Is BKP for me?

[Attica!]

I'm looking back at BKPs, and wondered if it's worth switching. It's sad to say that my experiences with pickups only really involve EMGs and Duncan JBs. I have already purchased a set of Aftermaths which still need to be installed, but that's not what I'm looking for ATM.

I'll start by saying I love my Duncan JBs. There's something I love about their lead tone, and how they resolve into harmonics when sustaining a note. EMGs I have just grown out of.

The guitar I'm looking at upgrading is a Music Man Silouhette Special (HSS 22-Fret). I was originally going to upgrade the pickups to a JB with 2 Cruiser necks. I think I'm all set on the DiMarzio Cruisers as I've wanted them ages. The thing which is putting me off BKP single coils is the fact that they're not Hum-cancelling. An example of the single coil neck tone I'd be interested though is like the beginning of the track at the end.

For the bridge pickup: I'm guessing people will be screaming the Holy Diver... My only worry is that it won't be as good as I'm hoping. Best way I can describe what I look for in a bridge pickup is versatility with the volume pot, as well as having a lead tone that is slap bang in the middle of singing and screaming. Not so it screams completely, but not so it sings that it almost sounds soft with no attitude. I don't like mega nasty, but I don't like too polite either. It also has to be responsive to picking dynamics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsmn-fZY3r0&list=UUY8X9tLD1xyKMfBpEDCVAKQ - This is the neck single coil sound I'm after

Thanks

[Yellowjacket]

SD are thicker sounding and more powerful pickups in general, but the woolly girth can often turn into mud, especially under tonnes of gain.

BKP are clearer and more open sounding with clear articulation and lots of string separation.  I happen to like them WAY more than Seymour Duncan pickups, but this is partially because of the amps I play.  Complex sounding high gain amps do really well with clear sounding, dynamic, and articulate pickups.

Hope this helps.

[Attica!]

Well I play an AXE-FX into V30 cabs, so I have pretty much unlimited sounds at my disposal. At the moment, I'm finding myself spending a lot of time with MESA MKIIC+ amp for my solo work.

[darthphineas]

It really depends on the model of pickup, as well as the winder. Since the people running that company have marginalized Seymour, I've not been a fan of that company for years. However, I would buy pickups from MJ, even  if it meant paying more for her to wind a production model...and yes, they sounded better. A big difference is that they put production models on a machine that is programmed with the specs and a machine does the winding. You can lose the character that way. I have some production models that she used a scatter wind for me and they are incredible.

But....

A Suhr SSH+ is an outstanding JB-killer. So is the DMT Baker Act.

For BKP, you might get some people thay suggest the HD to replace a JB. I've never heard it, as it is my opinion the highs are a bit softer...so it might fit if you are looking for an earlier version of the JB from maybe the late 70s or something like the JB Prototype or The JB Model. I find it also a little closer to the DiMarzio AT-1.

For my ears, I find the Rebel Yell to be the closest thing BKP has to offer to a JB. Not saying they are trying to copy any thing, but just how it sounds to me. Especially considering SS used a JB for so long, that maybe his hears are tuned in to that tone as well.

There are several BKP models that could suit your needs. Do some checking around and ask plenty of questions. You can also start by installing the Aftermath and seeing where that leads you. Only you can determine if any brand or model is for you, so let your ears guide you.

[Alex]

Others have summed it up. Think of the HD as a bit more elegant and refined.
If you really love those JB harmonics, I think you might as well stay with it.
When it comes to EMGs though, most high output BKP will offer "more" IMO.

[seancorker]

Others have summed it up. Think of the HD as a bit more elegant and refined.
If you really love those JB harmonics, I think you might as well stay with it.
When it comes to EMGs though, most high output BKP will offer "more" IMO.

I've come full circle and gone back to the JB's after trying HD's, RY's and Crawlers. None of them gave me what I was looking for as a JB replacement although they are all great pickups in their own right. However the process of trying these pickups was a huge learning curve and I now have a much better idea what I want. It also made me appreciate what a great PU the JB is (if you can get an early 14k example).

The only real solution is try them because unless you hear them in your guitar through your rig you will never no.

[darthphineas]

When it comes to EMGs though, most high output BKP will offer "more" IMO.

Or most BKP, for that matter. EMGs are clearly popular or they wouldn't still be in business all this time. I went through a phase of trying actives in one guitar and some EMGs were part of that process. I can dig why people like them, but the weren't for me.

It is a trip that some companies have gotten to where they are offering a passive alternative with a vibe that could be seen as catering to active users. But hey, if it works and people like it, it's all groovy.

[Attica!]

I think in this case, the JB and Cruisers win. I'm about to start another thread for another set of pickups though, as he clarity and responsiveness of BKPs sounds like they'll win in this case :)