Author Topic: Yep, another "which pups for me" thread! (Read 8549 times)

Twinfan · « **on:** January 09, 2006, 01:21:21 PM »

Hi folks,

I'm new the board, but not new to the guitar world. In the endless quest for "my tone" my GAS has decided I need a set of BKPs. All credit to Tim and the boys/girls for the reputation they've gained :D

I'm looking to fit either a single bridge or pair of BKPs into a mahogany bodied, set neck guitar. Either an SG, Les Paul or Gordon Smith. The sound I'm looking for is a cross between:

1) Angus Young of AC/DC
2) Slash of Guns 'n' Roses/Velvet Revolver
3) Dan Hawkins of The Darkness

I'll be playing through a Marshall JTM60 2x12 combo with a 2x12 extension cab on the drive channel. I use the bass and mids of the amp on full (10), and just enough treble to cut through (generally around 2 or 3). I also have an EQ pedal in the effects loop (always on), a Maxon OD-9 (for solos) and the occasional delay and phaser.

I play rock, namely the above bands plus Thin Lizzy, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Oasis etc.

After reading the reviews, listing to the downloads and reading the posts on the forum I have a shortlist of pickups in mind that I think would fit the bill. I'd be interested to hear what everyone here on the forum thinks to help me make up my mind before I buy.

Cheers!

Ratrod · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2006, 01:51:48 PM »

Welcome to the boards!

It's a very short shortlist. Mules or Riff Raffs. Both of them will suit your needs, I think. The Riff Raff is AC/DC but not limited to that, the Mule does an excellent G n' R's. The Mule is a late '50's style hot PAF the Riff Raff early '60's. It also depends on the guitar a little, Mule for LP's, Riff Raffs for SG's.

Twinfan · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:15:56 PM »

Thanks!

They were the two I had down, plus the VH2s. I'm guessing the VH2s are more suited to strat/bolt on neck guitars a la EVH? But would they sound good in a Les Paul?

Would you suggest Alnico II or IV for the Mules???

willo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:25:39 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Thanks!

They were the two I had down, plus the VH2s. I'm guessing the VH2s are more suited to strat/bolt on neck guitars a la EVH? But would they sound good in a Les Paul?

my Les Paul has VHII's and they sound great. It's a slightly more powerful PAF type thing going on. I posted a demo in the Player's bit playing a load of riffs, including 'Slither' by Velvet Revolver. It was on a solid-state amp, and in retrospect I dialed in too much gain, but it might give you a clue.

Here's the thread:

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1134&start=0

Keep scrolling down through it, there are about 3 different clips I posted in there - it's in one of them :)

Ratrod · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:28:48 PM »

I haven't heard the VHII's in a LP. It seems that the VHII was designed with a Strat style guitar in mind.

Alnico IV for the Mules, Alnico V for Riff Raffs.

Alnico II sux for hotter pickups. :)

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:45:47 PM »

Cheers Willo - nice tones :)

I think the VH2s are a bit "trebly" for me, but a great tone nonetheless. I'm not sure how they would sound with less gain and treble through a valve amp.

Maybe it's Mules or Riff Raffs then, depending on which guitar I fit them too?

willo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:50:13 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Cheers Willo - nice tones :)

I think the VH2s are a bit "trebly" for me, but a great tone nonetheless. I'm not sure how they would sound with less gain and treble through a valve amp.

I'm hopefully going to be able to record some samples through my new (secondhand) valve amp - a 1987 Marshall JCM800. So the setup will be Les Paul with VHII's into a Marshall JCM800, probably with an overdrive pedal and a wah. Not so much gain, and pretty close to Slash's set up I would imagine. Hopefully I will be able to do these clips this weekend, if you want to hold fire on your decision!

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:03:41 PM »

Sounds like just what I'm looking for - I'm very interested in hearing how it sounds!

carlaz · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:44:33 PM »

Quote from: Ratrod

It's a very short shortlist. Mules or Riff Raffs. Both of them will suit your needs, I think. The Riff Raff is AC/DC but not limited to that, the Mule does an excellent G n' R's. The Mule is a late '50's style hot PAF the Riff Raff early '60's. It also depends on the guitar a little, Mule for LP's, Riff Raffs for SG's.

I would echo Ratrod's advice pretty much all the way, adding only that it's been my sense that the Riff Raffs are a bit brighter than the Mules.

Twinfan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2006, 04:04:08 PM »

Quote from: carlaz

I would echo Ratrod's advice pretty much all the way, adding only that it's been my sense that the Riff Raffs are a bit brighter than the Mules.

Interesting, as SGs are generally a bit brighter than Les Pauls as they've obviously thinner/lighter. I would have thought Riff Raffs would be a toucher darker if they're designed for SGs...

dave_mc · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2006, 05:18:56 PM »

i'd have considered maybe getting an alnico II mule for the neck (or even a stormy monday) for those slash tones...

But i don't know if you could combine (you can, I mean, how it'd sound!) an alnico IV bridge and alnico II neck...

HJM · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2006, 05:23:22 PM »

Riff Raff or Mule, the Riff Raff might be the better choice as it has a touch more output.

Gochaz · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2006, 05:36:38 PM »

A touch less, you mean?

HJM · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2006, 06:21:17 PM »

The Riff Raff I've played seemed louder than the Mule, it was Alnico V though, rather than IV. It was the old Rif Raff though!

Tim · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2006, 06:37:20 PM »

They're very close and the Alnico V in the Riff Raff does give the impression of more juice although the overall tone is brighter.The Mule is slightly mellower and broader.
If you're not too keen on bright sounding humbuckers don't rule out the Crawler.........Ok there's quite a bit more power on tap but the tone is very vintage and fat.