Overkill?

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Hey guys. Back to the pickup search again after taking a break. I just wanted some opinions. Do you think it's overkill to have 2 of the same pickups in basically the same guitar? I already have a RY-loaded Les Paul, and I'm considering getting a second LP. But what do I put in it? I love the RY's alot, but I feel like it might be a bit too much to have 2 of them in the same guitar. Are there any other pickups in the BKP line that will complement a RY really well? I'd be using them for the same kind of stuff, music in the vein of GNR, Metallica, Sabbath, VH, etc. I'd like something pretty versatile too.

Also, I'm fine getting something pretty different from the RY's, but would that be an EQ issue with the amp? I don't really wanna mess with my EQ in the middle of a set to go from a guitar with one pickup in it to the next. Also, if it helps, my luthier says the guitar will have a "snappy midrange and a full bottom end, so a pickup that cuts a bit of the bass and adds some nice top end would be great." What do you think?

[witeter]

I would say either PK or CS - good luck in your tone quest :-)

[ericsabbath]

cold sweat or vhII

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I don't know if I like the idea of a contemporary pickup. It took a long time to sell me on a RY, and I feel like any more output would just be too much for me. I've always liked the idea of using a bit underpowered pickup for heavier stuff, so I'm not sure if I want the PK or CS. I guess the pickups I was considering at the moment were VHII and RR, with the Mule as a dark horse.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

And if it helps at all, I'm not worried about lead tones at all, I just want the best pickups for huge, chunky and crunchy power chords and rhythm playing.

[darkbluemurder]

And if it helps at all, I'm not worried about lead tones at all, I just want the best pickups for huge, chunky and crunchy power chords and rhythm playing.

That would point to the VHII. I am yet to try a bridge model though.

Cheers Stephan

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Alright, good to know. Also, forgot to add, with my neck pickup, I use it almost exclusively for clean tones, so I'd like the neck to be able to clean up well.

[Telerocker]

Even in my ash strat the VHII is a rocking jem, so in a LP it will be the dogs bollocks. Very balanced pickup, with enough from everything. Highs are there, but not piercing. Bass just enough, just as the mids. The VHII is articulate and dynamic and you can steer it really with the pickattack. Harmonics jump out with no effort. Wicked pickup.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

This is tough :?

I like the VHII's alot, but there are a few things I'm a bit unsure of. I've heard the neck is a bit hairy, which isn't something I'm too fond of. Do they get good cleans, or will I need to match them up with something else?

[TheyCallMeVolume]

This is tough :?

I like the VHII's alot, but there are a few things I'm a bit unsure of. I've heard the neck is a bit hairy, which isn't something I'm too fond of. Do they get good cleans, or will I need to match them up with something else?

Also, will the EQ of an amp that is set to a guitar with RY's in them be a problem with a guitar loaded with VHII's or RR's, and vice versa? Or does it not matter.

[richard]

For gigging purposes I want my back up guitar to sound as close as possible to my main one. Depends what you want from the new guitar. If I was getting an LP for a different type of sound I'd be very tempted by the Abraxas set.  If I had the cash and the guitars I'd love to try them all.

[richard]

On the other hand it doesn't take long to figure out the right EQ settings for different guitar. Just make a note of them.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Richard,

I looked into the Abraxas at one point but I feel like it's the exact opposite of where I want to go with my sound. From what I gather from them, they're pickups used for leads most of the time.

[Slartibartfarst42]

Three leap to mind that should work and be close enough on EQ. The Cold Sweat is a hot pickup but my memory of it is that it retained a kind of PAF open and organic feel to it that you'd never expect from a hot ceramic. The second option could easily be a VHII as it seems tio fit your requirements well and the third option would be an Emerald. I think any of those three could be fantastic options.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

So everyone thinks to try something different?