What is the benefit of a Matched Set vs. Non-Matched Set

[LeTekro825]

I am in the process of piecing together a Warmoth Tele guitar with a Humbucker-x-Humbucker configuration.  The wood is Alder with a laminate flame maple fitted for a 24 fret Birdseye Maple neck.  The pups are positioned for this as well.  I already have the Painkiller (which is increadible) and the Cold Sweat in two of my other guitars.  I am interested in both the Rebel Yell for the bridge and I like the Holy Diver too for the neck, but I don't know if I should mix the two or get a Matched set of either pickup. 

Can anyone explain what is the benefit or difference in a Matched Set vs. Non-Matched Set? 

I have always been the type to get two different pickups to have two different tones to differentiate the tone/sound when soloing vs. rhythm. 

Please help!   

[darkbluemurder]

Hi,

I hope you don't mind me starting at the end :)

I have always been the type to get two different pickups to have two different tones to differentiate the tone/sound when soloing vs. rhythm. 

This is actually the most important point - what do you want to achieve with your guitar? Which pickup do you mainly use for rhythm and what sound are you going for there? Same with leads. I personally like humbucker sets where I don't have to make adjustments at the amp when switching from bridge to neck and back. I do not want a bright bridge pickup and a dark neck pickup. To me the tonal differentiation that comes from the different areas of sensing the string movement is enough. That is why I like some BKP calibrated sets more than others. Whether to go with a matched set or an individual combination is down to personal preference.

I am interested in both the Rebel Yell for the bridge and I like the Holy Diver too for the neck, but I don't know if I should mix the two or get a Matched set of either pickup. 

The Rebel Yell set is one I like very much, consisting of a hot but not too hot bridge pickkup and a clear neck pickup. Both have a similar amount of brightness and depth when used as a set.

The Holydiver neck is also a very clear pickup and supposedly wound with the same wire type and uses the same magnet type as well. I think it should match well with the Rebel Yell bridge.

However, if you are after a strong contrast, e.g. with a bright bridge and warm neck, then the Cold Sweat set or the Miracle Man set would offer just that. BTW I use the Cold Sweat bridge with a Holydiver neck which I liked better than the Cold Sweat set.

Cheers Stephan

[BigB]

Can anyone explain what is the benefit or difference in a Matched Set vs. Non-Matched Set? 

I have always been the type to get two different pickups to have two different tones to differentiate the tone/sound when soloing vs. rhythm. 

BKPs sets are really two different pickups, designed to work well together. When I say "different", it ranges from "similar magnet and wire but wound accordingly to the position so the neck doesn't overpower the bridge" to "different magnet, different wire, different winding".  Mixing and matching different model necks and bridges is a popular sport here and can yield great results, but my own experience is that matched sets are a safe bet if - like me - you don't want to adjust your gain and EQ when switching pickup.

[LeTekro825]

Hi Stephan........to answer your first question:

what do you want to achieve with your guitar? Which pickup do you mainly use for rhythm and what sound are you going for there?

I always use my bridge pickup as the rhythm and for legato, pull offs, tapping that sort of stuff and then when I pick, whether blues or fast runs, I always use the neck pickup.  With the neck pup I like to be able to feel the notes when I bend them if you know what I mean.  I have the Cold Sweat in the bridge of one of my guitars, but it doesn't have really what I am looking for.  It's good and clear but it doesn't have the bite that I want for this guitar.  I love the Painkiller which I also use in another guitar in the bridge.  That thing screams while keeping the note clarity on each individual note.  I would go with it again, but I also want to try other BK pickups.    :D

As for the Rebel Yell vs. the Holy Diver:
What I need for the Bridge pup is something that is tight for rhythm, has clarity, but yet at the same time can scream with harmonics when needed.  It needs to be well balanced.  I have read and watched reviews on the Rebel Yell and it sounds great in the bridge so that is why I thought I would go with it.  I was thinking of the HD in the neck and the Rebel Yell in the bridge as you said.  I played a Miracle Man and I didn't care much for it due to a bit too much Bass in my opinion.  But that is what I heard when I played it.  I know I can't go wrong with additional BK p-up's. 

My question about the Holy Diver - is it really Bright or does it have enough mids and tone for double stop bends with bite or notes full of tone and rich harmonics?


Hey BigB.......thanks for the info.  I see what you mean and no I don't like to adjust the EQ or Gain either.  Typically what I do is roll off the volume in that case or adjust as needed.  I use BCS Guitar Custom Wiring - The Firestorm series and this allow me to really control scenarios like you described.  http://bcsguitars.com/?page_id=554

[Dave Sloven]

Personally I think you might be happiest with the Rebel Yell set, but otherwise you might also want to consider an Emerald neck to pair with the Rebel Yell bridge.  Not sure about the HD/RY combo

[darkbluemurder]

I always use my bridge pickup as the rhythm and for legato, pull offs, tapping that sort of stuff and then when I pick, whether blues or fast runs, I always use the neck pickup.  With the neck pup I like to be able to feel the notes when I bend them if you know what I mean.  I have the Cold Sweat in the bridge of one of my guitars, but it doesn't have really what I am looking for.  It's good and clear but it doesn't have the bite that I want for this guitar.  I love the Painkiller which I also use in another guitar in the bridge.  That thing screams while keeping the note clarity on each individual note.  I would go with it again, but I also want to try other BK pickups.    :D

From your comments on the Cold Sweat and the Miracle Man I take that you want a certain bite in the midrange from your bridge pickup. That concentrates the focus on Rebel Yell, Painkiller, Aftermath, maybe Alnico Nailbomb as well.

As for the Rebel Yell vs. the Holy Diver:
What I need for the Bridge pup is something that is tight for rhythm, has clarity, but yet at the same time can scream with harmonics when needed.  It needs to be well balanced.  I have read and watched reviews on the Rebel Yell and it sounds great in the bridge so that is why I thought I would go with it. 

I have not heard the RY in the same guitar as the HD but the RY is tight, has the clarity and can also do the screaming harmonics. Well balanced - the tightness in the low end comes at the expense of not having too much of it. I would not recommend the RY for guitars that are shy in the low end.

My question about the Holy Diver - is it really Bright or does it have enough mids and tone for double stop bends with bite or notes full of tone and rich harmonics?

I understand you are talking neck pickups here. I have posted a review of the Holydiver neck here: https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=27164
That should answer the question.

Cheers Stephan

[LeTekro825]

Hey Stephan,

Thanks so much for your input about these 2 pickups.  I am nearly certain that I will get the RY and the HD.  I am still a few months away from purchasing, but I feel more confident about both pickups now.  I'm sure I will get that sound with rich harmonics from Jake E Lee to George Lynch and still be able to play Andy James licks with both pickups. 

Thanks again,

Darin