Need help choosing for a LP Custom

[Fole 666]

Yeah, of course that sound cover only the stoner/doom part, that's basically what i want my cranked sound to be like. Then when I need some crunch or some bluesy solo I'm just gonna roll down the pots.

My amp is a heavily modded JCM2000 so while it sure doesn't sound like a Mesa or a 5150 still it's not a pure vintage sounding amp. It has a lot of gain on tap but it needs to be driven by the PU's in the high gain territory. Like you said my guitar (and the amp, i modded it in that sense) already has a lot of bass, the PU must be with a pretty even frequency response, a little bit mid pronounced maybe.


That leaves MM and ABomb for the bridge, and from the samples and description (and my preference for A5) I'm thinkin i'll go with the Bomb....


For the neck? Calibrated set or something more vintage like BigB suggested? A friend of mine said great things about the Mules...

[Slartibartfarst42]

I think it's difficult to make a clear decision at this point so go with your gut. I found both pickups to be far better balanced on the EQ than the website would suggest but the A-Bomb is the brighter of the two while the MM isn't as scooped as you'd think but it does have a lot of lower mids to give it a thicker sound. Ironically, I found the ceramic Miracle Man to be warmer, smoother and more organic than the A-Bomb, to the point where it reminds me of many Alnico V pickups while the A-Bomb I found to be far more aggressive, tight and edgy than most ceramic pickups I've played.

For the neck, I wouldn't go with a calibrated set. Honestly, look at the Emerald or failing that, the Cold Sweat. Both are awesome neck pickups.

[ericsabbath]

sounds like a ceramic warpig job after the last video you posted

did a quick research and found out that shrinebuilder's guitarists use pretty high output lace pickups (19k and 24k ceramic models), apparently in SG style guitars
didn't know it was another Wino's band
he used to have super distortions on his main les paul custom
the holy diver has a similar voicing, but the feel is completely different and it's not as aggressive
maybe a ceramic nailbomb, but I'll keep the c-pig advice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC9oUtrfOiw

[Fole 666]

yeah, but as i said that's not the only thing i play and i don't like extremely high output humbuckers with my amp...

I'm pretty convinced about the Abomb for the bridge, just have to decide for the neck!

[Fole 666]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T26RqvH3YBA


My God do Holydivers sound good in Custom!!

[Slartibartfarst42]

That's one of the clips that got me onto the Holydivers. The Miracle Man is not that far away from that tone but has a bit more balls. The A-Bomb is quite different as it isn't anything like as smooth and it's that bit brighter but of course, its inherent aggression may suit the doom stuff you do. If you really like that clip, you'd be better going for either Holydiver or Miracle Man.

[Fole 666]

That clip pretty much set me on a Holydiver calibrated set!!

[Slartibartfarst42]

LOL, you keep bouncing between the two extremes without ever alighting on the one that combines the best elements of both. I'm a little worried you won't find the HD quite heavy or aggressive enough but there's no denying it has a really sweet tone and is certainly one of the best pickups I've ever played and it loves taking a boost too, which will help in what you're hoping to achieve. The Holydiver is possibly the best balance in a pickup between the tone of something vintage with the punch of something more modern. It's still my intention to put one in the bridge of my PRS, though another thread I've been looking at also has me thinking of an Abraxas  :?

[Fole 666]

I know, i know, it's just that from all the samples i heard the Nailbomb or the Holydiver are the one i like the most! I can't decide between the two, getting a third option will worsen my indecision!!


And i'd still have to find what to put in the neck with a MM!

[Slartibartfarst42]

With the Holydiver, I'd go with the Emerald in the neck without a doubt. With the Nailbomb or Miracle Man I'd go with either the Emerald or Cold Sweat.

[ventura]

I have 4 Lesters loaded with calibrated sets of BKPs.  I use amps that typically enjoy a lower/modest output pup.  For what it's worth, I gotta say the most character rich with biting attack and immense overtones in the mids would go to the Black Dogs.  These can do all types of music, and they sound distinctive, rich, and warm - but very biting.

I've also got Emeralds, MMs, RRs, Nailbombs, etc.  For my Lesters, the BDs for the aggressive style of playing are by far the sweetest.

Hope this helps.
V.

[Fole 666]

Back from vacation! Well, my birtday is near and I'm still thinkin of an Holydiver set but not 100% sure...Black dogs are a possibility, but I'd still like a hotter bridge to drive my amp.

Lately we've been trying to tune in C# Standard and it sounds great, how would the HD react to this low tuning?

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think Black Dog is your best bet. Don't let the vintage feel of it get to you, it can handle anything you're gonna throw at it.

[Fole 666]

I think Black Dog is your best bet. Don't let the vintage feel of it get to you, it can handle anything you're gonna throw at it.

Really?! I like the samples but i was fearing 9.4K would be too little hot for my needs...

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I wouldn't let that affect your decision too too much. Plenty of people use BD's for the music you're playing. I personally love the sound of somewhat underpowered pickups going through a powerful rig. Gives you a great openness and organic feel that I love.