Open, clear definition, hot PAF PU for '70 SG

[Peterc52]

Hi all!

I'm new to this place!

Looking for some advice! I'm looking for a set of PU's for my old Gibson SG Deluxe '70. I'm playing through modded Marshall's. And will be playing some rock to heavy rock.

Right now I'm looking at emeralds and black dogs. Which way should I go? Must be able to handle gain. Or maybe another set of PU's?

I already have a set of alnico painkillers and a HSS set with holy diver and trilogy suits heading my way for another SG '70 and a CS Strat.

Help! I'm ready to order!

Best regards Peter

[Alex]

Black Dog would do, I used one with an SG, but some lower output models might actually be a bit clearer.

I don't know the Emerald, sorry.

[Kiichi]

Hi and welcome mate!

Well for an SG playing through Marshalls doing rock to heavy rock with great gain handlin capabilities....I really canīt help but think Riff Raff. After all it is THE SG pickup, can go pretty darn high gain and well SG + Marshall...what more can I say.

With the BD I would be scared of an overbearing midrange. With the emerald the bridge could work nicely, but the neck might get a hint too smooth. Plus there is the rule of thumb to either go vintage or high output with an SG.

If it does not collide with your taste or style in a way I am unaware of I really canīt see you going wrong with the Riff Raff.

Actually that or the MQ HSP90 for that matter, as those also rock in SGs like there is no tomorrow. So if you like the P90 idea those all the way.

[Telerocker]

I'm with Kiichi. RiffRaffs all the way.

[Peterc52]

Thanks for all the quick replies!

Will the RiffRaff be able to pull mastodon and lamb of god also. Once and every while I get in the mood for that. :-)

[Markdude]

Thanks for all the quick replies!

Will the RiffRaff be able to pull mastodon and lamb of god also. Once and every while I get in the mood for that. :-)

https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/main/pickups.php?cat=humbuckers&sub=vintage&pickup=riff_raff

Check out the "Modern Metal" clip under the Sound Clips section. That was recorded by forumite/legendary BKP user/Periphery bassist Nolly, although I believe it was in a Les Paul. It seems it can definitely do any kind of high gain metal, as well as an open, lower gain chunk. He also said that a Riff Raff bridge and Mule neck is probably the most versatile Bare Knuckle combination there is. That's what I'm most likely gonna put in my LP.  :D

[Peterc52]

Wow, the combo of the mule and the riffraff seems pretty cool!

[Peterc52]

I've ordered a RiffRaff bridge and a Mule neck! Thanks a bunch!

[_tom_]

I have a pair of Mules in my SG and they sound great, you'll like it! They were better in my LP but they're the best match I've found for the SG so far. Wouldn't mind trying a MQ bridge though - the neck one sounded immense in this guitar :)

[Dave Sloven]

I'm not sure with the Emerald.  You could mix an Emerald neck with a Rebel Yell bridge if you want a higher output setup.  The Rebel Yell has been shown to work well but it doesn't feel so high output in an SG as SGs in themselves don't have a lot of low end and the pickup doesn't either.  If you have a powerful amp and don't rely on the pickup for all your push though it should work well.

I would tend to go with the Riff Raffs for what you are looking for though.  I'd avoid the Black Dog, SGs are very middy. Someone had a good experience with VHIIs in an SG ... not sure if that person posts here any more.  More recently someone on everythingsg.com said that they liked them in an SG.  Personally if you want a PAF sound I would stick with the Riff Raffs, although the Emerald/RY combo will get you half way there.  I tend to think the Emerald bridge may be slightly too bright in an SG, so I'm not game to recommend it even though it sounds beautiful in a Les Paul.

[darrenw5094]

I'm not sure with the Emerald.  You could mix an Emerald neck with a Rebel Yell bridge if you want a higher output setup.  The Rebel Yell has been shown to work well but it doesn't feel so high output in an SG as SGs in themselves don't have a lot of low end and the pickup doesn't either.  If you have a powerful amp and don't rely on the pickup for all your push though it should work well.

I would tend to go with the Riff Raffs for what you are looking for though.  I'd avoid the Black Dog, SGs are very middy. Someone had a good experience with VHIIs in an SG ... not sure if that person posts here any more.  More recently someone on everythingsg.com said that they liked them in an SG.  Personally if you want a PAF sound I would stick with the Riff Raffs, although the Emerald/RY combo will get you half way there.  I tend to think the Emerald bridge may be slightly too bright in an SG, so I'm not game to recommend it even though it sounds beautiful in a Les Paul.

Too late man, the OP has ordered. RR bridge and Mule neck.

[Dave Sloven]

I didn't see that ... was a waste of calories and time typing that out ;)

I hope the Mule/RR combo works well.

[Kiichi]

I've ordered a RiffRaff bridge and a Mule neck! Thanks a bunch!

Please do get back to us with results. If you could also be bothered to write up a review I would be very happy too, I always look for some to add to the sticky!

[DaveyHoran]

Riff Raff & Mule are great in an SG...as are Stormy Mondays

[darrenw5094]

I didn't see that ... was a waste of calories and time typing that out ;)

I hope the Mule/RR combo works well.

You also wasted guitar playing time, which would cancel out the calorie thing.  :P