Aftermaths for Les Paul?

[DaveCarter]

Hi guys.

Im in the process of modding my beloved Epiphone Les paul (first guitar, over 10 years old, plays better than any Gibson Ive ever come across!) and Ive decided on all the new parts except what pickups to go for. I was thinking of going for Aftermaths since Ive heard great things about them, but mostly coming from the 'djent' community.

Whilst I do love my tech metal, this particular guitar is mainly going to be used for Drop D songs in a rock covers band, but perhaps also in a lower tuning in a heavier project if I manage to get one off the ground. So Im looking for quite versatile pickups; open enough to handle Reef, Muse, Queen, Rage Against The Machine, Stereophonics, that sort of pub rock (Drop D numbers only, my main guitar for standard tuning is a Vigier Excalibur), but pickups that can also handle a heavier Architects-style tone, tuning to B and below. I generally use quite a lot of gain since I prefer a saturated tone, but no scooped mids though, my amp's EQ is actually fairly flat.

My current rig is a Mesa Roadster which is quite a dark amp, and I use a few stomp boxes including a compressor and overdrive, so my tone is already quite compressed. Ive been advised by a friend that Aftermaths might sound too compressed with this rig, and that Id be better off going for something like Painkillers or Nailbombs, maybe even Cold Sweats.

Opinions please!
Thanks,
Dave

[WezV]

i wouldnt think aftermaths are for you... i would be considering something like blackdogs, nailbombs or holydivers which will be good all rounders but still handle copious amounts of gain pretty well, although you may need to use eq to help you get the specific tones you are after

[Sancho]

I am very pleased with the Nailbomb set I installed in my Les Paul Traditional. Quite versatile.
The guitar is tuned to D standard and the pickups really work well with that tuning.

[ericsabbath]

cold sweat or nailbomb

[Nolly]

Definitely the Nailbomb dude

[DaveCarter]

Thanks guys!

Lots of love for the Nailbomb then, sounds good. Definitely appears to be more versatile than the Aftermath, which is good for me. I'll be having them coil-tapped for sure, maybe full Jimmy Page mod while Im at it. I reckon I'll get a ceramic on the bridge for a little bit more aggression. The neck needs to clean up completely, but the bridge is going to be for mostly high-gain filth.

Hmmm, long legs or short legs for an Epi Les Paul Standard?

[Jonny]

If in doubt, short legs.

[Nolly]

You'll need a long leg for an LP. I think you'd find the Alnico bridge model would be more than aggressive enough when desired

[DaveCarter]

Long leg it is then, cheers mate.

So the Alnico is fine for even the super-heavy techy stuff? What application would you say would benefit from a Ceramic bridge model?

[Nolly]

Absolutely, I use the alnico Nailbomb in my main 6-string and that has got me handled playing with my band and with Periphery with no issues.
The ceramic version makes for a more naturally bitey top end and smoother midrange, but the reason I'm not recommending that for you is it also bumps up the compression considerably and makes the pickup far less versatile in my experience.

[DaveCarter]

Nice one, thanks. I had a listen to the soundclips on the main site to compare the Alnico & Ceramic, and I think I do prefer the Alnico. Good to know that an Alnico Nailbomb is your choice of pickup for RSF, the EP sounds bloody marvellous by the way. I shall get a set of long-leg Alnico Nailbombs ordered then, cheers!