no clean channel, just rolling back the volume knob for cleans. I've been thinking about buying an Emerald neck model to complete the set, but wonder whether it would have the top end for the rolled-back cleans.

So, I already have the Mule in the neck. If I wanted to replace it, then given my requirement above (and the Emerald in the bridge), what would you recommend?......

• Emerald
• Black Dog
• Riff Raff

Anything else?

Thanks for any opinions. 

[Brow]

Hey Simon.

I didn't know you had an Emerald in your Les Paul! How is it?

I have a Riff Raff neck in my Gordon Smith Graduate 60, paired with a Black Dog bridge, and that seems like a nice neck pickup that may do what you want. It seems brighter than the Mule I have in my Gibby LP, but haven't compared the 2 side by side in the same guitar  :lol:

[Simon_F]

Thanks Craig.

The Emerald bridge is fantastic. Slightly hotter than a PAF clone output-wise but really well balanced. Has the bite when you need it but is also warm and not at all harsh. Great sustain and harmonics.

I just need the perfect neck pickup to go with it. Love the Mule, but it's my habit of playing cleaner on the neck pickup by rolling the volume back. I'm wondering if there's a BK neck model with a PAF vibe and some nice bright top end. Very tempted to try a Riff Raff.

[Brow]

Thanks Craig.

The Emerald bridge is fantastic. Slightly hotter than a PAF clone output-wise but really well balanced. Has the bite when you need it but is also warm and not at all harsh. Great sustain and harmonics.

I just need the perfect neck pickup to go with it. Love the Mule, but it's my habit of playing cleaner on the neck pickup by rolling the volume back. I'm wondering if there's a BK neck model with a PAF vibe and some nice bright top end. Very tempted to try a Riff Raff.

I have a Riff Raff in my V and it seems to have a very PAF character but is brighter, so maybe give it a try!

The emeralds sound good, maybe I should get another Les Paul to put a pair in!

Tbh with you, I'd give Tim a call and tell him what you want and he'll point you in the right direction!  8)

[Simon_F]

Thanks Craig. Yeah, if I replace the neck Mule in my '96 LP Std that will free up a Mule set and obviously means I'll have to buy another guitar to put them in.  :D

Anyone else care to offer an opinion on a good neck pup to go with an Emerald bridge in a Les Paul? Emerald neck is the obvious answer but I want something bright and I don't think I need more than vintage output in the neck so I'm very tempted to go for the Riff Raff.....

[hunter]

I have an Emerald in the Bridge of my Edwards LP - paired with a less hot VHII. It's a great combination, there are clips in the players section:

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20387.0

[ericsabbath]

didn't try the neck Raff, but just installed a bridge one with a thicker magnet in my Mccarty and it is now my new favorite BKP  :D :D :D