neck pup for Epi LP Plustop Pro/FX

[darthphineas]

this is the one with the Floyd Rose.  MF is blowing them out for $399 with free shipping, so I couldn't help myself.

uncertain about what I'll do with the bridge...maybe a RY or a Suhr SSH+ or a JB with a RCA5 mag or maybe just something else.  but that's not the concern.  I so very rarely find neck pickups that really do what I want them to do. 

I shoot for 80s hard rock.  amp is an ADA MP-1 w/ BBE going stereo to a pair of 4x12 cabs.  for an idea, my fave bridge models are the JB, the RY, and assorted Duncan Custom Shop options (Eclair, Super V, S-Deco)...things that straddle the line of vintage hot to modern.

the guitar a mahogany with maple top.  mahogany set neck with rosewood.  FR Special (I know, I know... there will be upgrades on that part).  p/p pots to split each pup....but may re-wire for parallel.  a lot of guys rave about the Epi Lesters, but I'm not going to fool myself into believing Gibson lets them use the same quality of wood selection in the Epi line.  I'm sure it'll be fine, but I know I'm not sporting a full-on Gibby Lester Axcess here.  lol!  just something at a great price that looks like fun.

for the neck, I generally put A4 mags in the neck pickups of Duncans, so the Mule and the Emerald made sense.  neck models that work for me would include the LiquiFire and the Humbucker From Hell.  a Jazz with an A4 is alright.  the custom shop Eclair neck is alright, which is like a more open Jazz with an A4.  the goal is something that will be good for lead and not be too flabby or woofy in the lows.  it will probably be wired to go to split or parallel for clean amp voicings, so something that cleans up nice is helpful.



please post/reply with the reason you made your selection.

[Telerocker]

They are both great neckpickups. The Mule is perhaps a little more open. I find it a very musical pickup that has the real PAF-vibe but doesn't get muddy of muffled in mahogany. I don't have playing experience with the Emerald, but lots of people on the forum dig this neckpickup. I think you can't go wrong with either of them.

[Troy Baer]

I'd recommend the Emerald.  Like you, I really like A4 neck pickups; my three favorite neck humbuckers are the Emerald, the PRS McCarty, and the Tonerider Alnico 4 Classic.  I have an Emerald set in one of my PRS SE Custom 24 7-strings, and they sound glorious -- I'm having a hard time not ordering another set for my other Cu24-7...

[darthphineas]

The replies seem split down the middle so far.

Any additional input??




Thanks!

[Kiichi]

Well, both can work wonders. The Mule is more vintage, a bit more open, perhaps a bit more bright and with more edge, gold standard PAF all around. The Emerald has more modern cut, yet is also a bit rounder and warmer. IŽd say the EM gives you more variety with the wiring options.

Thing is both do awesome leads and amazing cleans, the EM just has more modern cut from the wire, but both have that amazing AIV heart.

[darthphineas]

the Riff Raff was thrown into the mix today as a contender.