What pickups for and ESP Phoenix II?

[TFF82]

So I have come to the conclusion that I really want to try out some Bare Knuckles, but not sure which ones. I want to put a set in an ESP Phoenix II guitar. It's a Gibson Firebird body style, maple neck through w/ mahogany body, ebony fingerboard, and is already equipped w/ a Seymour Duncan JB (bridge) and '59 (neck), and of course it has the Les Paul style hardware. My style is old school metal from Dokken, Ratt, to Pantera and Black Label Society. I would love something thats not just hardcore thrash, but can do cleans. I do like the '59 so I would want something similar, but I want something that can really scream and chug in the bridge but still sounds clear and like somewhat of a throwback to the 80's. Any suggestions? Thank you and I look forward to learning more.

[darkbluemurder]

Hi,

For the bridge I recommend the Holydiver. That would work great for Dokken and Ratt tones, maybe a bit less for Pantera and BLS. To go more in that direction the Ceramic Nailbomb seems well suited.

For the neck I have good experience with the Cold Sweat, especially in combination with the Holydiver in the bridge.

Cheers Stephan

[Telerocker]

HD-bridge/CS-neck is a classic BKP-combo. You might also take a look at the Nailbomb: more agressive and more output then the HD. HD has a better solotone imho.

[Madsakre]

Miracle man.

[Nolly]

Agreed on the Miracle Man. The only issue might be finding a '59-style neck pickup that will keep up with the MM's output, unless you don't mind a noticeably cleaner sound from your neck position.
The Cold Sweat is also worth considering - it bears resemblance to the Miracle Man albeit brighter and with less outright chunk. Since it is a bit lower in output than the MM, you could pair it with a PAF-style neck pickup without much issue.

[TFF82]

Thank you guys for the info, I can't wait to try these out and I can't wait to see what they will look like with that burnt chrome cover in my axe!

[FELINEGUITARS]

Either Cold Sweat pairing or Miracle Man bridge with Cold Sweat neck - I have both combos and my love of Ratt and Dokken are well known on these boards