Best pickup for Solos

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Hey guys, I'm all set for pups now but my lead guitarist has got pretty jealous of my BKP's and now he wants a set. It's spreading like wildfire! I've already convinced 5 of my buddies to go get BKP's!
Anyway, like I said before, we do stuff in the vein of GNR, Ozzy, etc. In his words, he wants " a vintagey sounding pickup that can definitely bark too, will still push the amp well, sounds nice and fluid for leads on the bridge or neck, keeps its clarity. He's planning on already getting an HD for his V, so he wants something a little less hot than that to handle less gainy stuff, but like I said can still bring the heat. They're for an Epi LP, and he runs through a Marshall Silver Jubilee. Anybody got any suggestions?

[ericsabbath]

the holy diver can definitely "bark at the moon"  :D
if his V is a gibson type, maybe he should pick a VHII and leave the diver for the les paul

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think he has his heart set on an HD for his V, cuz he wants that to be his "hot" guitar. He asked about the RR, how would that be for this application, especially for ripping off some leads?

[Slartibartfarst42]

Emerald should sit in a Les Paul well, it has a vintage character more than the Holydiver and will turn on the heat when required and rip solos.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Thanks, sounds good! Anyone else have thoughts on the Emerald or any others?

[darkbluemurder]

My first thought was Black Dogs but since the Jubilee is a rather smooth amp (at least by Marshall standards)  I would go with something brighter - VHII or Emerald come to mind.

Cheers Stephan

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think because of his amp's characteristics he's looking for a set less focused on mids. I haven't done much reseach on the BD or VHII, but if they are based on their guitarist's tone, then I don't know if that's what he's looking for. I think the pups he's most interested in right now are Riff Raff, Mule, Emerald, Abraxas, Cold Sweat, and Nailbomb. I know the last two are pretty hot but he likes them for this, so I'll roll with it  :D Anybody else with info on these babies for his applications?

[itamar101]

Maybe he should try a riff raff neck and an emerald bridge. Or even the rebel yell bridge. It might to the heavier stuff better.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I have heard the RY's aren't exceptional at lead work, and I wouldn't know. Anybody feel different?

[Sifu Ben]

Consensus round here seems to be that the RY "sings" for lead work.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

So, so far I'm thinking RY/ Emerald set, anyone agree or disagree? Also, since I already have a RY set, would it be overkill to have 2 guitars going with them at the same time, or do they mesh enough with the amps where it wouldn't be a problem. Voice some concerns!

[Telerocker]

I can testify that the VHII is a wicked hot PAF that delivers the tones for screaming solo's. Cleans up to a nearly singlecoil vocal quality. Very touchsensitive too. A winner.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think his worry is that the VHII will give off too much of Eddie's "brown sound" vibe. Is this pickup geared towards an actual VH tone?

[Attica!]

I think his worry is that the VHII will give off too much of Eddie's "brown sound" vibe. Is this pickup geared towards an actual VH tone?

I'm interested in knowing this

[ericsabbath]

that's a common misconception with BKPs
a miracle man won't make you sound like zakk wylde
a warpig won't make you sound like tony iommi
a holy diver won't make you sound like vivian campbell
these are just tonal references of what you could sound like if you have the proper equipment, settings and HANDS