Les paul pickup recommendations

[AKdl500]

Hello,

I recently have been using EMG's in my main guitar (Typical Les Paul w/ an ebony board), and although they sound worlds better than most other pickups I have used, I haven't really used many other decent aftermarket pickups.  I am thinking of replacing them with some Bare-Knuckle pickups since I have heard some great things about them, but I am not sure which pickups would deliver a tone I like.  I enjoy almost all types of music, from blues to metal, so I would prefer a versatile set.  Some of my favorite music is metal, 80's thrash metal (early Metallica, Anthrax, etc...), and classic rock (70's-80's).

In terms of neck pickups, I would love a "organic" and "smooth" pickup.  My current neck pickup (emg 85) is way too bright and tight sounding, which is the opposite of what I want.  I usually roll off the tone knob with distortion because I prefer a lot of low end (almost a fluid sound, if that is the right term).

In terms of bridge pickups, I prefer the opposite.  Tons of treble and midrange, with a good bit of bass so it doesn't sound thin and tinny.  I would really like a bridge pickup with a sound geared more towards hard rock/metal (chunky, heavy, and thick; good for chugging and drop d).  The clean tone should be decent though; not compressed/empty.  The emg I am using provides an ok distorted sound, but the clean tones are absolutely terribly.  I am getting a bit bored with it as it's tone is way too consistent.

The amp I use is an Albion TCT50H through a 4X12.  If any of your guys could help, I would appreciate it.  Thanks.

[darrenw5094]

Jesus man, you are not asking for much. Blues to metal, 80's rock to classic rock, tons of treble, mids and good bit of bass, chunky, heavy, good for chugging, drop D, clean that is not compressed.

Best all rounder for me is the Holy Diver for the bridge. But other suggestions might be because this is not quiet metal enough.

[James_B_K_P]

I'd say a Miracle Man in the bridge (Really chuggy Machine head/ metallica kinda tone) and a cold sweat in the neck. The CS is fantastic clean and really smooth in distorted solos.

[PhilKing]

I would look at a Cold Sweat Bridge and Abraxas neck.  That combination will give you most of the sounds you want and is very versatile.  You have the tightness you want at the bridge, with some nice warmth but clarity in the neck

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think a HD would be pretty good for something like this. Good all around pickup.

[Mr. Air]

My vote is either Miracle Man bridge/Cold Sweat neck as pointed out by James B_K_P or Cold Sweat bridge/Abraxas if you want it a little less metal like PhilKing suggests. A set of Holy Divers could be an option too.

[asianaxeman]

HD calibrated set for sure. You will need the boost to tighten up for the thrash, it won't dissapoint.