Mule vs Stormy Monday vs Black Dog

[copernic304]

Hi,

I am currently considering to change my Les Paul R8 stock pickups for BKs.

I am looking for a vintage tone, with a good definition (i like the fact that the BB1 and BB2 do not get muddy). I'm playing essentially classic rock and blues (clapton, led zep, dire straits, etc) and do not need much gain. I often play my amp very clean.

I cannot decide between Mules, Stormy Mondays and Black Dogs - could you help me ?

[Twinfan]

Welcome!

I've had all 3 pickups and would say:

Stormies - softer in the bass, warmer sounding
Mules - slightly sharper sounding, slightly tighter and brighter
Black Dogs - more polite and fatter sounding

I would go for Mules if you play cleaner, plus they're the all-rounder of the 3  :)

[Mr. Air]

I haven't tried the mules but the should be really really good and very versatile and I think they'll suit your needs. If you don't use a lot of gain you could even go for an unpotted pair.

[Telerocker]

I have Mules in an all mahogany (bolt-on) guitar and they're stellar. The inbetween sound is great for funky stuff, blues, clean fingerpicking, rock etc. Neck: warm, but with some crispiness in the topend. Bridge: for a vintagepickup quite tight, bluesy, rocky. You can play even metal with it. Versatile as Mr. Air says. Should provide you great 59-PAF-tones in your R8. Good call from Mr. Air: unpotted will give some extra tonal mojo if you don't use much gain.

[BigB]

Have you considered RiffRaff ? Don't let the name fools you, they are definitly NOT "ac/dc one tric pony". I have them in a Hofner semi-hollow and the clean/"about to breakup" tones are just great - clear, well defined, tight and punchy but with just the right amount of "hair" factor for vintage pups. From your whishlist I think they could work for you.

[fbloke]

Welcome!

I've had all 3 pickups and would say:

Stormies - softer in the bass, warmer sounding
Mules - slightly sharper sounding, slightly tighter and brighter
Black Dogs - more polite and fatter sounding

I would go for Mules if you play cleaner, plus they're the all-rounder of the 3  :)

"Black Dogs - more polite and fatter sounding". I've not heard them referred to like this before, you may have just made my mind up about my next pickup purchase!