EBMM Axis pickup advice

[MontyW]

Can anyone advise me on which BKP pickups are similar to the Dimarzio 36th Anniversary?  I'm looking for some lower output humbuckers (that I'll split) to go into an EBMM Axis with maple neck.  As you probably know the Axis is made of basswood and is quite a bright guitar.

I'm looking for pickups that will give a 'lush' vintage crunch but will clean up beautifully when I back off the guitars volume.

Thanks.

[FELINEGUITARS]

I'd say look initially at Stormy Monday, Mule or Riff Raff

The Riff Raff may be closest because of having an alnico 5 magnet...........

You'll want short leg, triangular feet and 4 conductor for an Axis

[MontyW]

Thanks for the advice!

[Telerocker]

You might want to look at Mules. They do everything from clean tot metal. I think they are a bit more versatile then the punchier, rockier and brighter RiffRaffs. Since your guitar is quite bright, I think Mules will delive a good balance without compromising on sparkling tones.

[MontyW]

Me thinks it might be the Mules - gonna treat myself to a set for Christmas!

[MrSparkle]

Hi peepz new here,

Thought I'd add my question.. I have the Axis Super Sport.. believe it's same basswood/maple-top body (maple neck) as the regular Axis. Unlike Monty, I'm not looking for a low/vintage-output bridge HB, I'd prefer a modern, heavy tight tone. I love this guitar, have had it for a long time and never really thought to try to make it a "heavier" instrument since it's maple/bright to begin with... Was a fan of EMG 81s or 85s in mahogany LP shapes, but don't want to risk it in the incompatible Axis (would need body mods to fit battery, shape, etc.)

But the Bare Knuckles pickups caught my interest.. and apparently are much better than EMGs anyway? ;)

I'm having a hard time describing the stock Dimarzio EVH pickup. The neck is great for leads and warm cleans, and both are good for versatility (can do vintage, rock, fusion, cleans, high-gains)... But if I had to pick a word, I'd say the bridge comes off sounding "80s." I suppose for EVH it's great, because his music is by today's standards almost light rock, what with riffs that borderline metal but generally have the 80s party c--k rock vibe, and sometimes eclectic/bluesy tones that strike a familiarity with Roth or Hagar drinking tequila in Hawaiian shirts at the beach.

But anyway, at end of the day, when I record, the bridge p/u w/distortion pumped up has mid-range fizz that I associate with older metal and rock, thrash (higher mids I believe?) like 80s Megadeth.. but My Kelly with the EMG 85 just sounds a whole lot smoother and modern. But more than anything, the EMGs are a whole lot tighter. Almost like the Axis p/us get too muddy when pushed too hard.

I know downtuning has much to do with it... Unsure if I want to detune the Axis to C# or anything, because I feel it plays best with gauge 9 strings, but anyone have ideas on what might be a good fit for the guitar? Some varying tones I love include Matthew Bellamy or In Flames. Gritty, tight, heavy, on the "warm" side but full of clarity, note separation and tight.

I use a lot of software (LePou, Guitar Rig 4, Recabinet), a 5150, and a Splawn Marshall (modded for very hi-gain).. Threw out lot of info, hope someone can help! From the sounds of it, I'd want to be in the Warpig, Nailbomb and Miracle Man territory... Would there be a better option if I were to play standard E tuning vs low C standard? What might work best with the Axis woods?

[MrSparkle]

oops double

[MontyW]

MrSparkle, I use my other Axis exactly as you describe - it's my "metal" guitar.  In terms of pickups for a maple neck and boxwood body I was advised by Tim to go with a ColdSweat (neck) and Holy Driver (Bridge).  I have never been happier than with this combination in my Axis.  It gives me amazing tones even with massive amounts of gain - each note is still clear as crystal.

In terms of strings I use skinny tops/heavy bottoms and these cope well with standard and dropped tuning.

[MrSparkle]

MrSparkle, I use my other Axis exactly as you describe - it's my "metal" guitar.  In terms of pickups for a maple neck and boxwood body I was advised by Tim to go with a ColdSweat (neck) and Holy Driver (Bridge).  I have never been happier than with this combination in my Axis.  It gives me amazing tones even with massive amounts of gain - each note is still clear as crystal.

In terms of strings I use skinny tops/heavy bottoms and these cope well with standard and dropped tuning.

Thanks for info! How would you compare their (upgraded) tone to the stock Dimarzios? In my head, I feel like I want to get away from the Holy Driver's description (shred, 80s prog, blues, thrash, Paul Gilbert, Petrucci), sounds kind of similar in description to how I feel about the Dimarzios.

I'd like something more suited for rhythm riffs from the bridge... But I can understand if going with the best fitting pickup for the compatible guitar is more important than trying to make the guitar sound like something it's not.

[MontyW]

I'll do my best to describe the difference between the stock pickups and the BKPs.

The BKPs have a much richer tone and a lot more depth - they deal with drop tuning much better remaining clear even at very high gain settings.

I certainly like the BKPs for heavy rhythm riffs and they are especially suited to palm muted chuggs! 

I bought mine from Tim after a few emails back and forth and I described what I was looking for:  I wanted my Axis to be a metal guitar in disguise lol - I wanted deep rich heavy tones with my Engl amps and the ability to clean up (well sort of) when I needed to.  I wanted clear note definition even when drop tuned, but I wanted 'punch', I wanted the pit of your stomach kick when hitting those heavy rhythms and I wanted the tight and not bright.

BKPs are the only guitar kit that I have ever bought without trying first.  I never really bought into pickups making that much a difference especially when playing high gain and I've always been a Dimarzio fan.  I've NEVER been disappointed with BKPs and the advice from Tim - drop the guy an email and see what he recommends. Please post your findings as I'd be interested to hear.

[Telerocker]

The HD/CS=combo is much praised on the forum for everything between rock and (prog.)metal.

[MontyW]

The HD/CS=combo is much praised on the forum for everything between rock and (prog.)metal.

Well I'm very pleased with this combo  :D

[MrSparkle]

Thanks Monty, that does sound like the answer. Which Engl amp you use, out of curiosity?

I'll also email Tim, but the more I read the more it sounds like the Holy Diver is the right match.

[Sir_Palomid]

The HD/CS=combo is much praised on the forum for everything between rock and (prog.)metal.

I've tried Holydivers in my PRS Custom, and honestly they are nowhere near prog-metal - not enough tightness and lows,
I would say they are 80's rock pups. For prog-rock/metal Tim suggested to try Cold Sweat set, awaiting for parcel now.
But for brighter guitar I suggest Nailbombs will be greater option, than Cold Sweat.

[MontyW]

The HD/CS=combo is much praised on the forum for everything between rock and (prog.)metal.

I've tried Holydivers in my PRS Custom, and honestly they are nowhere near prog-metal - not enough tightness and lows,
I would say they are 80's rock pups. For prog-rock/metal Tim suggested to try Cold Sweat set, awaiting for parcel now.
But for brighter guitar I suggest Nailbombs will be greater option, than Cold Sweat.

Just goes to show that tone is very subjective.

In terms of my Engls - my go to amp is the Raider 100 combo and I have a Powerball 2.