Any BKP's tailored for an SG (instead of a Les Paul)?

[CaughtLikeFire]

been lurking for awhile and finally decided to register and start posting.  I have a '61 Reissue SG and the 57 Classics just don't have enough output for me (I'm used to a moderately hot pickup like a Tom Anderson H3).

I've read that several BKP designs were tailored for an LP so I was wondering if any would be better suited for an SG (maybe more lows, a tad lighter on the mids?).

I have a Mesa Rectoverb (50W Single Rectifer with reverb) that I run in Vintage mode.  I'm really into an a more open, organic heavy sound, not a super-compressed modern metal sound.  I play mostly hardcore and some indie-rock so I need a decent clean as well as a thick distortion.  From all the sound clips I've listened to, the Nailbomb seems to be the ticket but maybe there's something a little milder (Emerald maybe?) that could really make my SG wake up?

[willo]

Well, I don't know how well it would suit you, but I'm guessing teh Riff Raff is voiced for SGs?

And hi!
 :)

[indysmith]

The Riff Raff is designed for an SG (AC/DC model) but it doesnt really sound like what you need. can you give us some examples of bands you're into? the nailbomb is very versatile and might just be what you want, as it can do everything from heavy hardcore to slightly crunchy indie with no problems.

[dave_mc]

^ yeah, i think the riff raff is sg-voiced, but, as stated, maybe not what you're after...

nailbomb might be too "metal" though- from what i hear, it's versatile in a "metal" kind of way- i.e. it's a metal pickup that can do other styles.

Crawler, maybe? i know it's voiced to sound good in both les pauls AND strats, and it's more of a total-all-rounder, it might be what you're after.

It's geoff whitehorn's signature pickup, by the way.

[Tellboy]

I've got a '61 Reissue SG and have fitted a calibrated set of Riff Raffs. These are generally what BKP recommend for SGs as a first choice. They are excellent pickups but are not ultra high output - clear, bright sound. Because of the mahogany construction of the SG BKP usually advise you not to fit mid output pickups (like the Emerald). I have recently fitted a Nailbomb to my son's SG Standard - He uses it through a Marshall Mode 4 and is delighted with it. It has plenty of gain but cleans up very well if required. I think this would be what you are looking for.

[CaughtLikeFire]

can you give us some examples of bands you're into? the nailbomb is very versatile and might just be what you want, as it can do everything from heavy hardcore to slightly crunchy indie with no problems.

hmmm . . . let me throw out a few band names that you guys might be familiar with outside of the US.

on the heavy side:  mid to late 1990s era Hatebreed, Converge, early Poison the Well, Cave-In.  I need that "smoothness" that comes from a higher output pickup under high gain but I don't want something as compressed as the clips I've heard of the Miracle Man if that helps.

on the straight-ahead rock/indie rock side: Hot Water Music, Planes Mistaken for Stars, At the Drive In / The Mars Volta

I know I have to sacrifice somewhere though  :x  - maybe slightly edgy cleans in exchange for better response to a high-gain preamp.  My biggest concern with the Nailbombs is getting a neck pickup with too much bass that may tend to get muddy.

oh and thanx to everyone so far for your advice!  its refreshing to see an online forum without constant flaming, arguing, and tons of off-topic posts  :)

[Steve-Mr Pig 2U]

I think the Nailbomb may be just what you are looking for, as for the neck, Tim has worked hard in the neck voicing to make shure that none of our neck pickups are muddy.
Personally I would go with the Nailbomb, I think that it would cover the range of tones better than most well and is a good comprimise between clean and dirty.

[Tellboy]

[

hmmm . . . let me throw out a few band names that you guys might be familiar with outside of the US.

on the heavy side:  mid to late 1990s era Hatebreed, Converge, early Poison the Well, Cave-In.  I need that "smoothness" that comes from a higher output pickup under high gain but I don't want something as compressed as the clips I've heard of the Miracle Man if that helps.

on the straight-ahead rock/indie rock side: Hot Water Music, Planes Mistaken for Stars, At the Drive In / The Mars Volta

I know I have to sacrifice somewhere though  :x  - maybe slightly edgy cleans in exchange for better response to a high-gain preamp.  My biggest concern with the Nailbombs is getting a neck pickup with too much bass that may tend to get muddy.

oh and thanx to everyone so far for your advice!  its refreshing to see an online forum without constant flaming, arguing, and tons of off-topic posts  :)

Cave-In, At the Drive In & Mars Volta are amongst my son's favourites so I think you will be happy with the Nailbomb.
Regarding the neck pickup, I've had three calibrated sets of BKPs (Riff Raffs, Crawlers and Boss Tele). The bridge/neck are very well balanced and you get a very useable 'mid' position although I must confess I do not use neck pickups a lot. If you decide to buy a set ask Tim to do a special wind on the neck pickup if you are worried about too much bass.

[tewboss]

I've never heard of Hatebreed being described as smooth before! Nailbombs should be ideal if you are playing hardcore.

[PhilKing]

One other pickup to think about would be the new Holydiver.  It is alnico V with 14.75K output, so a little less gain than the Nailbomb, but I love the sound from it.  I have  a set in an all mahogany PRS Standard, and they really sing there.  The site description of the Holydiver is the old pickup.  I have seen another posting about it recently, and they were as happy with it as I am.  It sounds like what I think the original (not current), SD JB was meant to be.

[CaughtLikeFire]

I've never heard of Hatebreed being described as smooth before! Nailbombs should be ideal if you are playing hardcore.

I threw them in there more to describe the level of distortion I guess  :)

other than there first EP though, their guitar sound has never been all that brash or edgy, just a really heavy, more-metal-less-punk sound  . . .  

looks like the Nailbombs are my first choice then.

But do the Gibson 300k pots work ok or do I need to upgrade to 500k?

[CaughtLikeFire]

One other pickup to think about would be the new Holydiver.  It is alnico V with 14.75K output, so a little less gain than the Nailbomb, but I love the sound from it.  I have  a set in an all mahogany PRS Standard, and they really sing there.  The site description of the Holydiver is the old pickup.  I have seen another posting about it recently, and they were as happy with it as I am.  It sounds like what I think the original (not current), SD JB was meant to be.

the new Holydiver sounds like it might get the job done too.  I'm not looking for that old Vivian Campbell Dio sound specifically (if thats what the HD is modeled after) but it might be about the right level of output that I need.