Custom Jaguar with hog body and flame maple top.

[sonictitan]

I did not want to steal the thread of the other person with a custom Jaguar build, so I started one for myself. So here is the deal. I have a custom Jaguar project, the body which has been "Les Paul-ized": Mahogany with flame maple top. And now comes the fun part: PUP selection! Here is what I am looking for: I prefer my guitars to be a bit on the darker side, thick tone, but with some bite and growl in the mid-range. I think I want to stay in the vintage/vintage hot series. I have always been a fan of the black dog sound. Would those do well in what I am describing? Or does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks!

[Telerocker]

Black Dog or maybe, a bit hotter, Abraxas or a Crawler.

[Mr. Air]

I agree with telerocker's suggestions

[Ian Price]

As soon as I read "a bit on the darker side" my first thought was black dog. I'm not really a HB man though so would value others opinions over mine!

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Black Dog for sure!

[Philly Q]

For a guitar with a bolt-on neck, I would lean more towards the Crawler.  But I'm sure a Black Dog won't do you wrong.

[sonictitan]

I've decided just to go with a black body, mint green pick guard. Body will be mahogany. Talked with Ben I believe, he said black dogs would work, and also suggested Emeralds, which I had been considering too.

Here is my issue: i love the black dog tone, but I am wondering if they are going to have the bite or cut that I'd like to be able to dial in when necessary. And I am playing through an Orange, so my suspicion is that this match might make things to dark.

The emeralds look good and they sound good too, but I don't know if they will have too much trouble. Abraxas also look interesting, and the Crawlers as well.

Thoughts?

[Telerocker]

The Black Dog doesn't lack highs. I play a Crawler trough a Rockerverb 50 head/cab and it sounds superb. If this one works with an Orange, the BD will for sure too.

[Philly Q]

I believe the Emerald (bridge) is quite a bit brighter than the BD, Crawler or Abraxas - which may be a positive or a negative depending on your personal taste!

[lamp]

Are you going for traditional Jaguar wiring?  I.e. 1 meg pots on the lead circuit?  If so that will give you a bit more high end anyway. 
I also have a Rockerverb head/cab like Telerocker and I have never found any of the BKP range I have to be too dark...they are very clear. 
As I said in the other Jag thread, don't discount the P90s - I found them to really suit the Jag. 

[Telerocker]

I believe the Emerald (bridge) is quite a bit brighter than the BD, Crawler or Abraxas - which may be a positive or a negative depending on your personal taste!

I wondered about the Emerald in a bolt-on alder/ash-guitar. I can't imagine it will be balanced. Even in a LP some forummembers found it a bit bright.

[sonictitan]

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure how I am going to wire it as of now. But I will keep these suggestions in mind. I am considering going to through Warmoth for it, and it is listed as a Jazzmaster not Jaguar. My mistake. But I am mahogany for the body to give it more warmth and weight.

Black Dogs, Abraxas, and Crawlers all sound like good options at this point. I think I will just find more demos and listen to hear what I like best.