I really don't want to be annoying, but...what pickup?

[baboisking]

Hey everyone, first post from me!

So, I'm very tired of my EMG's, and I need advice.

I currently play in a modern + pop rock/grunge band, and I tune to E Standard and drop D (with the rare deviation, such as D# standard). My guitar is a Washburn HM Series WM527 Custom shop. It's a set neck, all mahogany guitar with a carbon fretboard and stainless steel frets.

For the bridge pickup, I need a huge rhythm tone: Tight, pretty high gain, plenty of a midrange and lots of clarity.  I don't need anything very bassy.

For neck position, I need a PU that provides both clear and smooth distorted leads, and an actually clean clean tone. I assume that anything from BKP will be dynamic to get those in-between tones with ease. The Stormy Monday might be a good choice, but I'm afraid that it won't have enough gain.

The reason I'm asking for help is really because the contemporary pickups seem to be designed for low tunings, and the vintage hot, by description, don't seem right for the sound I want.

If I haven't been thorough or descriptive enough, just tell me. Please help me out!

[Frank666]

I'm thinking either Holy Diver or Nailbomb for bridge and Cold Sweat for neck

[ericsabbath]

yeah, sounds like a nailbomb

[Roobubba]

That's odd, I was thinking cold sweat bridge and something a little less hot like a rebel yell neck.

But that's complete and utter conjecture on my part :)

Roo

[Slartibartfarst42]

Mmmmm, I was thinking Rebel Yell bridge and VHII neck.

[lamp]

Sounds like similar requirements to what I have, and I have 2 guitars with BKPs that I think would do the job:
- Nailbomb bridge, Mississippi Queen neck
- Rebel Yell set

[Nolly]

I believe you'd be very happy with the Nailbomb calibrated set. Don't be put off by the contemporary tag, they're some of the most versatile pickups out there. They'll give you the power you're after without sacrificing anything in the clean department.

[baboisking]

Thanks, everyone! I'll put em into comparison.

[Vilches3]

pop rock/ grunge???

wouldnt the nailbomb be too agressive?

id imagine black dogs, divers or rebell yells since you mentioned mids. I imagine something in the JB range (but better of course) would do well (yells or divers) - but the Black Dog can get fairly aggressive, is super clear, and its very dynamic too.

[Nolly]

pop rock/ grunge???

wouldnt the nailbomb be too agressive?

I don't think so, no. They really aren't particularly angry sounding until provoked; they really are the "Swiss army knife" of the range.

[Telerocker]

I think Rebel Yells would do the trick.

[dheim]

before i read the nswers - and nailbombs would work for sure - i instantly thought rebel yells.
and i still do.

[Grim]

Nailbomb bridge / VHII Neck