What pickups for power metal and classic heavy metal?

[zack7521]

I was looking for new pickups, and a friend recommended BKP. They seem really worth the price, but I have no clue what to get. I'm looking for a mainly power metal pickup, for stuff like Rhapsody, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and similar bands. I also play older heavy metal, like Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest. I'm using a Maverick Streetfighter (it's alder/maple)(shame they don't make em anymore) and haven't decided on an amp yet, but am mainly considering a Engl Fireball or Powerball. Any dvice on which BKPs do what, and what would suit these genres well would be nice. Thanks!  :D

[ericsabbath]

holy diver

[witeter]

+ 1 for the Hooooooly Diver

[Studiostriver]

I was looking for new pickups, and a friend recommended BKP. They seem really worth the price, but I have no clue what to get. I'm looking for a mainly power metal pickup, for stuff like Rhapsody, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and similar bands. I also play older heavy metal, like Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest. I'm using a Maverick Streetfighter (it's alder/maple)(shame they don't make em anymore) and haven't decided on an amp yet, but am mainly considering a Engl Fireball or Powerball. Any dvice on which BKPs do what, and what would suit these genres well would be nice. Thanks!  :D

I was in a power/neoclassical metal for a years before I started mixing it with different music I love too.I adore all those bands you have written.But I`m a new to a Bare Knuckle like you,choosing the the right pick ups too.

If you want that particular sound and you don`t want to modernish it with todays meaty music,from pickups demos I heard recently (as this guys sad already) Holydiver would be a right choice I think.
And even consider Cold Sweat as a neck if you want Yngwie Malmsteen solo vibe.If not put both Holy diver in a bridge and neck too,I suggest also split coil option for a neck to make some solos smoother and make your voicing more noticeable.They will for sure work for bands you listed.
Cheers bro! \m/

[Brow]

I'd say Miracle Man or Holydiver would serve you very well for that sort of sound.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Mmm, the classic heavy metal genre is my favorite to choose pickups for, you have so many choices. I'm not extremely familiar with the Engl, how heavy is it?

[darkbluemurder]

I'm not extremely familiar with the Engl, how heavy is it?

Engl rules the German market for heavy tones (but that may also be because they are less expensive than Diezel). They are certainly heavy enough for anything.

Cheers Stephan

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I'm not extremely familiar with the Engl, how heavy is it?

Engl rules the German market for heavy tones (but that may also be because they are less expensive than Diezel). They are certainly heavy enough for anything.

Cheers Stephan

In that case I'll recommend something a little bit lower powered, as I love the sound of a low output 'bucker through a high powered amp. Maybe something like Riff Raff, Black Dog, VHII?

[darkbluemurder]

Maybe something like Riff Raff, Black Dog, VHII?

Of that selection I only know the Black Dog and the VHII bridge pickups, and I liked the Black Dog more. Warm, fat, yet very open and uncompressed, it should be a good match to the Engl.

Cheers Stephan

[Studiostriver]

Maybe something like Riff Raff, Black Dog, VHII?

Of that selection I only know the Black Dog and the VHII bridge pickups, and I liked the Black Dog more. Warm, fat, yet very open and uncompressed, it should be a good match to the Engl.

Cheers Stephan

Good point,but guy did not play heavy metal as main genre,as I understand he is more in power metal which demands not too vintage sound.Just a thought.

[gwEm]

A Marshall and a pedal would be the classic rig for classic and power metal.

My holy diver seems to nail the Def Leppard 'high and dry' tone. Anyway, it's got a sweet clean and ought to do some great classic and power metal tones in maple/alder.

[darkbluemurder]

Good point,but guy did not play heavy metal as main genre,as I understand he is more in power metal which demands not too vintage sound.Just a thought.

Please forgive my ignorance but can you list some power metal bands please?

Thanks.
Stephan

[Studiostriver]

Good point,but guy did not play heavy metal as main genre,as I understand he is more in power metal which demands not too vintage sound.Just a thought.

Please forgive my ignorance but can you list some power metal bands please?

Thanks.
Stephan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_metal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZNb96EQJ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxGu5HjarmU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNLdTfwx5ZQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jubo0ydFrmc

[gwEm]

Helloween

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjV8SHjHvHk

Dragonforce

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jgrCKhxE1s

[Studiostriver]

I adore Helloween,but"I want out" is more typical heavy metal song from their early period.Here is more power metal song from them.Actually from their last album from 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBpXBbO6o9k