Amp settings vs. BKP pickups

[seancorker]

I tried a HD in a couple of my Kramers and found them to be muddy and loose using a Cornford MK50ii. I really don't get these suggestions of adding pedals to compensate, There are other P/U winders and other solutions. If the HD doesn't work for you, get rid and try something else - that's what I did and couldn't be happier with the P/U's I have now.

[darkbluemurder]

Hi,

my 7 string Ibanez RG927QMZ with BKP Holydivers sounds a bit muddy/loose and dull through a Peavey Valveking 212.
I tried to adjust the EQ several times, took away the bass but it didn't help. I'm in standard tuning.
The low end still stays a bit muddy and loose. It should be more tight, focused and punching.

Since BKPs are known for their clarity, I wonder if it's just me setting up the amp wrong. Or do I have the wrong PU? The HD gives the basswood guitar a more full and deep sound with more "body".
I'd like to keep that, but have a more focused and clear, punchy low end without getting thin, ice-picky or muddy.
Also, if you recommend a boost pedal, I'd rather spend the money on another PU.
Which bridge PU matches the Holydiver Neck and delivers the described sound?

I found the Cold Sweat bridge to be a good match to the Holydiver neck. Mine is in a guitar that in itself is rather mid-focussed and the strong but tight low end and the clear cutting top end balanced that out nicely. So for the tight low end it would be the ticket. It should also cure any dull complaint. I am not sure what you mean by "focused" since you did not quote a frequency band. Could it be you meant "more articulate"? In that case I can say that the Cold Sweat bridge has a very clear articulation but not as much midrange. If you want that, Miracle Man has it. Ceramic Nailbomb is said to have it, too but I haven't played that one.

As regards overdrive pedals to clear a too boomy low end - that only works with pedals that have a low end cut such as treble boosters or tube screamers. If you use one of these, be sure to back off the gain on the amp and get additional gain from the pedal. Overdrive pedals that are frequency transparent will not help - they most likely make matters worse.

Cheers Stephan   

[Alex]

Dime all the EQ knobs and see how that sounds. Then start "taking away" a bit here and there what you don't like. I've spent years running Marshalls and later my small Krank amp just with the EQ maxed flat out. I think some amp designers create the basic amp sound that way, not with the EQ on twelve o'clock. On my ENGL now I do cut the bass back a bit.

If that doesn't work, I think there is something not ok with the Peavey, because that guitar with that pickup shouldn't be giving you problems unless something is wrong with the wiring (which you'd know from a lot of noise).
Sometimes it can also be the speakers that are holding  a whole setup back.
Extra EQ pedals/booster are more for fine-tuning - the basic sound needs to come from the guitar, amp and speakers and that should be ok first before meddling with pedals and more pickups.