Aftermaths in a Rico Jr!

[MAJ Meadows SF]

Ok, I have the Bernie Rico Jr. custom shop building me a 7 string Hesperian Slant Top:

Swamp Ash Body
Ebony Top
Maple Neck
Ebony FB
26 3/16 scale
H-H
Hipshot String Through
Oil Finish

I'm going to load it with a matched set of covered Aftermaths with Tyger finished covers. It will be a very dark looking guitar. However I would like anyone's two cents on the neck pickup: is there a better choice for a swamp ash body? Any input on neck pickup dynamics with that wood, and an ebony top to boot, would be appreciated. The style for this guitar's sound is definitely tech metal, djent, but can clean up decently as well. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

[Shotgun]

Go to the standard (alnico) Aftermath neck. I have a ceramic one and it's great for mahogany and other dark sounding guitars. You have a bright guitar and the alnico version will sing beautiful in it.

[MAJ Meadows SF]

Thanks, I agree! I went with the matched set. It's my first pair of Aftermaths so this will be my try and drive. I have other guitars that need BKP upgrades, like my Schector Hellraiser's EMGs to be replaced by PKs. I've been toying with doing an Aftermath/PK combo, but I think I'll save it for my JEM copy build. The matched set will give me an idea of what I'm working with.

The next interesting question will be what to put in the Daemoness I'm designing. I'm toying with having Dylan do an 8 string and I read he's coming up with a unique 8 design in the spring. I'm not going to spoil the design/color because I've never seen anyone do what I'm planning and don't want it to be stolen! But for sound I'm leaning toward a Blackdog/VHII combo. But I'll cross that bridge when I get there. As usual there are too many sweet options for amazing tone!